LAS VEGAS — The Vegas Golden Knights organization has built a reputation based on three key pillars during its first eight years in the NHL: family, winning, and culture. These elements are now closely associated with the team.
These characteristics were exactly what Mitch Marner was looking for. They explain his decision to agree to a sign-and-trade deal, moving from Toronto to Vegas and leaving the team that originally drafted him fourth overall in 2015, two years before the Golden Knights franchise began.
Speaking at his introductory news conference on Tuesday, Marner highlighted the team`s consistent success, noting:
“Obviously, the winning track record they`ve established over the past five years, essentially since they`ve been in the league [became a significant factor].”
He also mentioned practical considerations, stating:
“Talking to (Max) Pacioretty and Reavo (Ryan Reaves) in the past couple of weeks about the living situation, everything seemed like a really good fit for my wife, our new son, and me.”
Marner added:
“And of course, you know, the great players they have here. It`s where we wanted to be.”
Naturally, the lucrative eight-year contract valued at up to $96 million also played a role in the decision.
