LA Kings One of Two Teams to Present Leafs Star Mitch Marner With Astronomical Offer

With the NHL's free agency period right around the corner, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner is going to occupy all the headlines, especially if the Florida Panthers find a way to keep one or both of Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand.

Should Marner reach unrestricted free agency on July 1st, there are going to be more than a few teams seriously interested in his services, and according to James Mirtle of The Athletic, some of them might go as high as Leon Draisaitl's contract.

Mirtle noted that there are several teams that are willing to meet the astronomical price of Draisaitl's $14 million dollar AAV, including the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings. He added that both teams have the cap space and the wherewithal to make a gigantic move.

The Kings are coming off their 4th consecutive first round playoff exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers and are poised to make some changes. With $21.7 million in projected cap space and defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov the only expiring contract of note, the Kings can absolutely roll the dice and get this done, per Mirtle.

The Ducks are on the other side of the spectrum as they're looking to expedite their rebuild, and with $38.688 million available this year. With only one notable RFA to extend, they are in prime position to offer the moon and the stars for Marner as well.

With the Kings and Ducks being two teams willing to pay up for Marner, it sure does sound like the Leafs are going to have to get creative this summer in order to replace his production. It won't be easy, but $14 million is assuredly out of their preferred price point, and that money can be used elsewhere to fill out the roster.