Mitch Marner Cites Two Key Factors in Choosing Golden Knights over Maple Leafs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. While rumors spoke of former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner's preference to land in Vegas if he reached the open market, the superstar confirmed the veracity of those whispers on Tuesday.

TORONTO -- Mitch Marner was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. The 28-year-old forward, who could have become an unrestricted free agent, signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with Toronto prior to the trade. It has an average annual value of $12 million.

Marner was set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career after his contract with the Maple Leafs expired on June 30. Rather than hit the open market, he was dealt to Vegas in exchange for Nic Roy and proceeded to sign an eight-year contract worth $12 million per season.