The Toronto Maple Leafs want to bring back Mitch Marner this off-season, and now they've reportedly agreed on a limit that they will pay him to make it happen.
For quite some time, the story of a potential Mitch Marner extension has been a huge story in Toronto, and now with his pending free agency quickly approaching, it's about to come to a head, one way or another.
In the midst of a career year, Marner's value is continuing to go up, and at 27 years of age with a huge career ahead of him, the time for Marner to cash in with a long-term deal is now.
Now, TSN's Pierre LeBrun has weighed in on the situation, noting that the team, much like Colorado doesn't want to make their upcoming free agents their highest-paid players, with Nathan MacKinnon and Auston Matthews currently holding the mantle for their respective teams.
"It's not been a headline story which is unbelievable. What I would tell you is that there is no question that part of the dialogue that is a stumbling block is that much like Nathan MacKinnon's cap number much like Mikko Rantanen, they are pointing to Auston Matthews and I understand from a team perspective.
So, what does LeBrun think the number is in Toronto? According to him, the team has a hard limit of $13 million, with the team likely happy to pay him around the $12.5 million AAV mark.
"It comes down to this. I don't think the Leafs feel they can or will pay more than $13M, $12.5M? Is that enough for an 8-year deal? If that's where it is, that's the I think that's the clear line of demarcation, $13 million a year."
At this point in 2024/25, Marner is on track to pass 100 points for the first time in his career, and while many teammates in Toronto want him back, there will be interest around the league, and if the Leafs aren't willing to go over $12.5 million, we may see another team swoop in and land the young star.
