The future of Mitch Marner with the Toronto Maple Leafs is currently in a state of flux, as recent reports suggest that contract extension talks might be postponed until the end of the 2024–25 season. According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, who appeared on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio, both Marner and the Leafs may choose to delay discussions if a deal isn’t finalized by the start of training camp.
Pagnotta indicated that Marner’s camp might prefer to shelve contract talks until the conclusion of the current season, a strategy that aligns with the practices of Marner’s agent, Darren Ferris. Historically, Ferris has pushed to keep negotiations off the table during the season if an agreement isn’t reached early, opting instead to focus on performance and avoid potential distractions.
The notion of delaying talks appears to be acceptable to both Marner and the Leafs at this time. Pagnotta noted that while the situation remains in a “wait-and-see mode,” there is still strong potential for Marner to remain with Toronto. He suggested that by October 1, 2025, Marner is likely to still be part of the Maple Leafs, assuming negotiations eventually lead to a new agreement.
Marner is a central figure in Toronto’s “Core Four,” which includes fellow stars Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander. Over the past three seasons, Marner has consistently performed at an elite level, often surpassing 90 points per year. His continued high performance is a key factor in the ongoing discussions about his future with the team.
Pagnotta anticipates that Marner could reach the 100-point mark this season if he remains healthy, which would further increase his value. This potential for a career-best season could make any contract negotiations even more complex, as Marner’s market value continues to rise with his on-ice success.
The financial implications of Marner’s potential new contract are significant. Pagnotta estimates that Marner’s next deal could command between $12-13 million per year, reflecting his status as one of the top players in the league. Such a contract would place him among the highest-paid players in the NHL, underscoring his importance to the Maple Leafs.
Toronto’s salary cap situation will play a crucial role in determining how they handle Marner’s contract. The team is expected to have more cap space available after the expiration of John Tavares’ current contract, which could facilitate their ability to retain Marner. However, it remains uncertain whether the Leafs will choose to re-sign Tavares or let him go as a free agent next July.
If the Leafs decide to part ways with Tavares, the additional cap space could be used to secure Marner’s services for the long term. Alternatively, if the team opts to re-sign Tavares, they will need to navigate a complex financial situation to accommodate both players within the salary cap constraints.
For now, Marner and the Maple Leafs seem content with the current arrangement. Both sides appear to be focused on the upcoming season, with the understanding that any major decisions about Marner’s future will be addressed once the season concludes. This approach allows both parties to concentrate on performance without the distraction of contract negotiations.
In summary, while Marner’s future with the Leafs remains uncertain, the likelihood of him staying with Toronto is high, assuming negotiations proceed as expected. The delay in talks until the end of the season provides both sides with the opportunity to evaluate their options and ensure that any agreement is made under optimal conditions.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts will closely watch Marner’s performance and the evolving salary cap situation for any signs of changes in his status with the Maple Leafs. Until then, Marner and the Leafs will aim to focus on their primary goal: achieving success on the ice.