NHL free agency usually brings wild drama and league-shifting moves, but this offseason felt a little different. Most teams took a laid-back approach, passing on blockbuster trades and headline signings.
The Vegas Golden Knights, though, didn’t just dip their toes in the water– they dove in headfirst. General manager Kelly McCrimmon landed forward Mitch Marner on a massive $96 million contract, and the rest of the league is paying attention.
How Will Mitch Marner’s Arrival Change the Vegas Golden Knights?
Marner’s exit from the Maple Leafs wasn’t exactly shocking, given how trade rumors swirled for weeks. Still, joining the Golden Knights takes him from one star-studded roster to another, and it’s got league veterans talking.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk shared his thoughts on a recent episode of “Leafs Morning Take,” sitting down with hosts Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill to break down what Marner’s move means for the Western Conference.
Tkachuk pointed out that last season, Toronto posted one of the deepest rosters in the league, and Marner played a major role in that. When asked about Marner, Tkachuk said, “I know Matthew played with Mitch [Marner], and I’ve just gotten to know Mitch over the last couple of years.” He also talked about their time with the London Knights in the OHL, showing just how far back the ties run.
Negotiating contracts in the NHL is always a grind, and Tkachuk laid it out clearly: “So obviously, I don’t really know the ins and outs of the negotiation. I know how my negotiation went.”
He described how the process isn’t always smooth. “It’s not all sunshine and rainbows until something gets done, and it becomes great. Vegas could be the best thing for him.” For Marner, Tkachuk feels it’s all about finding the right fit, and Vegas looks ready to be that spot.
Why Could Mitch Marner’s Playmaking Thrive as a Golden Knight?
For years, Marner has been known as one of the top playmakers in hockey, setting up teammates and generating offense. Last season, he racked up 102 points with 27 goals and a career-best 75 assists, showing just how dangerous he can be with the puck on his stick. It’s no wonder that Vegas looks like an ideal landing spot for his style of play.
Tkachuk sees the challenge ahead, saying, “When it comes to a change, I bet the change is hard, but we’ll have to kind of wait and see.” Vegas isn’t just a talented squad– their core already has a championship under its belt after winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. Adding Marner to a team loaded with offensive weapons only increases their firepower.
Jake Eichel put up a career-best 94 points as the Golden Knights’ center last year and now gets Marner alongside him on the right wing. That combo could give opponents headaches defensively and set the stage for even higher scoring nights.
Mark Stone and Shea Theodore are also performing at their peak, and with Marner joining the mix, Western Conference teams know they’re facing a true powerhouse lineup.