The chapter of the “Core Four” in Toronto has officially closed. The Toronto Maple Leafs have completed a sign-and-trade deal, sending Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. This move was executed by Leafs GM Brad Treliving to avoid losing the star winger for free when he became an unrestricted free agent. The trade brings forward Nicolas Roy to Toronto, intended to bolster the team`s depth in the bottom six forward group.
Nicolas Roy is set to be an indirect replacement for Marner in the Leafs` lineup next season. He offers versatility as a center or winger on the third or fourth lines. Roy provides valuable size, contributes defensively, and possesses sufficient offensive ability to make a tangible difference in the team`s depth, an area that has historically struggled to score in crucial situations.
Originally a 96th overall pick by Carolina in 2015, Roy developed into a 15-goal scorer for Vegas and was a key part of their 2023 Stanley Cup victory. As the Leafs seek to alleviate pressure on their top offensive players and improve overall team contribution, Roy is viewed as an important acquisition. While he won`t fill Marner`s exact role or match his high point production (his career best was 41 points two seasons ago), he adds valuable depth and versatility.
Naturally, Mitch Marner is the central figure in this trade. He immediately addresses a significant need for the Golden Knights, particularly on the wing. Last season, Vegas benefited from the offensive output of wingers like Pavel Dorofeyev (24 years old, 35 goals), Brett Howden (23 goals), and Ivan Barbashev (23 goals).
However, the combined playoff goal total for these three key wingers last season was only five.
Marner, coming off a 102-point season, is expected to provide a substantial boost to Vegas`s offense from the wing and also enhance their defensive awareness. Yet, as the Golden Knights aim to overcome consecutive early playoff exits, Marner arrives with his own history of postseason challenges, having registered zero goals and seven assists across 20 games played in Games 5 through 7 of playoff series from 2019 to 2025.
This trade signifies a major shift for the Maple Leafs and offers Marner a new beginning away from the intense Toronto spotlight. This opportunity could allow him to redefine his legacy, particularly regarding his playoff performance. He will also be changing his jersey number from 16, worn for nine years with the Leafs, back to No. 93, the number he wore during his junior career with the London Knights.