3 players who are definitely entering their last season with LA Kings
One of the focuses for the Los Angeles Kings this season should be to get younger and start to build that foundation for the future. They have a good core of players that could be ready to take that next step this season in players like Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke, and even Erik Portillo with the Ontario Reign.
If these younger players can prove they are ready to take on a bigger role, then it definitely makes it easier for the Kings next offseason with building out their roster. These are three players who are set to be free agents that are unlikely to be back but would be almost a certainty if the players previously mentioned have good seasons.
3 players who are definitely entering their last season with LA Kings
Trevor Lewis
The first player is Trevor Lewis, which was somewhat surprising the Kings even brought him back for this season. He was a free agent this offseason but elected to sign a one-year deal with the team, who drafted him back in 2006 with the 17th overall pick.
Lewis would end up playing all 82 games for the Kings but had only 16 points and this season is more than likely going to be on the fourth line with Akil Thomas and Alex Turcotte. At 37 years old, Lewis is getting close to the end of his career and could elect to retire after the season. However, if he doesn't it should be time for the Kings to move on.
David Rittich
The Los Angeles Kings seemingly have their answer at goalie for this season with Darcy Kuemper and David Rittich. The Kings traded for Kuemper this offseason to replace Cam Talbot and Rittich is back after a strong finish to last season and agreeing to a one-year deal.
The hope is that Kuemper can bounce back after a few down seasons with the Washington Capitals and return to the level that he played with during his first stint with the Kings. If he isn't able to do that though, Rittich can certainly be capable of starting.
However, neither goalie should be considered the long-term solution and that really belongs to Erik Portillo and second-round draft pick in the 2024 NHL Draft Carter George.
It is very possible a scenario where Kuemper plays well and Rittich becomes a valuable trade piece for the Kings towards the deadline. They could then bring up Phoenix Copley, who is returning for a season-ending knee injury, to the Kings. Either way, this is likely the final season for Rittich with the Los Angeles Kings.
Andreas Englund
Another player entering the final year of his contract and could be potentially moved at the trade deadline is Andreas Englund. The Kings signed Englund to a two-year contract before the 2023-24 season and it would be his first season as a full-time starter after playing 80 NHL games over his first five seasons, split between the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, and Chicago Blackhawks.
Even though Englund did play every regular season game, there is not a guarantee that he will even make the Kings roster out of training camp. If Englund does make the roster, he will probably find himself outside the Top 6 on defense.
Regardless of how the next few weeks play out, this should be the final season for Englund with the Kings as they could look to players like Kyle Burroughs or Angus Booth to fill the gap on their defense in the coming seasons.
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