2025-26 Off Season Thread

[CaptHowdy00]

Mitch Marner NHL free agency sweepstakes: Ranking all 32 potential landing spots

With roster needs and cap situations in mind, how each team fits as a destination for one of the biggest names to hit free agency in years.

www.nytimes.com

Los Angeles Kings​

One of the few playoff teams in a desirable market that definitely needs help up front, has cap space and will be aggressive in free agency. New GM Ken Holland has signaled he intends to use his cap space to put his team in a better position to finally advance further in the postseason. Marner feels like a perfect fit on a team that has such a strong defensive approach, and he knows coach Jim Hiller well from their time in Toronto. The Kings won’t be the front-runner, but they’re certainly in the mix.

I don’t know enough about this guy one way or the other. Is he going to be worth the money?

 

[Kings4OT]

Mitch Marner NHL free agency sweepstakes: Ranking all 32 potential landing spots

With roster needs and cap situations in mind, how each team fits as a destination for one of the biggest names to hit free agency in years.

www.nytimes.com

Los Angeles Kings​

One of the few playoff teams in a desirable market that definitely needs help up front, has cap space and will be aggressive in free agency. New GM Ken Holland has signaled he intends to use his cap space to put his team in a better position to finally advance further in the postseason. Marner feels like a perfect fit on a team that has such a strong defensive approach, and he knows coach Jim Hiller well from their time in Toronto. The Kings won’t be the front-runner, but they’re certainly in the mix.

I don’t know enough about this guy one way or the other. Is he going to be worth the money?

Marner has what I would call a very high hockey IQ. More of a playmaker than a scorer but can snipe as well. Honestly with Fiala on the other side if they had a big C in front of the net, they would lite it up. Defensively sound too. Not a playoff hockey guy, but i think if put with a Jeanott type he would be effective....just needs protection so he can dish more than fight for position if that makes any sense

 

[PuckinUgly57]

A concern with Marner is the production, and I don't mean his overall production. He's a 1.13 PPG player in his 9 years in the league (741P/657GP), hitting a career high 102 points this season has also had seasons in the 80s and 90s. He's a solid player, as K4 stated he's more of a disher than a shooter. He's a huge reason why guys like Matthews hits 60 goals.

The issue is LA (shocker I know). They don't have a Matthews, they don't have a Nylander, etc. They don't have finishers minus Kempe and Fiala and neither of those guys are Matthews or Nylander or even a Tavares or Reilly or Knies. So Marner won't be putting up 90-100 points here and at that price he may be getting ($13-14 million) I can see a lot of disappointed Kings fans when he tops out at 70 points for that much money.

If the expectations are tempered that that may happen, go for it but as also stated he isn't a PO performer. I'd rather use that $13-14 million on two solid additions than on one player because Kings depth did them in.

Guys like Kane, Perry, Brown, Henrique are contributing and winning games while LAs depth guys were nonexistent. I don't think one high end, high dollar guy fixes that to help LA advance.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Roh oh Raggy...

 

[Kings4OT]

Roh oh Raggy...

Ya, hes gone. Cant talk shit on players and survive

 

[PuckinUgly57]

TA on potential fits for Ehlers:

Los Angeles Kings

Ehlers doesn’t fit the mold of the Kings’ structure or forward group,, so this pick may feel out of left field. But after four (!) consecutive Round 1 eliminations, it’s time for L.A. to go against the grain. Maybe that finally happens with Ken Holland taking over as general manager for Rob Blake.

The Kings don’t necessarily need to completely overhaul their roster or playing style, but it’s clear this team needs some change to better compete with the best in the West. It’s thought that defense wins championships, but it’s clear in recent years that a team also needs an elite offense. So this team should be looking to add more scoring pop to their defensive playing style. Adding more puck-moving forwards who can boost the team’s rush-based attack could be the key.

Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere all contribute shots in transition, but only Kevin Fiala stands out with some of the best in the league.

With Ehlers in the fold, the top six would have more dimension. L.A.’s two-way centers would help offset any defensive concerns with Ehlers’ game, allowing him to play to his strengths.

I'd definitely consider Ehlers over Marner because of cost alone and he immediately slips into the T6. He's a play driver and creative, reminds me of a more skilled Blowout but a LH shot. That's the rub, the Kings need a T6 RH shot.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Teh Blog doing player reviews for the season, this one is on Clarke:

2025 Kings Seasons In Review – Brandt Clarke - LA Kings Insider

Continuing through the defensemen with a look at Brandt Clarke’s first NHL season. More ups than downs, certainly, for a player who brings a skillset no one else within the Kings organization possesses. More on the young blueliner below. Brandt Clarke LAK Statline – 78 games played, 5 goals, 28...

lakingsinsider.com

In a nutshell: he generated the most offensive chances for from the defense when he was on the ice. He also generated the most offensive chances against from the defense when he was on the ice.

