Brian Dumoulin, D
Adding a top-line center isn't the only priority remaining for Holland and the Kings' front office to address on the trade block this summer. The Kings are also looking to find a left-shot defenseman who can be a top-pairing quality player on the blue line with young defenseman Clarke this upcoming season.
Two of the defensemen with larger contracts on the books for the Kings who could be moved on the trade block this offseason to free up some cap space are veterans Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin.
The reason why I have Dumoulin on this list is the fact that he probably carries more realistic trade value this offseason than Ceci. For one, Dumoulin only has two years remaining on his current contract that he signed with the Kings this past summer, worth around $4 million in average annual value through the end of the 2027-28 season.
It would theoretically be easier for a team in hypothetical trade discussions with the Kings this offseason to stomach the rest of Dumoulin's contract than Ceci's on the trade block.
Dumoulin is still a top-six caliber defenseman in the league going into the upcoming 2026-27 season. He showed durability and consistency on the blue line on defense for the Kings this past regular season, playing all 82 games while consistently contributing on special teams on the penalty kill.
In terms of the salary matching component of a hypothetical trade discussion for the Kings this offseason, Dumoulin could be the type of veteran defenseman who could help Holland and the LA front office find workable deals on the trade block in the months ahead.
For the Kings, moving Dumoulin wouldn't necessarily be about replacing his presence on the blue line, it would be about creating more financial flexibility if needed on the trade block this summer.
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