The free agent class has the chance to be one of the best in recent memory as players like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and even Adrian Kempe are set to be free agents. However, as fans saw this year not all of these players reach free agency and more than likely re-sign with their current team.
When looking ahead, one of the positions that is going to have to be addressed is at center, especially with the potential retirement of Anze Kopitar. The Kings do have Quinton Byfield, who can step in to that first line, but Phillip Danault is getting older, and Alex Turcotte is really an unknown at this point.
Based on how Ken Holland's first free agency went, it is hard to imagine they will be able to attract that top-tier free agent but there are a number in that second group that could be a good fit next summer for the Kings.
Nick Schmaltz
Nick Schmaltz was a first round pick in 2014 NHL Draft but recently has been a productive center who has averaged over 20 goals per season the past four seasons. This past season with the Utah Mammoth was his best yet as he had career-highs in assists (43) and points (63).
He is not the biggest center at 6'0" and 184 pounds but on a second or third line with Kevin Fiala or Warren Foegele, it could give him some talent that he really hasn't had the chance to play with in his career that might help him continue to develop.
Charlie Coyle
If the Kings want to add a center with a more size and physicality than Charlie Coyle could be an option. He spent a number of years in Boston before being traded during the season to the Colorado Avalanche but his time there was short-lived as he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets as a free agent.
Over the past few seasons, Coyle has hovered around 45 to 60 points each season but where he excels is right in front of the net, in those high-danger situations. According to NHL EDGE, last season, Coyle had 12 goals from that part of the ice and ranked in the 81st percentile among skaters.
Ryan Poehling
The final player is one who the Kings are going to get to see up close a few times this season as the Philadelphia Flyers traded him to the Anaheim Ducks as part of the Trevor Zegras trade. He may not have the production that Schmaltz or Coyle has but he also hasn't been on great teams in his career.
Similar to Coyle, Poehling does a great job getting in front of the net and capitalizing on those high-danger situations as nine of his 12 goals last season was in that area. Poehling is also the youngest player on this list and certainly has more time to develop or hit the prime of his career which makes him probably the highest upside player.