General manager Ken Holland and the Los Angeles Kings have several important roster decisions to make this summer.
A recent ranking from The Hockey Writers spotlights just how valuable some of their pending unrestricted free agents could be this offseason.
This ranking of the top 40 pending unrestricted free agents available this summer from The Hockey Writers placed two Kings players among the league's most notable names to hit the open market this offseason. Forwards Andrei Kuzmenko and Scott Laughton were both included among the top 40 pending unrestricted free agents for the Kings this summer.
Andrei Kuzmenko and Scott Laughton were recognized among the NHL's top UFAs heading into a pivotal offseason for the Los Angeles Kings
Kuzmenko was a productive offensive player in the zone for the Kings in this past couple of seasons. He scored nearly 20 goals and over 40 total points in 74 games played for the Kings since he was acquired at the trade deadline last year.
And while injuries might have limited Kuzmenko's effectiveness and production offensively for the Kings this past regular season, his ceiling and offensive potential will attract multiple teams to offer him a contract in free agency this offseason.
The fact that Laughton made this list just goes to show how much value he brings to the table as a two-way proven center in the league. Laughton not only provides leadership and versatility, but he's also a valuable player on special teams on the penalty kill and he can win clutch face offs.
The retirement of center captain Anze Kopitar has opened up an even bigger need for the Kings to have more proven depth at the position in the middle of the roster lineup going into the upcoming 2026-27 season.
If the Kings were to bring back either of these players, I would be more inclined to believe that Laughton would be the most likely to be back in a Kings uniform next season. Reports in this past few weeks have suggested that both Laughton and the Kings are interested in negotiating a new contract to bring him back for at least another season this summer.
The inclusion of both Kuzmenko and Laughton on this list shows the difficulty of some of the decisions Holland will have to make with the roster lineup this offseason. Kuzmenko's offensive upside will be difficult for the Kings to replace, and Laughton brings valuable proven experience and versatility at the center position.
The Kings won't be able to retain every pending unrestricted free agent this summer. But if the Kings want to remain competitive in the Pacific Division next season, they at least need to bring back one of these two players this offseason.
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