Trade Tsunami: Vegas Golden Knights and Rivals have agreed to trade star player in a six-figure deal….Read more

Despite a tough regular season, the Vegas Golden Knights earned a wild card spot but lost to the Dallas Stars in the first round. After winning the Cup in 2023, Vegas must address their roster issues, and general manager Kelly McCrimmon should strive to add youth while managing salary cap constraints in the winter. McCrimmon has little freedom because the Golden Knights are $3.6 million over the salary ceiling. Vegas may add skill by trading for players.

According to Clutch Points’ Nate Duffett, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner could be traded. Marner is attracting league interest because to his presumed availability in his final season of a six-year contract. Toronto must clear cap space with Marner earning $10.9 million and add blue line quality, likely by trade. The Maple Leafs need defense help, but their salary budget limits their moves. Toronto might get Shea Theodore from the Golden Knights. It’s unlikely, but both parties would benefit, Duffett noted.

Shea Theodore’s seven-year, $36 million Golden Knights deal winds down this season. Marner and Theodore’s salaries don’t match in a one-for-one transaction, thus other players must be added. Marner has been a fantastic regular-season player since joining the league, but he struggles in the playoffs. In 2023-24, Marner had 26 goals and 59 assists in 69 regular-season games. He only scored 3 points in seven postseason games before losing to the Bruins in Game 7 of the first round.

Marner could have a fresh start outside of Toronto and preserve a top-line role in Vegas in a trade with the Golden Knights. Marner’s contract has a full no-move provision, allowing him to prevent any deal if he doesn’t like the destination. The forward must unlock a trade to Vegas for the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights to execute a deal. Uncertain if Marner would waive his no-move clause. Marner stated during the end-of-season availability in May 2024 that he would sign a long-term contract with Toronto if offered one between now and July 2025. That’s a target. I’ve said I love this city. Naturally, I grew up here. We will consider this and work towards a solution. It means everything to me,” Marner told reporters on May 6.

Toronto needs defensive support but has a salary cap. With 21 of 23 players, PuckPedia reports the Leafs have $955,333 in salary space. Jacob Trouba would go to Toronto for Marner, according to Heavy Sports. Another deal might bring Shea Theodore to Toronto. Peter Baracchini of The Hockey Writers suggested the Maple Leafs trade Marner for Theodore and Logan Thompson at the end of May.

“Shea Theodore and Logan Thompson could be ideal players they can get in return,” Baracchini added. “One giving this team more offense and mobility on the blue line and the other reassurance on the backend.” Theodore has consistently scored 40–50 points for the Golden Knights, making him a likely addition for the Maple Leafs even if they already have Chris Tanev. Theodore had 42 points in 47 games in 2023-24, averaging 22:05 of ice time. He had 27 takeaways and 22 giveaways, a good result.

Theodore, like Marner, can shape his future. He has a modified no-move clause with a five-team no-trade list, per PuckPedia. Theodore would be cheaper than Marner at the end of the 2024-25 season, making him a potential extension candidate. Vegas may not guarantee the blueliner that. However, Theodore and Marner must waive their no-move agreements to authorize the exchange.