Maple Leafs' latest move spells trouble for Mitch Marner's salary demands

Overall, Mitch Marner is one of the best players in the National Hockey League and he is currently signed to a $10.9 million deal that certainly underpays him when you consider the current market conditions.

Next season, the NHL is set to increase the salary cap to $92.5 million, at a minimum, and this will allow Marner to seek a heavy deal.

There are a lot of pundits out there who believe that Marner is on track to get himself a deal that could be worth around $14 million, however, that would pay him more than Auston Matthews.

According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, the Leafs aren't interested in paying anyone more than Matthews.

Consequently, they are looking to set an internal salary cap that would prevent Marner from getting a better deal than his captain.

If that is the case, then Marner's contract will likely be in the ballpark of $11 to $13 million per year.

William Nylander currently makes $11.5 million per year and his production is similar, although Marner typically edges him out.

With that in mind, the safe bets would say that Marner is going to make over $12 million.

During his eight-plus seasons in Toronto, Marner has amassed 203 goals, 465 assists, and 668 points in a total of 598 games. Needless to say, he is incredibly productive.

Having said that, Marner's playoff performances have been less than stellar, especially last season when the Leafs got knocked out of the first round by the Bruins.

Going forward, the Maple Leafs have a lot to think about, and it could very well end with Marner going elsewhere if the Leafs are not willing to pay up.

It is a nightmare scenario, albeit one that Leafs fans should prepare for.