Overview

• Mitch Marner inked an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights as part of a sign-and-trade finalized June 30.
• The Toronto Maple Leafs received center Nicolas Roy as the sole return, fulfilling GM Brad Treliving’s aim to secure an asset rather than risk losing Marner for nothing.
• Marner posted a candid Instagram message saying he “gave everything” but fell short of his goal to bring a Stanley Cup to Toronto.
• His departure formally closes the Maple Leafs’ “Core Four” era, which featured Marner alongside Auston Matthews, John Tavares and William Nylander in a span of prolific regular seasons without playoff breakthroughs.
• NHL analysts highlighted the contentious nature of Marner’s exit, with Bryan Hayes likening it to Vince Carter’s 2004 Raptors departure and Elliotte Friedman reaffirming his Vegas prediction.