Trade Proposal: Maple Leafs Defenseman for Golden Knights Forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights will always be linked following Mitch Marner’s free-agent departure. The sign-and-trade deal that sent Marner to Vegas for eight years at $12 million per season also saw depth center Nicolas Roy come to Toronto, making it the biggest move of the 2025 offseason. 
While another blockbuster trade like that seems unlikely, Cole Shelton from Heavy Sports suggests a potential 1-for-1 swap between the teams involving defenseman Brandon Carlo and forward William Karlsson.
Proposed Trade:
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Maple Leafs acquire: William Karlsson
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Golden Knights acquire: Brandon Carlo
Shelton explains that this trade makes sense for both sides: Toronto would add a top-six forward, while Vegas addresses their need for defensive depth following concerns about Alex Pietrangelo’s injury, which could impact his career.
Karlsson, who is in the seventh year of an eight-year, $47.2 million contract, could play as a center but would likely be a better fit as a second-line left winger for the Maple Leafs. With Toronto yet to replace Marner in the top-six, Karlsson could step in and fill that void, providing the offensive boost they need.
Given these factors, the deal seems like a logical move for both teams. Fans should keep an eye on the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights as potential trade partners as the 2025-26 season approaches.
Toronto’s Continued Search for a Top-Six Forward
Though the Maple Leafs added Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua this offseason, their top-six forward group still feels incomplete. Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Matthew Knies, and John Tavares are firmly entrenched as the top four forwards, leaving two spots to fill.
Maccelli could claim one of those spots, with options like Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, or even Max Domi vying for the final role. While this is still a solid lineup, it’s a weaker group without Mitch Marner, so finding a true top-six forward remains GM Brad Treliving’s top priority.
Names like Pittsburgh’s Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell have been linked to the Leafs, and while a move is likely, it may not happen until closer to the trade deadline. Patience will be key for Toronto fans.
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