Quoting: Devil1122
Question: Who has more value, Jack Hughes or Marner?
Marner is the better player and more of a resume.
Hughes had a great year, especially compared to last year. And he performed much better despite what his 31 pts show.
Now marners a winger and Hughes is a center so there is some value gained their for Hughes. Hughes is also on ELC and unless he absolutely explodes we can presume he’ll sign a bridge to earn a bigger pay day in the future. Idk if Hughes or the Devils want to sign long term until they see how he does this year. So Hughes is nearly 10m cheaper, a dynamic young Center who’s shown large strides in improving his game and learning, and he doesn’t really have anyone “carrying him”.
But Marner has a much deeper resume, is the better player, and is stronger in both ends overall. He’s a great player maker but also a great d player. Marners only slights could be seen as his lacklustre playoff showing and cap hit. Maybe you could also argue he has a much better supporting cast around him/ he is apart a deeper team with better linemates but Marner generally isn’t requiring good linemates to show his ability as he is a great playmaking winger who’s good in both ends. So idk if you can say he’s being “carried”.
Generally though I don’t think any team trying to win NOW would take Hughes over Marner (as players). Because you know what you got with Marner and I rag on Marner a ton. Hughes right now is great, and he could become better. But Marner is fantastic and could also get better.
AAV wise I think many teams would prefer Hughes > Marner just because Hughes has shown the ability to adapt and improve. He’s played well/ better than his first glance numbers and he’s a Center. He’s got a ton of room to grow and Then his AAV makes it a steal compared to 11mil Marner.