Tag: Mitch Marner

Mitch Marner’s first public comments as a newly signed member of the Vegas Golden Knights included a mention of conversations he had with former Toronto Maple Leafs teammates Ryan Reaves and Max Pacioretty. The discussions, which took place in late June and centered around life in Las Vegas, upset some Maple Leafs fans.

Many felt Marner had already emotionally checked out of Toronto weeks before officially leaving, a frustration only compounded by news that he had been speaking with Vegas players as early as February during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Reaves Defends Advice to Marner, Highlights Stark Contrast Between Toronto and Vegas

In response to the backlash, Ryan Reaves addressed the issue on the Leafs Morning Take podcast. He defended his role in advising Marner, clarifying that he was simply being supportive of a close friend who was facing free agency.

Reaves stated that his bond with Marner was strong and that he saw no wrongdoing in giving honest advice about living in Las Vegas, where he had spent four years. Reaves emphasized that withholding his opinion just because he was under contract with Toronto would have been dishonest to someone he considers a close friend.

Just before being traded to the San Jose Sharks, Reaves appeared on the Cam & Strick podcast and discussed the intensity of the Toronto hockey market. He expressed surprise at how quickly fans could turn on the team, particularly during playoff struggles.

Reaves contrasted this with his experience in Vegas, portraying it as a more relaxed and enjoyable environment, with less pressure from fans and media. His comments highlighted a significant cultural difference between the two cities and how that impacts players’ day-to-day lives.

Reaves Stresses Loyalty to Marner, Marner’s Departure Marks End of Leafs Era

Reaves reiterated that his advice to Marner was not an attempt to lure him away from the Maple Leafs but a sincere and personal conversation between friends. He described Vegas as a city he genuinely enjoyed and noted that he had no interest in manipulating the situation or undermining the Toronto organization.

His priority, he claimed, was honesty and loyalty to Marner, not the opinions of critics or the expectations of Maple Leafs supporters.

Mitch Marner’s exit from Toronto came through a sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for forward Nicolas Roy. Marner then signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with Vegas.

His departure marked the end of a significant era, as he left the Maple Leafs ranked fifth in all-time franchise points, with 741 points in nine seasons. While the move sparked emotional responses from fans, Marner’s legacy as a homegrown star remains an important chapter in the Maple Leafs’ history.

The Vegas Golden Knights have made a major move by acquiring star forward Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Nicolas Roy. The announcement was made by General Manager Kelly McCrimmon on July 1.

Following the trade, Marner signed an eight-year contract extension with the Golden Knights worth $12 million per season through 2032-33. The 28-year-old forward will wear No. 93 as he begins a new chapter with the reigning 2022-23 Stanley Cup champions.

Marner Delivers Elite Production, Playoff Consistency, and Two-Way Excellence Throughout Career

Marner brings an impressive NHL résumé, having tallied 741 points (221 goals, 520 assists) in 657 games over nine seasons with Toronto. His total points rank fifth in Maple Leafs franchise history and were the most on the team since his debut in 2016-17.

In the 2024-25 season, he posted a career-high 102 points, including 75 assists, the third-most in the NHL. A three-time NHL All-Star (2020, 2023, 2024), Marner has consistently ranked among the league’s elite forwards and was a finalist for the Selke Trophy in 2023 due to his two-way excellence.

Marner has been a playoff fixture throughout his NHL career, helping Toronto reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of his nine seasons. He leads the Maple Leafs in postseason scoring during that span with 63 points in 70 games.

Known for his durability and work ethic, Marner has also led Toronto forwards in time on ice for the past seven playoff appearances. In the 2025 postseason, he added 13 points in 13 games as the Leafs fell to Florida in a tightly contested seven-game series in the second round.

From Junior Stardom to International Glory, Marner Brings Winning Pedigree to Vegas

Internationally, Marner has proudly represented Canada on several occasions. Most recently, he played a key role in Canada’s championship win at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring three points across four games and delivering clutch performances, including an overtime game-winner against Finland and an assist on the title-clinching goal versus the United States. He also earned a silver medal at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, finishing with 12 points in 10 games.

Before his NHL career, Marner excelled in junior hockey with the London Knights of the OHL. In 2016, he led the team to a Memorial Cup championship, earning MVP honors and being named the CHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year.

His junior dominance propelled him to be selected fourth overall by Toronto in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Now with Vegas, Marner adds elite offensive firepower and championship ambition to a Golden Knights squad already known for their aggressive roster-building and pursuit of Stanley Cups.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner is set to be one of the most sought-after names in the 2025 NHL free agent class. After completing a six-year, $65 million deal, Marner’s next contract decision is drawing considerable speculation.

Notably, Marner is reportedly considering an unconventional approach to free agency—potentially avoiding a standard long-term deal in favor of a shorter one. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, multiple NHL teams believe Marner may prefer a short-term agreement that positions him to benefit from rising league revenues in the near future.

Short-Term Deal Offers Flexibility, But Playoff Struggles Cloud Marner’s Long-Term Outlook

LeBrun reports that Marner is mulling a two-year contract in the range of $12 to $13 million per year. This strategy could allow him to re-enter the market when the NHL’s salary cap, expected to exceed $113 million, gives players more financial leverage.

By taking this path, Marner would aim to maximize his career earnings while retaining flexibility. However, such a strategy also introduces risk, particularly around injury or performance decline, which could significantly impact his value at age 30.

While Marner has been consistently productive in the regular season—averaging over a point per game throughout his previous contract—his postseason record continues to be a source of criticism.

Toronto’s playoff disappointments have led many to question whether the team should consider parting ways with its current core. Marner’s perceived underperformance in the playoffs may provide further justification for the Leafs to entertain moving on as they pursue a roster overhaul.

Teams Show Interest, But Marner’s Short-Term Gamble Carries High Stakes and Risk

In his column, LeBrun speculated on several teams that could pursue Marner if he hits the open market. The Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings were named as realistic contenders, while the Dallas Stars were mentioned as a surprising but unlikely suitor. Despite their interest, Dallas’ cap constraints—especially after re-signing Mikko Rantanen—make them a long shot to afford Marner without major roster adjustments.

Marner’s potential decision to sign a short-term deal would represent a calculated bet on his continued health and performance. At age 28, he would be 30 by the time he re-enters free agency, still within his prime but closer to the age when teams start to evaluate long-term risk more critically.

If he stays healthy and maintains his elite production, the payoff could be massive under a higher salary cap. However, the decision is not without significant risk, making this an intriguing storyline as NHL free agency approaches.