Golden Knights Acquire Mitch Marner in Blockbuster Trade

The Vegas Golden Knights have secured Mitch Marner, finalizing a sign-and-trade agreement with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This move brings a top-tier talent to Vegas, reshaping the team’s offensive capabilities and signaling their continued pursuit of a championship.

The Deal Unveiled

The trade involves the Golden Knights acquiring Marner. As part of the arrangement, Marner agreed to an eight-year contract extension, foregoing free agency. He will receive $12 million annually.

To execute the deal, Vegas sent center Nicolas Roy to the Maple Leafs, gaining the ability to negotiate a long-term contract. The agreement ties Marner to Vegas until his 36th birthday. The deal was first reported by Darren Dreger of TSN.

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“There’s not too many guys that can excel both as a power-play player and a penalty killer and five-on-five and three-on-three. Mitch can do it all. I’ve watched this kid grow from when he was a young kid in pro hockey to what he is now.”

—Jon Cooper, Team Canada coach

Marner arrives in Vegas after a career-best season with 102 points, ranking fifth in the NHL. This acquisition boosts the team’s scoring potential. In the 2023-24 season, the Golden Knights ranked 17th in the league for goals scored, highlighting the need for an offensive upgrade.

Previous Attempts and Future Implications

The Golden Knights had previously tried to acquire Marner. They also discussed a three-way trade with the Carolina Hurricanes before the trade deadline in March, but it didn’t materialize. Talks occurred before that, too.

Marner leaves the Maple Leafs as a prominent player. He’s fifth in the team’s all-time scoring list with 741 points at age 28. He was drafted fourth overall by his hometown team in 2015, becoming a fan favorite due to his creative style.

Last week, Brad Treliving, the Leafs’ general manager, acknowledged that Marner would test the free-agent market, which ultimately led to this trade. The Maple Leafs are getting a valuable player in Roy, who plays a different role.

Roy is a bottom-six center who is under contract for two more years with a $3 million cap hit. He had 15 goals and 31 points in 71 games with the Golden Knights last season.