Mitch Marner Traded to Vegas Golden Knights, Signs $96M Contract

In a significant shake-up for both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights, forward Mitch Marner has been traded from Toronto to Vegas, where he has signed an eight-year contract worth $96 million, effective immediately. This monumental move, reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet on June 30, 2025, marks the end of Marner's nine-season tenure with the Maple Leafs.

Marner, 28, was selected fourth overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2015 NHL Draft and quickly became a pivotal player for the franchise. Over his career in Toronto, Marner amassed 741 points across 657 regular season games, averaging more than a point per game. His playoff performance has also been notable, with 63 points in 70 games. Despite his individual success, Marner's time in Toronto was marred by the team's repeated playoff disappointments, including their latest exit in a 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the second round this past season.

According to Kyle Dubas, the former General Manager of the Maple Leafs, Marner’s contributions to the team were invaluable, but the decision to trade him stemmed from the need to redefine the team's core after multiple playoff failures. "Mitch has been a crucial part of our organization, but we believe this trade will create new opportunities for both the team and him," Dubas stated in a recent interview.

Marner's contract with the Golden Knights includes an average annual value (AAV) of $12 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. His previous contract, signed in September 2019, was for $10.9 million, and Marner had reportedly declined to waive his no-trade clause earlier this year for a potential deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Historically, Marner ranks fifth on the all-time scoring list for the Maple Leafs, trailing legends such as Mats Sundin and Darryl Sittler. His scoring prowess was a key factor in Toronto's strategies, and his departure raises questions about the future direction of the franchise.

The Maple Leafs’ core group, which includes star players Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly, has struggled to advance past the first round of the playoffs, winning only twice in eight seasons. This trade could signify a broader shift in strategy for Toronto as they seek to revamp their approach to postseason success.

In contrast, the Golden Knights are poised to benefit significantly from Marner’s skill set. As they aim to solidify their roster for future championship runs, Marner's ability to produce points could prove essential. "We are excited to welcome Mitch to the Golden Knights organization. His elite skills and competitive spirit will be invaluable as we pursue our championship goals," said Vegas General Manager Kelly McCrimmon.

As the NHL enters a new season, the implications of this trade will ripple through both franchises. The Golden Knights will look to integrate Marner into their lineup effectively, while the Maple Leafs will need to reassess their strategy moving forward without one of their top scorers.

The future remains uncertain for both teams, but one thing is clear: the landscape of the NHL continues to evolve as teams strive for success in a highly competitive environment. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this significant trade unfolds in the upcoming season.