In a revelation that’s sending shockwaves across the NHL landscape, insider Elliotte Friedman has dropped a bombshell regarding the future of Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner. After weeks of intense speculation, swirling rumors, and whispers behind closed doors, Friedman has identified the Vegas Golden Knights as the most likely destination for the dynamic winger if a trade materializes this offseason.
The Marner saga has been heating up ever since the Leafs’ early playoff exit, and fans have been on edge waiting for updates. With his no-movement clause kicking in on July 1, the clock is ticking for the Maple Leafs front office to make a franchise-altering decision. According to Friedman during a recent appearance on the 32 Thoughts podcast, all signs point toward Vegas being the frontrunner in the Marner sweepstakes.
The Vegas Golden Knights are no strangers to bold, headline-grabbing moves. From acquiring Jack Eichel to trading for Alex Pietrangelo and Mark Stone, they have consistently demonstrated a win-now mentality and a willingness to move pieces around to get top-tier talent. Marner fits perfectly into that mold. The 27-year-old winger is not only a point-producing machine but also an elite playmaker with excellent defensive instincts. Vegas is reportedly enticed by the idea of pairing Marner with Eichel, forming what could be one of the most dangerous duos in the Western Conference.
Sources close to the situation reveal that preliminary talks have already begun between Vegas and Toronto, with names like Shea Theodore, Nicolas Roy, and top prospects potentially being floated as part of the return package. The Golden Knights are believed to be preparing for the possibility of freeing up cap space by making other key moves, as they look to absorb Marner’s $10.9 million cap hit.
Friedman noted that while other teams are interested — including the Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, and even a surprise mention of the Detroit Red Wings — the Golden Knights are currently seen as the most aggressive and capable of structuring a deal that works for both sides. Vegas has the flexibility, the assets, and the mindset to push a deal over the finish line, especially with a championship core still in place.
The pressure is immense on Toronto’s new management regime to reshape the roster without taking a significant step back. Shipping out a player of Marner’s caliber is no easy task, and the return has to justify not only his on-ice value but the symbolic message it sends to a passionate fanbase tired of early exits. Moving him to the Western Conference and out of direct competition is also a strategic move, one that makes Vegas an even more appealing partner.
As July approaches, expect the Marner-Vegas narrative to gain even more traction. The groundwork is being laid, and the smoke is turning into fire. If Friedman’s sources are correct — and they usually are — then we could be looking at one of the biggest trades in recent NHL memory, with Mitch Marner donning the gold and black of Vegas in 2025.