REPORT: Golden Knights Tried Three-Team Marner Blockbuster

For the past few weeks, there has been smoke around pending Free Agent Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights. It’s quickly becoming apparent that this isn’t just routine chatter surrounding an available high-profile player and a historically aggressive team. No– there’s real interest on both sides dating all the way back to 2024.

Last summer, the Golden Knights reportedly engaged in trade talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Golden Knights coveted Marner but, not wanting to part with Shea Theodore, balked at the asking price. Original Misfit William Karlsson was allegedly also part of the conversation, although it fell through because of his No Trade protection.

On Monday, James Mirtle of The Athletic reported that those trade talks resumed around the 2025 Trade Deadline. And this time, they tried to bring a third team into the fold: the Carolina Hurricanes.

At the time of these discussions, the Hurricanes were desperate to recoup some value for a disgruntled Mikko Rantanen. Before trading Rantanen to the Dallas Stars, they discussed the framework of a blockbuster deal with the Golden Knights and Maple Leafs.

“According to league sources,” wrote Mirtle, “There were also discussions around a Marner-to-Vegas transaction before the trade deadline this year, a move that would have involved the Hurricanes in a three-way deal. Theoretically, the Leafs would have received Mikko Rantanen while the Golden Knights got Marner and sent something to Carolina.

“It’s unclear just how far those talks went, or if Marner was asked to waive his no-movement clause to go to Vegas, but it sounds like what killed the deal was Vegas and Carolina failing to find the right assets to include to get it done.”

The Golden Knights tried to trade for Marner not once but twice. If history has taught us anything, it’s that if the Golden Knights want something– or someone– they’ll get it.

In 21 days, Marner will be a Free Agent. Then, we’ll see if the Golden Knights really want him.

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