A lot of controversy on Marner’s expected salary demands

The struggle is real in Toronto. The Maple Leafs have over $74.2 million invested in 17 players for 2019-20, which means they have less than $9 million to work with should the salary cap reach the projected $83 million.

Mitch Marner comes first, there is no doubt about that. However, insiders, pundits and fans can’t agree on what the projected salary will be for the talented winger. And we can’t only imagine how this is going down between GM Kyle Dubas and Marner’s camp. 

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Marner could seek a deal comparable to teammate Auston Matthew’s $11.6 million AAV that he signed prior to the trade deadline back in February.  

The Leafs, meanwhile, probably don't want to see him surpassing Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane’s price tag of $10.5 million. They would prefer something similar to Vegas Golden Knights' Mark Stone or Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov ($9.5 million)... however they have the luxury to play in no-tax states.  

We doubt Marner would accept less than $10 million a year. But the kid will feel the pressure and might feel guilty if he does not accept a hometown discount to remain with the Leafs. That’s why he has an agent, right? 

Some people believe the Leafs could manage to convince him if the deal is front-loaded, however, his agent is likely to ask for a higher number. 

Wow, interesting weeks to come in TO…