The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered another playoff exit on Sunday night in a 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers at home. It was a disappointing performance collectively, and for one player in particular, it should give the Los Angeles Kings something to consider once free agency starts.
The Kings are no stranger to playoff disappointments as they now have four straight first-round exits and have brought in Ken Holland as their new general manager to hopefully get them over the hump. He recently said that he can spend up to the salary cap and could go big in free agency.
There won't be a bigger free agent this offseason than Mitch Marner, who has been consistent for the Maple Leafs now with 85 or more points in four straight regular seasons. He has made nine trips to the playoffs with the Maple Leafs but has only advanced to the second round twice, including this season.
What might be even more concerning is that in six of those trips to the playoffs, they saw their season end in a Game 7. While Marner can't be blamed for all those loses, he has not produced in those games as he has only one point in those six elimination games.
Should the LA Kings put more emphasis on playoff success?
There is no question that Mitch Marner is the best player potentially available in free agency this offseason. He would almost certainly lead the Kings in points every season for however long his contract length was.
However, the focus is to be successful in the playoffs and Marner hasn't been able to do that during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, a player like Sam Bennett, who is a very different player than Marner, has the chance to reach the Stanley Cup for the third straight season with the Florida Panthers.
Should the LA Kings prioritize a player with playoff success over someone like Marner, who has struggled in those situations? It is an interesting discussion and one that the Kings' front office is probably trying to weigh leading up to free agency.