While some media outlets, like ESPN, seem to find the good in what the LA Kings did this offseason, it is hard to look past some of the moves general manager Ken Holland made this summer. That is why Bleacher Report got it right in labeling the Kings one of their losers for this offseason.
"The Kings have been outpaced by the Oilers in round one year after year, so it's baffling that they made their defense older and slower on July 1 signing Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin. Losing Vladislav Gavrikov on the blue line was going to sting no matter what, but following it up with these moves significantly downgrades the defense for no reason."
Ultimately that last sentence is what is the biggest problem in my opinion with the offseason the Kings had. If they knew they were going to lose Vladislav Gavrikov, there is no denying that is a big loss.
However, after Ivan Provorov signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, there really wasn't anyone close in free agency to replace what Gavrikov brought to the Kings' defense last season. It would make sense to find older veterans like Ceci or Dumoulin as a potential option but the contracts they received make it clear they are more than that.
Holland viewed those players as players he expects to be regulars in the rotation on defense with the multi-year deals. Instead of signing them to one-year deals, particularly Ceci, the Kings have really locked in their Top 6 without a chance to upgrade if needed.
Vegas Golden Knights have pulled away from the LA Kings and rest of Pacific Division
It is certainly logical to view the Edmonton Oilers as the team the Kings should be chasing but if Los Angeles wants to avoid Edmonton in the first round again, the best thing they can do is win the Pacific Division. However, that has gotten even tougher with how the Golden Knights have improved this offseason.
In the Bleacher Report article, Vegas was viewed as one of the winners from this offseason and rightfully so. They would get the best free agent available in Mitch Marner and have now paired him with Jack Eichel.
The Golden Knights have won the Pacific Division three out of the last five times and has been one of the big reasons for their success in the playoffs. Instead of playing Los Angeles or Edmonton in the first round, they have been able to play a Wild Card team and have home ice advantage.
Looking forward to the next season, the Kings not only have fallen behind the Oilers but also the Golden Knights and winning the division seems even more unlikely.