LAS VEGAS — Family, a winning mentality, and a strong team culture are three aspects that have defined the Vegas Golden Knights throughout their eight-year tenure in the NHL.
These key characteristics were precisely what Mitch Marner sought in a team, leading him to accept a sign-and-trade deal that sent him from Toronto to Vegas. This move marked his departure from the organization that drafted him fourth overall in 2015, two years before the Golden Knights even entered the league.
“Certainly, their track record of winning over the past five years, essentially since they joined the league, was a major factor,” Marner stated during his introductory press conference held on Tuesday.
“Talking to guys like Max Pacioretty and Ryan Reaves over the last few weeks, they painted a picture of the living situation and the overall environment that seemed like a perfect fit for my wife, our new son, and myself.”
He added, “And of course, the caliber of great players already here. This is exactly where we wanted to be.”
Naturally, securing a contract valued at $96 million over a potential maximum of eight years also played a significant role in his decision.
