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.

The deal materialized after days of speculation about a trade involving Marner’s rights and after multiple previous failed attempts.

The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired Mitch Marner in a sign-and-trade with Toronto Maple Leafs. That's according to a person with knowledge of the move who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it had not been announced.