The “Core Four” era in Toronto has officially ended with the Maple Leafs trading star winger Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade agreement. Instead of potentially losing him for free agency or re-signing him to a large deal, Leafs GM Brad Treliving successfully negotiated a deal to acquire a player for the team`s bottom six forward group.
Nicolas Roy is the player joining the Leafs, effectively serving as an indirect replacement for Marner next season. Capable of playing as a third or fourth-line center or on the wing, Roy brings valuable size, defensive reliability, and sufficient offensive ability. His addition is expected to provide needed scoring depth, particularly in high-pressure situations where the team has sometimes struggled.
Originally a 96th overall pick by Carolina in 2015, Roy became a consistent 15-goal scorer for Vegas and played a role in their 2023 Stanley Cup victory. The Maple Leafs` objective is to lessen the burden on their top offensive players and encourage broader team contribution. While Roy will not replicate Marner`s star power or point totals, he is seen as a significant piece. His personal best for points in a season is 41, achieved two years prior.
Mitch Marner is undeniably the marquee player in this transaction. He provides an immediate upgrade to the Golden Knights` forward depth, addressing a weakness from the previous season. Last year, Vegas` leading goal scorer among wingers was 24-year-old Pavel Dorofeyev with 35 goals, alongside Brett Howden and Ivan Barbashev (both 23) who also reached the 20-goal mark.
However, collectively, those three forwards managed just five goals during the recent playoffs.
Marner, fresh off a 102-point campaign, is poised to significantly boost Vegas` offensive production from the wing, in addition to offering strong defensive awareness. Conversely, as the Golden Knights aim to rebound from back-to-back early playoff eliminations, Marner carries his own history of playoff performance issues, specifically scoring zero goals and only seven assists across 20 games played in Games 5-7 of playoff series from 2019 through 2025.
This trade represents a substantial change for the Maple Leafs and presents Marner with a fresh start away from the intense scrutiny of his hometown, offering him an opportunity to rebuild his reputation. He will also switch from jersey number 16, which he wore for nine years in Toronto, to number 93, his number during his junior career with the London Knights.
