Toronto Maple Leafs’ star forward Mitch Marner will be the top free agent on the market if he becomes available on July 1.
Marner is currently in the final year of his six-year, $65.41 million contract. While he will be in high demand, he has expressed a strong desire to stay in Toronto, his hometown.
NHL analyst Shane Seney of LeafsNation shared his bold predictions for 2025, with his first being that Marner will sign an eight-year extension worth $12.5 million annually, totaling $100 million.
“Marner is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and despite some trade rumors last summer, he has solidified his status as an NHL superstar this season. My bold prediction is that Marner will ink an eight-year extension to remain in Toronto,” Seney wrote.
“Currently, Marner earns $10.9 million AAV under his existing deal, and his next contract is likely to range between $11.5 million and $12.5 million AAV. With William Nylander’s contract at $11.5 million AAV and Auston Matthews earning $13.2 million AAV, I could see Marner landing somewhere in between, staying in Toronto for the long haul.”
Given his current form, $12.5 million seems reasonable, though if Marner continues to perform well and delivers in the playoffs, his next deal could surpass $13 million annually.
Analyst Suggests Maple Leafs Should Wait on Marner’s Extension
Even though Marner is leading the Leafs in points this season, some fans remain cautious about offering him an extension too soon.
Marner has had some struggles in the playoffs in past years, and Seney believes many fans will want the team to wait and see how he performs during the postseason before committing to a long-term deal.
“Marner leads the Leafs with 56 points and ranks second in the NHL in assists,” Seney noted. “He’ll likely shine at the 4 Nations Face-Off, potentially alongside Connor McDavid. But most of Leafs Nation is reluctant to offer an extension until they see how he performs in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Three points in seven games last year won’t ease the critics.”
Marner has played 41 games this season, recording 14 goals and 42 assists for 56 points. He was selected fourth overall by the Leafs in the 2015 NHL Draft.
A Toronto native, Marner has made it clear he wants to continue his career with the Maple Leafs.
After the team’s playoff exit last May, Marner reaffirmed his commitment to the city and the team.
“That would be a goal,” Marner said at the time. “I’ve expressed my love for this place, this city. Obviously, I’ve grown up here. We’ll start thinking about that now and try to figure something out… (Being a Maple Leaf) means the world.”