Mitch Marner has left the Maple Leafs, prompting reflection on his tenure and contract situation. One prevalent narrative suggests the team should have signed him to an eight-year deal with an $8 million cap hit earlier. This might have changed the trajectory of the team, potentially allowing for a stronger roster. However, historical context highlights that Marner's $11 million contract lacked justification based on his previous performance, noting the impact of internal politics and team dynamics in the negotiations. Ultimately, Marner's departure leaves questions about what could have been for the franchise.
History might have played out much differently had the team and its GM somehow latched Marner onto something like an eight-year deal with an $8 million cap hit. The Leafs might have kept Hyman after all in the summer of 2021.
Marner would have been a hero in that world; the star who was underpaid, the star who took less - something Shanahan once insisted would be expected of players in Toronto.
In that alternate reality, Marner would still have time remaining on his contract today.
There was still absolutely no basis for Marner earning $11 million over six years on his second contract, even after the expiry of his entry-level deal.
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