Marchand chimes in on Marner's contract negotiations

Despite contract negotiations between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner being put on hold until the season ends, Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand decided to reignite the topic.

While responding to a tweet from the NHL's PR account that put Marner's 80-point season into context, Marchand provided his opinion on what the Leafs should pay the pending restricted free agent.

"I can't wait to see this kids new deal," he tweeted. "12m AAV?? It better be #Marnerwatch."

I cant wait to see this kids new deal... 12m AAV?? It better be#Marnerwatch

- Brad Marchand (@Bmarch63) March 5, 2019

With the Bruins and Leafs likely meeting in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Marchand appears to already be playing the pest role he's mastered.

For Toronto, the star 21-year-old's contract extension has been a touchy subject lately. Marner's agent put talks on hold in January to prevent distractions, and reports of teams preparing offer sheets surfaced in February.

This season, the Maple Leafs locked up Auston Matthews to a five-year extension worth $11.6-million annually, and the team gave William Nylander a six-year deal worth $6.96 million per season.

Marner leads Toronto with 81 points through 66 games, placing him ninth overall in the NHL.

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