Maple Leafs predicted to sign 29-goal scorer to $48 million deal to replace Marner

The Toronto Maple Leafs face an intriguing offseason with both Mitch Marner and John Tavares approaching free agency.

Marner is set to be the most sought-after free agent, and on Puckpedia’s website, fans can predict trades and signings. One user speculated that Toronto will let Marner walk and instead sign Nikolaj Ehlers to a six-year, $48 million contract.

Ehlers is in the final season of his seven-year, $42 million deal with the Winnipeg Jets, where he earns $6 million annually. His projected new contract with Toronto would see him make $8 million per season over six years. The skilled forward could serve as a cost-effective replacement for Marner. This season, Ehlers has tallied 21 goals and 36 assists for 57 points in 58 games. His career highs stand at 29 goals and 64 points.

Meanwhile, Marner is in the last year of his six-year, $65.41 million contract with Toronto. In 65 games, he has recorded 21 goals and 59 assists for 80 points.

Ehlers Among the Top Free Agents

As the offseason approaches, Sportsnet ranks Ehlers as the second-best pending free agent, just behind Marner.

Ehlers has been involved in trade rumors, and reports from last summer suggested he was open to a fresh start elsewhere. NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period revealed that the Jets have yet to engage in contract talks with Ehlers or other pending free agents, as their primary focus remains on a Stanley Cup push.

“There’s an understanding of where everyone stands, but the priority is to compete for a championship,” Pagnotta noted. He also expects Ehlers to explore free agency on July 1, stating, “Speculation has been there since the summer, and I don’t believe anything has changed.”

Currently, Ehlers ranks fourth in scoring for the Jets.

Maple Leafs GM Wants to Retain Marner

If Marner reaches free agency on July 1, he will be the most highly sought-after player. However, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is hopeful the team can keep him in Toronto.

“We’re aligned with Mitch. Right now, we’re focused on this season and the games ahead. We want him here for a long time,” Treliving said. “It’s not a distraction, and we think the world of him.”

Marner’s name surfaced in trade rumors at the deadline, but he chose to exercise his no-trade clause and remain with the Maple Leafs.

“I’m not going to discuss my contract,” Marner said. “I’ve loved my time as a Leaf, and that’s all I’ll say.”

The Maple Leafs currently hold a 39-24-3 record and sit third in the Atlantic Division.