The Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly interested in trading for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli.
Marner has been at the center of trade rumors since the season concluded, but recent speculation suggests Toronto may look to re-sign him as he enters the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract.
However, Seravalli believes the Golden Knights are keen on acquiring Marner, especially after missing out on Steven Stamkos in free agency and losing Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson.
“What happens with Mitch Marner? It kind of feels like to me, and to a lot of observers, that the Vegas Golden Knights never back down, they never quit. You didn’t get Stamkos, you didn’t keep Marchessault, you didn’t keep Stephenson, does that mean you are targeting Mitch Marner?” Seravalli said on Daily Faceoff’s Live Free Agency Special on July 1.
As Seravalli points out, Vegas’ offense has taken a hit with Marchessault signing a five-year deal with the Nashville Predators and Stephenson signing a seven-year deal with the Seattle Kraken. This could prompt Vegas to revisit trade talks with Toronto for Marner.
On the first day of free agency, Vegas lost Marchessault, who led the team in scoring with 69 points last season, and Stephenson. Forward Michael Amadio also left, signing a three-year deal with the Ottawa Senators. The only significant signing for Vegas was former Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov on a one-year deal. Currently, the Golden Knights have just over $6.8 million in cap space.
Despite the trade rumors, Marner could still receive an extension from the Maple Leafs. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned on June 28 that Toronto is preparing a contract offer for Marner, suggesting they are inclined to keep him.
After Toronto’s playoff exit, Marner expressed his desire to remain with the team, stating, “That’d be a goal. I’ve expressed my love for this place. Obviously, I’ve grown up here so we’ll start thinking about that now and try to figure something out. It means the world (to be a Maple Leaf), we’re looked upon as, you know, kind of Gods here to be honest.”
Last season, Marner recorded 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points in 69 regular season games with Toronto.