LA Kings Decisions and a Free Agent Target for Each NHL Team

Los Angeles Kings Roster Outlook: Who’s Staying and Who Might Be Moving

An examination of the Los Angeles Kings’ roster reveals which players are expected to remain with the team and who could be on the move. Key players like Mikey Anderson, Quinton Byfield, Kevin Fiala, Anton Forsberg, Adrian Kempe, Alex Laferriere, and Artemi Panarin are considered non-departures.

Likely to stay are Joel Armia, Cody Ceci, Brandt Clarke, Drew Doughty, Brian Dumoulin, Joel Edmundson, Samuel Helenius, and Darcy Kuemper. Alex Turcotte, Taylor Ward, and Jared Wright are also set for another evaluation period.

Trevor Moore, with two years remaining on his contract and no trade protection, is also expected to stay, though with some uncertainty.

The most challenging decisions involve pending unrestricted free agents Scott Laughton and Jacob Moverare.

Mathieu Joseph, Andre Kuzmenko, and Jeff Malott are unlikely to return. Kuzmenko, who had 13 goals in 52 games before a knee surgery in February, may not be needed following the Kings’ acquisition of Panarin. All three are unrestricted free agents.

NHL Free Agent Target for Every Team This Offseason

Here is a breakdown of a recommended free agent target for each NHL team to sign or re-sign during the upcoming offseason:

• Anaheim Ducks: Re-sign Jacob Trouba (RHD). Also consider re-signing John Carlson to a two-year deal.
• Boston Bruins: Rasmus Andersson (RHD). The Bruins have previously attempted to acquire him.
• Buffalo Sabres: Re-sign Alex Tuch (RW). This is a top priority for the team.
• Calgary Flames: No specific target identified.
• Carolina Hurricanes: Re-sign Frederik Andersen.
• Chicago Blackhawks: Mario Ferraro (LHD).
• Colorado Avalanche: Jaden Schwartz (LW). It’s suggested that no move might be the best option here.
• Columbus Blue Jackets: Alex Tuch (RW).
• Dallas Stars: John Carlson (RHD). The Stars need a right-shot defenseman and a top-six winger.
• Detroit Red Wings: Bobby McMann (LW/RW). He brings needed speed and power for their top line.
• Edmonton Oilers: Alex Tuch (RW). The Oilers are looking to add scoring and size.
• Florida Panthers: Stuart Skinner (G). He could perform better behind the Panthers’ strong defense.
• Los Angeles Kings: Bobby McMann (LW/RW). While a center is needed, options are scarce.
• Minnesota Wild: Evgeni Malkin (C/RW). The Wild are in need of centers.
• Montreal Canadiens: Jacob Trouba (RHD). While unlikely, he addresses a significant team need.
• Nashville Predators: Logan Stanley (LHD). He could add size and a physical presence to their blue line.
• New Jersey Devils: Viktor Arvidsson (RW/LW). He would provide valuable forward depth.
• New York Islanders: Viktor Arvidsson (RW/LW). While not a big spender, he would help their middle-six forwards.
• New York Rangers: Mario Ferraro (LHD). Although likely not a target, he would be an upgrade to their defense.
• Ottawa Senators: Bobby McMann (LW/RW). The Senators could benefit from more wing scoring.
• Philadelphia Flyers: Darren Raddysh (RHD). His addition could improve their power play.
• Pittsburgh Penguins: Mason Marchment (LW). He offers size and the potential to score 20 goals.
• San Jose Sharks: Darren Raddysh (RHD). He possesses a powerful shot, could be a top-pairing defenseman, and serve as a power-play quarterback.
• Seattle Kraken: Alex Tuch (RW). The Kraken have been actively seeking to add top talent.
• St. Louis Blues: No specific target identified. The suggestion is to focus on trades rather than free agency.
• Tampa Bay Lightning: Re-sign Darren Raddysh (RHD). The Lightning are known for their ability to secure reasonable deals.
• Toronto Maple Leafs: Darren Raddysh (RHD). He would bolster the blue line and power play, though he’d be another defenseman over 30.
• Utah Mammoth: Bobby McMann (LW/RW). The team needs help in their middle-six forward group.
• Vancouver Canucks: Michael McCarron (C). He offers size and could fill a center role on a short-term contract.
• Vegas Golden Knights: Re-sign Rasmus Andersson (RHD). He has been a valuable asset since his acquisition.
• Washington Capitals: Alex Tuch (RW). They could use a scoring winger in their top six.
• Winnipeg Jets: Mason Marchment (LW). He would bring needed size and scoring to their forward lines.