Latest news with #GoldenKnights
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Biggest mistake in years: Toronto Maple Leafs replacing Mitch Marner with depth sparks fan backlash
Maple Leafs' trade of Mitch Marner to the Golden Knights has ignited a fierce debate among fans (Getty Images) Mitch Marner's move from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Golden Knights has sparked intense NHL debate. Toronto replaced his salary with four new players for depth. This strategy splits fans, some questioning new additions' offense versus Marner's points, others preferring a balanced team. Mitch Marner's exit sparks chaos as Leafs bet on low-scoring replacements Hockey fans were stunned due to Mitch Marner's unexpected trade from the Maple Leafs to the Golden Knights. His departure concluded a brief saga, with Marner reflecting, 'When I was drafted, all I wanted was to help bring a Stanley Cup to Toronto.' The move sparked pervasive discourse. A central figure during the 'Core Four' era, Marner hit a personal high with 102 points last regular season. Although, consistent playoff disappointments, both for him and the team, had created a sense of mutual frustration. Extending his nearly $10.9 million contract became unsustainable for Toronto, clearly perceptible in their surge of new signings. McCluskey, a keen observer, put it bluntly: 'You wanted it, you got it. No more speculation. We now know exactly what it looks like to replace Marner's cap hit with depth: Matias Maccelli: $3.425m, Dakota Joshua: $3.250m, Nicolas Roy: $3.00m, Michael Pezzetta: $812,500 = $10,487,500.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Pondering Marner's previous earnings, McCluskey then inquired, '$10,893,000. There's room for another $2m player to match his cap hit this year. How's everyone feeling?' The answers from the fanbase were strikingly divided, highlighting Marner's continued popularity amidst some supporters. One fan simply commented, 'I'd rather have Marner.' Mitch Marner's exit and Maple Leafs' budget strategy slammed by fans Despite Toronto acquiring four new players from various teams, this sentiment persisted. The debate quickly pivoted to offensive output. Referring to Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and Nicolas Roy, one optimistic fan claimed, 'The first 3 are getting way over 100 points.' Yet, many found this a tough pill to swallow given their past stats. Another offered a grim forecast: 'Maccelli on pace for 27 points, Joshua on pace for 20, Roy on pace for 36, Pezzeta on pace for 0. Nice, a combined 83 between 4 guys to replace Marner,' implying the combined effort wouldn't match Marner's production. Also Read: Mitch Marner's highly anticipated return to Toronto as a Golden Knight set for January 23, 2026 showdown Mitch Marner's Leafs exit for the Golden Knights divides fans: can new depth replace his superstar impact, or will Toronto miss his elite scoring? FAQS: 1. What is Mitch Marner's net worth in 2025? Mitch Marner's net worth in 2025 is approximately $20 million. 2. What is Mitch Marner's age? Mitch Marner is 28 years old. 3. Who is Mitch Marner's wife? Mitch Marner's wife is Stephanie LaChance. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Golden Knights' Intrigue: The Allure Of An Eichel-Marner Duo
Chemistry can make or break a championship run, and the prospect of pairing the Golden Knights' Jack Eichel with newest edition Mitch Marner has the hockey world buzzing. These two players have definitely crossed paths before. Both were first-round picks in the 2015 NHL Draft. Eichel went second overall to the Buffalo Sabres, while Marner was selected fourth by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Since then, they've always been on opposing sides of the ice. But now, as September approaches, the looming question is: will we see Marner and Eichel playing together right off the bat? 'They both (could) be good for each other in the sense that they've left markets and now are teammates after leaving part way through their career as star players,' Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy told the Leafs Morning Take podcast. 'Jack went through it here, and Mitch is going to go through it. I think Jack could be a real good shoulder to lean on in that regard. Mark Stone did it in Ottawa. So those are some things, maybe off the ice and stuff, that Jack and Mitch will bond over. Whether they do that or not is up to them, but I'm sure that'll be discussed.' Eichel enters the 2025–26 season coming off one of his most productive campaigns yet. Having played in a total of 77 games with the Knights last season, he tallied 28 goals and 66 assists for a total of 94 points, ranking him 8th in the league in scoring. His +32 plus-minus rating highlighted his two-way impact, and he continued to be a force, recording 5 power-play goals and 29 power-play assists. The star center also maintained a solid 12.0% shooting percentage and averaged over 20 minutes of ice time per game, proving his value and leadership abilities on the ice. On the international stage, he represented Team USA at the Four Nations Face-Off, contributing 4 assists during their run. Marner, meanwhile, is coming off a career-best season with the Maple Leafs. He posted 27 goals and 75 assists, racking up a personal-high of 102 points across 81 games, marking his fourth consecutive season with at least 25 goals and 85 points. Marner was a