It seems like what we're hearing from the media knuckelheads is that Marner's camp is beginning negotiations at AM money, at minimum. It's not a stretch when looking at league wide comparables to come to the conclusion that Ferris's demands are excessive. Although that's certainly their right to define their position.
Marner's camp seems to be taking the position that they think he is the best player on the team and that he should be paid as such. I can respect that; they can certainly make a case to support that claim.
It doesn't, however, mean that the leafs need to agree with that position, cave to their demands, or that the they would be any worse for wear by sticking to their guns and moving on from another RFA contract headache while the getting is good.. if Marner's camp proves to be unreasonable and won't negotiate in good faith in order to reach a deal that works for both sides.
So, in this fantasy trade scenario I'm working from the premise that Dubas concedes that Marner's camp has, at minimum, a reasonable argument that he could be the best player on the team, and with the right team he could be paid as such. However, he informs Ferris that, like the majority of the teams in the league, the Leafs put a higher value on goal scoring centers, and as such, they counter with an offer based on league comparables for a play making winger.. let's say 9.3M with a six year term.
Ferris declines, and sticks to his guns that Marner should be paid like the best player on his team. Dubas informs Ferris that he has an agreement in principle in place with Colorado; that Marner's rights will be traded for Cale Makar and that the trade will happen before July 1st if they can't come to a fair agreement.
Marner now has a choice - he can stick to his guns and demand to be paid like the best player on the Leafs, and he gets traded. In which case, Ferris now needs to negotiate with Sakic and convince him that Marner is worth one penny more than Rantanen (which is probably in-line with the contract example shown here from a quick look at what Avs fans have used as an example on this site), he walks away from his growing list of endorsement deals in Toronto, and from the team he apparently wants to play for... only to very likely end up with the same contract that is on offer in Toronto... Or - he signs in Toronto with a deal that is fair to both sides based on league comparables, keeps his endorsement deals (and adds a few more), and becomes a demi god in T.O.
If Marner refuses to sign in Toronto, the trade happens and Colorado reluctantly gives up a potential future #1 RHD unicorn, in exchange for a proven RW stud that gives them the firepower to become a multi line offensive danger. Toronto receives as close to a sure bet as you can get for a future number #1 RHD, while using Marner's budgeted cap to sign a guy like Duchene. Could be a win for both teams... So long as Colorado doesn't say.. F that! We'll sign a UFA or two that would = Marner and keep our own RHD unicorn..
But I think if a scenario like this presented itself, Marner signs a reasonable deal in Toronto in a heartbeat, and all this Marner =12M nonsense goes away. As it should....
And when it does, whether the Leafs and Marner stay together or not, Toronto would be left with their young potent offense in tact, and a very green d that learns on the job so that they can develop as a team and be ready for a legit push in 20/21. Requires some patience, and might mean a small step back next year for increased odds at greater success down the road.
Agree with much you say. But I think Colorado wouldn't want this deal at all. Not because of Makar, but because Rantanen has to be signed. So if we are going by team to team salary comparisons and not league wide comparisons. So now Marner wants what 11m in Colorado and Rantanen who has at least equal stats to Marner gets the same. But as you suggest Marner is 9.3m player and he and Rantanen sign that in Colorado.....then wouldn't Marner just be as well off as a Leaf at 9.3m?
Leaf management started their own madness by overpaying for Nylander and Matthews, but it doesn't mean they have to continue to overpay their RFAs.
Agree with much you say. But I think Colorado wouldn't want this deal at all. Not because of Makar, but because Rantanen has to be signed. So if we are going by team to team salary comparisons and not league wide comparisons. So now Marner wants what 11m in Colorado and Rantanen who has at least equal stats to Marner gets the same. But as you suggest Marner is 9.3m player and he and Rantanen sign that in Colorado.....then wouldn't Marner just be as well off as a Leaf at 9.3m?
Leaf management started their own madness by overpaying for Nylander and Matthews, but it doesn't mean they have to continue to overpay their RFAs.
Yeah, that would be my hope with a scenario like this.. that Marner eould realize he would be better off as at leaf at 9.3M and a fair deal gets done that works for both the leafs and Marner.
I dont thin anyone wants to trade Marner. I also dont think many want to pay him AM money. This is just a theoretical scenario for how a discussion could take place so that they meet in the middle..
I like the idea of playing hardball, we will just see if Dubas has the kahunas to actually do it
If the media magicians are right, and the story they're spinning is true insofar as this contract is going to be a tough nut to crack, then I think its incumbent upon Dubas to use every bit of leverage he has to get a fair deal in place. That is his job. And the man does have leverage if he chooses to use it..
McDavid, Connor
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