Maple Leafs Familiar, but Different Place for Marner's Contract Year – Hockey Writers –

Last season, it was Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander who was in the middle of his contract year and was arguably one of the best offensive players. He earned himself an eight-year extension midway through the season where he had 54 points and finished with 40 goals and 98 points, two shy of 100 points.

This season history repeats itself with Mitch Marner as he will be one of the players waiting to enter the market. He got off to a bad start like Nylander last season. Marner is currently fifth in the league with 36 points and third in assists with 27 and is on pace for 117 points. From the start of the season until now, there has been constant talk regarding his ongoing contract negotiations.

Like Nylander last season, Marner is proving to be a player the Maple Leafs can't beat as he showed dominance in the regular season. He definitely shows that he deserves a new deal. But, should the Maple Leafs give him one in the offseason, or wait until the end of the season? There is one big difference between him and Nylander that could make the Maple Leafs pause for now.

Marner Follows Nylander's Path

It's quite a coincidence that in back-to-back seasons, the Maple Leafs are dealing with two top players who are having career seasons and are looking for contract extensions. Nylander's shutout was very important and now the focus is on Marner as he continues to be a complete scorer.

You can't forget that Marner is repeating what worked for Nylander in hopes of getting a new deal. It worked once and seems to be working now. Marner's impact is always felt as he is the most important player on this list. It was most prominent when he promoted captain Auston Matthews.

Related: Leafs Should Use Deferred Payment on Marner's Next Contract

In nine games without Matthews, Marner scored seven times and assisted eight. Overall this season, he is tied for 21 points, good for the Top 15 in the league and tied for first with Kirill Kaprizov in primary assists with 13. elevated his game to a higher level with his well-rounded play and assertiveness in his decisions with the puck. He is a fixture on the penalty kill as he averages 2:33 per game and has a shorthanded goal.

Compared to Nylander, who is more of a shooter, Marner is a better all-around player. He has been a fixture throughout his career with his intelligence and ability to deceive opponents. He is a key player in this system and if he leaves that is a huge hole in your offense to fill. Similar to the talk surrounding Nylander in case you lose him.

At some point, Marner will get paid. How much and when will be the big question. With another potential salary increase, it proves to the Maple Leafs that it will give them more to work with if they want to extend him. They can do it now, but many are wary of that option as many want to see more.

The Playoffs Are The Only Thing That Matters

While Marner dominating the regular season is not unusual, it is his performance in the postseason that is hit or miss. It's also a big reason why many don't want to give him a contract until they see how he does with new coach Craig Berube in the playoffs and again in the regular season.

When the playoffs roll around, there are times when Marner shines, but he never completely dominates the game. This is when the energy rises and when things get physical, Marner is thrown off his game as a result. He recoils from any kind of contact and panics under pressure.

He has 70 points in 82 playoff games, but it's the big moments where he delivers. If you look at his last playoff series, it's a two-dimensional tale. He had two goals and nine assists in six games against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2023 playoffs. Against the Florida Panthers, he registered just one goal and two assists in five games. Against the Boston Bruins in 2024, he had a goal and two assists in seven games.

When you needed a player to step up, it was Nylander as he came up against the Panthers and Bruins. When trying to figure out when Marner was going to show up, it was too late because he was quiet on those big occasions. If he wants to get that contract, he will be elevating his play not just in the playoffs, but in those critical moments when a star player like him needs to be the difference and dominate. If he can do that like he did recently against the Nashville Predators and show bite in his game he can overcome the noise.

Related: Maple Leafs' Defense Unhired MVP During Matthews Absence

There is no doubt that Marner is the most important player for the Maple Leafs and deserves a new contract. The issue is his lack of power in the postseason where some have doubts about stretching him too soon without seeing results. It's definitely worth keeping him in goal and you don't want to lose a player of his caliber. If you do, you're going to have to dig around to try and find that type of player and that's a tall order.

If he doesn't make the playoffs, do you still re-sign him? Or do you let him go and hope he tries to change his value elsewhere on the roster or type of player.

The Maple Leafs are in a familiar place, but this time it's different.

Statistics from Natural Stat Trick.