Marner Joins Golden Knights, Seeking Stanley Cup Glory

Mitch Marner, beaming, displayed his new Golden Knights jersey to reporters in Las Vegas. He showed off the front and back before pulling it over his head as General Manager Kelly McCrimmon looked on with excitement. His wife, Stephanie LaChance, held their nearly two-month-old son as the former Maple Leafs star spoke about his new surroundings in the Nevada desert. After nine years in Toronto, he agreed to a trade to Vegas hours before he could become an unrestricted free agent.

Marner expressed his desire to be in a place where he could win, aiming to hoist the Stanley Cup. He acknowledged playing on good teams in Toronto with talented players, but they couldn't overcome the challenges. He felt Vegas was a top choice and a good fit. The Maple Leafs made the playoffs every year of Marner's tenure but never advanced past the second round. The Golden Knights, an expansion team in 2017, won their first Stanley Cup in 2023.

Vegas began pursuing Marner mid-season, but progress was slow until the last month. He agreed to the deal on Friday, and it took several days to finalize. He signed an eight-year contract with the Golden Knights, with an annual average value of US$12 million, slightly more than he earned in Toronto. The team is already selling his No. 93 jersey.

General Manager McCrimmon stated that Marner was their target, highlighting him as one of the best forwards in the NHL with elite talent. He believed this was the perfect time for Marner to make the change. As Marner departs the Maple Leafs, he ranks high in the club's all-time offensive categories.

Marner consulted with former teammates Max Pacioretty and Ryan Reaves, who played in Vegas. He received welcoming calls from future teammates Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. The wives and girlfriends of players have also reached out to Stephanie. Marner noted that Las Vegas offers more than just the strip, and many aspects of the city appealed to him.

Nicolas Roy, acquired by Toronto from Vegas as part of the Marner trade, was introduced to the media via video call. Roy, a 28-year-old center, spent six years with the Golden Knights and was part of their Stanley Cup win in 2023. He has three years remaining on his contract. He was surprised by the trade but focused on preparing for the season and being part of a winning team.

Toronto also made several minor signings, including left wing Michael Pezzetta, veteran center Travis Boyd, and forward Benoit Olivier Groulx. The team also re-signed minor league defenceman Dakota Mermis.