Talks are underway between the Vegas Golden Knights and Toronto Maple Leafs regarding a sign-and-trade for star forward Mitch Marner. According to reports from TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, no trade call has been made yet, and nothing is signed.
The situation will likely not be resolved on Saturday, with further work needed to determine the return for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marner, an unrestricted free agent on July 1, has hinted that his team might be preparing for life without him next season.
Leafs general manager Brad Treliving prefers to get something rather than nothing for Marner, if possible. While speaking with reporters after the NHL Draft, Treliving mentioned that he would anticipate Marner hitting the market unless there’s significant change in negotiations.
The Maple Leafs can still sign Marner after free agency opens but will lose the right to offer him an eight-year contract. With NHL teams limited to seven years on the open market, the 28-year-old winger is set to come off a six-year, $65.41 million contract.
Mitch Marner’s stats and background:
– Recorded 27 goals and 102 points in 81 games last season
– Added two goals and 13 points in 13 playoff games
– Set to leave on July 1 as an unrestricted free agent
– Fifth all-time in Maple Leafs scoring with 221 goals and 741 points in 657 career games
Treliving mentioned that the team had communicated with Marner, but there hasn’t been much change. The Maple Leafs can still offer him a contract, but it would be limited to seven years.
Source: https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/talks-ongoing-between-vegas-golden-knights-toronto-maple-leafs-regarding-mitch-marner-1.2328571