consistent offensive contributor on both the power play and penalty kill. He recorded 6 power-play goals and 27 power-play assists, totaling 33 points. Marner was also seen on the international stage playing for Team Canada at the Four Nations, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists across 4 games. His most notable moment came in the final against Team USA, where he assisted Connor McDavid's game-winning goal, helping secure Canada's victory. Looking ahead, Marner will face his former team twice early in the new year, January 15 and again on January 23. Cassidy emphasized the importance of building a strong coach-player relationship, saying, 'It's my job to get him to understand what the team needs from him, and it's my job to understand what he needs to be successful. You can't just hammer away on a guy and believe that he's just going to do it.' Despite the adjustment period that is to come, Cassidy expressed confidence in the early stages of their relationship. 'I don't think I'll have any problem communicating with Mitch,' he said. 'I think he wants to win, he's a hockey player, and that's the common goal we're going to have.' The overall consensus is clear—stats and similarities are there—but nothing will be set in stone till chemistry is built and seen both off and on the ice. Golden Knights Reveal 2025-26 Regular-Season Schedule, Open At Home Versus Kings LAS VEGAS -- The Golden Knights will open their regular season at home against their Pacific Division rival Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 8, before hitting the road for three straight games.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Trade Rumor: Could the Golden Knights really land Connor McDavid after Mitch Marner's shocking trade?
Will Connor McDavid join the Golden Knights? (Imagn Images) In the months ahead, Connor McDavid will face a career-defining decision that could ripple through the entire NHL landscape. While the Edmonton Oilers are hopeful of locking him in for the long term, McDavid's eligibility for an extension has fueled massive speculation. With his current contract expiring after the 2025–26 season, the hockey world is watching closely to see whether he stays loyal to Edmonton or sparks a seismic shift by testing free agency. Golden Knights enter the Connor McDavid conversation amid growing uncertainty The Oilers, despite consecutive Western Conference titles, haven't been able to finish the job when it matters most. The Florida Panthers have outshone them on the biggest stage, leaving many to question whether Edmonton is truly built for championship success. For a player like McDavid—widely considered the face of the league—winning is paramount. As rumors swirl, the Vegas Golden Knights have surprisingly emerged as a potential suitor. While signing McDavid might seem far-fetched given their current financial commitments—including the recent acquisition of Mitch Marner and the need to extend Jack Eichel—NHL insider Chris Johnston didn't rule them out. 'Like, Vegas has to probably think about it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo I don't know how they do it. I'm imagining. They've already signed Marner. I'm imagining they're going to extend Eichel,' Johnston noted, hinting that creative cap maneuvering could make the impossible possible. The Golden Knights are known for their aggressive moves in pursuit of titles. If McDavid hits the market in 2026 without an extension, Vegas could explore drastic options to build a star-studded lineup around him, Marner, and Eichel. NHL heavyweights circling as McDavid holds the cards As of now, McDavid remains under contract with the Oilers, thanks to his eight-year, $100 million deal signed in 2017. But with no extension in place yet, the silence has only heightened speculation. According to Johnston, McDavid's decision could hinge heavily on how the Oilers perform in the 2025–26 campaign. 'Obviously, there are 31 teams that would like to have him but there are probably 10 teams that think they'd be in the running if they ever got a chance,' Johnston said. Those top contenders reportedly include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, and New York Rangers. If Edmonton falters, these franchises will be ready to pounce. For McDavid, the next move could shape not just his legacy—but the entire future of the NHL. Also Read: Even without Mitch Marner, the Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff hopes remain strong Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
National Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Memorial Cup host Kelowna Rockets recruit Mazden Leslie away from NCAA