Sounds like Karlsson Light to me, which means in 5 years he will win the first of 5 Norris Trophies because the award is so skewed.

Still not sold on this guy, especially when you consider how much he shrunk during the WCQF. This is a huge year for him not only in terms of a new contract (summer 2026) but also improving his defensive game.

And I don't care what people say, he isn't 200 pounds. It begins there, this summer he should be hitting the gym 5 days a week minimum and stuffing his face with pasta and PBJ sammiches. He's got to get bigger and stronger because he struggles in physical battles especially around the net. There's a clip somewhere (IG?) where Kane chirps him and says "you're soft". Clarke doesn't respond.

Haven't read the comments yet, this should be rich.

 

[Kings4OT]

I would like Bennett 5y or less (so not happening), Ekblad, Boeser, maybe Nelson for 3y (also not happening)

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Kupari signs a two year deal with HC Lugano (Swiss league). Jets weren't going to qualify him. He may resurface in the NHL in a few years but he's essentially out of the league.

Another blown first round pick under Bowlby, he went 20OA in 2018. It's nutty how slowly but surely we are hearing about these guys picked under that regime either banished to the minors, getting waived or leaving the league altogether.

Yanetti sucks.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

I would like Bennett 5y or less (so not happening), Ekblad, Boeser, maybe Nelson for 3y (also not happening)

Bennett and Ekblad for sure but I am concerned, they play smash mouth hockey and the Kings philosophy doesn't seem to permit that. Edmundson was neutered, none of that nasty we've seen for years was present from him this season in LA and he's got three more years on his deal (thanks Bowlby).

I don't want to get a Bennett and not be allowed to play his game. Would be nice to get him though and let him do his thing.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

TA on who could stay and who could go this summer:

L.A. Kings offseason: Who stays, who goes from the roster this summer?​

Should a team like the Los Angeles Kings, who have failed to get out of the first round of the playoffs for four consecutive years, go into the offseason with a “run it back” mindset? Or do the Kings need some different ingredients to create a winning playoff mix?

One path the Kings won’t head down is that of a rebuild. There won’t be any starting over. They wouldn’t have hired new general manager Ken Holland, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame with four Stanley Cup championships across his four decades as an NHL executive, to chart that kind of course.

“This is a real good, legitimate NHL team,” Holland said. “Got to keep it that way and then see, as we go forward, what I can do to pitch in and make them better, different.”

Just how different will the Kings be when they report for training camp? No hockey teams “run it back” completely, since there is bound to be some level of change. But this is a good time to look at which Kings will return and who could be going out the door.

The untouchable​

Brandt Clarke

If there was one true untouchable, it probably would be 2024 first-round pick Liam Greentree. But we’re talking about the current roster, and the closest to one here is Clarke. Not necessarily because of what the 22-year-old did this season – which, with 33 points to lead the defense, is still notable – but because of his profile and potential. He’s young and is a right-handed puck-mover with the potential to be a successor to Drew Doughty.

Not going anywhere​

Mikey Anderson

The Kings have Anderson, their steady shutdown defender, locked down for six more seasons at a team-friendly $4.125 million cap hit. The 26-year-old is about as rock-solid as it gets when it comes to play at his own blue line. His postseasons could be better, but he’s often drawn the assignment of going against either (or both) of Edmonton’s uber-duo in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Quinton Byfield

As a prospect, Byfield was considered an untouchable. You don’t trade a No. 2 overall pick unless you’re trying to get a modern-day superstar in his prime. Now we’re beyond that. Byfield, 22, is a full-fledged everyday center, and it’s still worth betting on his continued growth and upside after a 23-goal, 54-point season. He’s already been extended on a five-year contract. He isn’t moving … but he’d likely be the ask for a superstar in his prime.

Joel Edmundson

The ink had hardly dried on Edmundson’s four-year, $15.4 million contract before it was ridiculed by hockey fans and experts. It was considered an overpay for a third-pair, cross-checking defenseman who gets hurt a lot. Maybe that contract won’t age well, but Edmundson not only played in a career-high 73 games but was especially valuable in capably handling important second-pairing minutes while Doughty was sidelined for the first few months.

