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Maple Leafs Set Maximum Mitch Marner's Contract Extension Value: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 11, 2025 8:45 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made their stance clear in ongoing contract negotiations with star winger Mitch Marner, whether that means signing the upcoming free agent or losing him for nothing come July.

According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrun, reporting the news on Friday, the Leafs have set a maximum offer of $13 million per season in average annual value (AAV) for Marner’s next contract.

Speaking on TSN 1050's "OverDrive," LeBrun described the team’s position and their plans for coming up with a contract offer that would extend Marner's tenure in Toronto.

“It really comes down to this: I don’t think the Leafs feel that they can or will pay more than $13M, maybe $12.5M," LeBrun said. "Is that good enough for Marner? I think that’s the clear line of demarcation.”

Marner, 27, is in the final year of a six-year, $65.4 million contract with a $10.9 million cap hit this season.

The star forward has been pivotal for Toronto this campaign, perhaps one of his best in the past few years, amassing 59 points in 43 games while leading the team to a 27–14–2 record, the best in the Atlantic Division.

Toronto’s limit appears tied to salary cap dynamics and internal team structure. Auston Matthews, the team’s captain, earns $13.25 million annually, and the Leafs seem intent on keeping Marner’s cap hit below that number.

The NHL salary cap, however, is expected to rise next season, which may influence Marner’s camp to push for a higher percentage of the cap rather than a fixed figure.

LeBrun speculated that Marner's love for Toronto and his mindset of staying put with the team could end up in an agreement between all sides involved.

“I think he actually really, really can’t see himself in any other uniform but the Toronto Maple Leafs,” LeBrun said.

On top of signing Marner to an extension, the Leafs will also need to decide what to do with fellow upcoming free agent and former team captain John Tavares, whose own $77 million contract will expire on July 1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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