Jonathan Drouin
The final player is one that probably every NHL team wishes they could have made in Jonathan Drouin. The former Colorado Avalanche forward would only sign a two-year deal with an AAV of $4 million and presents a great low-risk, high-reward signing.
For Drouin, the biggest issue has been staying on the ice, as he has played in under 50 games in four of the past five seasons. However, when on the ice, he has been really good, as evidenced by his 56 points in 2023-24, which included 19 goals in 79 games, followed by 37 points in 43 games this past season.
What the Kings did with their forwards doesn't deserve as much criticism as what they did with their blue line. The additions of Corey Perry and Joel Armia gives the Kings solid depth and helps improve a fourth-line that needed improving.
The Kings wanted the experience and that is why they signed the free agents they did but in my opinion Drouin on the fourth-line gives the Kings more upside than Perry and would have been a better move.