Warren Foegele

Foegele, 29, was a great addition to the Kings’ lineup. The winger ultimately settled in as a third-line force with linemates Trevor Moore and Phillip Danault, and he fit L.A.’s ethos in terms of hard-working, straight-line play with a no-nonsense vibe. Coming off a career 24-goal season, Foegele brings added value as a tenacious penalty-killer.

Kevin Fiala

The second half of Fiala’s 2024-25 season was much better than the first half, as the 28-year-old not only cleaned up his penchant for bad turnovers and penalties but flourished with Byfield as his regular center after being bounced around the year before. That was important for the unpredictable Fiala, who scored a career-high 35 goals to tie Adrian Kempe for the team lead.

Samuel Helenius

Helenius, 22, slides into this category because he’s still on his rookie contract while emerging as the Kings’ big-bodied fourth-line center. He played 50 regular-season games and all six in the playoffs after starting the season with AHL Ontario. He ranked second on the team with 150 hits, and coach Jim Hiller raved about his development. There’s always a place for young, cheap talent that can be effective in their roles.

Adrian Kempe

The Kings’ best player is set to become one of their most highly paid players as he enters the last season of a four-year, $22 million deal that he has easily outperformed. Kempe, 28, led the Kings in scoring for a second consecutive season. He added a team-leading 10 points in six playoff games. He’s in line for a home-run contract, and talks can begin on July 1.

Anže Kopitar

While Kopitar, 37, hasn’t said anything definitive about when he’ll end a career that’s destined to put him in the Hockey Hall of Fame, the signs remain that 2025-26 could be his final NHL season. He’s going to be a rare one-team star who holds franchise records, including likely passing Marcel Dionne as the all-time leading scorer next season.

Darcy Kuemper

The Kings quietly hoped returning to a place where he found success as a backup to Jonathan Quick would help Kuemper bounce back from a rough 2023-24 season in Washington. Instead, Kuemper, 35, was much more than a decent return for offloading Pierre-Luc Dubois’ contract. He had the finest season of his 13-year career, becoming a Vezina Trophy finalist for the first time as L.A.’s clear No. 1 goalie.

Alex Laferriere

Laferriere, 23, improved from his rookie season and is coming up on his second contract. While he experienced major scoring droughts (one goal in 20 games, zero in another 17-game spell), Laferriere nearly reached 20 goals and continued to improve overall. “For me, I think the way my style of play is, I can be effective when I’m not scoring as well,” Laferriere said.

Jacob Moverare

The Kings have the good-natured Swede under contract for another season. Moverare, 26, split the season between Ontario and Los Angeles but suited up in 49 games with the Kings, the most in his five years with the organization. With the Kings, he has effectively stepped in when injuries hit their defense or when he plays limited minutes in an 11-7 formation.

Staying put, almost certainly​

Kyle Burroughs

Burroughs, 29, is signed for next season and again could fill a depth role on the right side. The veteran’s role was bound to change in L.A. after he played a lot for a terrible San Jose team – and indeed he experienced a drop in games (73 to 33) and time on ice (19:09 to 7:49) this season. He’s got the temperament to handle a limited role.

Drew Doughty

From the moment Doughty suffered an ankle fracture in the preseason, this was bound to be a challenging year. His minus-7 rating against the Oilers in the playoffs left a bad taste, but it would be shocking if Holland were to do something as drastic as buying out the final two years of his contract or trading the franchise legend. The Kings should start dialing back his minutes and hope time will push the 35-year-old back toward full health.

Jordan Spence

The Kings have the 24-year-old signed through next season before he becomes an arbitration-eligible RFA. Without question, Spence was disappointed with being relegated to a bit role against Edmonton after playing in all but three regular-season games. He should be part of their regular six next season. He’ll also have to work past being marginalized when the games really matter.

Alex Turcotte

Turcotte, 24, finally had the year he long desired at the NHL level, as he dressed in 68 games and provided some flashes of being an energetic play-driver who can jazz up a line and occasionally finish. The specter of injury may follow him as he moves forward in his career but the former No. 5 overall pick is moving forward at last.

<con't>

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Staying put, for another look​

Jeff Malott

Include Malott among the most surprising developments of the Kings’ season. The 28-year-old AHL veteran got promoted on March 26 after excellent work with the Reign and he stuck with L.A. through the postseason. He nearly scored his first NHL goal on multiple occasions. The 6-foot-5 winger is capable of being a physical element on the fourth line.

