The Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights hype is real.
According to NHL Insider Darren Dreger, there are ongoing talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Golden Knights to complete a sign-and-trade for Marner.
Marner is likely going to earn somewhere in the $12 million-$14 million annual average range, while the term, whether it be a two-year or a six or seven-year deal, is still to be determined.
A supremely talented winger, Marner is going to rack up regular season points and play a solid 200-foot game on whichever team he plays for next season. But, there are a few obstacles for Vegas.
For one, the Golden Knights only have about $5.6 million in cap space. Marner will cost at least double that, so there are some uncomfortable decisions on the horizon. Tomas Hertl has floated in trade rumors as he is owed $6.75 million every year until 2030. Marner is a better overall player, and Hertl would be worthy collateral.
Vegas could also look to get off someone like forward Ivan Barbashev ($5 million annually until 2029) or one of the defensemen, Brayden McNabb ($3.65 million until 2029) or Zach Whitecloud ($3.65 million until 2029).
Toronto might be interested in one of the latter defensemen, and probably prefers NHL-ready talent to prospects or picks. The Maple Leafs are in win-now mode and will do everything in their power not to lose Marner for nothing.
Marner is not a perfect fit on this Golden Knights team that loves to win below the goal line and forecheck opponents into submission. His lack of postseason success is also cause for concern.
But, Vegas is never afraid to pull off a blockbuster, and no bigger deals are brewing than the Marner one.
