As the NHL offseason gains steam, a seismic shift may be on the horizon. With Mitch Marner’s future in Toronto growing increasingly uncertain, both the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings are reportedly preparing to engage in a bidding war that could redefine the landscape of the league. Sources close to the situation suggest that the two Pacific Division franchises are planning blockbuster proposals for the elite winger—offers that could send shockwaves through not only the Toronto Maple Leafs organization but the entire NHL.
The Maple Leafs are heading into the summer under a cloud of urgency and pressure. Another early playoff exit has reignited debates surrounding the team’s long-term vision. General Manager Brad Treliving faces a defining offseason, and no decision looms larger than what to do with Marner, a player who has become both beloved and divisive in Toronto.
Marner, 27, is entering the final year of his six-year, $65 million contract. Though he holds a full no-movement clause, recent reports suggest he may be open to a trade under the right circumstances. The Leafs are left with a difficult decision: let the contract run its course and risk losing him for nothing next summer—or explore the trade market now when his value is still high.
The two California franchises are circling like sharks. The Ducks, in the midst of a rebuild led by GM Pat Verbeek, are eager to add an established superstar to accelerate their progress. With young talent like Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras, and Mason McTavish already in place, Anaheim sees Marner as the veteran playmaker who could galvanize their young core and elevate them to playoff contention.
On the other side of the state, the Kings are in a different phase. Fresh off a frustrating playoff sweep by the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles is desperate to make a big splash. Team president Luc Robitaille and GM Rob Blake are reportedly prepared to offer a substantial package centered around prospects and draft picks to land Marner. They view him as the final piece of a puzzle that already includes stars like Anze Kopitar, Kevin Fiala, and Drew Doughty.
Any team acquiring Marner would need to absorb his $10.9 million cap hit—or negotiate an extension if he’s amenable. For Anaheim, that’s far less of an issue. They possess ample cap space and no current superstar contracts on the books. For L.A., the move would likely require some roster maneuvering, but the Kings are reportedly willing to make the necessary sacrifices.
Both teams see Marner not only as a game-changer but a marketable star capable of driving ticket sales and igniting fanbases. The Ducks, in particular, have struggled with attendance in recent years, and a marquee name like Marner could be a franchise-defining addition.
While no formal offers have been confirmed, speculation is running wild. The Ducks could present a package featuring Zegras or McTavish, a first-round pick, and another high-end prospect. The Kings, by contrast, might center their offer around Quinton Byfield, a promising young center who’s starting to realize his potential, alongside a first-round pick and other assets.
From Toronto’s perspective, any deal would need to bring immediate help. They remain in win-now mode, and shedding Marner for future assets alone would be a tough sell to fans and ownership alike. The Leafs would likely push for players who can step into the lineup immediately and make an impact.
It won’t be easy for the Maple Leafs to part ways with Marner. A Toronto native and fan favorite, he’s been a fixture in the organization since being drafted fourth overall in 2015. His elite playmaking and two-way responsibility have made him one of the NHL’s most dynamic forwards. But after repeated playoff failures and a core that hasn’t produced meaningful postseason results, change is becoming less a choice and more a necessity.
A trade involving Marner would be emotional and risky—but it might also be the shake-up Toronto desperately needs. For the Ducks or Kings, the move would signal an aggressive step toward contention and a commitment to star power.
The offseason is still young, but the Mitch Marner sweepstakes may soon take center stage. With Anaheim and Los Angeles reportedly poised to make record-breaking offers, the pressure is now squarely on the Maple Leafs’ front office. How they handle this situation could define the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