Akil Thomas

Thomas spent the entirety of this season with the Kings, but he often was the odd man out after a training camp that Hiller wasn’t fully satisfied with. The 25-year-old got in 25 games, but others were usually preferred on the fourth line, and Hiller’s 11-forward, seven-defender rotation was another obstacle. Unless he’d prefer a move to find a clearer path to NHL work, Thomas will be back.

Staying put … most likely?​

Phillip Danault

Some have floated Danault, 32, as a trade possibility if Holland feels like shaking up the core. He scored only eight goals this season, tying the lowest mark over an 82-game season since he became an everyday player. But it can be argued that he was their best player outside of Kempe against the Oilers. He’s got two years left on his contract and should be set as their 3C next season.

Trevor Moore

Moore, 30, was dealing with an injury that could be the main reason why he had just six goals in his first 40 contests. Better health led to more production, as he had 12 goals and 20 points over his final 31 games. “Down the stretch, I finally started feeling healthy, and that helps for sure,” he said. He’s got three more years left on his contract, but he doesn’t have a no-trade clause and he could be easier to move than others on the roster.

The toughest decisions​

Vladislav Gavrikov

Former GM Rob Blake strongly expressed confidence in re-signing Gavrikov, but it’s still not done as July 1 looms. Gavrikov, 29, was L.A.’s best defenseman this season and showed he can play at a high level on both sides. Will Holland break down and give him a huge next contract or pivot toward another top-four — if not top-pairing — blueliner?

Tanner Jeannot

It took some time for Jeannot, 28, to find his place but the veteran winger was playing his best hockey when he picked up a groin injury that took him out of action down the stretch and for the postseason, where his physical play might have been better served. He’s a pricey fourth-liner, and the Kings could use the $2.665 million he made elsewhere. But his next contract shouldn’t be too costly. He can help L.A. or another club.

Andrei Kuzmenko

The Kings’ deadline addition at a relatively low cost, Kuzmenko turned around his wayward season by scoring 17 points in 22 games. He scored in each of the first two games against the Oilers, and totaled five points, but in the next four games (all losses), he managed only one goal and had a minus-7 rating. It feels like a short-term deal could work unless the Kings want to aim for a more consistent top-line winger.

Difficult to see them back​

Pheonix Copley

Outside of one game he finished up with the Kings, Copley spent the season with Ontario and went 24-17-1 with a .904 save percentage and 2.46 goals-against average. The 33-year-old is a UFA and the Kings could be poised to give prospect Carter George – who won both of his playoff starts with the Reign – his first shot at regular AHL work.

David Rittich

“Big Save Dave” went 16-14-2 in 34 games backing up Kuemper but he didn’t live up his moniker as much as he did during his strong 2023-24 season. MoneyPuck had Rittich making 11.4 fewer saves than expected. He only won six of his final 16 starts and had a 3.64 GAA and .881 save percentage in a rough end to the season. The Kings could go in another direction.

Definitely not back​

Trevor Lewis

After 17 years and 1,034 NHL games, Lewis was asked directly if he was ready to call it a career. “I don’t think so,” he said. “See what happens this summer. Still feel good, so we’ll see what’s out there.” The 38-year-old played in 60 games and has a long association with the club, but younger legs figure to win out over his experience when it comes to a roster spot.

Thoughts?

 

[Kings4OT]

Will get to this tonight maybe....

Nelson signed with Avs 3 x 7.5 I think

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Will get to this tonight maybe....

Nelson signed with Avs 3 x 7.5 I think

There's some stuff on there that I don't necessarily agree with. Obviously this is from the Kings POV but to me Clarke is not an untouchable and neither is Buster. Neither guy is a needle mover and with Buster in particular he falls into such a gray area it needs to be looked at further. If the right deal came around I would not hesitate to move him at all. Clarke probably has one more year with me to get to that point so I'll cut his fake 200 pound twig ass some slack.

Dunno for whatever reason has been popping up over the interwebz as a trade candidate, I'd have to look into it more why. He's still under contract for the next two years and has a MNTC (10 team no trade) this year and next, it was a NMC the first four years of the contract. He had his worst goal scoring season ever in the NHL but did have a solid POs, just trying to figure out why his name has been appearing.

Just saw about Nelson, he will slot in as the 2C in Colorado, pretty consistent scorer and big. Much better situation for him than in NY. Also saw Forbort reupped in Vancouver, 1 year/$2 million. I completely forgot this guy was still in the league. Dumbo was on his "big heavy to play against" storm still at that point, Tarasenko went right after him at 16OA and Bjugstad went at 19OA. I honestly don't remember Forbort being much in LA.

