"Can’t pay more than Matthews, McDavid, Draisaitl": Steve Simmons makes his feelings clear on Mitch Marner's 'paycheque'

Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons recently shared his opinion on Mitch Marner’s future contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Marner approaching unrestricted free agency in 2025, speculation about his next deal is on the rise.

Simmons believes Marner deserves a strong long-term offer but shouldn’t earn more than the NHL’s biggest names.

“If I’m Brad Treliving, the Leafs general manager, I make it clear to Marner’s people: You will be paid well long-term to stay here, but I can’t pay you more than Matthews, McDavid, Draisaitl or MacKinnon," Simmons said per Leafs Latest on X. "There’s a difference between a great player and an all-time great. And there should always be a difference there in both viewpoint and paycheque.”

Mitch Marner has performed well this season, with 31 points in 23 games, including a six-game point streak. In Saturday's 5-3 win over Tampa Bay, he had two assists, showing strong chemistry with John Tavares. Despite Auston Matthews returning from injury, Marner has stayed on Tavares’ line, benefiting both players. Marner is currently on pace for his first 100-point season.

While Mitch Marner is a key player, his playoff performances remain a concern. Last season, he scored only three points in seven games, and the Leafs failed to advance beyond the first round. This history adds complexity to contract talks, especially with the Leafs’ need to manage their payroll carefully.

With Matthews earning $13.5 million annually, the Leafs must maintain an internal cap structure. Though rumors linked Marner to a potential exit, he has expressed his desire to stay in Toronto. Negotiations will likely focus on balancing fair compensation with the team’s financial stability.

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Mitch Marner and Maple Leafs bounced back after loss to Florida Panthers

The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3 following a 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. Matthew Knies scored first, tipping in Chris Tanev’s shot. Tanev made it 2-0 with a wrist shot. Nicholas Robertson scored from a sharp angle to make it 3-0. John Tavares added a rebound goal to make it 4-0.

Michael Eyssimont scored for Tampa in the third period. Jake Guentzel made it 4-2 with an extra-attacker goal. Cam Atkinson’s power-play goal brought Tampa closer at 4-3. William Nylander scored an empty-net goal late in the game to secure Toronto’s win.

Mitch Marner and the Leafs will play the Blackhawks next.