The Vegas Golden Knights have made a significant splash just ahead of free agency, acquiring star winger Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade deal. In exchange, the Maple Leafs receive center Nicolas Roy. Marner is expected to sign an eight-year contract with the Golden Knights worth $12 million per season.
Marner, 28, is coming off a career-best season with the Maple Leafs, where he recorded 27 goals and 75 assists for 102 points in 81 games. Selected fourth overall by Toronto in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, the Markham, Ontario, native has spent his entire nine-year NHL career with the Maple Leafs. He has amassed 741 points (272 goals, 469 assists) in 657 regular-season games and 63 points (18 goals, 45 assists) in 70 playoff games. Despite his impressive regular-season numbers, Marner has faced criticism for his playoff performances, and the Maple Leafs have struggled to achieve significant postseason success during his tenure.
The acquisition of Marner is a major coup for the Golden Knights, who add a dynamic offensive talent to their roster. He is expected to provide an immediate scoring boost to Vegas' top line. The Golden Knights have been considered front-runners to land Marner for weeks.
Roy, 28, heads to Toronto after spending six seasons with the Golden Knights. The 6-foot-4, 207-pound center recorded 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in 71 regular-season games during the 2024-25 season. He also added two goals and four assists in 11 playoff games. Roy has one year remaining on his contract with a $3 million cap hit. Originally drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round (96th overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Roy was traded to Vegas in 2019. He won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023.
Marner's contract is reportedly structured with signing bonuses loaded at the front end, with the base salary increasing throughout the term. It also includes a full no-move clause. Marner had stated at the beginning of the 2024-25 season that he would allow his agent to handle negotiations and would not discuss his contract status with reporters. The Maple Leafs had reportedly asked Marner to waive his no-trade clause for a potential trade with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The trade brings an end to Marner's tenure in Toronto, which was marked by both individual success and team disappointment. He ranks fifth in franchise history in scoring. For the Golden Knights, the addition of Marner signifies their continued commitment to contending for championships.
