In a different scenario, Mitch Marner might have played the past season for the Golden Knights in Las Vegas.
Sportsnet`s Elliotte Friedman reported on Friday`s 32 Thoughts podcast that the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Golden Knights discussed possible trades involving their star forward last summer.
However, Friedman mentioned that the trade wasn`t considered “realistic.”
Toronto requested defenseman Shea Theodore in the proposed deal, but Vegas turned them down.
Friedman quoted a source who said Vegas`s stance was that if someone wanted to see Shea Theodore play, they could buy a ticket to their games, emphasizing he wasn`t for trade. The Golden Knights kept him, backing up their words.
The 29-year-old Theodore was a key player on the Golden Knights team that won the Stanley Cup in 2023. This season, he scored 57 points (seven goals, 50 assists) in 67 regular-season games and also played for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Furthermore, Friedman noted uncertainty on both sides about whether Marner would even agree to waive his no-movement clause to join the Golden Knights.
This potential move to the Golden Knights isn`t the only trade discussion involving Marner that has been publicly reported.
Following the trade deadline, there were reports that Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving had asked Marner to waive his No-Movement Clause for a potential trade to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Mikko Rantanen, but Marner declined the request.
Marner and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed their baby boy during the gap between the first and second rounds of the playoffs.
The 28-year-old player achieved a career-best 102 points and 75 assists in the regular season. He also added 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) during his 13 playoff appearances.
He is now scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when July 1 arrives.
