Newly appointed Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland made it clear during his introductory press conference that while he’s inheriting a strong 105-point team, he’s not planning to stand pat. 

“I don’t want to screw it up,” Holland said on May 15. “I want to add some pieces, make some trades.” 

With authority from ownership and a multi-year deal as GM and vice-president, Holland has the green light to make aggressive moves this off-season.

Holland has long been known for his affinity for experienced players, proven leaders and reclamation projects. Above all, he just wants to win. With that in mind, here are six pending free agents he could pursue to push the Kings past the first round and into true Stanley Cup contention:

Brock Boeser, RW, Vancouver Canucks

Brock Boeser’s time in Vancouver appears to be coming to an end. Despite a 40-goal season in 2023-24, reports are that both camps are separated on the term, and Boeser’s camp wasn’t pleased with GM Patrik Allvin’s comments about his value at the trade deadline. Holland could seize the opportunity to add a high-upside right winger hungry for a fresh start and slot him into a top-six role in L.A.

Adrian Kempe can play both wings, but the Kings’ depth is at left wing, where they have Kevin Fiala, Warren Foegele and Andrei Kuzmenko if he re-signs. Alex Laferriere is a good young player with 42 points in 77 games this season, but he doesn’t have the scoring upside Boeser does. Getting a proven high-end scorer works best for the Kings’ competitive window.

John Tavares, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

John Tavares may no longer be a top-line center, but his leadership and experience may be worth something on the open market. It wouldn’t be surprising if Tavares re-signs with the Maple Leafs, but if Treliving lowballs their former captain, Holland could offer Tavares more cap hit and use him as a top-six winger or a middle-six center. 

In Los Angeles, Tavares would be part of a stronger leadership group that includes Cup champions Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. It wouldn’t be up to Tavares to motivate a team like the Kings. The price has to be right here if he’s to play in the middle, as the Kings have Anze Kopitar, Quinton Byfield and Phillip Danault already on their roster. 

Tavares still offers the intangibles Holland values: professionalism, accountability and the ability to set the tone for a dressing room.

Mitch Marner, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs’ Mitch Marner will likely be the biggest target in free agency. While he said he loves Toronto, it should surprise no one if he hits the market after the way that team’s season ended, the report he blocked a trade involving Mikko Rantanen and the constant scrutiny about his pending UFA status.

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic said last Thursday he’d be surprised if the Kings don’t try to sign Marner. He also said he’d be surprised if Los Angeles doesn’t go after Connor McDavid if he doesn’t re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers next summer, although that’s not to say he won’t sign a contract extension with his current team.

Going after McDavid is the bigger story, but there’s a sense that McDavid will re-sign with the Oilers after continuing to go far in the playoffs. Marner leaving Toronto is starting to feel like real life. He would slot in as the top right winger on the Kings and be an excellent set-up player for Kempe or Fiala.

Three Potential Free-Agency Landing Spots For Mitch Marner In the wake of Toronto's <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/the-toronto-maple-leafs-stanley-cup-window-has-slammed-shut" target="_blank">second-round playoff loss</a> to Florida, Mitch Marner's name has been all over the headlines.

Brad Marchand, LW, Florida Panthers

Brad Marchand’s future in Florida is uncertain. He’s fit in well, but as an aging pending UFA, the fact he left Boston means he might explore the market on July 1. There’s no denying what he brings to the table: grit, playoff edge and an unrelenting desire to win. 

Holland has built successful teams around players like this in the past. If Marchand becomes available, he could be the exact emotional driver the Kings need to finally overcome a team like the Oilers in a playoff series. 

In an interview with the Players’ Tribune in 2018, Marchand suggested that not every player who says “winning is everything” really means it. said the following:

“Maybe it was my size, or just the way I was born, but I’ve always felt like you have to be willing to do anything – literally anything – in order to win,” he wrote. “Even if that means being hated. Even if it means carrying around some baggage.”

This is the kind of player the Kings need after being stuck in a first-round playoff rut for four years.

Sam Bennett, C, Florida Panthers

Sam Bennett will likely draw significant interest if he hits the open market. Given the interest in his services, he might be foolish not to see at least what’s being thrown his way. 

With his blend of speed, physicality and consistent playoff production, he’s a perfect fit for a Kings team looking to get tougher and harder to play against. 

Bennett could easily become a fan favorite in L.A. and give the team a hard-nosed, second-line presence. Should the Kings let Tanner Jeannot and Kuzmenko leave, there would be a place for Bennett and salary cap room to make it work. 

Holland would have competition, especially if Marner leaves Toronto and the Maple Leafs pursue Bennett. But with a projected $21.7 million in cap space and 21 of 23 roster spots already filled for next season, Holland can try hard to win any sweepstakes.

Connor Brown, RW, Edmonton Oilers

Holland signed Connor Brown in Edmonton, and after a bounce-back season with the Oilers, the speedy forward potentially priced himself out of the team’s plans. This isn’t because the Oilers don’t want Brown. They must prioritize Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard, who will be ridiculously expensive to re-sign over the next year.

For the Kings, Brown could be an affordable addition who brings speed, penalty-killing ability and a reliable work ethic. If Holland wants to steal a piece from a Pacific Division rival without breaking the bank, Brown is a natural fit.

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