After nine seasons in Toronto, Mitch Marner is headed west. The skilled forward is off to Vegas after the Maple Leafs dealt him to the Golden Knights in a $96 million sign-and-trade.
The deal comes just one day before NHL free agency is set to begin, and Red Wings fans can rejoice at Marner's departure from the Atlantic Division.
Marner owns big numbers against the Red Wings, and won't be missed in the Atlantic Division
Since entering the league in 2016, Marner has tormented the Red Wings while in Toronto. In 28 career games against Detroit, Marner has tallied 37 points on 18 goals and 19 assists. He owns a rating of plus-20 against Detroit, and his shooting percentage is a whopping 23.7.
This past season, Marner collected nine points (4g, 5a) in four games against the Red Wings, and potted a hat trick on Dec. 27. Two of his three career hat tricks have come at the Red Wings' expense, as he also netted a hat trick on Feb. 26, 2022 against Detroit.
The 2024-25 season was one of elite production for Marner. The 28-year-old eclipsed the 100-point plateau for the first time in his career, as he totaled 102 points on 27 goals and a career-high 75 assists.
He scored six goals on the power play, and set a career-high with seven game-winners. He averaged a point-per-game in the postseason, scoring a pair of goals and dishing out 11 assists for 13 points in 13 playoff games.
How the Red Wings can capitalize on Marner's departure
As he heads to Vegas, Marner will join a talented roster that has high hopes for 2025-26. He leaves behind a Toronto team that now has an interesting offseason in store. The Maple Leafs brought back veteran leader John Tavares, who has also been a Red Wing killer throughout his career.
Toronto figures to make more moves during free agency, and it is worth monitoring how they choose to better their roster. Even without Marner, Toronto still figures to be a contender, as they currently have the seventh-best odds to win the 2025-26 Stanley Cup on DraftKings (+1600).
The Red Wings are not alone in suffering from Marner's dominance. The Markham, Ontario native has owned Atlantic Division competition throughout the years. More specifically, he has totaled 243 points (76 goals, 167 assists) in 198 games against fellow Atlantic Division foes.
Toronto's loss could be Detroit's gain. Not only do the Red Wings not have to deal with Marner in divisional matchups anymore, but they now have a chance to gain an advantage over the Maple Leafs in free agency by signing an impact winger. Steve Yzerman has an opportunity, and Red Wings fans are eager to see him capitalize.
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