Mitch Marner`s time with the Toronto Maple Leafs should have concluded with his name enshrined alongside the team`s legends.
Instead, he departs for Vegas, with the only return being Nicolas Roy, a useful but ultimately unimpressive third-line forward, acquired for a player who was both exciting and frustrating.
Considering the circumstances – just hours before Marner could become an unrestricted free agent and burdened by his full no-move clause (which he used when his trade value was higher) – GM Brad Treliving did a commendable job securing any return in the June 30 sign-and-trade, which marks the official end of the Core Four era.
The Vegas Golden Knights managed to keep Marner`s salary cap hit at a manageable $12 million, aided by the addition of an eighth contract year, which they couldn`t have offered otherwise.
(Interestingly, Marner`s $96 million contract matches that of Mikko Rantanen, who was previously considered as a trade target. They will share the distinction of being the NHL`s highest-paid wingers starting next season.)
The Golden Knights were barely conceived in 2015 when Toronto focused on acquiring elite talent and drafted the player who would become a star for the Knights, right out of London – notably, ahead of his new Vegas teammate Noah Hanifin.
Like a hug from Carlton the Bear, the city embraced one of its own.
He was an undersized player gifted with hands as nimble and tricky as a magician`s on Fremont Street. A fluid, imaginative skater, he viewed the hockey rink like Nyjah Huston views a city staircase – a playground and a space for showcasing dazzling, unpredictable plays.
After an extra season building confidence and leading the Knights to a Memorial Cup win, Marner advanced to the NHL. He changed his number from 93 to 16, but no one in Leafs Nation doubted he possessed the qualities to become a beloved figure like Dougie Gilmour.
Over nine regular seasons with his childhood team, Marner consistently showcased his offensive talent, frequently achieving multi-game point streaks, recording multiple assists even when not the primary focus, and tallying multiple goals and assists when at his peak.
He would steal the puck from opponents on the backcheck and effectively kill penalties using maneuvers coaches would typically discourage in others.
We grew accustomed to Marner`s extraordinary ability to direct pucks with his skate to his stick or teammates` blades so often that it became commonplace. If necessary, he would intentionally use his head to pass the puck.
Who else could perform a drop pass while on a breakaway and make it appear to be the optimal play?
Marner`s exceptional vision contributed to his first center, John Tavares (whom then-GM Kyle Dubas helped recruit with a highlight reel featuring Marner), having his best career season with 47 goals and 88 points.
When paired with Auston Matthews, Marner`s play helped Matthews achieve three Rocket Richard trophies and a Hart Trophy. Both linemates consistently made the All-Star team, and each was a Selke Trophy finalist at one point.
At 28 and arguably in his peak, Marner departs the 108-year-old franchise holding the fourth spot all-time in assists (520) and fifth in total points (741). Every player ranked higher than him on these lists has a banner honoring them and is in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Even `pass-first` Marner is 14th among all-time Leafs goal scorers with 221.
Max Pacioretty, a former Golden Knight, states, “There is no player comparable to him in the league. His ability to be so smart, always aware of everyone on the ice – many top players can do that, but he operates at a completely different level.”
Pacioretty finds the thought of trying to learn from his former Maple Leafs teammate amusing.
The veteran adds, “It`s truly difficult to imitate because his anticipation is what`s remarkable. Typically, when players try to anticipate a pass or break away early, it`s seen as cheating. But with him, it`s different. It`s because he`s exceptionally skilled at reading the game and predicting the puck`s location. I believe that`s something you simply cannot teach.”
Consider trying to explain to someone unfamiliar with the `Marner Years` in Toronto why – and how! – the initial hope, potential, and incredible highlights ultimately resulted in profound regret, numerous squandered chances, and a trade that felt like merely salvaging something.