Making sense of the latest Mitch Marner trade rumors

Friedman did express uncertainty about a deal being done and a trade for Marner was not announced Saturday, but the Golden Knights and Maple Leafs still have a window before free agency opens up on July 1 to guarantee Marner lands in Vegas.

Where the trade could see a hangup is in terms of financial details. Marner is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Golden Knights for $12 million annually, which is well above their current cap space of $5.5 million. However, rumors around defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s health could lead to him landing on long-term injured reserve, suddenly giving the Golden Knights the space needed to add Marner and have a little breathing room left.

Friedman also added that the Golden Knights could move forward Nic Roy to the Maple Leafs in return, sending his $3 million cap hit to Toronto. It should be noted, however, that signing rights typically do not cost much, so it remains to be seen if a potential trade is a one-for-one swap or if Toronto adds more in terms of value.

With less than 48 hours to go before free agency kicks off, the Golden Knights could be closing in on a major splash to begin the period.

UPDATE: On Sunday’s episode of his 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman believes that, should Marner sign with Vegas in free agency instead of this trade, the Maple Leafs could file an official complaint against the Golden Knights for tampering.

“It’s being whispered everywhere around the league… that if Marner goes to Vegas, the Maple Leafs will go after Vegas for tampering. I have no proof that Vegas is guilty of anything, but it’s a time around the league where teams are extremely sensitive about it, and as a couple of GMs told me about it on Saturday, they think the NHL is itching to make an example out of someone,” Friedman said.

“But, if they make a deal with Toronto and send them a good player, I’m betting any chance the Leafs file for tampering goes away.”

Needless to say, the next 48 hours before free agency is set to begin became even more interesting than before.