The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly engaged in discussions regarding a potential sign-and-trade deal involving star forward Mitch Marner. With Marner widely expected to test free agency, the Golden Knights have emerged as a leading candidate to acquire the 28-year-old winger.
According to reports, the Maple Leafs are seeking to recoup some value for Marner, rather than losing him for nothing in free agency. General Manager Brad Treliving hinted at Marner's likely departure during a recent media availability.
"I'd probably say, unless there's a significant change here, I would anticipate that he's going to hit the market,” Treliving said.
If the sign-and-trade deal materializes, Nicolas Roy is expected to head to the Maple Leafs. Roy, 28, recorded 15 goals and 31 points in 71 games with the Golden Knights during the 2024-25 season. He was also a member of the Golden Knights' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2023. Roy, a right-shot center known for his physicality, could potentially slot into the Leafs' third-line. He has two years remaining on his contract with a $3 million cap hit.
Several other teams, including the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, were previously reported to be interested in Marner.
Marner is coming off a career-best season where he recorded 102 points. However, his performance dipped in the second round against the Florida Panthers.
The Golden Knights, however, face some challenges in acquiring Marner. They have limited cap space, with only around $5.6 million available. Marner is expected to command an annual average salary in the range of $12 million to $14 million. To accommodate Marner's salary, Vegas may need to make some difficult decisions, potentially trading away players like Tomas Hertl, Ivan Barbashev, Brayden McNabb, or Zach Whitecloud. Toronto may be interested in acquiring one of the latter defensemen.
While Marner is a highly skilled player, some concerns exist about his fit with the Golden Knights' style of play, which emphasizes winning battles below the goal line and forechecking. His lack of postseason success has also been noted. Nevertheless, the Golden Knights are known for making bold moves, and the Marner deal would be a significant one.
