Dmitry Orlov
The Los Angeles Kings could be looking for a left defenseman this summer if they can't re-sign Vladislav Gavrikov. As free agency gets closer, the chances they don't re-sign him are only increasing and Ken Holland will need to figure out a way to replace him.
Unlike restricted free agents, the options for left defensemen among unrestricted free agents are pretty limited. However, Dmitry Orlov is one player that could make a lot of sense for the Kings to sign as a replacement for Gavrikov.
Orlov has played in 867 regular season games and spent the past two seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes and averaged over 18:30 of ice time per game. He has had over 100 hits each of the past two seasons and chips in some in the offensive zone with 50 total points over that time frame.
He also has plenty of playoff experience with 107 playoff games and has won the Stanley Cup once, back in 2018 as a member of the Washington Capitals. While Gavrikov could be looking at a seven-year deal with an AAV around $8 million, Orlov would probably be looking at a three-year deal closer to an AAV of $6 million.
Gavrikov is the better player, but Orlov might be the better value and could allow the Kings to spend up on other parts of the roster.