Mitch Marner, after nine seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, arrives at the Vegas Golden Knights with a clear objective: to win the Stanley Cup, something that eluded him in his previous team.
Marner, 28, arrived in Vegas via a sign-and-trade deal before the start of NHL free agency on July 1. The Golden Knights sent Nicolas Roy to Toronto, and Marner signed an eight-year, $93 million contract, with a cap hit of $12 million per season, the highest on the team. The trade ended a turbulent stage for Marner in Toronto, where he was selected in the number 4 position in 2015. He became a key player alongside Auston Matthews, quickly earning the affection of the fans. Marner is fifth in franchise history with 741 points, including 221 goals and 520 assists in 657 regular season games. Mitch will be remembered as one of the greats of the Leafs. The statistics prove it. However, public support for Marner eroded in Toronto. Contract negotiations were difficult, culminating in a six-year deal with a high salary cap hit. Criticism focused on the lack of playoff success, as Toronto failed to advance past the second round during his time with the team. Marner’s postseason performance was below that of the regular season. Marner began to consider Vegas at the NHL trade deadline. The Leafs proposed a trade to another team, which he rejected due to a no-movement clause in his contract. Marner spoke with his former Golden Knights teammates, Ryan Reaves and Max Pacioretty, about life in Las Vegas. After the Leafs’ season ended, Marner discussed his options as a free agent with his family and agent. Although he was interested in other teams, he learned that Vegas and Toronto were negotiating a trade for his rights. Marner’s arrival at the Golden Knights generated interest. Speculation arose about possible accusations of manipulation by the Maple Leafs. Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon explained that the goal of the trade was to secure the eighth year of Marner’s contract, which would positively affect the salary cap impact. McCrimmon also denied rumors about seeking a short-term deal for Marner and denied the possibility of trading players like William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl. Finally, Marner arrives at the Golden Knights, a player capable of scoring 100 points, being one of the best defensive forwards in the league, and motivated to win a championship in his new home.I want to be in a place where I can win. That’s the main goal. I want to lift the Stanley Cup. This team has shown that it can do it. I’m lucky to be able to help bring it here.
Mitch Marner
I’ve been very lucky to be with very good teams and very good players. Unfortunately, we couldn’t overcome the obstacle and that really sucks, to be honest. But you have to look beyond things. We have a great new opportunity here, with an incredible team.
Mitch Marner
