Looking back at the crazy Mitch Marner trade rumors this past summer
Remember when Mitch Marner was rumored to be pursued by the Vegas Golden Knights? That was a wild time. Let's look back on what could've been.
This past summer, there was a wave of rumors about Mitch Marner being traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights. It's enough to make a bearded lawyer who hates the song, "Y.M.C.A.", have a panic attack.
But there were good reasons behind the rumors. Marner was in the last year of his current deal with the Maple Leafs. Given that they were hard-pressed for cap space with players like Auston Matthews ($13.25 million AAV) and William Nylander ($11.5 million AAV), there was the possibility the winger wasn't returning to the "Core Four".
After all, it'd be hard to sign a guy expected to make more than the current $10.903 million he makes annually. How will the Maple Leafs manage their situation when they have $731,562 to work with now?
On the Golden Knights side, you just lost your franchise player to the bright lights of the Grand Ole Opry. Now, that 5'9" winger is hob-nobbing with Carrie Underwood, singing about guys who cheat. Where, oh where, will Kelly McCrimmon find a right wing star to compliment Jack Eichel?
At first, the consensus was his former teammate, Victor Olofsson. The former Sabres forward had three goals in four games before suffering a lower-body injury this season. However, that role eventually went to Mark Stone, who scored six goals and 15 assists before suffering a lower-body injury himself.
Would the Golden Knights have been much better than they currently are? What about the Maple Leafs? Are they thriving in potentially the last year of the "Core Four?" Wednesday's matchup between both clubs could indicate what could've been, specifically with names like Marner and Shea Theodore front and center.
How the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights are currently doing
The Toronto Maple Leafs are sitting in second place in the Atlantic Division as of Monday. They're one point behind the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, with 24 points. They're 7-2-1 in their last ten games, earning 15 points during that stretch.
Mitch Marner leads the Maple Leafs in points (24) and assists (18). In fact, he's scored points (five goals, 12 assists) in 10 of his last 11 games. The winger has elevated the Maple Leafs offensively, turning them into a regular-season juggernaut. But will that finally translate into postseason success and a Stanley Cup? Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights currently sit in first place in the Pacific Division entering Monday. They have a record of 11-5-2 and 24 points, one point ahead of the Los Angeles Kings. They're tied for third in goals per game with four and have the second-best (!) power play in the NHL (34.0%).
One of the main trade targets, Shea Theodore, has 12 assists in 17 games this season. He just signed a seven-year, $51.975 million extension to remain with the Golden Knights, meaning he's going nowhere anywhere any time soon.
Other proposed names such as William Karlsson (four goals, five assists in 10 games) and Brayden McNabb (40 blocked shots, 31 hits in 18 games) have also done well. In fact, McNabb earned a contract extension, staying for three more years at $10.95 million.
What if the Golden Knights pulled the trigger on Marner?
Let's say for argument's sake that he did go to the Vegas Golden Knights. He gets sent over and Theodore doesn't get his extension. What would've happened to Mitch Marner and the Golden Knights?
For one, the Golden Knights would've gotten another terrific winger with great offensive acumen. He reads and reacts accordingly, setting up the play as it happens. The 27-year-old also has excellent puck control, playmaking ability, and scores goals.
He would've been a great complimentary piece to Jack Eichel on the top line. Eichel already has a proven track record of elevating his players on the wing, ranging from Jonathan Marchessault (42 goals last season, three goals this season) to Mark Stone in 2024-25. Therefore, it would've been business as usual for the duo as they would've created countless scoring opportunities.
Still, it doesn't matter since the Golden Knights are thriving without Marner on the team. Stone was elevating the top line with Eichel before going down with a lower-body injury, stepping in on the right wing. Would there have been a purpose now even with Stone thriving on the top unit?
The Golden Knights will be fine without Mitch Marner
There was a point in time where the Vegas Golden Knights could've used a talented winger like Mitch Marner. An offensively dynamic player of his caliber would've elevated the team on many levels, ranging from the power play to the top line. Plus, the Golden Knights would've gotten a younger, bigger player to replace Marchessault.
However, that time has passed and the Golden Knights don't need him anymore. Even with a projected $5,524,395 in deadline cap space, the team has other needs. For example, they need a shutdown defenseman to replace Alec Martinez's production.
Granted, moving pieces around will be tough, especially with Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb extended. However, getting the 27-year-old from the Toronto Maple Leafs isn't so much of a priority now. Eichel will need a contract extension himself, with his deal expiring after the 2025-26 season.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are contending and will look to acquire pieces themselves. There's also the strong possibility they could look into extending their superstar winger during the offseason (or regular season). Therefore, it's best to move on and refocus efforts on building defensive depth.
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