OK, Josi makes 8.5 and Forsberg, who had substantially better numbers than Marner makes just over 9. Marner makes 10.9 and very likely thinks he's entitled to an increase. How's that going to work? No lack of state income tax is going to paper over that difference. I wish I could take credit for this line of thought but LeBrun made the point in a column a few days ago.
I love Z and I miss Z and I'd actually like to think a switch has flipped and he's now a trustworthy Top 4 D - he looked the part in the playoffs. But I'd be wary.
- FoppaForever
Josi signed his deal 5 years ago, so it's really not relevant in comparison to what is going to present-day signing.
Marner will likely stay around the same or get a slight increase because of market factors. There are only so many players with his skills available in a given year and that's going to drive his price up regardless of whether he actually "deserves it" or not.
People can say what they want about him but he's an incredibly talented player and is going to produce offensively. Plenty of GM's would be happy to take the risk on him over some 31yo vet that they're going to sign long enough to see become useless