Jon Hoven of Mayor’s Manor and Kings of the Podcast joined TFP Hotstove on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio with Dennis Bernstein, Dave Pagnotta, and Ryan Paton. Hoven discussed the type of defenseman the Los Angeles Kings are seeking and their options for strengthening the blueline, noting that Darnell Nurse might not be the right fit.
Dave Pagnotta inquired about the defensive needs of the Kings, asking about the kind of players who would benefit their blue line, beyond specific individuals like Darnell Nurse.
Jon Hoven explained that while the team’s current coach, Peter Laviolette, has emphasized the importance of defensemen contributing offensively—not just through goals and assists, but also by moving the puck effectively—the team’s culture often prioritizes defensive play. He suggested that the Kings need players who can transition the puck, block shots, and be physical, ideally possessing a larger frame, around 6’3″ or 6’4″.
Hoven acknowledged that the Kings cannot overhaul their entire defense corps, likely needing to make changes to only two of their starting six defensemen. He ruled out Mikey Anderson and Brandt Clarke as tradable assets. Cody Ceci, despite fan criticism and a scrutinized contract, is unlikely to be traded this summer, with his situation likely to be re-evaluated next year. This leaves Drew Doughty, Brian Dumoulin, and Joel Edmundson as the most probable candidates for potential trades, as Edmundson and Dumoulin have the most movable contracts.
The situation becomes more complex if Drew Doughty is moved. In such a scenario, the Kings would not only need defensemen who can move the puck but also players capable of contributing offensively and potentially running a second power-play unit, as Brandt Clarke would be their only truly offensive-minded defenseman.
Hoven speculated that, regardless of the Doughty situation, fans might be surprised to see Vladislav Gavrikov return to Los Angeles this summer.
