As the 2024-2025 NHL season progresses, much attention has been focused on the contract situation of Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner. The star winger, who has been an integral part of the Leafs’ success over the past several years, is entering the final season of his six-year, $65.4 million contract signed in 2019. As a result, his future in Toronto has been a topic of intense speculation, with many wondering what his next move will be.
Pierre LeBrun, a respected NHL insider for The Athletic, recently provided a detailed breakdown of Marner’s contract status, shedding light on the complexities surrounding his negotiations with the Maple Leafs. According to LeBrun, the situation remains fluid, and while the Leafs are focused on securing their top players for the future, Marner’s contract extension talks have yet to reach a resolution.
The Trade Deadline and Its Impact
One of the key points LeBrun highlighted was the trade deadline in February 2025. The Maple Leafs received inquiries from other teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes, about acquiring Marner. However, Marner’s no-trade clause allowed him to control his future, and he ultimately chose to stay with the Leafs. This decision has fueled further speculation about his long-term commitment to the team.
LeBrun noted that while trade talks can be uncomfortable for players, Marner did not appear surprised by the interest. In fact, he remains focused on his performance and contributing to the Leafs’ success. However, the trade deadline situation did underscore that the Leafs are considering all possibilities when it comes to managing their roster and salary cap.
The Extension Dilemma
The crux of the Marner situation, however, lies in the contract extension talks. Marner, who has been a key player for the Leafs both offensively and defensively, is seeking an extension that reflects his status as one of the top wingers in the league. LeBrun reported that Marner’s camp has been pushing for a new deal with an average annual value (AAV) that is comparable to Auston Matthews’ $13.2 million, which would place him among the highest-paid players in the league.
On the other hand, the Maple Leafs have set a more conservative maximum figure for Marner’s AAV, which has led to a deadlock in negotiations. LeBrun suggests that the gap between the two sides may be difficult to close, especially with the salary cap situation being so tight for the Leafs. Toronto is already managing large contracts for Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander, and adding another hefty deal could prove challenging.
The Salary Cap Situation
Another key factor in Marner’s contract talks is the looming rise in the NHL salary cap. With the cap expected to increase in the coming seasons, agents for top players like Marner will likely use this as leverage to push for larger contracts. LeBrun noted that the projected cap increase could make it more difficult for the Leafs to balance their payroll while ensuring they can keep all their stars intact.
Looking Ahead
With Marner entering the final year of his contract, the coming months will be critical in determining his future with the Leafs. If the two sides cannot come to an agreement on an extension, Marner could be one of the most sought-after players on the trade market. However, if the Leafs can work out a deal, it will further solidify their core and help them continue their pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
As LeBrun suggests, the situation is far from settled, and both sides will likely need to make concessions in order to find common ground. For now, all eyes are on the Maple Leafs as they navigate their salary cap challenges and work toward securing their star players for the future.
