Avalanche divisional rival are leading contenders in landing top free agent this offseason
Photo credit: Christopher Katsarov / The Canadian Press via AP
The Vegas Golden Knights are among the many teams, including the Colorado Avalanche, reportedly interested in Mitch Marner.
However, unlike others involved in the free agency buzz, Vegas will need to make some roster moves before seriously pursuing him, potentially including trading longtime fan favourite and original team member William Karlsson.
Avalanche divisional rival leading contender in landing top pending free agent.
NHL Trade Talk reports that with Marner set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, speculation is ramping up about a potential departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Golden Knights are seen as a leading contender to land the elite winger, and this isn't the first time the two sides have been connected.
"Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has reported that the Golden Knights have been pursuing Marner for some time, with trade talks dating back to last summer. Those discussions reportedly intensified ahead of the 2025 trade deadline in a potential three-team blockbuster involving the Carolina Hurricanes. More specifically, Toronto, Carolina, and Vegas almost had a three-way deal in place that would've sent Mitch Marner to Vegas and Mikko Rantanen to Toronto." -NHL Trade Talk
Although that deal ultimately collapsed, likely because Vegas and Carolina couldn't come to terms on the asset exchange, and it's evident that the Golden Knights' interest in Marner is genuine.
"With a tight salary cap situation, Vegas would need to shed significant money to make a serious run at Marner. One potential solution? Moving Karlsson and his $5.9 million cap hit, which runs for two more seasons." -NHL Trade Talk
Karlsson has been a key figure for the Vegas since their inaugural season, but the Golden Knights constantly being in "win now" mode, difficult roster decisions are par for the course.
The organization has shown before that loyalty to original players isn't a priority when chasing championships. Moving Karlsson would free up the cap space needed for Marner, without giving up valuable draft picks or prospects in a trade.
Should the Golden Knights move on from Karlsson, it could mark a bold shift in their approach and signal a determined push to land Marner in Vegas.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 9 | 34 ANSWERS Avalanche divisional rival are leading contenders in landing top free agent this offseason Do you think there's a chance that Mitch Marner signs with the Colorado Avalanche this offseason? | ||
| yes | 10 | 29.4 % |
| no | 24 | 70.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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