The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively pursuing a sign-and-trade involving star forward Mitch Marner, with discussions heating up between them and the Vegas Golden Knights. NHL insider Bruce Garrioch reported that Toronto has identified its desired return in the potential deal—Vegas players Nicolas Roy and Nicolas Hague.
This marks a notable development as the Maple Leafs seek to extract maximum value for one of their top offensive contributors before he reaches unrestricted free agency.
Roy and Hague Targeted as Leafs Prepare for Marner’s Potential Free Agency Exit
Nicolas Roy, a 28-year-old forward, is coming off a season where he tallied 31 points over 71 games and played a role in Vegas’s 2023 Stanley Cup win. Nicolas Hague, a 26-year-old defenseman and pending restricted free agent, recorded 12 points in 68 games this season and could provide a needed boost to Toronto’s blue line.
Both players fit into Toronto’s broader strategy of adding proven depth and stability, especially on defense, as they attempt to restructure their roster.
Mitch Marner (NHL)Mitch Marner, who had a career-best 102-point campaign and ranks fifth on the Leafs’ all-time scoring list, is on track to hit free agency on July 1. Leafs GM Brad Treliving has acknowledged that, unless there’s a sudden development, Marner will likely test the open market. His impending free agency adds urgency to the trade talks, as the Leafs look to avoid losing him for nothing while trying to secure long-term assets in return.
Ongoing Talks Face Hurdles as Cap Space Limits Vegas’ Flexibility in Marner Deal
The first news of the trade talks was broken by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who confirmed that conversations between Toronto and Vegas have been occurring throughout the week. TSN’s Darren Dreger followed up by stating that, as of yet, there has been no trade call made to the league and no contract signed by Marner.
This indicates that while the interest is strong on both sides, a finalized agreement may still be days away, requiring more negotiation.
A key hurdle remains Vegas’s limited salary cap space, with only $5.6 million available. Marner is expected to command a cap hit between $13–14 million, meaning the Golden Knights will need to make significant moves to free up enough room to acquire him.
This financial reality may complicate or delay the deal, depending on how Vegas chooses to adjust its roster to accommodate Marner’s contract. Nonetheless, the ongoing talks suggest that both franchises are serious about making a blockbuster trade happen.
