The Vegas Golden Knights, fresh off a disappointing second-round exit in the 2025 playoffs, are reportedly making aggressive moves to revamp their roster and set their sights on a deeper postseason run next year. A central piece of their strategy involves pursuing Toronto Maple Leafs' star winger Mitch Marner, who is expected to be one of the most sought-after unrestricted free agents this summer. To create the necessary cap space to accommodate Marner's hefty salary demands, the Golden Knights are rumored to be exploring trade options for forward Tomas Hertl.
Reports indicate that Vegas is actively shopping Hertl, whose $8.137 million cap hit (though some reports state a $6.75 million hit after San Jose's retention) would significantly alleviate the team's financial constraints and pave the way for a potential Marner signing, who is projected to command an AAV of close to $14 million.
Hertl, who arrived in Vegas at last year's trade deadline from the San Jose Sharks, has a modified no-trade clause. This means he can submit a list of three teams he would like to be traded to, giving him some control over his destination.
While initial speculation linked Hertl to the Carolina Hurricanes, recent reports suggest that a deal with Carolina may not be imminent, though trade talks involving Hertl remain ongoing. Several other teams, particularly in the Eastern Conference, are reportedly interested in acquiring the veteran center, who is considered a valuable top-six forward for a contending team.
The urgency for the Golden Knights to clear cap space is amplified by the approaching free agency period. With free agency set to begin in a week, Vegas needs to act swiftly to create the financial flexibility required to make a compelling offer to Marner. This timeline puts pressure on the team to find a suitable trade partner for Hertl before the end of the week.
Beyond Hertl, the Golden Knights may also consider other avenues to free up cap space, including potentially placing defenseman Alex Pietrangelo on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) due to concerns about a potential career threatening injury. Another option being floated is trading William Karlsson.
The potential acquisition of Marner would undoubtedly inject a significant boost of offensive firepower and playmaking ability into the Golden Knights' lineup. Marner, a consistent 100-point player and strong defensive forward, would complement Vegas's existing core of skilled players and elevate their status as a top contender in the Western Conference.
However, the Golden Knights face stiff competition from other teams also vying for Marner's services. With potentially half the league expressing interest in the star winger, Vegas will need to present a compelling package and demonstrate a clear vision for Marner's role within the team to secure his commitment.
