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Ranking the ten best free agents for the LA Kings

Originally posted on Hockey Royalty | By Russell Morgan | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 1:46 PM ET

Less than a week remains until NHL free agency begins next Tuesday. With rumors swirling, here are the top ten players available for the LA Kings, ranked based on team needs and contract value projections from AFP Analytics.

Honorable Mentions

Ivan Provorov: Ken Holland mentions the need to have a “Plan B, C, D, and E” in case Vladislav Gavrikov decides to leave in free agency, the former Blue Jackets defender Provorov, falls into that category.
Aaron Ekblad: After the Panthers’ playoff dominance, it’s tough not to covet any of their players. While LA doesn’t need a costly right-shot defenseman, Ekblad would add a dependable, high-caliber presence to their blue line.
Nikolaj Ehlers: Ehlers’ dynamic play is appealing, but his projected $8 million+ cap hit feels steep for a winger who struggled for consistent ice time in Winnipeg.
Tanner Pearson: Pearson would be a solid depth pickup for the Kings, offering versatility to play anywhere in the lineup and addressing their struggle to give consistent ice time to the fourth line during the playoffs.

10. Brock Boeser, projected contract: 6 years, $8.4 million

The LA Kings clearly need a top-line forward to complement Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe if head coach Jim Hiller intends to keep them together. Boeser could fit that role, but his projected contract and defensive weaknesses make me cautious.

9. Jamie Benn, projected contract: 2 years, $4.8 million

Benn can be an asshole at times on the ice, but isn’t that what the Kings need? Luc Robitaille mentioned the need for players with a “killer instinct”; the former Stars captain fits that mold. At a reasonable contract, Benn brings leadership and physicality to the Kings’ bottom six.

8. Jack Roslovic, projected contract: 3 years, $4.1 million

Signing Roslovic adds a versatile forward to the Kings’ forward group. After scoring 22 goals (21 at even strength) last year for Carolina, tying his career high, the hybrid center/winger could fit anywhere in the LA lineup. Although his contract feels a tad high for a player who found himself scratched at times in the postseason.

7. Michael Eyssimont, projected contract: 2 years, $1.3 million

Bringing back Michael Eyssimont, a former LA Kings draft pick, could be a low-risk, high-reward move. Having bounced between four teams in the last four seasons, he’s yet to cement a permanent NHL role. Likely a fourth-line player at best, Eyssimont brings physicality with over 100 hits last season, excellent forechecking, and doesn’t shy away from the occasional scrap.

6. Dmitry Orlov, projected contract: 3 years, $5.8 million

Dmitry Orlov’s playoff performance in Carolina dented his value, with his inconsistent play exposing both his strengths and flaws. His puck-moving ability would bolster the left side of LA’s blue line, but despite a reasonable contract, I’m somewhat skeptical he can reliably serve as a top-four defenseman for a Cup contender. He falls into my “Plan C’ group of defenders in case Gavrikov walks.

5. Vladislav Gavrikov, projected contract: 7 years, $7.6 million

Vladislav Gavrikov may be the top defenseman available in free agency, and Kings fans know his elite defensive skills well. However, LA already has players with similar styles, making it tough to justify matching his likely market value. While his reliability is undeniable, and replacing him would be challenging, I believe the trade market offers better options for the Kings’ needs. Though if Holland can work some magic here, I’m not opposed to keeping him around.

4. Brad Marchand, projected contract: 2 years, $5.1 million

The Kings are in desperate need of more agitators on the team, and Brad Marchand, the ultimate “rat,” fits the bill. His standout playoff run with Florida likely inflated his next contract by a good amount, with reports indicating he could get up to $8 million on the open market, but even at 37 years old, he proved he’s still a clutch postseason performer. Linked to the Kings at the last trade deadline, LA should pursue the agitating veteran again on July 1.

3. Andrei Kuzmenko, projected contract: 3 years, $4.5 million

The LA Kings’ deadline pickup of Kuzmenko last season went largely unnoticed league-wide, but he seamlessly fit alongside Kopitar and Kempe, while adding a vital skill to the power play. His proven chemistry and impact make him a clear target. A two-to-three-year contract at a relatively cheap cap hit would be a smart move for LA if they miss on bigger fish.

2. Claude Giroux, projected contract: 2 years, $5.1 million

Claude Giroux has been an under-the-radar UFA option for the Kings lately. I never imagined him leaving Ottawa, but with no deal in place, the 37-year-old is an intriguing target. Questions linger about how much the former center-turned-winger has left, but I believe he can still be an impact player in the top nine for a contender while strengthening LA’s faceoff game, particularly as a right-shot specialist. His 61.7% defensive zone faceoff win rate last season was third-best among players with 500+ draws. A $6M contract would preserve cap flexibility for further additions while signaling to the Kings’ roster that the window to win a Cup is now.

1. Mitch Marner, projected contract: 7 years, $13 million

A strong case can be made that Mitch Marner is the best player to ever hit free agency. Signing him would not only address a key need for the LA Kings but also signal to the NHL that LA is a prime destination for superstars. GM Ken Holland would face challenges filling out the roster with Marner’s high cap hit, but the long-term potential of a top-six featuring Marner, Byfield, Kempe, and Fiala is thrilling. The Kings should go all-in on him come July 1.

This article first appeared on Hockey Royalty and was syndicated with permission.

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