The Los Angeles Kings are facing a busy offseason with several key storylines developing. From potential trades to Olympic roster selections and free agency decisions, here's a look at the latest news and rumors surrounding the team.
Defenseman Jordan Spence is generating significant buzz in the rumor mill. Several reports suggest the Kings might be considering trading the young, right-shot defenseman. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Kings may be looking to give Brandt Clarke a larger role and might not see the need for both Spence and Clarke on the right side of their defense. General Manager Ken Holland reportedly prefers bigger, more mobile defensemen, and Spence, while productive, may not fit that mold.
Several teams could be potential landing spots for Spence. The Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, and Nashville Predators have all been mentioned as possible destinations. The Red Wings need to improve their blueline, while the Senators are specifically looking to bolster their right side. The Predators, after a disappointing season, are seeking impactful, young talent. Spence, with his offensive upside and relatively low $1.5 million salary, would likely draw considerable interest around the league. Over the past two years, Spence has recorded 6 goals and 52 points in 150 games.
A potential trade involving Spence could allow the Kings to address other needs on their roster, particularly up front, where they are looking to improve their scoring and overall offensive capabilities.
Another key decision facing the Kings this offseason is the future of defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. Gavrikov, who is coming off a strong season, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He proved to be a valuable asset, especially when Drew Doughty was injured, often playing on his off-side and providing solid defensive play.
While the Kings are reportedly interested in re-signing Gavrikov, it's not a certainty. Gavrikov could command a significant contract on the open market, potentially in the range of $9 million per year, similar to Jakob Chychrun's deal with the Washington Capitals. If the Kings are unwilling to meet that price, they may need to explore other options to fill the void on their blueline. Retaining Gavrikov remains a high priority for the Kings, given his strong two-way play and experience.
The preliminary rosters for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, have been announced, and several Kings players are among those selected. Adrian Kempe has been named to Team Sweden, while Kevin Fiala will represent Team Switzerland.
Kempe, a key forward for the Kings, is a natural selection for Sweden, while Fiala's inclusion on the Swiss team is also not unexpected. This will be Fiala's first experience in best-on-best international competition. He has previously participated in the IIHF World Championships seven times, winning three silver medals.
The full Olympic rosters will be finalized later this year, but these initial selections highlight the Kings' representation on the international stage. The NHL is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, adding extra excitement to the event.
