If Mitch Marner is made available by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Kings have to be in on the star forward, no?
When the Toronto Maple Leafs were bounced in the first round of the 2024 playoffs, the writing was on the wall; there would be changes.
The first domino to fall was the firing of head coach Sheldon Keefe, but some wonder if that is enough. There are reports out regarding Mitch Marner and how he may be willing to waive his no-movement clause to get out of Toronto and play for another team.
If this is true, Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake needs to do his due diligence and check in with Brad Treliving to see the asking price.
The Kings could be a sleeper team for the Marner sweepstakes this summer. They have the pieces to make a competitive trade offer and the location that many hockey players love.
If the Kings were able to acquire Marner, the trade may include a young piece of their future like Brandt Clarke or a few big-name players like Kevin Fiala or Adrian Kempe.
Either way, Blake should pull the trigger on the trade, no?
Yes, Fiala and Kempe have been some of the team's best players, but this is an opportunity to get one of the best wingers in the league who can put up 100 points and be a part of the future alongside Quintin Byfield.
There will likely be 25-plus teams bidding for Marner if he is made available for trade. The Kings have a good chance of being on his list of teams he is willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to. All they need to do is pitch a good trade package, which they can do.