Mitch Marner is going to be set financially no matter what the intricate details of his free agency wind up being.
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ departing winger is looking at a nine-figure contract regardless of where he goes.
But there’s one way for him to make an extra $10-15 million, and that might be what’s happening.
Reports indicate that the Maple Leafs have engaged the Las Vegas Golden Knights on a sign-and-trade negotiation involving Marner.
That’s significant for Toronto because it’d allow them to recoup slight value for Marner rather than losing him for nothing.
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But it’s also quite significant for Marner.
If he signs with any other team but his former team, the most he can get on a contract is seven years.
If he signs with the Maple Leafs, he can get eight years.
So in the sign-and-trade, Marner can get that eighth year on his deal (and Vegas can keep him for that extra year, as well).
To get it done, the Knights would essentially have to line up what they’d be willing to return to the Maple Leafs for Marner.
If they figure that out, this could be a win-win for everybody involved.
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