In the wake of another early playoff exit, considerable discussion and debate have centered on the future of upcoming free agent Mitch Marner.
Despite the frustration expressed by some Toronto fans, all 32 NHL teams, including his current one, will likely show interest until he signs a new contract.
Marner joined his hometown team in 2016. Since then, only seven players (Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov, Artemi Panarin, David Pastrnak, and Sidney Crosby) have recorded more points than the 741 accumulated by the 2015 fourth overall pick.
Marner, recently turned 28, was a Selke Trophy finalist in 2023 and, remarkably, has never missed the playoffs in his nine-year career.
He is now approximately six weeks away from becoming eligible to sign with any team in the league.
While a return to the Maple Leafs isn`t impossible (coach Craig Berube `100 per cent` wants him back), it strongly suggests a departure is likely. After another difficult postseason, Marner may seek a different environment.
Naturally, a free agent of Mitch Marner`s caliber will attract widespread attention, but some destinations are more likely than others.
With this in mind, and assuming Marner doesn`t re-sign in Toronto, let`s explore the potential teams that could aggressively pursue a player of his rare talent.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings understand the frustration of repeated playoff disappointments, having lost four consecutive first-round series to the Edmonton Oilers. They recently hired former Oilers GM Ken Holland, suggesting a significant move is likely.
Adding scoring talent has been a priority for the L.A. organization for 15 years. They acquired Jeff Carter from Columbus in 2012 and Marian Gaborik from the same team two years later. Gaborik then led the playoffs in goals in 2014, helping L.A. win its second Stanley Cup in three years.
Carter (who was unhappy in Columbus) and Gaborik (a one-dimensional winger with injury history) weren`t perfect players when the Kings got them, but they significantly impacted the team`s success.
While the foundation of the current Kings roster might not be as strong as the 2012 and 2014 championship teams, there`s no doubt an infusion of elite talent could elevate them considerably.
From Marner`s viewpoint, Los Angeles seems like a very attractive option. He could see the potential for deep playoff runs while his family enjoys the California lifestyle.
Expect the Kings to be one of the first teams to contact Marner`s representatives.
