Golden Knights GM Explains Why Vegas Traded for Mitch Marner Early originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon didn’t want to wait for a bidding war when it came to acquiring Mitch Marner.

VEGAS (July 1, 2025) – Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced today, July 1, the following roster transactions: The team has signed forward Brandon Saad to a one-year contract for the 2025-26 NHL season worth an average annual value of $2,000,000.

Marner was set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career after his contract with the Maple Leafs expired on June 30. Rather than hit the open market, he was dealt to Vegas in exchange for Nic Roy and proceeded to sign an eight-year contract worth $12 million per season.