Brian Burke on Marner, offer sheets, Perry, Subban, and Eakins (Sportsnet)
Burke says Marner has received an offer of eight years $80 million but his camp isn’t interested in that length of term at that price.
It’s a little early to call it a debacle, but if I got this close, I would wait until July 1st. I wouldn’t sign. None of these guys have. My understanding is that a very significant offer was made; a full eight-year term and $10 million a year was what one of our guys told me — a guy on our staff who talked to the agent. My understanding is they don’t want the eight-year term. Auston Matthews has the right to walk after five years and this player is saying, “If I’ve got to take less money than Auston Matthews even though I am the leading scorer the last two years, I am certainly not taking a longer term.” The notion they’re waiting until July 1st to see if there is an offer sheet — I’d do the same thing if I was representing this player. It is already June 24th.
On whether Marner or anyone else is going to receive an offer sheet:
The reason there aren’t more offer sheets — people think it’s because of collusion or there is an unwritten rule among GMs, and that’s not true. The reason there are not more offers sheets is because teams match them and you’re just driving up the price of poker for a competitor. There is no reason to do it unless you think you’re going to get the player. I do think we will see at least one offer sheet this summer. I don’t think it will be for Mitch Marner.
The Marner thing isn’t going very well, but the Leafs had a good weekend. Moving Marleau, I like their draft pick, they’re getting closer on two guys. If you were giving grades out at the draft, I think the Leafs would get a high grade.