Elliotte Friedman on how Matthews' contract will drive up Marner's asking price

PUBLICATION

Liam
August 24, 2023 (2:21 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Immediately following yesterday's momentous signing, fans and media of the Toronto Maple Leafs have already turned their attention to another area of concern - both Mitch Marner and William Nylander's upcoming contract extensions.

Leafs fans will remember that Mitch Marner's camp publicly compared the value between himself and Matthews during his first contract negotiation, and ultimately decided that he thought he deserved to be paid comparably to Matthews.

Now signing a short term deal for a league record $13.25M, Elliotte Friedman is now speculating that this will raise the price of Mitch Marner's upcoming contract. His quote seems to be tongue-in-cheek, but the sentiment of their previous comparisons is valid.

What is Marner's next number? Because he was the closest one to Matthews. When Matthews signed for 11.634 AAV all the sudden Marner became close to an $11M player, so now Matthews' number is 13.25, what's Marner's number? Is it 13.249999?

Regardless, before Mitch Marner, the Leafs will need to negotiate with their other young star UFA, William Nylander this offseason. Really, the question will be can - and should - the Leafs keep together their entire star forward core.

MUST READ

Jan 10, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (9) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

7 hours ago | By Tom Banks

J.T. Miller Opens Up On The Tough Situation He's In With The Vancouver Canucks

Dec 28, 2024; Elmont, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) talks to defenseman Kris Letang (58) during the second period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

8 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Elliotte Friedman: Penguins Personnel had Doubts on Dubas over Tristan Jarry's Abysmal Contract

Dec 21, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (4) and center Ryan Donato (8) during the first period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

10 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Chicago Blackhawks Defenseman Seth Jones Reportedly Drawing interest Around the League

New York Islanders forward Maxim Tsyplakov making an illegal hit on Flyers center Ryan Poehling

11 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

NHL DoPS Lays the Hammer on Islanders Forward Maxim Tsyplakov for Questionable Hit

Jan 14, 2020; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward JT Miller (9) passes the puck by Winnipeg Jets defenseman Luca Sbisa (5) during the first period at Bell MTS Place. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

13 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

NHL Analyst Drops a Massive Update On JT Miller Sweepstakes; New Team Gaining Traction to Acquire Star Player

Oct 26, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman John Klingberg (3) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

14 hours ago | By Tom Banks

John Klingberg Finds New NHL Home With Canadian Contender

Jan 16, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Los Angeles Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) watches as Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller (9) and forward Elias Pettersson (40) battle for the rebound with forward Trevor Moore (12) and defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (84) in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

14 hours ago | By Julien Trekker

Embarrassing Footage Emerges of JT Miller Giving up on the Play in Last Night's Game

Jan 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) shoots the puck in the second period against the New York Rangers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

16 hours ago | By Julien Trekker