Quoting: Random2152
Who asked for 8@8.5 and got 6@6.9 after the longest holdout in cap history.
Well, that's a little misleading. He got 6.9 for 5 1/2 years. Yes his cap hit is 6.9, but you can't tell me him missing half the season helped the team.
Bruins fan, so I might be a little jaded, but Marner is twice as good/Important.
The leverage he has is Sitting out. Yes, he would probably eventually sign, but It seems like the Bruins and Leafs are going to be battling for the next half decade, and I'm betting whichever team has home ice, likely wins the series. Also - he seems to have a pretty good relationship with Matthews who probably wouldn't be thrilled if they jerk him around.
Also - Not a great chance, but there are some teams with $ out there who may just swoop in with RFA offer. Admittedly unlikely, but if it were to happen it's going to be on a player of Marner's skill paired with a team who is facing some cap issues.