The Los Angeles Kings are entering the NHL offseason with a new boss and bold ambitions.
With the hiring of Ken Holland as general manager and Vice President of Hockey Operations, the Kings are expected to be aggressive players in reshaping their roster — and one of the league’s top playmakers, Mitch Marner, is reportedly at the top of their wishlist.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Kings are planning to pursue the Toronto Maple Leafs winger if he becomes available on July 1 — a move that would signal the start of a transformative new era in Los Angeles.
“You can absolutely bet he’s going to be aggressive this summer trying to upgrade the Kings roster,” LeBrun reported, adding: “I would be surprised if the Kings didn’t enter the Mitch Marner sweepstakes, for example, if the pending unrestricted free agent is indeed available July 1.”
Why Marner, Why Now?
After another disappointing playoff exit, the Maple Leafs are once again facing an offseason full of uncertainty. Despite finishing the 2024–25 campaign with 102 points and leading the team in assists, Mitch Marner’s relationship with Toronto’s front office has reportedly become strained.
Tensions escalated when Marner declined to waive his no-trade clause for a proposed deal involving Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen, casting doubt on his long-term future with the team and raising questions about management’s willingness to retain him.
Per Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, Marner has already “ruled out any move to another Canadian team,” making a U.S.-based destination like Los Angeles — with more favorable media conditions and a strong supporting cast — an ideal fit.
Kings Are Ready to Strike
With Ken Holland now leading hockey operations, the Kings appear ready to break out of their pattern of early postseason exits. Holland, known for making aggressive moves in Detroit and Edmonton, is reportedly operating with the green light to take major swings this summer.
And Marner would be a swing worth taking.
Adding a dynamic, two-way winger of his caliber would provide a significant boost to a roster that already features Kevin Fiala, Quinton Byfield, and veteran leader Anze Kopitar. Marner, just 28, would become the Kings’ top offensive weapon from Day 1.
While his price tag could exceed $13 million annually, the Kings may see it as a necessary investment to escape the middle of the pack and rejoin the league’s elite.
Toronto’s Loss Could Be L.A.’s Gain
Should Marner depart, it would mark a major shift in Toronto — and perhaps the end of the Matthews-Marner era as a core tandem. Despite being one of the NHL’s most talented duos, the Leafs have now endured nine straight early playoff exits without a significant breakthrough.
For Los Angeles, the opportunity is clear: capitalize on the dysfunction in Toronto and bring in a franchise-altering player in his prime.
If Holland can pull it off, Marner won’t just be an addition — he’ll be a statement.
What Happens Next
Marner is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and insiders believe his departure from Toronto is growing more likely by the day.
If the Kings are serious about contending in the near term, this could be their moment to strike — and land one of the most skilled and cerebral players in the NHL.