According to capfriendly.com, the Los Angeles Kings have $8.74 million in cap space for the upcoming season and the top priority, in my opinion, should be acquiring a few seasoned defensemen who can solidify the defense.
Below is a list of 4 free agents who may be able to help the back end of the Kings.
Unrestricted free agent Jake Gardiner is somehow still unsigned. The 2011-12 NHL All-Rookie team member is the best rearguard available and would fit in the top 4 on the Kings blueline. Gardiner tallied 3 goals and 27 assists for 30 points in 2018-19. His cap hit is currently $4.05 million.
Restricted free agent and recent Stanley Cup Champion with the St. Louis Blues, Joel Edmundson recorded 2 goals and 9 assists for 11 points in 64 games. A defensive defenseman who has a booming shot to have some time on the Power Play. Hi-cap hit currently sits at $3 million.
Restricted free agent and 2017-18 NHL All-Rookie member Will Butcher is a young, capable defenseman who might just be what the Kings need. Butcher scored 4 goals and 256 assists for 30 points during the 2018-19 campaign and his cap hit would be $925, 000, a very good deal for a promising defenseman.
Lastly, there is Anthony DeAngelo, who recorded the same amount of points as Butcher last season but in 16 fewer games. DeAngelo was a first-round pick (19th overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft. The cap hit for DeAngelo is at $832, 500.
The Kings do not have a lot of money to spend so they need to rebuild the defense. There are options out there of quality NHL defensemen who are not going to break the bank> Who would you like to see the Kings pick up on defense if anyone at all?
Stats: capfriendly.com Featured Image:sportsnet.ca
