Jacob Trouba, D (San Jose Sharks)
The Kings' Pacific Division and in-state rival San Jose Sharks signed former Anaheim Ducks and New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba to an expensive four-year contract, worth around $8.25 million in average annual value in free agency this offseason.
Had the Kings theoretically targeted Trouba in free agency this summer, it wouldn't have made much sense for a couple of reasons. For one, Trouba's physical style of play on the blue line could be tough in the future as he is an aging defenseman in his 30s going into the 2026-27 season.
The Kings also already have multiple older veteran defensemen with pretty expensive contracts on the roster.
While it is true that the Kings are looking to add another top-four defenseman this offseason, a bigger and more physical blue-liner like Trouba wasn't going to fill the team's biggest need at the position. What the Kings need is a left-shot, puck-moving defenseman who can pair on the top line on the blue line with Clarke.
The Sharks had to commit to signing Trouba to a longer team deal that is worth north of $8 million in average annual value. Rather than taking on another expensive, aging veteran defenseman, the Kings committed long-term to Clarke while preserving their cap flexibility to potentially pursue a left-shot defenseman through the trade market this summer.
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