Every NHL off-season, the Vegas Golden Knights seem to be in the spotlight. They are known for making bold moves, and this summer could be no different. One big name being mentioned in trade rumours is Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner. With his future in Toronto looking uncertain, all eyes are on Vegas as a possible landing spot.
Vegas Has a History of Big Moves
The Golden Knights are not afraid to shake things up. In recent years, they’ve made some huge trades and let go of key players, even if it surprised fans. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2023, they traded Reilly Smith. They also didn’t re-sign Jonathan Marchessault, one of their original players. And let’s not forget how they’ve moved on from stars like Max Pacioretty, Marc-André Fleury, Paul Stastny and more.
Vegas has also traded several of their top draft picks to bring in big names. Players like Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl are just a few examples. The team clearly believes in going all-in to win now, even if that means taking risks.
Can Vegas Make Room for Marner?
Vegas already has a strong team, but they’re always looking to improve. This summer, most of their pending free agents are depth players—not their stars. That gives them some flexibility. If they want to sign someone like Mitch Marner, they could create salary cap space by trading away a few contracts.
They’ve done this before. In past off-seasons, the Golden Knights moved players and contracts around to fit within the cap. If they want Marner, they’ll likely have to do that again.
Why Marner Fits the Golden Knights
Mitch Marner just finished a great season with 102 points. At 27 years old, he’s in his prime and still improving. He’s a skilled right winger with strong playmaking abilities. Several teams are interested in him, including the Kings, Ducks, Red Wings, Blackhawks, and Panthers. But reports suggest Vegas could be high on his list.
One major reason? Vegas is a competitive team with low taxes and a strong chance to win again. If Marner joins Vegas, he could be paired with Jack Eichel, who had 94 points last season. That duo could become one of the most exciting in the NHL.
Is It a Smart Move?
While Marner is an elite player, some fans worry about his playoff record. He has 63 points in 70 playoff games, which isn’t bad, but he’s often been criticized for underperforming when it matters most. Still, the Golden Knights already have playoff experience and leadership. They could be the team to help Marner take the next step.
Vegas doesn’t always go for the safest option—they go for the biggest splash. If Marner becomes a free agent on July 1, don’t be surprised if the Golden Knights pull off another headline-making move.
The Vegas Golden Knights have built their reputation on taking bold chances. Signing Mitch Marner would be another big step in that direction. While it would take some salary cap juggling and tough roster decisions, it fits their usual off-season strategy. Marner could thrive in a competitive, winning environment like Vegas, especially playing alongside other stars. Whether it’s the smartest long-term decision is up for debate, but if history tells us anything, Vegas doesn’t mind taking that gamble.
