The Los Angeles Kings had one of the best defenses in the NHL last season, and that was even with Drew Doughty missing half the season. However, this group could look very different next season depending on what happens over the next few weeks.
Right now, Vladislav Gavrikov is set to be a free agent in July, and while the Kings are reportedly trying to get a deal done, it is not a guarantee. On top of that, there have been reports that the Kings could be looking to trade Jordan Spence as he is too similar to Brandt Clarke, and it is tough giving both players the ice time they should get.
For the Kings, the challenge is that it is a rather shallow group of unrestricted free agent defensemen this year. That could require them to potentially look at the restricted free agents and try to sign one to an offer sheet.
While it is uncommon, it isn't completely out of the question, and if the Kings decide to go this route, these are three players who certainly are talented enough to warrant an offer sheet.