For some odd reason the contract the player signs is a direct reflection of his talent level.
Saying Marner is a 8.5-9mil player is not an insult to him. Yes, Matthews made more, Matthews is injured more....but Matthews is also a C and only a handful of players actually got more goals than him over the past 3 yrs despite missing like 45games or so.
These kids all play for the Leafs.
On top of that, is it really a slight to Marner if he signs a 9mil deal if Boeser is signs for 7mil, Aho signs for 8mil, Laine signs for 8.5mil and Point signs for 8.5mil?