Trade Grades: VGK Add Mitch Marner

Trade Grades: VGK Add Mitch Marner

My prediction came true. Mitch Marner is officially a member of the Vegas Golden Knights. It’s a sign-and-trade where Marner will sign an eight-year ticket to ink with the VGK. However, Vegas did part with veteran center Nic Roy in order to complete the trade. Now that the dust has settled, let’s review the trade grades.

Toronto: Grade D+

Toronto Maple Karen’s. I guess threatening tampering charges worked in the sense that they got one asset back. Nic Roy was Vegas’ fourth line center last year, and will likely get a chance to become the third line center now. Otherwise, it’s pretty obvious that Toronto got swindled.

Nicolas Roy, acquired by TOR, is a third line centre with a high motor, solid playmaking skill, and a big frame which he uses to battle for pucks. He's slow as molasses but still provides some value in transition getting pucks out of the defensive zone. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/R4nVYf0Ouj

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 30, 2025

Look, I watch Vegas a lot. Roy is a nice player. Does a nice job at hounding the puck and protecting it in the offensive zone. He’s a premium fourth line center, and we’re about to find out if he’s capable of moving up in the pecking order. Last year in roughly 15 minutes per night, Roy posted 15 goals and 16 assists in 71 games. Not bad for mostly skating on the fourth line.

It’s just a sad return when you really boil it down. You can’t deny it. Is this really the best they could do on a trade if they had real forward-thinking ability?

Nathan MacKinnon Calls Mitch Marner ‘One Of The Best’

Vegas: Grade A-

What else is there to say?

Mitch Marner, acquired and signed 8x$12M by VGK, is an elite playmaking winger whose game revolves around navigating the easy areas of the ice and rewarding his linemates for getting to the tougher spots. Moves the puck off the wall and into the slot like few others. #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/wFpjHKo51A

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 30, 2025

The Golden Knights just added a 100-point guy to pair with Jack Eichel, and all they gave up was their 4th line center. Oh, and he was already replaced by Colton Sissons in the trade with Nashville.

Vegas played this well, and Marner gets to go to a team where he doesn’t have to be the man. The sun and getting away from the Toronto media will do him wonders. Welcome to Vegas, Mitch.

Side note: I just want to start by saying that ESPN is a joke. I’m not linking back to their article. If you want to go read it on your own, feel free to do so. I’m just not sure how it’s possible to declare the team who got Roy as the winner of the trade, but whatever. It’s why they’re dying and why Vendetta will win the war to come.

Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch

Check out Vendetta Fantasy Contests

Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube

Click here for more NHL content