The Los Angeles Kings and new general manager Ken Holland have perhaps the most important day ahead of them in free agency. With the Kings falling short in the playoffs once again, Holland has the task of building them back into a serious contender. With free agency, he has the perfect opportunity to do just that. What moves will he make? Two moves could bring that postseason slump to a halt quickly.
With a projected $21.7 million in cap space for the upcoming season, the first move could be re-signing one of their own. Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov will be the most sought-after defenseman on the market. Los Angeles wants him back due to his play last season as he was the best defenseman on the ice most nights. Keeping him will not be cheap but he deserves it and the Kings need him back on the left side to balance out the defense. Not only did he play supurb defense, but he came in clutch offensively,. His two-way play will not go unnoticed as he will likely get a massive deal.Holland cannot afford for him to leave to a rival so Gavrikov and a new deal are the number one priority.
The next option for Holland could be filling some holes on the roster and this could be done with one player. The Kings need agitation and grit. The Kings need a second-hand offense. The Kings need a true playoff performer. The Kings need a player who will steal games. That player is current Florida Panther Brad Marchand. Los Angeles often comes up short on the team with some hard-nosed players. Marchand fills that role. They need help in the playoffs against teams like the Edmonton Oilers who seem to push the Kings around. Enter Marchand. The Kings need scoring in their bottom six, Marchand is your guy. He can also contribute in short-handed situations. Forward Mitch Marner is on top of everyone’s list but Marchand brings more to the table and will cost a fraction of what Marner will. Marner has no Stanley Cups while Marchand has one. If he is not re-signed by Florida, Los Angeles is a contending team that could desperately use his services.
As for depth and the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL), there will be players available for cheap who can contribute to either Los Angeles or Ontario. Providing depth is key for the Kings as they have dealt with injuries the past few seasons, aside from last season. Fourth-line guys can come cheap if Holland wants to pursue that option, and there will be players who have something to prove and will accept the league minimum.
This is going to be a massive day for Holland and Los Angeles. They have the opportunity to upgrade a position or two and build this team into a serious playoff team. One that can compete past the first round and pursue another Stanley Cup. If Holland plays his card right, he could fit in a couple of pieces within the projected salary cap. He does not have to go out and grab elite players but rather players who fit the Kings style of hockey and what they want to do. Enter Marchand. He is the player who could get the Kings over the first round hump and despite his age, he is playing like a youngster when it counts the most.
photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley
photo: nhl.com; George Richards
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