Top Golden Knights Forward Was in the Mix for a Blockbuster Mitch Marner Deal

Marner once again faced considerable scrutiny for his performance in the postseason, getting just a single assist in the final 4 games of the postseason as the Maple Leafs were knocked out by the divisional foe Florida Panthers for the 2nd time in the last 3 years.

Some reports recently surfaced that the Vegas Golden Knights, a team that Marner could very well sign with this summer, had attempted to acquire Marner last summer.

Per a report from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Golden Knights allegedly approached William Karlsson, one of the last remaining original players on the expansion Vegas roster, about waiving his no-trade clause to facilitate a trade to Toronto for Marner.

My understanding is that William Karlsson was part of the discussion at one point as well, but he has some no-trade protection, and I believe that also played a factor in that whole discussion.

Marner was also allegedly approached by the Maple Leafs this year in the days leading up to the trade deadline to waive his own no-trade clause to facilitate a move to the Carolina Hurricanes (another offseason signing possibility for Marner) in return for Mikko Rantanen.

Marner refused the request, remained with the Leafs through the end of the year, and Rantanen was eventually dealt to the Dallas Stars.