Ex-NHL Executive Reveals Why a Mitch Marner to Vegas Deal Will Cross the Finish Line

With the NHL draft concluding, a couple of insiders dropped a massive nugget of information that the Vegas Golden Knights and the Toronto Maple Leafs were working on a potential sign-and-trade involving Mitch Marner.

In recent weeks, the Golden Knights had become the odds-on favourites to land the superstar winger. However, due to cap constraints, a sign-and-trade made a lot of sense for both sides, with Toronto getting something in return for one of their best assets as well.

While nothing came about last night, earlier this morning there were reports indicating that Toronto would go after Vegas for tampering should a deal not materialize and should Vegas sign Marner as a UFA instead.

With the possibility of harsh penalties being handed out, the Golden Knights should be seriously considering the alternative.

However, there are other reasons as to why a deal should get done before July 1st, which come courtesy of a former NHL executive who came forth with a 3-pronged approach that should help the Leafs land a deal for Marner; legacy, leverage, and benchmark.

Werier believes that Marner and his agent can salvage his legacy because they helped Toronto get a great package in return for his signing rights before July 1st.

Leverage comes into play because they allowed Vegas an additional 24 to 48 hours to work on a deal with Marner before hitting free agency and letting a bidding war ensue, while also allowing Vegas to get their ducks in a row for additional moves.

This deal would also set a benchmark for future mega free agents like Kirill Kaprizov, who will be seeking massive deals in the coming years. to find a way around potential roadblocks.

With the Marner tenure coming to an abrupt end in Toronto, there is certainly some light at the end of the tunnel for the Leafs, should Brad Treliving manage to pull off this sign-and-trade.

It works out almost perfectly for all parties involved and it would also salvage some of Marner's reputation on his way out.