NHL Rumor: Mitch Marner almost left Toronto as Maple Leafs secretly held talks with Vegas

Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner was almost on the move last off-season. According to an NHL insider, he was part of trade talks with the Vegas Golden Knights . The deal did not happen, but it shows how close the team may have come to making a big change. Marner has been among Toronto's best performers for years, but the Leafs have had difficulties in the playoffs. His name shows up in trade gossip for this reason.

Mitch Marner's trade talk with Golden Knights was serious

Last summer, the Maple Leafs were thinking about big changes. An NHL insider has now shared that Mitch Marner was seriously discussed in trade talks with the Vegas Golden Knights. The idea was to shake up Toronto’s roster after another early playoff exit.

Elliotte Friedman: Toronto looked at moving Mitch Marner to Vegas last summer for Shea Theodore - 32 Thoughts Podcast
(Note: there were rumours about this last year)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) May 30, 2025

Vegas, the 2023 Stanley Cup champions, were said to be interested in adding more skill. Marner could have been a perfect fit for their fast and smart style of play. But no deal was made. It’s not clear how far talks went or who else was involved in the discussions.

Still, this shows that Toronto’s front office was open to moving one of its biggest stars. Marner has been a top scorer for the Leafs, known for his strong passing, smart plays, and work on both ends of the ice. He also has a big contract, which makes any trade complicated.

Also Read: Leafs Star Mitch Marner Might Be Gone By July, And What Brad Treliving Does Next Is Huge

Future still unclear for Mitch Marner in toronto
Even though Marner stayed in Toronto last season, the trade talk hasn’t stopped. Some fans and media believe the team might try again to move him this summer. The Leafs have great players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander. But after many playoff failures, some think it’s time to make a bold move.


Marner has one year left on his contract. He also has a no-movement clause that allows him to ban trades to teams he does not want to visit. That gives him power in any future talks. Still, if both sides agree, another big trade could happen.

For now, Marner is still a Maple Leaf. But with the team looking to get over the hump in the playoffs, changes could come soon.


Mitch Marner was involved in serious trade talks with the Vegas Golden Knights last off-season. The deal didn’t happen, but it shows Toronto was thinking about a major change. Marner is a key player, but the Leafs have not had playoff success. That’s why trade rumors continue.

As another season ends without a deep playoff run, Marner’s future in Toronto is still uncertain. He has talent, but the team may need a new direction. Fans will be watching closely to see what happens next.


Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is a topic of ongoing speculation. While both Marner and the team have expressed mutual interest in continuing their partnership, the final decision will depend on various factors, including contract negotiations and team strategy. As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring developments to see how this situation unfolds.


Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs remains uncertain. Despite his desire to stay, trade rumors persist, with the Los Angeles Kings reportedly interested. His contract status and tax implications may influence his decision.