In the latter half of the 2025 NHL draft, some rumors came to fruition surrounding highly-regarded pending UFA Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights.
Reports from TSN’s Darren Dreger and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs have been discussing a potential sign-and-trade with Vegas for the star right winger.
Friedman further reported that Toronto could be receiving center Nicolas Roy, with additional rumours suggesting defenseman Nicolas Hague could be involved as well. A great return for a player who could leave for free on July 1, almost too great.
I believe Nic Roy will be going to Toronto if this gets done https://t.co/lWRgGg60jn
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 28, 2025
On Sunday’s edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman shared that there could be some tension in negotiations behind the scenes between Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon and Toronto GM Brad Treliving.
The Sportsnet insider believes that the Maple Leafs could report the Golden Knights for tampering during their recruitment of Marner. However, Friedman added that if the Golden Knights give the Maple Leafs a return of their liking in a trade for Marner’s signing rights, the idea of filing for tampering against Vegas could go away.
It’s important to mention that Friedman said he has no evidence that there has been tampering in this situation, but he knows that the league is looking to “try and make an example out of someone.”
The NHL have been on high alert when it comes to tampering this season. Toward the end of the 2024 calendar year, the league sent out a memo about the consequences of being caught tampering.
If the league eventually takes action against the Golden Knights for tampering, they could face the following sanctions:
- Up to a $5-million fine
- Termination of any contracts that were signed
- Forfeiture of draft picks
- Awarding draft picks or cash to the offended club
As for Marner, he’d also be in danger of a fine up to $1 million, as well as potential suspension or worse.
For now, no deal has been put in place for a Marner sign-and-trade, and the 28-year-old right winger is still set to hit the free agent market on July 1.
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