Mitch Marner is close to having clarity on his future. His contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs has not been extended, and he has already made the final decision to test the market. However, as the NHL offseason approaches, the Vegas Golden Knights could offer the 28-year-old forward a fresh start.
Many teams are closely following Marner’s situation. In recent days, teams ranging from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Los Angeles Kings have hinted that they are interested in the Maple Leafs star as of July 1.
However, time is a major factor in the race between franchises for such a coveted player. In that vein, Vegas wants to get ahead of the curve and make a splash in line with Toronto‘s preferences. The Maple Leafs want to make the most of the situation.
Could Marner join the Golden Knights?
“Mitch Marner sign-and-trade sounds unlikely, his camp wants to go to July 1st; Vegas may be the one team where it might be possible to do that kind of transaction,” reported NHL insider James Mirtle, according to information provided by SN 590.
In a context where both Marner and his camp have decided to test the free agency market, the Golden Knights would have an advantage over their competitors. According to Mirtle, a trade between Toronto and Vegas is not entirely out of the question.
Marner closes the possibilities
Even if the franchises have a good relationship, the reality is that Marner is determined to wait until July 1. This stance closes the possibilities and leaves Toronto with little chance of making a trade. However, everything remains to be seen in this story that seems to have just begun.