The Vegas Golden Knights have never been a team that sits quietly during the NHL’s off-season, and this summer may be no different. 

With big names potentially hitting the open market, including Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, all signs point to Vegas once again positioning itself to make a splash.

TSN and The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun recently suggested that Marner will probably look at Vegas as one potential landing spot. The Golden Knights have five pending UFAs and four pending RFAs, but they rarely wait around or miss an opportunity to make a splash, so they could make cap space to give Marner what he wants. 

The Golden Knights Haven’t Needed Much of An Excuse To Change Things Up

The Golden Knights have a history of not being loyal to their players, such as not re-signing Jonathan Marchessault last summer, trading Reilly Smith after winning the Stanley Cup in 2023 and sending away most of their first-round prospects. If they want to acquire somebody else, they can part with a longtime player if necessary.

Vegas might be ready to pounce after falling short against the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of the playoffs. Even when the Golden Knights remain a powerhouse club, they don’t stand pat, sending off excellent players to create cap room.

This summer, their pending free agents are mainly depth players, so there’s less pressure to keep all of them. If they do re-sign most of them, that could also mean clearing salary through trades to make room for a marquee acquisition. 

If Vegas wants to pull off such a bold move, it will likely involve another round of salary cap gymnastics. They’ve done it before, trading away players and assets, such as Max Pacioretty, Marc-Andre Fleury, Shea Weber’s contract, Ryan Reaves, Nate Schmidt, Paul Stastny and Smith in past years.

Whether it was trading for Tomas Hertl, Noah Hanifin, Jack Eichel or Mark Stone, the Golden Knights aren’t afraid to make a surprise move that shakes up the NHL landscape.

Could The Golden Knights Target Marner?

Marner, who just wrapped up a 102-point season, is the top NHL player set to become available on July 1. His combination of elite skill, age and experience makes him the most significant free agent to hit the market in years. That might be too tempting for Vegas to pass up. 

Naturally, several teams, such as the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings, are likely to kick tires on Marner. But according to LeBrun, Marner is expected to consider some of the usual destinations, such as the Florida Panthers and, notably, the Golden Knights.

Three Potential Free-Agency Landing Spots For Mitch MarnerIn the wake of Toronto's second-round playoff loss to Florida, Mitch Marner's name has been all over the headlines.

The potential fit in Vegas makes a lot of sense for Marner. The Golden Knights are competitive every season, and if he signs there, he does so for good money on a team with one of the lowest tax percentages in the NHL and a chance to play alongside Jack Eichel, who had 28 goals and 66 assists for a career high 94 points this season. A Marner and Eichel pairing could form one of the most dynamic one-two punches in the league.

Whether it’s a good idea to give up several pieces to sign one elite right winger with a history of falling short in the playoffs is another topic. But the Golden Knights already have Cup-winning experience to impart on Marner, who had 13 points in 13 playoff games this year and 63 points in 70 games in his post-season career.

For Vegas, it often doesn’t matter whether it’s the best move or not. They like to make headlines and sign the player everyone else wanted. If the superstar hits free agency on July 1, don’t be surprised if the Golden Knights win the sweepstakes.

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