Article content The conditions on the picks in the trade, according to the Giants, are tied to Leslie reporting to Kelowna, so both selections become Vancouver's property when he plays his first game with the Rockets. Article content Leslie was passed over in the NHL Draft for a third straight time this year. He is slated to attend the Vegas Golden Knights' training camp this fall as a free agent. He went to Golden Knights development camp earlier this summer. He took part in their training camp last season. Article content The Golden Knights could sign him as a free agent, but considering general manager Kelly McCrimmon's close ties to the WHL — he's a former owner/operator of the Brandon Wheat Kings — Leslie would almost certainly be reassigned to the Rockets with the Memorial Cup run in mind. Article content Something similar happened to the Giants in their Memorial Cup host season of 2006-07 with defenceman Brett Festerling, who had a free-agent contract with the Anaheim Ducks but was sent back to back to Vancouver instead of playing minor pro. Article content Leslie has played 280 regular season games with the Giants, which ties him with winger Mitch Bartley (2002-06) for sixth on the team's all-time list. Defenceman Neil Manning (2006-12) has the Giants' record for games played with 310, and Leslie would have shattered that if he came back to Vancouver this season. Leslie is 10th in career regular season points (190) in team history as well. Article content His first game against Vancouver on the visiting side at the Langley Events Centre comes Nov. 1, when the Rockets make their first of three trips there to face the Giants next season. Article content See you in September, Mazden! The former Giants captain has announced he's heading to the @Kelowna_Rockets for the 2025-26 WHL Season. 📝 | — Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) July 15, 2025 Article content Article content Vancouver had told the Giants that he was looking for a change in scenery in his bid to advance to pro hockey. The Giants could have held onto his rights to see if he would return to junior at some point from Bowling Green this season, but it's doubtful they would got more than a package featuring a first-round draft pick for one-year player. Article content Kelowna is looking to build up their roster after their 18-44-4-2 finish last season. They've brought in former Giants head coach Don Hay to be an assistant to Derrick Martin. Hay will likely be in charge of working with the defencemen. Article content Vancouver had changed up its staff as well, naming Hnat Domenichelli as general manager and Parker Burgess as coach last month. Domenichelli takes over from Barclay Parneta, who agreed to part ways with the team in April, and Burgess succeeds Manny Viveiros, who left for a pro job in Austria in May. Article content Vancouver finished 34-26-8-0 last season and finished in sixth spot in the Western Conference. They lost to the Spokane Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs.
Toronto Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Date set for Mitch Marner's return to face the Maple Leafs as NHL schedule released
Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights will make one visit to Toronto during the 2025-26 NHL regular season on Jan. 23. Get the latest from Terry Koshan straight to your inbox Newly acquired Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner speaks with the media on July 1, 2025, in Las Vegas. Photo by Chase Stevens / The Associated Press Get those blue Sharpies out and circle Jan. 23 on your calendar, Leafs Nation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account On that Friday night, Mitch Marner will make his return to Scotiabank Arena for the first time since becoming a member of the Vegas Golden Knights. It will be lone visit in the 2025-26 regular season by Marner, who sits fifth in Maple Leafs franchise scoring with 741 points. The only other way Marner would play at Scotiabank Arena next season would be if the Golden Knights and Leafs met in the Stanley Cup final, but we would hate to get too far ahead of ourselves. The Leafs' 2025-26 regular season gets underway on Oct. 8, when they play host to the Montreal Canadiens. The Leafs' following game is their first on the road, on Oct. 11 in Detroit against the Red Wings. The Leafs will make their only visit to Vegas on Jan. 15. How Marner will be received when he steps on to the ice at Scotiabank Arena in colours other than the Leafs' blue and white will be fascinating to witness, considering the way his decade with the organization ended. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Marner, picked fourth overall by the Leafs in 2015 before he was returned to the London Knights for a final season in the Ontario Hockey League, didn't want to talk contract with the Leafs throughout last season as free agency on July 1 loomed. An attempt by Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to trade Marner didn't result in a successful conclusion — he refused, as was his right, to waive his no-move clause in March that would have helped facilitate a trade with Vegas and Carolina and would have brought Mikko Rantanen to Toronto. Once the season ended with yet another disappointing conclusion to the playoffs, Marner was non-committal when asked about his hockey future, though it quickly became clear that he would not be re-signing with the Leafs. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Treliving was able to work out a sign-and-trade with Vegas, getting centre Nicolas Roy in return for Marner, who signed an eight-year, $96-million US pact ($12-million average annual value) with his new club. Read More When Marner spoke at his first news conference as a member of the Golden Knights, it became obvious that his interest in Vegas wasn't something that happened just in the preceding few days. Marner's playoff production never matched what he did in the regular season, and he became a source of great frustration within the fan base. We also note that as of Wednesday, Marner has more than 634,000 followers on Instagram. More to come … tkoshan@ X: @koshtorontosun Celebrity Crime Entertainment Canada World
