Big changes could be coming to Toronto, and fast. A potential Mitch Marner trade to the Vegas Golden Knights is heating up again. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman just reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas are actively working on a sign-and-trade deal for the 27-year-old winger.
This isn’t one of those rumors that comes and goes.
Talks between the two teams have been happening on and off all week, and now it looks like there’s real traction. If it happens, Marner would sign an eight-year contract with Toronto and then be traded to Vegas, giving him that extra year of term he couldn’t get on the open market.
In return, the Leafs are expected to get Nicolas Roy, a 28-year-old center who fits exactly what Toronto’s bottom six needs. He’s 6’4″, tough, and knows how to play both ends of the ice.
Something to keep an eye: on-and-off this week, Toronto and Vegas have been discussing the possibility of a sign-and-trade involving Mitch Marner
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 28, 2025
Likelihood of it happening: hard to say. But talks have occurred and continue to do so.
Roy scored 15 goals and had 31 points this past season for the Golden Knights. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done and would bring stability to a lineup that’s lacked depth at center for a while.
This kind of move would help the Leafs avoid losing Marner for nothing in free agency. It also clears up cap space and lets Toronto retool with players who better fit their needs.
The deal isn’t done yet, though. Brad Treliving, the Leafs GM, stayed quiet when asked about it after the NHL Draft, and TSN’s Darren Dreger confirmed no trade call has been made.
Still, there’s a real chance it gets done before July 1st. Marner has to be on board, but if he is, things could move quickly.
In case you missed it: Paul Bissonnette goes full Uncle Mode on Mitch Marner: “Shut the F* Up and Dig In!”
At the same time, the Leafs are working on another big task, getting Matthew Knies signed. He’s set to become a restricted free agent, and the team is trying to lock him in before that happens.
The latest reports say a five-year deal worth around $7 million per season is being finalized. While the number might feel high now, with the salary cap expected to rise, it’ll likely look like a solid deal in a couple of seasons.
Knies has been one of Toronto’s most important young players, and keeping him away from offer sheets is a must. With John Tavares now signed to a new four-year extension, the Leafs are putting all focus on Knies.
A deal could come at any moment, and if it does, it would be a huge win for the front office.
Toronto fans are used to drama, but this week feels like it’s on another level. A blockbuster Marner trade. A major contract for Knies. Draft picks being made. Free agency around the corner. Everything is happening at once, and it’s clear the Maple Leafs are not standing still.
There’s no guarantee that everything goes according to plan, but one thing is certain, this summer could reshape the Leafs in a major way. All eyes are on Toronto.