Leon Draisaitl’s upcoming contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers is poised to have a significant impact on the ongoing negotiations between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner. As one of the NHL’s top players, Draisaitl is expected to command a substantial increase in his salary, which could set a new benchmark for elite forwards in the league. This, in turn, only strengthens Marner’s position as he seeks a lucrative deal to remain in Toronto.
Draisaitl, who has been one of the most dominant players in the NHL over the past few seasons, is currently on a contract that pays him an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. However, with his current deal set to expire after the 2024-2025 season, the Oilers are keen to lock him down with a long-term extension that reflects his value. Given his consistent production, which includes multiple 100-point seasons and a Hart Trophy as league MVP, Draisaitl is likely to command an AAV north of $12 million, possibly even approaching the $13 million range.
For Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs, Draisaitl’s new contract could become a key reference point in their negotiations. Marner, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after the 2024-2025 season, has been a crucial part of Toronto’s core alongside Auston Matthews. With Matthews recently signing a record-breaking extension that made him the highest-paid player in the NHL, Marner’s camp is undoubtedly looking for a deal that reflects his importance to the team and his standing among the league’s top forwards.
Draisaitl’s anticipated extension will likely push the market value for elite wingers even higher. Marner, who has consistently been among the top point producers in the NHL, will be able to use Draisaitl’s contract as leverage in his negotiations. If Draisaitl, a player who also contributes significantly on both ends of the ice, secures a deal in the $12-$13 million AAV range, Marner could justifiably seek a contract in a similar ballpark, especially considering his age and offensive output.
The Maple Leafs, already facing salary cap constraints, will have to navigate these negotiations carefully. While Marner’s value is undeniable, committing another massive contract to one of their stars could limit their flexibility in building a competitive roster around their core. However, the precedent set by Draisaitl’s contract will make it difficult for the Leafs to negotiate Marner down, especially if he continues to perform at an elite level.
Moreover, the broader implications of Draisaitl’s extension could affect other contract negotiations across the league. Players of Marner’s caliber will be closely watching the terms of Draisaitl’s new deal, as it could influence their own negotiations. The rising salaries for top-tier players could lead to further inflation in contracts for elite talent, putting additional pressure on teams to manage their cap space effectively.
In conclusion, Leon Draisaitl’s upcoming contract extension is not just a matter of importance for the Edmonton Oilers but also for Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs. As the market for elite forwards continues to rise, Marner’s negotiations with the Leafs are likely to be influenced heavily by Draisaitl’s new deal, potentially leading to a significant payday for the Toronto winger.
