Nick Blankenburg, D
Blankenburg was mostly put on the shelf down the stretch this past season and in the postseason on the blue line by the Avalanche. He wasn't utilized very often in Colorado this past regular season.
But that doesn't mean that Blankenburg doesn't bring underrated value on the blue line and in the offensive zone from the point. He was a pretty productive defenseman in the offensive zone for the Avalanche and the Nashville Predators in this past couple of years.
Since the 2024-25 season, Blankenburg has registered a dozen goals and 40 total points in just over 120 games played. He also scored a goal for the Avalanche in five postseason games played this past spring.
As someone who is a right-handed shot on the blue line and can move the puck and contribute offensively, Blankenburg could be a great low-cost option for the Kings to add depth and compete for a spot in the roster lineup defensively this upcoming season.
Erik Haula, C
Considering getting more proven center depth in the middle of the lineup is a big priority for Holland and the Kings this offseason, former Predators center Erik Haula makes sense as a free agent target this week. Haula, at 35 years old, is a proven player on special teams on the penalty kill, can score timely goals, and has a wealth of regular season and postseason experience in the league in this past decade or so.
Haula is a proven and gritty two-way center who has consistently produced double-digit goals and 30 total points when healthy.
If the Kings can't re-sign veteran center Scott Laughton, then Haula's two-way versatility and proven experience could be really valuable in the middle of the lineup this upcoming season.
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