The Los Angeles Kings are on an extended break with the 4 Nations Face-off upcoming and they won't be back on the ice until February 22nd when they play the Utah Hockey Club. During this time, the Kings are likely to focus on how to improve the roster ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline in March and on Sunday made a move to help in that process.
It was reported by Elliotte Friedman that the Kings have placed defenseman Andreas Englund on waivers.
Englund (LA), Stephens (SEA) on waivers
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 9, 2025
The Los Angeles Kings signed Andreas Englund as a free agent before the 2023-24 season and Englund would play all 82 games and average about 13 minutes of ice time per game. He returned this season but struggled to crack the Top 7 and appeared in only 11 games with his last game being on January 11th.
Even with Drew Doughty's injury, Englund was not involved much due to the addition of Joel Edmundson in the offseason and the emergence of Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke. The Kings had nine defensemen on the roster so it isn't that surprising the move was made.
The question now is who replaces Englund on the roster and why the move was made now. The second question was answered well by MayorsManor.com, which noted by releasing him now, they save a little bit more under the salary cap. The Kings don't have much room and any little bit helps in that regard.
The question about who replaces Englund on the roster, the Kings have given themselves some time to answer that question. If there is a trade to be made between now and the next time they are on the ice, it makes it a little easier by not having to create a roster spot.
However, if there isn't a trade, the Kings more than likely would call up a forward with Doughty back, and assuming Mikey Anderson is ready to return. That would probably mean Samuel Helenius or Andre Lee would be the likely candidates to return to the Kings.