Evan Bouchard
If the Kings want to swing big with the move of the offseason, trying to sign Evan Bouchard to an offer sheet would certainly achieve that but also get Los Angeles in that Stanley Cup discussion. He is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason and at only 25 years old is already emerging as one of the top offensive defensemen in the league with at least 40 points in each of the past four seasons, including 149 points in just the past two seasons.
There is no question that this is unlikely and there would be a number of things to consider with such a move. The first is that any offer sheet the Kings sign Bouchard to, the Oilers will have the chance to match. This means the Kings are going to have to make him one of the top paid defenseman in the NHL and realistically go up to $11.7 million in average annual value.
The reason that is the highest number the Kings should go is that any higher compensation the Kings would have to give the Oilers four first round picks if they don't match. However, if they stay at $11.7 million the Kings only have to offer two first-round picks, one second-round pick and one third-round pick.
Even at that level, the draft compensation would be significant and have to be taken into consideration with the contract they are offering. However, a move like this would also guarantee the Kings would not bring back Vladislav Gavrikov and that cap space could be used elsewhere.
Ken Holland knows Evan Bouchard from his time as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers so if there was ever a question if he is worth this type of move, Holland would know. In the end, it would be very likely and there are a lot of potential hurdles but without question Bouchard is the one player on this list that would significantly improve the Kings chances to win a Stanley Cup.