Paul Bissonnette Issues Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Contract Prediction

“I don’t think there’s any way he’s taking any type of hometown discount,” Bissonnette said. “I think Marner’s probably looking at $14 (million per season) now in Toronto because I think anybody else would give it to him. 

"I just don’t see him—based on the disrespect he’s felt at this point—maybe not even wanting to come back, but if he still does, he ain’t taking (less than $14 million). 

"And, at that point... are they even offering him that type of money?”

Bissonnette’s projection of $14 million per year, while already high, contrasts with previous estimates from other analysts.

In February, NHL analyst Steve Dangle went even further, predicting that Marner would sign an eight-year, $128 million contract, carrying an annual cap hit of $16 million.

“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, right?” Dangle said on the SDPN podcast. “If he wants to stay, there is an incentive to sign for eight (years).

"I'd start the negotiations at Leon's number ($14 million per season)… He’s gonna sign an eight-year $16 million (per season) contract.”

Dangle previously estimated Marner’s value at $13.1 million in December but adjusted his projection after the NHL released new salary cap estimations.

The cap is set to rise significantly, reaching $95.5 million in 2025-26 and $104 million in 2026-27, which could make a high-value deal more feasible.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun believes this situation will lead to one of only two possible outcomes: either Marner felt disrespected—as Bissonnette mentioned—and leaves, or the trade scare served as a reality check, and he decides to lower his demands to remain in Toronto.

Marner is in the final season of a six-year, $65.41 contract and leads the Maple Leafs with 80 points in 64 games this season.