Marchand weighs in on Marner’s next contract

Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to put their contract negotiations on hold until the off-season.

But that didn’t stop Brad Marchand of the rival Boston Bruins from weighing in.

Marner had a goal and two assists in Toronto’s 6-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Monday night, raising his points total for the season to 81.

Tweets from the NHL’s public relations department noted that Marner became the first Maple Leafs player to reach the 80-point mark in a season since Phil Kessel did it in 2013-14, and that the London Knights product also became the eighth player in franchise history to reach the 80-point mark in 66 or fewer games. Marchand replied from his verified Twitter account, speculating how many millions of dollars the average annual value of Marner’s new contract would be.

“I cant wait to see this kids new deal ... 12m AAV?? It better be,” said Marchand, adding the hashtag #Marnerwatch. Entering the season, Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas had to try to sign the young trio of Marner, William Nylander and Auston Matthews before they become restricted free agents on July 1.

Dubas signed Nylander to a sixyear, US$41.77-million deal on Dec. 1, while Matthews agreed to a five-year, $58.17-million extension on Feb. 5.

Marner has declined to talk contract with the Leafs until after the season ends. Nylander’s AAV is $6.962 million while Matthews has an AAV of $11.634 million.

The 21-year-old Marner leads the Maple Leafs with 81 points (24 goals, 57 assists) and is ninth in NHL scoring. Matthews has 30 goals and 30 assists, while Nylander has five goals and 11 assists in 38 games.