It would be considered a discount if Marner took less than Kane no?
Cap has gone up, Kane deal is a couple years old and inflation of player salaries always happens. Marner has the Leafs in a bind, he has proven to be elite and worth a big $ contract. He is younger than Kane, Kucherov and Stone who both recently signed for under 10m. Kucherov though gets a big tax break, for him to make the same $ as he does in Tampa with say the Leafs his cap hit would have to be close to 11m no?
I can see him making under 10m myself as I just think its foolish if all these youngster who have proven squat outside regular season stats can think they can all demand the league's highest salaries. The leafs would still be a playoff team without Marner and if he sat out like WN that would elevate WN to a top line role where he could potential put up #'s close to what Marner did.
At the end of the day I am not a Leaf fan so I honestly dont care what his cap hit is going forward, I hope he holds out for the big payday and it makes Toronto's future cap issues a continuing issue.
Personally though, entertain a trade offer in all reality. Get a high end D in return, sign Kapanen and Johnsson to remain in your top 6 and you also have Nylander who should have a good year next year, maybe close to PPG if there is no Marner.
Save the 11m for 1 player spend 8-10m on 2 young top 6 caliber wingers instead and try to get a good young RHD to help your D.