Mitch Marner (Getty Images) Mitch Marner’s blockbuster sign-and-trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights shocked fans across the NHL this summer. But according to his longtime agent Darren Ferris, the decision didn’t play out the way he had envisioned. On the 100% Hockey With Millard & Shannon podcast, Ferris opened up about how Marner turned down his advice to explore free agency before sealing the $96 million deal.
Darren Ferris wanted Mitch Marner to test the market but the winger chose Vegas early
Ferris revealed he hoped Marner would go through the full process of meeting teams in free agency, describing it as the classic “dog and pony show.” But Marner’s mind was already made up. “I wanted that to go to free agency and do the whole dog and pony show, but he didn’t want to do it,” Ferris admitted. Instead, Marner was sold on Vegas after speaking directly with players who praised how the Golden Knights treat families.
Why Mitch Marner Chose the Vegas Golden Knights With His Agent Darren Ferris.
That family-first approach resonated deeply with Marner. “He (Marner) heard directly from other players about Vegas and how they treat the players and their families, too,” Ferris explained. By the end of the Maple Leafs’ season, Marner had decided he wanted to be a Knight.
Mitch Marner’s family, winning goals, and vision for his future in Vegas
In July, Marner confirmed he spoke with his wife, Stephanie LaChance, and gave his agent the green light. “This was a spot very high on my list, we wanted to come here, and I went back to my agent (and) said I’m open to doing this,” he said via NHL.com. For Marner, the chance to compete for a Stanley Cup with a franchise that won it all in 2023 was too good to pass up.Also Read: “There was a death threat”: Mitch Marner reveals threats and security fears during final months with Toronto Maple LeafsFerris ultimately respected his client’s decision, saying his role was simply to support him once his choice was clear. After nine seasons and 741 points in Toronto, Marner now begins a new chapter in Vegas with his eyes firmly on hockey’s ultimate prize.