Following the hiring of Ken Holland as general manager and Vice President of Hockey Operations, the Los Angeles Kings appear poised to make major waves in the coming NHL offseasons. In fact, they might have two of the league’s most prominent names on their radar.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Kings are expected to be aggressive players if Mitch Marner becomes available this summer — and could go even further with a potential blockbuster pursuit of Connor McDavid should the Edmonton Oilers captain hit free agency in 2026.
Holland has reportedly been given the green light to make bold moves in reshaping the Kings’ roster and getting them over their continued first-round playoff disappointments. LeBrun wrote Thursday, “You can absolutely bet he’s going to be aggressive this summer trying to upgrade the Kings roster.” That likely includes targeting Marner, who is reportedly ready for a change of scenery after years under the intense spotlight in Toronto.
LeBrun writes:
“I would be surprised if the Kings didn’t enter the Mitch Marner sweepstakes, for example, if the pending unrestricted free agent is indeed available July 1. Just like I would be pretty surprised if the Kings didn’t do all they could to enter a Connor McDavid frenzy if, for whatever reason, the best player in the world doesn’t extend with the Oilers. (I’m not saying he won’t extend. I’m just saying in case he doesn’t.)”
source – ‘Why Kings could go big-game hunting this NHL offseason: Catching up with Ken Holland’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 05-22-2025
What’s That About Connor McDavid?
The mention of McDavid is particularly intriguing. The Oilers superstar is under contract until July 1, 2026, and while there’s optimism in Edmonton that he’ll sign an extension in the summer of 2025, LeBrun is among those keeping an eye on what happens if he doesn’t. Speculation would start with an ugly playoff elimination at the hands of the Dallas Stars.
There are significant “what-ifs” surrounding both Marner and McDavid’s availability.
Both would first have to decline an extension with their respective teams, teams that are consistently contending for the Stanley Cup and playoff-bound. While Marner might be ready to move on, the Oilers are still tracking to compete for a Cup this season. There is a feeling in…
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