Brent Burns, D (AKA a puck moving defenseman*)
One of the biggest remaining needs for the Kings to address this offseason is to find a puck-moving defenseman. Improving the blue line was one of the Kings' major priorities entering this offseason.
With how limited the options were to sign a quality puck-moving defenseman in unrestricted free agency this summer, the Kings stayed pretty quiet trying to address that need in this past month or so.
However, one of the few options the Kings could've at least kicked the tires on in unrestricted free agency to add a puck-moving defenseman this offseason is veteran Brent Burns. The Colorado Avalanche's 41-year-old blue-liner, Burns, is going into his 23rd season in the NHL in 2026-27.
Even at 41 years old, Burns is still one of the league's better puck-moving defensemen. Burns registered 35 total points and 12 goals while playing in all 82 games this past regular season. And he would've addressed the Kings' biggest remaining need going into training camp this fall.
While Burns was expected to remain in Colorado, he does represent the type of defenseman the Kings still lack.
It seems like the best option now for the Kings to find a defenseman who can drive the play from the point and fill a role in the top four this upcoming season will be to find a quality target on the trade block late this offseason.
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