Mitch Marner signed an eight-year, $96-million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade deal hours before becoming an unrestricted free agent, according to NHL.com’s Derek Van Diest.
The 28-year-old forward said family considerations drove his decision to leave his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs.
“It’s going to be a new life. I’m really excited for it. Having the newborn now, my wife and I are very social. We like going out for dinners. We like being out with our friends. We like being around our teammates. It was tough to do that in Toronto.”
Marner told reporters at Hockey Canada’s Olympic orientation camp he’s looking for a different lifestyle in Las Vegas.
“We’re looking for a new chapter, a new peaceful way of life sort of way, and we’re going to enjoy watching our son grow up outside more, too. We’ll have to bring him back (to Toronto) a couple of times in the winter just so he can see the snow, but we’re looking forward to the relaxed side of things for sure.”
Marner eclipsed 100 points for the first time last season.
He departs Toronto ranking fifth in franchise scoring with 741 points in 657 games across nine seasons.
His tenure with the Maple Leafs ended without significant playoff success. The team won only two playoff series during his time there and never advanced past the second round.
Marner managed 13 goals and 63 points in 70 career playoff games.
The combination of team struggles and individual playoff performance led to increased scrutiny in Toronto’s media market. Marner’s family faced safety concerns that escalated after the Maple Leafs’ second-round exit against the Florida Panthers in May.
Marner required full-time security at his residence for two weeks after his address was posted online, he told TSN’s Mark Masters.
“We kinda dealt with it for the last two years, in a way. The market’s very passionate. They love their team. I know it, I was born and raised there. I’ve been a part of Leafs nation for a long time. But, when your family safety comes into question, especially having a new son, I don’t think it’s acceptable.”
Marner called the decision to leave Toronto “bittersweet,” according to Van Diest.
The Golden Knights open their season Oct. 8 against the Los Angeles Kings. Marner returns to Toronto on Jan. 23.
