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Insider Chris Johnston Reveals Golden Knights' Likely Target Instead of Mitch Marner

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 12:06 PM ET

The Vegas Golden Knights have been heavily linked to Mitch Marner, but now a top insider has revealed who their true target will be this summer as they look to get back into true Stanley Cup contention.

The 2024/25 campaign was another disappointing one for the Vegas Golden Knights as they struggled to advance past round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and as a result, big changes could be coming this summer.

Ever since the second round ended, there have been constant rumours linking them to star forward Mitch Marner, who himself is expected to depart his current team after the Toronto Maple Leafs once again fell short of their Stanley Cup expectations.

However, TSN's Chris Johnston has now revealed a different take on the Golden Knights summer, as he has now reported that the team are looking for toughness as opposed to skill in free agency, noting that they would prefer to land a player like Sam Bennett, rather than a skilled forward like Marner.

The competition for Bennett won't be easy however, as both the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be higher up the veteran forwards list, but to get a veteran, high energy, high intensity player like that to help them in the post-season would be their goal.

As we've seen in the short lifespan of the Vegas Golden Knights thus far, they will do what it takes to get it done, as they've been ruthless and unstoppable in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup, so if a player like Bennett is who they believe they need to compete, don't be surprised to see them as a finalist for the star forward.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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