The NHL world has been set abuzz with the latest blockbuster move involving Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights. In a development that has stunned fans and insiders alike, Marner, one of the league’s most electrifying talents, is embarking on a new chapter in his career, leaving behind his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs for the glitz and pressure of Vegas.

The trade, which sent Marner to the Golden Knights in exchange for depth center Nic Roy, has already sparked heated debates across the hockey community—not just for its surprising terms, but for the swirling controversy that now surrounds it.

As details continue to emerge, questions are being raised about the circumstances leading up to Marner’s signing. Reports from respected insiders have suggested that discussions between Marner and Vegas may have been ongoing for nearly a year, well before any official deal was announced.

This revelation has set off alarm bells, with some wondering whether the NHL’s rules on tampering may have been skirted in the process. While no formal accusations have been made, the league is watching closely, and the hockey world is left to speculate about what this could mean for both franchises. For now, all eyes are on Vegas, and on Marner, as the story continues to unfold.

Mitch Marner Kelly McCrimmon

Photo credit: The Athletic

According to a report from NHL Insider Andy Strickland from the “Cam & Strick Podcast”, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner in a concerning way that could have broken NHL rules.

Mitch Marner has started the next leg of his career with the Vegas Golden Knights, as he has signed an eight-year contract with the Stanley Cup-winning organization.

The Maple Leafs would trade him away for depth center Nic Roy, in an underwhelming trade which saw Marner get rewarded by GM Kelly McCrimmon. His new contract, paying him $12 million AAV, begins in 2025-26.

Troubling news regarding the deal has arisen on the “Cam and Strick Podcast”.

According to NHL Insider Andy Strickland, Mitch Marner had been discussing playing with the Vegas Golden Knights for close to a year now, during the Four Nations Face-Off as well.

Ryan Reaves, who played for both the Vegas Golden Knights and currently plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs, interjected in the situation, stating his belief that Marner has earned the right to play wherever he wants to.

It’s difficult to argue against this point:

Mitchy earned the right to go wherever he wants, and he’s dedicated his whole career to Toronto, a hometown guy, and he’s poured everything he had into it, and sometimes it’s just time to move on. There’s not much else to say about that. I’m happy for him. He deserved the contract he got. Wish him the best here for sure.

But if this turns out to be true, could this end up involving tampering charges against the Vegas Golden Knights? There’s no distinct rule violation found just yet, but we know Bill Daly has been warning teams not to engage in the practice this year.