What to expect from the Maple Leafs in 2018
William Nylander and Mitch Marner avoid bridge contracts
There is still time for Nylander and Marner to show that they are worthy of a big extension like Matthews but it is unlikely that either of them get anything close.
The Leafs are better off avoiding bridge deals for both because it makes no sense given that the team is in a good position with their salary cap. Also both players are second and third in team scoring so their performance does not justify a two-year deal.
The real question is what do the Toronto Maple Leafs try to offer Nylander and Marner. It would be fair to say that their contracts will be similar and could go around six-years with a cap hit in the $6-million range per season.
Both players are capable of scoring 60 points and have the potential to do much more than that but have seen time in limited roles on the fourth line.
The earlier the Leafs sort out the contract status of Matthews, Marner and Nylander the easier it will be to sort out other contracts down the road.
Looking at the NHL scoring list Marner sits 69th this season with five goals, 24 assists for 29 points in 40 game. Had he not suffered his early season slump, he would probably be in the 35-36 points range at this point of the season.
The same goes for Nylander who has proven to be a more dynamic player with Matthews in the lineup. With eight goals, 20 assists in 40 games this season, Nylander has shown that he is capable of more and it is only a matter of time before he starts to get rewarded with more points.
The main difference is that Marner’s entry-level deal is not up until next season while Nylander’s contract is up at the end of this season. The Toronto Maple Leafs have shown with Morgan Rielly and Nazem Kadri‘s deals that they are not worried about rewarding their top players with longer contracts especially if they come at a bargain.
They also try to get those deals done earlier rather than later, considering how Matthews’ contract will be the biggest priority it makes it easier to know what Nylander and Marner’s contracts will look like.