Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner is at the center of heated offseason discussions following reports that his next NHL contract could be worth up to $91 million over seven years.
The update comes amid growing speculation over Marner’s future with the Leafs, with both his performance ceiling and postseason shortcomings under intense scrutiny.
According to The Athletic, Marner’s projected deal would carry an annual average value of approximately $13 million. While the number is speculative, insiders suggest it could realistically land closer to $12.5 million per year, matching the recent deal signed by Mikko Rantanen with the Dallas Stars.
However, unlike Rantanen—who boasts a Stanley Cup title with the Colorado Avalanche—Marner has yet to deliver in the playoffs, raising concerns about his postseason reliability.
Marner, who notched over 100 points for the first time in his career this past season, remains a key regular-season contributor for Toronto. His offensive production has kept the Leafs in playoff contention year after year, but critics argue that regular-season success does not justify elite-tier compensation if it doesn’t translate when it matters most.
If Marner were to re-sign with Toronto, he could command an eight-year deal, which would help cushion the cap hit. However, that scenario appears increasingly unlikely amid the team’s current offseason strategy. Instead, Marner may test the open market, aiming for a richer annual payout to offset the shorter term of a potential seven-year deal elsewhere.
The winger is expected to draw offers exceeding $12.5 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NHL. Yet, the central question remains: Will the team that invests in Marner’s talent reap the rewards—or regret the gamble?
Marner’s next move is poised to significantly impact not only his career trajectory but also the roster strategies of several cap-conscious NHL contenders.
