Could Mitch Marner become the highest paid NHL player? Former NHL Star Andrew Raycroft discusses the possibility

Mitch Marner, a key player for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is set to join the open market despite speculation he might stay with the team. Marner has been stepping up due to injury issues for Auston Matthews, putting him on track for a career high season with 16 goals and 71 points in 56 games. This is a convenient timing for Marner, who is set to hit free agency in the summer, and with Mikko Rantanen potentially being the only other major star on the market, he could potentially receive a significant payout.

Mitch Marner could potentially receive a significant payout

With Mitch Marner on the cusp of an extension, rumor is increasing how much he might make on his next contract. One old NHL player is convinced there is a chance, however small, that Marner might be the league's highest-paid player. While other big stars have dictated the market with their own blockbuster contracts, Marner's next contract has the potential to break them. On Monday's episode of First Up, ex-NHL goalie Andrew Raycroft was questioned regarding Marner getting a record-breaking deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.


Host Aaron Korolnek asked Raycroft, "Let me ask you this, the percentage chance that Mitch Marner will be the highest-paid player in the NHL in free agency, to you, is what?" To which Raycroft replied there was a 25% chance it happens before adding, "The markets change. The salary caps going up by like 50% when you're looking at $115 Million that we know there's seven or eight teams that are going to spend right to that over the next couple of years."

Raycroft believes that Marner's potential highest-paid hockey player status will only be valid until Connor McDavid receives his extension. "That's until Connor McDavid signs. But, you know, whoever these guys sign, these guys are going to end up being the highest paid players until the next guy is. But that's the beauty of where NHL economics is going right now."

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Playing the Detroit Red Wings on December 7, 2024, Marner recorded his third career hat-trick. During a game against the Boston Bruins on January 4, 2025, Marner factored on a game-opening goal for the 112th time in his career, surpassing former captain Doug Gilmour and tying Börje Salming for the fifth most by a player in Maple Leafs history.