The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired forward Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Nicolas Roy. The trade, announced Tuesday, July 1, 2025, marks a significant shift for both teams. Marner has also signed an eight-year contract extension with the Golden Knights, boasting an average annual value of $12 million. He will wear No. 93 for Vegas.
Marner, now 28 years old, spent his first nine NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs, amassing 741 points (221 goals, 520 assists) in 657 games. His play was also marked by a plus-128 rating on the ice. The Markham, Ontario native was drafted by Toronto as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. His offensive capabilities and playmaking abilities were immediately apparent, making him a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs' offense.
Throughout his tenure in Toronto, Marner consistently demonstrated exceptional regular-season performance. In the 2024-25 season, he achieved a career-high of 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists) in 81 games, leading the team and ranking fifth in the NHL. His 75 assists that season were also a career-best, placing him third among all NHL players. Marner's contributions also earned him three NHL All-Star selections in 2020, 2023, and 2024. In 2023, he was a finalist for the Selke Trophy.
Despite his regular-season success, Marner faced scrutiny for his playoff performances with the Maple Leafs. In 70 postseason games, he recorded 63 points (13 goals, 50 assists), but the team only advanced past the first round twice during his tenure. This inability to translate regular-season dominance into deep playoff runs led to increased pressure and criticism in Toronto's demanding hockey market.
The Maple Leafs receive Nicolas Roy in return. The 28-year-old forward had 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) in 71 regular-season games for Vegas last season, adding four points (two goals, two assists) in 11 playoff games. Roy was originally drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round (No. 96) of the 2015 NHL Draft. He has accumulated 166 points (68 goals, 98 assists) in 369 regular-season games with the Hurricanes and Golden Knights, along with 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 79 playoff games. Roy was part of the Golden Knights' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2023, contributing 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 22 games.
Marner's departure signifies the end of an era in Toronto, dissolving the "Core 4" that included Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares. The team hopes that Roy will bring a solid two-way presence and playoff experience to the Maple Leafs.
Marner joins a Golden Knights team that has consistently been a strong contender since its inception, making the postseason in seven of its eight seasons. Vegas won the Stanley Cup in 2023 but has only won one playoff series since then. Marner's arrival aims to revitalize the team's offense and help them return to championship contention.
Marner expressed his gratitude to the Maple Leafs organization and fans. "As I prepare for what comes next, I leave a different person than I was at 18. I'll always be grateful for my time here, and most of all, I'm so proud to have been a Toronto Maple Leaf," he stated.
