New Development Emerges Involving Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights

From all accounts, it appears as though Mitch Marner's time in Toronto is over, as the star forward is set to depart the team in free agency and embark on the next phase in his stellar NHL career.

Reports have listed Anaheim, Los Angeles, Vegas and even Florida as interested parties in Marner coming off a career high 102 points in 2024/25, and from varying different reports, he could end up in any of these places.

One thing that many have speculated and all but confirmed however is that Marner and the Maple Leafs aren't interested in a sign-and-trade, but now, James Mirtle of The Athletic has confirmed the one team that an exception could be made for.

According to Mirtle, Marner's camp wants him to go to free agency on July 1st and have his choice of team, but likely due to the fact that Vegas would have to move some salary around to fit Marner in, the belief is that a sign-and-trade is possible in this one scenario only.

If Marner decides he wants to sign elsewhere, with the Panthers, Kings and Ducks all in the race, it will likely be as a free agent on July 1st, and right now, that appears to be the direction things are headed, but don't count out the surprising sign-and-trade, especially after the recent news that Vegas tried to trade for him at the 2025 deadline.

Ultimately, Marner's decision could have a huge ripple effect on the NHL, and at this point, no one quite knows where he's headed, but if he lands in Vegas with the trade being facilitated by a sign-and-trade, look for them to be a genuine contender once more in 2025/26.