The Golden Knights are reportedly finalizing a trade to acquire Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marner was poised to be a major free agent. The trade grants the Knights an exclusive opportunity to negotiate with him before the market officially opens. This arrangement also allows the Golden Knights to potentially offer Marner an eight-year contract extension, whereas he would only be eligible for a seven-year deal if he entered free agency.
Details of the trade have not been disclosed yet. Marner, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft, has been with the Maple Leafs for nine seasons, establishing himself as a premier two-way forward in the NHL. He has accumulated 741 points in 657 games and has consistently received Selke Trophy votes over the past seven years.
Last season, Marner achieved a personal best with 102 points and has surpassed the 90-point threshold four times in his career. As discussions continue, this trade could significantly impact the Knights’ roster and the upcoming free agency landscape.