However, LeBrun later added that the two sides are still a ways apart on money, while Friedman hinted as recently as Friday that the two sides still aren’t particularly close to a final resolution.
For Leafs fans everywhere, that “here we go again” feeling is officially setting in — the difference being the stakes are even higher this time around.
From the Leafs’ side of it, the three-year number is potentially palatable for a number of reasons: A) Marner is playing for the Leafs this year, firstly; B) It keeps him under RFA control for his third contract while punting the next negotiation three years down the road as opposed to one or two, C) They can get Marner signed under $10 million AAV until 2022 for this term.