Mitchell Marner Signs Five-Year, \$52.5M Deal with Montreal Canadiens
Montreal, QC — June 19, 2025
In a stunning and historic move that has sent shockwaves across the National Hockey League, right winger Mitchell Marner has officially signed a five-year, \$52.5 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens, ending his decade-long tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of \$10.5 million and includes a full no-movement clause for the first three seasons.
The announcement was made early Thursday morning, with Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes addressing the media just hours later. “This is a monumental day for our franchise,” Hughes said. “Mitchell Marner is one of the premier talents in the league. His intelligence, playmaking, and leadership will elevate not only our offense but our entire locker room culture.”
A New Era in Montreal
Marner, 28, had long been a cornerstone of Toronto’s core, amassing 639 points in 576 regular season games since being drafted fourth overall in 2015. Despite impressive regular-season numbers and several playoff appearances, Marner and the Leafs were unable to secure a Stanley Cup, prompting speculation for months about the team’s willingness to move on from its “Core Four.”
“I’ll always be thankful to Toronto for everything — it’s where I grew up, where I became the player I am today,” Marner said in a statement. “But it’s time for a new chapter. I believe in what Montreal is building, and I want to be part of bringing a Cup back to this city.”
Marner will now join a young and rapidly improving Canadiens roster that includes stars like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovský. The team has missed the playoffs in three straight seasons, but the addition of Marner signals a bold shift toward contention.
Shockwaves in Toronto
The move has left many Leafs fans stunned. Toronto reportedly attempted to negotiate an extension, but talks stalled amid salary cap constraints and a growing need to retool the roster.
Sources close to the organization say the Leafs will receive a package of **draft picks and high-end prospects** in a sign-and-trade arrangement, though details remain unconfirmed.
Interim Toronto GM Brendan Shanahan acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision: “Mitch is a world-class player and an even better person. This is the business side of hockey, but that doesn’t make it any easier.”
Looking Ahead
Marner is expected to make his debut in Canadiens colors at the Bell Centre when the **2025–26 NHL season** opens this fall. His presence not only changes the dynamic of the Atlantic Division but adds fuel to one of hockey’s oldest and fiercest rivalries.
For Montreal, the message is clear: the rebuild is over — it’s time to win.