The Los Angeles Kings have already done real work this offseason, with general manager Ken Holland making significant moves to address roster needs in free agency. Still, with training camp coming up fast, there are a few unsigned names left on the board who could be worth a look.
At this point in the summer, the Kings don’t appear to be in a position where they have to force another addition. The roster already has plenty of veteran depth and competition heading into camp over the next few weeks. If Los Angeles does make another move, it likely needs to be inexpensive or come on a professional tryout.
Even so, a handful of recognizable veterans remain available, and some of them could offer either another scoring option or more depth on the blue line. With that in mind, here are four late-offseason free agents the Kings should at least consider before the preseason begins.
One name that stands out is Nick Blankenburg. The former Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators defenseman is among the most interesting young blue-liners still unsigned this late in the offseason. Blankenburg has been a regular on the back end for both teams and has produced double-digit goals and more than 30 points in each of the past two seasons.
If Holland and the Kings want to add a defenseman who might stir up some competition on the blue line heading into camp, Blankenburg looks like a strong fit. He could be the best option still available if Los Angeles wants to make a low-risk move before training camp.
In Other News...
Kings Enter Camp With Two Huge Lineup Battles Still Unsettled
Peter Laviolettes first training camp in Los Angeles arrives with most of the roster picture already sketched in, thanks in part to Ken Hollands veteran additions and a core that looks familiar on the back end. Artemi Panarin, Quinton Byfield and Adrian Kempe are projected to anchor the top line, while Brandt Clarke is set for a bigger workload on defense as the Kings try to build on a group that has been largely kept intact.
The real intrigue is up the middle, where the lineup still has room for movement before opening night. The second- and third-line center spots remain unsettled, and that kind of uncertainty gives camp a little more edge than usual for a team that otherwise looks fairly set. Even with a clear framework in place, Los Angeles still has a few important decisions to make before Laviolette can settle into a true opening-night order. [Read more 🡒]