The Los Angeles Kings aren't done adding pieces, even after a busy offseason that already reshaped their forward group.
Los Angeles signed Mats Zuccarello, Erik Haula and Corey Perry in free agency this summer, giving Peter Laviolette fresh depth heading into camp.
Now, according to Andrew Miller of Rink Royalty, four more names are being floated as potential low-cost additions before the Kings open training camp.
Defenseman Nick Blankenburg tops that list. He split last season between Colorado and Nashville, logging over 19 minutes a night for the Predators despite his 5'9" frame.
"I think there is actually a strong case to be made that Blankenburg would be the most logical defenseman for the Kings to potentially sign," Miller wrote.
Mike Reilly is another option on the blue line, heading into his 12th NHL season after winning a Stanley Cup as a depth piece in Carolina.
Kings fans won't believe who could join the team before camp
John Klingberg represents a different kind of fit entirely, an offense-first defenseman who posted 10 goals and 27 points in 56 games with San Jose last season.
Miller framed Klingberg as a power play weapon for Laviolette's staff, someone who could log over 20 minutes a night from the point.
Then there's Patrik Laine, the seven-time 20-goal scorer who has been connected to seemingly every team this offseason without landing anywhere.
The fit makes some sense on paper. Los Angeles finished 28th in the league on the power play last season at just 17 percent efficiency.
Laine was also linked to a few other teams like the Kraken, Panthers, Maple Leafs, and Avalanches...
A low-risk, high-reward name like Laine addresses a real problem, even if his recent injury history makes any signing a gamble worth debating.
Zuccarello posted 54 points in 59 games this past season, while Haula added 38 points across 81 games. Perry chipped in 37 points in 72 games at age 41.
That trio already gives Los Angeles some proven scoring depth. Adding any of these four names would only sharpen the competition battles once camp doors open.
Nothing here is signed, and PTOs rarely make headlines beyond the tryout itself. But with training camp closing in, Ken Holland has options if he wants to use them.
Source : LA Kings Linked To 4 UFAs Ahead of Training Camp
Should the Kings take a chance and sign Patrik Laine on a low-cost deal?
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