 

[Kings4OT]

Dunno is on trade radar Because he's basically called out Jill And a few interviews that i've seen..... You could tell he was not happy. So that's my guess where that comes from

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Well he definitely speaks his mind, the whole "B team trying to hurt us" thing and all.

You've got to wonder what the team thinks of Jill after that debacle, Dallas had no problem showing their displeasure with DeBoer in exit interviews.

 

[Kings4OT]

The untouchable

Brandt Clarke

If there was one true untouchable, it probably would be 2024 first-round pick Liam Greentree. But we’re talking about the current roster, and the closest to one here is Clarke. Not necessarily because of what the 22-year-old did this season – which, with 33 points to lead the defense, is still notable – but because of his profile and potential. He’s young and is a right-handed puck-mover with the potential to be a successor to Drew Doughty.

Start with mr untouchable.

This is the most idiodic thing ive heard, successor to Doughty? No chance....sure maybe get the points DD can but at Clarkes best he wont touch DD8's defense at his worst. At best this guy will be a smaller version of Barrie and thats not a good thing. Trade MasterClarke to whoever wrote this thing ASAP.

 

[Kings4OT]

The not going anywhere group:

Mikey Anderson - I keep him, cheap enough and can do well regular season shut down duty. Maybe try something else in the PO.

Buster - what else can be said really. Have to keep him unless a real deal pops up. Can he be somebody without Fiala? Hard pressed to be a 2c.

Edmunson - if you can move him, do it. He didnt do anything I hoped vs Edm so why have him.

NoGoal - no complaints, keep it up.

Fiala - still like him, if playing him with Buster makes whatever happen...run em again and pray.

Helenius- giant 4th line C, finding a better option? Doubtful, let the kid have his shot.

Cantplay- why he isnt the untouchable guy....who do you really want to trade him for? Sure some guys better, but this dude should be the next C, lets hope it doesnt take a cap breaking contract to keep him.

Kopistar - I let him suit up for LA for as many years as he wants too, dont care how...let him play.

Kuemper - Man, I dunno....better hope Portillo is ready, We got lucky last season not sure it happens again.

NJ14 - streaky but as he said, still effective. That only works when your cheap. Still like his game and hope he settles in for good. Keep him

Mover - Did everything he was asked,made a few mistakes and kicked to the curb. I want to see him given a real chance. Seems like he can be solid on D and move the puck some.

 

[Kings4OT]

Staying put, almost certainly guys:

Burroughs - if he was in instead of Edmunson would you have noticed? So ya, cheaper option and good depth guy

DD8 - doubtful he will be talked into less icetime, what do you do? Cant trade him, just hope he heals over summer and see what happens. Hard to not want him if LA can do something.

Spence - I share his frustrstion, fuck you Jill. Made less gaffs than most of the other kids but they get praise? I think he is a great 3/4 guy not great or bad at anything.

Turcotte - Hes gotten his shots, looked OK for like 5 games then meh. Cant get anything for him so see if he comes around I guess, if not he will be hurt sometime and can try someone else.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Pretty much agree with that all.

Edmundson took some heat on Teh Blog on his season review, almost everyone said he did a good enough job but was not as physical or nasty as they expected. I agree with that too for once from those clowns. Apart from going ass over tea kettle and injuring himself, he wasn't very physical at all. Just watching the Florida defense tonight, Ekblad looks mean just on camera alone. Edmundson looks like a soccer dad on a Saturday morning. I want to see him just mess people up in front of Kuemper next season. Play your game, play your strengths.

I really couldn't care less about Buster, Clarke and especially Turcotte. He isn't ever going to be a 2C or Mike Richards as was touted, he's a B6 player with some speed and that's it. If he doesn't break a leg getting out of bed I'd move him in a second. Year 7 and he's getting props for making it to 68 games or whatever, not even his play. Cut bait, another blown first round pick. The issue is all GMs know he has minimal value, best return is probably a mid round pick or another project prospect.

And I fully agree, how Kempe wasn't on the untouchable list is beyond me. But Clarke is? Da fuq? This guy looks terrified stepping out on the ice. I swear he works at my local Home Depot on off nights.

I guess an argument could be made that Kempe's value will never be higher but unless the return is better than what you're giving up, including him and more, not worth it.

Sign the guy, give him the C next summer and let him finish a King. He's earned it.