The Los Angeles Kings are entering an offseason of change and crucial decision-making, with new General Manager Ken Holland at the helm. After another disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, Holland is tasked with re-shaping the roster to build a Stanley Cup contender. Several key areas need to be addressed, including the defense, upcoming draft, and re-signing key players.
Defense as Top Priority
Holland has made it clear that solidifying the defense is his top priority this offseason. A major question mark is whether Vladislav Gavrikov will re-sign with the Kings. Gavrikov is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) and is expected to command a significant raise, potentially seeking a deal worth $8 million or more annually. If the Kings can't reach an agreement with Gavrikov, they will need to explore other options to fill the void on the left side of the defense. Some potential replacements via free agency could include Aaron Ekblad or Dmitri Orlov.
The Kings also traded away Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators for a third-round pick in the 2025 draft and a sixth-round pick in 2026. While Spence had strong regular-season metrics, the Kings felt he wasn't a fit in their long-term plans, especially with the emergence of Brandt Clarke. The Kings may not have felt comfortable guaranteeing Spence the larger role he desired. The return for Spence has been viewed by some as underwhelming, unless it's part of a bigger plan to acquire NHL-ready talent. His departure creates a hole on the third defensive pairing.
One potential target to bolster the defense is Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres. Byram is a puck-moving defenseman who could add more offense to the Kings' blueline. The Sabres drafted Radim Mrtka, another defenseman, potentially signaling their willingness to move Byram. Acquiring Byram could provide a long-term replacement for Drew Doughty.
Draft Decisions
The Kings were initially slated to pick 24th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft but traded down to 31st with the Pittsburgh Penguins, acquiring the 59th overall pick in the process. With the 31st pick, the Kings selected defenseman Henry Brzustewicz from the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Brzustewicz is a right-shot defenseman known for his hockey IQ. He had 42 points in 67 OHL games.
Trading down was a common theme for the Kings as they also traded pick 67 to Carolina for pick 125 and a 2026 third-round pick. With the 59th pick, acquired in the trade with Pittsburgh, the Kings selected forward Vojtech Cihar from Czechia. Cihar is known as a relentless winger who embodies what you would want in a fourth-line grinder. He is viewed as a long-term project and is expected to play in the CHL and NCAA before turning pro.
Other Key Offseason Priorities
Overall, the LA Kings face a crucial offseason with several key decisions to make. Addressing the defense, making smart draft picks, and solidifying the roster with the right additions will be essential for the Kings to take the next step and compete for a Stanley Cup.
