Brandt Clarke
The final player on this list is one that the Kings don't necessarily need to get done this offseason but they may want to begin having a discussion to see how far apart the two sides are. This offseason with the team trading Jordan Spence, it was clear they are committing to Brandt Clarke and he is the future of this defense.
The former first-round pick is entering the final year of his contract but the reason getting an extension done this summer is crucial is because Clarke would only be a restricted free agent next offseason. However, getting to that does create some uncertainty as teams can give offer sheets and adds more complexity to contract negotiations.
For the Kings, they may want to wait on an extension to see how Clarke does this season in an expanded role on defense. This past season was his first full season in the NHL and he played well leading all Kings' defensemen in points with 33 and averaged over 16 minutes of ice time per game.
It is not hard to imagine Clarke only building on what he did last season and that will only increase contract demands during negotiations. That could also factor into the Kings' decision and in this instance a new contract too early might be worth the risk than waiting after another good season from Clarke.