NHL Rumors: The Latest on Mitch Marner

Suppose the Golden Knights cannot complete the deal. In that case, other teams, such as the Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Utah Mammoth, and others, will likely offer him a substantial amount of money to sign with them on July 1.

It’s time to dive into the NHL Rumors surrounding Mitch Marner.

Is a Sign and Trade in the Works with the Vegas Golden Knights

Early on Saturday afternoon, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Vegas Golden Knights and the Toronto Maple Leafs were talking about a trade for Marner. As Friedman reports, these trade talks have been ongoing all week.

As part of the trade discussions, one of the pieces going back is Nicolas Roy, who carries a $3 million cap hit.

The other day, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said it will be tough to replace a player like Marner because he knows he will test the free agent market. But adding a two-way center like Roy will round out the Maple Leafs at the center position.

Carolina Hurricanes: Will the Carolina Hurricanes Actually Spend Big on Mitch Marner?

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But something else could be going the other way to the Maple Leafs as well. There is a chance defenseman Nicolas Hague could be a part of the deal as well. But Roy might not be enough to secure the agreement for the Maple Leafs. In addition, Marner’s no-movement clause is being waived so he can be moved to Vegas as part of the sign-and-trade.

It is unclear what the new contract is worth. The belief is that the Golden Knights are pushing for an eight-year extension, contingent upon their having to give up two players. Other reports suggest it could be a shorter-term deal, similar to the one Auston Matthews signed in Toronto, as the salary cap is projected to rise.

Again, nothing happened today as the two sides continue to work on closing the deal. As Full Press Hockey noted the other day, an offer was put forth to Marner’s camp during the season of $13.5 million AAV on a long-term deal. With $12 million being the benchmark set by Mikko Rantanen on an eight-year contract when he was traded to the Dallas Stars from the Carolina Hurricanes, the belief is that $12 million will be the AAV, depending on the length of the deal.

Earlier in the season, the thought of Mitch Marner leaving didn’t make sense. Why would he leave a situation he knows and is best suited for his game? Remember, he did say players who play in Toronto are treated like Gods.

Once the season was over, it was clear he was not coming back. As documented on Full Press Hockey, he wants to go to market and find a place where he doesn’t have to see the Maple Leafs more than twice a season.

While that is petty, it makes sense. He is done playing in that market and wants to go to a place where he isn’t in the spotlight. He wants to be one single member of the team and not have everything questioned all the time. So, it makes sense that he is heading out to either the Vegas Golden Knights (the most likely scenario) or the Los Angeles Kings (who need a goal scorer like Marner). And LA is furthest from Toronto.

In 657 regular-season games with the Maple Leafs, he recorded 741 points (221 goals and 520 assists), including 102 last season with Toronto. In 70 playoff games, he has 63 points (13 goals and 50 assists).

Again, the Vegas Golden Knights are the favourites to land Marner as they have been working on the sign-and-trade. However, if that falls through, expect other teams, such as the Kings, Ducks, Mammoth, Blue Jackets, and Hurricanes, to make a run at him on July 1 or trade for his rights.

Things are heating up on the Mitch Marner with free agency approaching.