This is a strong argument, for sure. 100% Dubas will be using this kind of context when negotiating for Marner's next deal. But then again, it's only presenting one side. Marner and his agent, you can argue, have just as valid counter-arguments that would put Marner getting similar money to Matthews. I think expecting Marner to sign for an AAV around $8mil is completely unrealistic. IMO, he'll hover around $10mil aav. Dubas just has to make sure he doesn't mess up the term like he did with Matthews. He's got to lock up Marner for 7-8 years, Giving him a shorter term deal, just to marginally lower his cap hit, will only shorten TOR's window. You have to imagine in 5-6 year players making $10mil will be a dime a dozen, and the leagues top players negotiating new deals will be getting closer to $16mil+. You don't want the same headache of having Matthews and Marner's contracts expiring around the same time and having to hand out that cash, and expect to still have enough cap to round out a deep roster.

SHOW UP IN THE PLAYOFFS!!! Marner is a great player but he was a ghost of himself in games 2,4-7.