Leafs Mitch Marner linked to Vegas Golden Knights in trade

PUBLICATION

Ryan Hall
May 31, 2024 (6:54 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Fourth Period has reported that Leafs superstar forward Mitch Marner is linked to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Speculation has run rampant across the NHS after the Maple Leafs announced in their press conference that all options were on the table which may include a Mitch Marner trade.

Many in Leafs nation feel that the Leafs need to move on from Marner after another disappointing playoff round where he only amassed 3 points in seven games. Marner holds a no movement clause in his deal which he can waive if he so chooses.

The Golden Knights and General manager Kelly McCrimmon are known as a team that ignores the salary cap during the offseason and if they find a player that they truly want to target and bring into the fold they will do so and then deal with their cap space issues later. Marner has one year remaining on his deal and it's expected that any trade for him would require a long-term contract attached to the deal.

Marner holds a cap hit of 10.9 million this season and it would take some creativity on McCrimmon's part to be able to fit his contract in. It's likely the Leafs would acquire a roster player who could be Shea Theodore and goaltender Logan Thompson hold holds some significance along with either a prospect and or draft pick.

Though it's likely the Leafs will lose the trade on paper, the recovered cap space would give Toronto more flexibility to seek out better players and give more balance to their roster especially in their bottom 6 and defence.

In the meantime, Leafs Nation, Marner and or the Golden Knights will need to wait till July 1st as the window will open for Marner to sign a long term extension.