The hottest name on the free-agent market has signed, even if it is not quite free agency yet. Mitch Marner, a nine-year veteran, signed an eight-year contract extension with the Leafs, and was then promptly moved via trade. He was subsequently traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. The deal itself is worth $12 million a season. More details on the trade to come. The return is currently being reported as Nicolas Roy. The deal is said to be one-for-one.
8 X $12M for Marner https://t.co/04I4Skg2Sg
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 30, 2025
Marner Leaves the Leafs via Trade
Until today, Marner had spent his entire nine-year career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his career, Marner has scored 220 goals. His best season as far as goals scored came in 2021-22 when he scored 35 goals and recorded 97 points. Last season, Marner set a career-high in points with 102, scoring 27 goals and recording 75 assists.
While Marner was unable to help the Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup, he did help end their streak of first-round losses in 2023. Furthermore, Marner helped the Leafs reach the second round this past season before they were eliminated.
Elite Forward Joins Golden Knights
Playing on a roster that includes someone like Auston Matthews can make it hard to notice someone’s value. However, with the Marner trade, Vegas is getting someone who was always catching attention. During the 2022-23 season, Marner finished third in Selke Trophy voting, the closest he has gotten to the award so far in his career. The Ontario native is a strong two-way forward, who has gotten attention in the Selke voting. While Marner has not won the award yet, no one will be surprised if he wins one down the road.
Despite his defensive talent, Marner’s offence is his greatest asset. In seven of his nine seasons, Marner has scored 20+ goals. In addition, he has two 30+ goal seasons. On the power play, Marner has scored at least six power-play goals in six seasons. Lastly, he has recorded no less than 42 assists in each of his nine seasons.
Marner’s Next Chapter After Trade
This contract begins a new chapter in Marner’s career. At 28-years old, he still has a lot of hockey left in him. Marner will continue to put up strong offensive numbers and may one day get his hands on the Selke Trophy. Of course, Marner’s ultimate goal will be to hoist the Stanley Cup.
Pending trade call being completed. As was previously reported/speculated, assuming it goes through, it will be Nic Roy to TOR and signed Mitch Marner to VGK. The trade is, I believe, one for one. https://t.co/9y2wn1Q5Km
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 30, 2025
The Leafs Story
We had heard late in the season that Marner wasn’t coming back. Therefore, the Leafs have had other priorities. John Tavares, Steven Lorentz, and Matthew Knies were all just signed to extensions. As well, general manager Brad Treliving was able to add Matias Maccelli today. Now, landing a forward like Roy, is really icing on the cake. If you consider that they would have very likely lost Marner in free agency anyway.
Roy is a 6’4″ centre, who is coming off a tied-for-career-high 15 goals. He’s a steady depth centre, who plays a tough game. A game that will help come playoff time. The Leafs sure have been busy, and even though it is a solemn end of a superstar’s time there, a new chapter for team and player is now set to begin
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton- Imagn Images
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