LongtimeLeafsufferer
Joined: Jul. 2015
Posts: 59,074
Likes: 22,466
With the Leafs defence this year and no cap even with a signed Marner, I thought the Leafs would be a playoff race anyway. Without Marner (and Hyman and Dermot) missing the playoffs is good possibility.
Marner was outstanding as a PP RHD. Barrie was obtained to fill that need.
Leafs really can't spend the Marner cap money because they have can't spend it with possibility he will return by December 1. Maybe Gardiner and someone other UFA signs in December.
Marner doesn't win at all financially now or in the future by not signing an NHL contract this season.