Not all stars hit the free agent market.
But seven months before the opening of the 2025 market, two huge names are still without contract extensions: those of Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen.
If the possibility of seeing the two men tackle the free agent market at the same time is possible, TSN informant Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday in Insider Trading that it is still more likely to see Marner and Rantanen come to an agreement with their respective teams by July 1.
LeBrun, however, warned that the mission could prove difficult since the Maple Leafs and Avalanche would not want to award contracts higher than those of Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon.
“The Avalanche with Nathan MacKinnon at $12.6 million per year and the Maple Leafs with captain Auston Matthews at $13.25 million per year have some sort of internal salary structure that will be used in negotiations with Rantanen and Marner. »
LeBrun, however, believes that Marner and Rantanen’s agents will have good arguments to gain leverage in the negotiations.
“First, the salary cap situation has changed a lot since these agreements were signed. The salary cap has increased a lot. Then agents will definitely talk about the salary cap percentage, not necessarily the annual average. Can the Maple Leafs sign Mitch Marner for $13M or less? Can the Avalanche sign Rantanen for $12.6M or less? »
If Rantanen hits the free agent market, he could well become one of the highest paid players in the NHL. Stanley Cup champion in 2022, Rantanen has just had two seasons of more than 100 points and he already has 32 points in 23 games this season.
“I’m going to say it now, I think Rantanen believes he can get $14 million on the free agent market,” LeBrun said in conclusion.
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