LongtimeLeafsufferer
Joined: Jul. 2015
Posts: 59,460
Likes: 22,651
Let's look at comparisons. RWer Kucherov starts his 9.5m contract next year. Is there any reason Marner should get the same amount as 9.5.? Nope Kucherov has a history of better performance. Kucherov was much closer to UFA eligiblilyt that Marner will be next summer. Matthews. Is he the best player in the NHL. Nope. Gotta believe multi trophy winner, including Hart winner McDavid who makes 12.5 starting this year is.
Next highest salary next is Doughty at 11m., then there are few players at the 10s. I have my own ideas "what is fair", but unless there is an offer sheet, or a player is prepared not to sign an NHL contract, there seems no reason Matthews and Marner top pay for their position. I don't expect any player getting his first big contract to take a discount, but I don't expect them to get a premium either.
Tmclean64. What a bunch of nonsense that Toronto is "the most pain in ass market to play in." Sure hasn't affected the young players who play here. Or Tavares who had the option of 31 teams to play for. Or European UFAs who sign here. So let's try to be factual. I'll be a factual, this rumour about Toronto being a tough place to play was started by one person. Brian Burke. Why? He was completely incompetent as a Leaf GM with an unlimited budget. So who does he blame. for his failing as GM and as a person.....the media mostly, but also the city and the fans. Most people were are fired can at least admit, their performance/results are a major reason for their dismissal. Why people still believe the propaganda Burke spouted years ago, I don't understand.
Now, I'll admit that Toronto is different that most NHL cities to play for. But tougher? Doubtful. Unfair media or fans? Definitely not . Media is "soft" on their team. And the fans, been nothing but supportive and forgiving for decades.