Mitch Marner is working on defining his future amid his imminent departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’s highly likely the 28-year-old forward will play the 2025–26 NHL season with another franchise, and one team from the Pacific Division is reportedly willing to make a strong push to sign him.
Several teams have shown interest in Marner. Just last week, a Metropolitan Division team as the Carolina Hurricanes joined the race to sign the Maple Leafs‘ star, who scored 27 goals last 2024-25 NHL season, having a standout performance.
Marner is said to have made it clear that he doesn’t want to play for any Canadian franchise, seeking a change of scenery. That helps explain the potential move to a Pacific Division team, even if it would take him far from Toronto, where his entire family resides.
Which Pacific Division team wants to land Marner?
The team that has already expressed strong interest in acquiring Marner is none other than the Los Angeles Kings. According to recent reports, the LA franchise is reportedly prepared to make a massive offer for the 28-year-old forward, as reported by lafbnetwork.com.
The site claims the Kings’ potential offer would be similar to the one Leon Draisaitl received from the Edmonton Oilers, around $14 million per year. That puts Los Angeles among the top contenders to land the Maple Leafs star.
The Kings’ salary cap flexibility
The Kings have over $21 million in available cap space and a new general manager in Ken Holland, which gives them a real shot at making this move. Los Angeles is reportedly considering Marner as the ideal piece to strengthen its offense and become a true Stanley Cup contender.