Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner is set to put an end to any speculation surrounding his future with the team. According to NHL analyst Steve Dangle, Marner is poised to sign a massive eight-year, $128 million contract extension, ensuring his long-term commitment to the Leafs. The deal, which would carry an annual average value (AAV) of $16 million, is set to keep the dynamic forward in Toronto for the foreseeable future.
The contract extension would make Marner one of the highest-paid players in the NHL, reflecting both his elite performance and the rising salary cap. With the NHL’s salary cap expected to increase in the coming years, this deal becomes more feasible and positions Marner as a cornerstone of the Leafs’ future. The cap is projected to grow to $95.5 million for the 2025-26 season and continue to rise, creating room for this kind of blockbuster contract.
Dangle, speaking on the “SDPN” podcast, emphasized that the situation is unique—Marner is motivated to stay in Toronto, and the Leafs are equally determined to keep him. “It’s a very unique situation where the team will not let a player walk. He just wants to stay, he wants to be here,” Dangle said. The analyst also pointed out that Marner’s desire to stay in Toronto aligns perfectly with the team’s goals of locking up their star players for the long term.
The decision to re-sign with the Leafs also makes sense for Marner, who has been one of the team’s most consistent and dynamic players since being selected fourth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. Through 52 games this season, Marner has recorded 70 points, leading the team in assists with 54. His exceptional playmaking and offensive vision make him a key piece of the Leafs’ success in both the regular season and the postseason.
However, the pressure will be on Marner to prove himself in the playoffs, where his performance has yet to match his regular-season brilliance. Despite his regular-season success, Marner has struggled to make a lasting impact in the postseason, with only 50 points in 57 career playoff games. As Dangle pointed out, Marner will need to be a significant factor in the team’s playoff success to justify such a large contract extension.
The Maple Leafs have already shown their willingness to invest in top-tier talent, with big-money contracts already given to stars like Auston Matthews and John Tavares. A long-term commitment to Marner would solidify the Leafs’ core and allow them to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference for years to come. Marner’s offensive contributions, leadership, and chemistry with teammates like Matthews make him an indispensable part of the Leafs’ roster.
Marner’s projected contract also comes on the heels of the NHL’s rising salary cap, which is expected to climb from the current $88 million to $113.5 million by the 2027-28 season. As the cap grows, teams like the Leafs are better positioned to sign their star players to lucrative contracts without facing cap constraints. The expected increase in cap space makes a $128 million extension for Marner not only feasible but also a savvy long-term investment for Toronto.
From the Leafs’ perspective, locking up Marner is essential to maintaining their championship aspirations. The team has made significant strides in recent seasons, and securing Marner ensures that the core of the team remains intact. With the addition of several key pieces to their roster, the Leafs are building a squad that has the potential to contend for the Stanley Cup in the near future.
Marner’s desire to stay in Toronto is not just about money; it’s also about the team’s commitment to competing at the highest level. His relationship with the city, the fanbase, and his teammates plays a significant role in his decision. Marner has long been a fan favorite in Toronto, known for his on-ice vision, passing ability, and relentless work ethic. His return would be a boon for both the team and the city.
TSN insider Darren Dreger also weighed in on the situation, noting that both Marner and the Leafs seem to agree that the player’s future is in Toronto. “I think that Toronto very much wants to sign Marner,” Dreger said. “By all indications, he wants to stay and be a life-long Toronto Maple Leaf.” This mutual understanding between the player and the team further strengthens the likelihood of a deal getting done.
In terms of his potential contract, Marner’s eight-year extension would keep him in Toronto through his prime years, allowing the Leafs to build a competitive team around him. While Marner’s performance in the playoffs remains a question mark, the Leafs are confident that his offensive ability and playmaking will be critical factors in their postseason success.
Looking ahead, the Leafs’ focus will remain on building a team that can finally break through in the playoffs. With a core of elite players in Matthews, Tavares, and Marner, the Leafs are aiming for nothing short of a Stanley Cup. Marner’s continued presence in Toronto, secured by his new $128 million extension, will be key to the team’s long-term success and its chances at a championship.
In conclusion, Mitch Marner’s long-term future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is now all but secured, with the superstar poised to sign a massive $128 million extension. As the Leafs continue to chase their elusive Stanley Cup, keeping Marner in the fold will be critical to their championship aspirations. Fans can rest easy knowing that one of the team’s brightest stars will be in Toronto for years to come, with hopes that his playoff performance will finally match his regular-season brilliance.