Maple Leafs in Acquainted, however Totally different Spot in Marner Contract Yr – The Hockey Writers –

Final season, it was Toronto Maple Leafs ahead William Nylander who was within the midst of a contract yr and was arguably certainly one of their prime offensive contributors. He earned himself an eight-year extension midseason the place he had 54 factors on the time and completed with 40 targets and 98 factors, two shy of the 100-point mark. 

This season, historical past is repeating itself with Mitch Marner as he’s going to be one of many prime pending free brokers that would hit the market. He’s off to a torrid begin identical to Nylander final season. Marner is at present fifth in league scoring with 36 factors and is third in assists with 27 and is on-pace for 117 factors. For the reason that offseason and even now, there’s at all times speak with reference to his on-going contract negotiations. 

Very like Nylander final season, Marner is proving to be a participant that the Maple Leafs can’t afford to lose as he’s exhibiting his dominance within the common season. He’s undoubtedly proving that he deserves a brand new deal. However, ought to the Maple Leafs give him one mid-season, or wait till the tip of the season? There’s one massive distinction between him and Nylander which will make the Maple Leafs maintain off for now. 

Marner Following Nylander’s Path

It’s very coincidental that in back-to-back seasons, the Maple Leafs are coping with two elite gamers having a profession season and are in search of a contract extension. Nylander getting locked up was extraordinarily necessary and now the main target shifts to Marner as he continues to be a well-rounded level producer.

You may’t overlook that Marner is replicating what labored for Nylander in hopes of getting a brand new deal. It labored as soon as and it undoubtedly appears to be working proper now. Marner’s influence is at all times felt as he’s an important participant on this roster. It was particularly evident when he stepped up his play in captain Auston Matthews’ absence. 

Associated: Maple Leafs Ought to Make the most of Deferred Cost with Marner’s Subsequent Contract

In 9 video games with out Matthews, Marner discovered the again of the web seven occasions and tallied eight assists. General this season, he has 21 factors at even energy, good for top-15 within the league and is tied for first with Kirill Kaprizov in main assists with 13. This stretch of play has proven that he can drive play at a excessive fee and has elevated his sport to new heights by way of his well-rounded sport and assertiveness together with his selections with the puck. He’s a fixture on the penalty kill as he averages 2:33 per sport and has a short-handed objective. 

In comparison with Nylander, who’s extra of a shooter, Marner is an elite playmaker that performs in all conditions. He at all times has been his total profession together with his creativity and skill to idiot opponents. He’s a vital participant to this roster and if he leaves that’s a giant gap in your offense that you want to fill. Just like the speak surrounding Nylander within the occasion that if you happen to misplaced him.

In some unspecified time in the future, Marner goes to receives a commission. How a lot and when goes to be the large query. With one other potential improve to the wage cap, it bodes nicely for the Maple Leafs that it could give them extra to work with when trying to prolong him. They might do it now, however many are cautious of that choice as many wish to see extra. 

Playoffs the Solely Factor That Issues

Whereas Marner dominating the common season isn’t uncommon to see, it’s his efficiency within the postseason that’s hit and miss. It’s additionally the principle cause why many don’t wish to give him a contract simply but till they see how he does with a brand new head coach in Craig Berube within the playoffs and replicate that common season success.

When the playoffs roll round, there are moments the place Marner stands out, however by no means absolutely takes management of a sport. It’s additionally when the depth amps up and when issues get bodily, Marner is thrown off his sport consequently. He backs away from any type of contact and panics below stress.

He has 70 factors in 82 playoff video games, nevertheless it’s the large moments the place he goes quiet. his final three playoff sequence, it’s a story of two sides. He had two targets and 9 assists in six video games in opposition to the Tampa Bay Lightning within the 2023 playoffs. Although in opposition to the Florida Panthers, he registered just one objective and two assists in 5 video games. Towards the Boston Bruins in 2024, he had a objective and two assists in seven video games. 

Once you wanted a participant to step up, it was Nylander as he got here up clutch in opposition to the Panthers and the Bruins. Once you have been attempting to determine when Marner would present up, it was too little too late as he was quiet in these massive moments. If he needs to earn that contract, he’s going to have elevate his play not simply within the playoffs, however in these important moments when a star participant like him must be the distinction maker and take management. If he’s in a position to do this like he not too long ago did in opposition to the Nashville Predators and present some chew to his sport then he can rise above the noise. 

Associated: Maple Leafs’ Protection Unsung MVP Throughout Matthews’ Absence

There isn’t any doubt that Marner is an especially necessary participant for the Maple Leafs and deserves a brand new contract. The problem is his lack of dominance within the postseason is the place some have reservations about extending him too rapidly with out seeing outcomes. He’s undoubtedly value maintaining within the fold and also you don’t wish to lose a participant of his caliber. For those who do, then you must scramble to attempt to discover that sort of participant and that’s a tall job.

If he doesn’t present up within the playoffs, do you continue to re-sign him? Or do you let him stroll and hope to attempt to exchange his worth in different areas within the lineup or player-type. 

The Maple Leafs are in a well-recognized spot, nevertheless it’s completely different this time round.

Statistics from Pure Stat Trick.