The defense is a key focus for the Los Angeles Kings, and there are a lot of unknowns at this point, starting with Vladislav Gavrikov. Their top defenseman is set to be an unrestricted free agent and it isn't looking like the Kings are going to get a deal done before the start of free agency.
On top of that, there are questions about Jordan Spence's future with the Kings and if he also gets moved this offseason. He didn't seem like a good fit in Jim Hiller's system and saw his ice time diminish as the season went along.
Unfortunately, there aren't many options in free agency to replace either of these players, and the Kings might go the trade route. One potential option is Bowen Byram, who is reportedly being made available by the Buffalo Sabres.
The challenge for the Kings is that they are reportedly competing with a number of teams to trade for the young defenseman. On the latest episode of The Ray & Dregs Podcast, Darren Dreger listed six other teams alongside the Los Angeles Kings including Vegas Golden Knights, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs
Dreger said that Ken Holland and the Kings really like what Byram would bring to the team. Ray Ferraro was asked which of those teams might be a good fit, and he mentioned Vegas and Los Angeles.
Byram is a younger player who could be a long-term solution on the left side of the defense, capable of replacing Gavrikov's minutes and eventually serving as a replacement for Drew Doughty. A trade like this would take some pressure off Holland and allow him to address other needs on the roster versus trying to scramble to find a left-handed defenseman this summer.
Who could the LA Kings offer in a trade for Bowen Byram?
If the JJ Peterka trade is any indication, the Buffalo Sabres are looking for players who can help them win now. They aren't looking for draft picks, so the focus should be on some players currently on the Kings' roster.
In that scenario, the Kings probably would be looking to offer Trevor Moore and maybe Jordan Spence. However, the Sabres might not have as much interest in Spence after trading for Michael Kesserling.
It will be a busy week or so for the LA Kings and the rest of the league with the NHL Draft starting Friday and then free agency only a few days after that.