REPORT: Golden Knights, Maple Leafs and Hurricanes Discussed Three-Team Deal Involving Mitch Marner At The Trade Deadline

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) adjusts his helmet after a play against the Florida Panthers during the first period of game seven of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Since the conclusion of the Vegas Golden Knights' 2024-25 season, they've been linked and named as possible favorites to land top free agent Mitch Marner. A recent report shared by The Athletic's James Mirtle states that the Golden Knights nearly completed a three-team trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes, which would have sent Marner to Vegas.

The Maple Leafs and the Hurricanes were two of the busiest teams at the trade deadline. A report shared earlier indicated that the Maple Leafs had pursued Mikko Rantanen, agreeing to a swap of Marner for Rantanen; however, Marner waived his no-trade clause. The Maple Leafs also had a pair of other deals in place for Rantanen, but the Hurricanes felt the offer from the Dallas Stars was better.

The three-way trade between these teams never formulated because the Golden Knights and the Hurricanes were apparently unable to find the right assets to complete the deal, and it remains unclear if Marner was asked to waive his no-movement clause.

The Maple Leafs also spoke with the Golden Knights last offseason about another Marner trade, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The Maple Leafs were rejected when they asked for defenseman Shea Theodore in return, who signed a seven-year, $52-million extension with the Golden Knights just a few months later.

Although the Golden Knights have failed to acquire Marner in a couple of instances, their chances remain high. Reports shared have mentioned that Vegas is a destination which Marner would be willing to sign with. GM Kelly McCrimmon will need to make some moves to be able to fit him under the salary cap, but the dream remains alive.

REPORT: Golden Knights Emerging As A Landing Spot For Top Free Agent Mitch MarnerAccording to multiple reports, the Vegas Golden Knights are emerging as a very realistic landing spot for top free agent Mitch Marner.

At the moment, insiders consider Ivan Barbashev and Nicolas Hague as the most expendable players on the roster, but some believe William Karlsson could be in play, and considerable interest is expected, especially from the Maple Leafs.

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