Maple Leafs Shake Up Roster: Marner Traded to Golden Knights!

Toronto, Canada - The NHL’s offseason is heating up with teams making bold moves in anticipation of free agency. As of July 1, 2025, the Toronto Maple Leafs have stirred considerable excitement by trading winger Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. Marner, who inked an eight-year, $96-million contract with Toronto ahead of the trade, has concluded a distinguished nine-year tenure with the Maple Leafs, boasting four seasons with over 90 points. Notably, he recorded an impressive 102 points during the 2024-25 season alone, marking a high point in his career.

Marner leaves behind a legacy in Toronto after tallying 221 goals and 520 assists, amassing a total of 741 points in 657 regular-season games. However, the playoff performances were a mixed bag; despite his notable 63 points in 70 playoff games, he struggled in crucial moments, scoring only once in the final three games across 11 playoff series. This trade is significant as the Maple Leafs look to redefine their roster strategies going forward, especially with free agency kicking off today, as detailed by CBS Sports.

Major Moves by the Oilers and Panthers

In addition to the Marner trade, the Edmonton Oilers have also made headlines, re-signing defenceman Evan Bouchard to a four-year extension worth $42 million. Bouchard had a standout season, contributing 14 goals and 53 assists for a total of 67 points. His remarkable peak came in the 2023-24 season when he achieved a career-high of 81 points. Bouchard’s development continues to play a vital role in the Oilers‘ pursuit of success in the coming seasons.

Meanwhile, in Florida, the Panthers have secured future talent with long-term contracts for both forward Brad Marchand and defenceman Aaron Ekblad as they look to carry last season’s momentum into the new year. Ekblad’s new contract is reportedly for eight years at around $6.1 million per season, reflecting his powerful performance that significantly contributed to the Panthers’ success in the playoffs. Marchand is poised to sign a six-year deal worth $32 million, underlining the Panthers‘ commitment to building a competitive roster.

Free Agency Buzz

As free agency opens, numerous players are looking for new homes. Notably, Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers and Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser are currently set to hit the open market. Furthermore, the Edmonton Oilers have also re-signed winger Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year contract at $1.3 million after he collected 14 points in the regular season and six in the playoffs. Such transactions are crucial as teams aim to balance existing rosters while adding fresh talent.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not just been focused on trades; they also extended the contract of forward John Tavares. Tavares’ four-year extension, valued at $4.38 million per season, is a strategic move as the team navigates the challenges posed by Marner’s departure. His recent performance, with 74 points including 38 goals last season, cements his importance to Toronto’s lineup as they move into the new season.

As the dust settles from these moves, teams across the NHL will be eager to see how these new contracts and trades transform their lineups and influence the competition ahead. If this offseason is any indication, fans are in for an exciting season.