LA Kings should consider taking a chance on these 2 free agents

The LA Kings are entering the new season with high expectations. Their roster is extremely deep, and they have an assortment of young players who have the potential to break out in 2023-24. Although this is the case, the Kings should also consider improving their depth before the start of the season. Due to this, two bargain free agents who they should take a chance on include winger Jesse Puljujarvi and defenseman Ryan Murray.

LA Kings have a chance to improve depth by adding Puljujarvi and/or Murray

Adding Puljujarvi and/or Murray on a league-minimum deal would have the potential to be beneficial for the Kings. It is clear that they could use more depth on their roster for the upcoming season, and these two would give them just that if signed.

Puljujarvi, 25, is a former top prospect who had a rough season in 2022-23. In 75 games split between the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes, he posted five goals, 11 assists, and a minus-13 rating. Injuries also played a role in his struggles, as he had double hip surgery at the beginning of the offseason.

Although Puljujarvi had a rough go of things this past season, there is still reason for the Kings to take a chance on him. For example, just back in 2021-22, he scored 14 goals and recorded 36 points in 65 games. With that, he is still young enough to not only bounce back but also take another step forward in his development.

As for Murray, he would give the Kings another left-shot defenseman with NHL experience. This is something that the Kings could use, as their left side is not the strongest on paper.

Once a top prospect, Murray, 29, has had serious injury trouble over the years. He played in just 13 games for the Oilers last year, posting three assists. However, he is healthy now and worth taking a look at on a professional tryout (PTO) contract at training camp.