The Los Angeles Kings made a number of moves at the start of free agency that were lackluster at best. It was clear the focus was to build a deeper team, and the Kings achieved that, but with players like Vladislav Gavrikov or Jordan Spence, it is hard to argue they are better today than at the end of the season.
There is one move though that clearly is already looking like the best move of the entire summer and that is re-signing forward Andrei Kuzmenko. Shortly before the start of free agency the two sides agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.3 million.
The Kings traded for Kuzmenko at the trade deadline in what was one of the final moves Rob Blake made as general manager. It was a trade that only required a 2026 third-round pick and was a low-risk, high-reward move.
Kuzmenko made a big impact early in his career with 39 goals and 35 assists with the Vancouver Canucks. However, he struggled to play at that level over the next few seasons and the Kings would be the fourth team he played for over the past two seasons.
It was a slow start for Kuzmenko with no points in his first seven games but he played great after that with 17 points in 17 regular season games and six points in six playoff games. If the averages from the regular season continue into next season, Kuzmenko will finish with 19 goals and 45 assists.
Andrei Kuzmenko is a huge boost to the LA Kings' power play unit
Where Kuzmenko will have the most impact next season is hopefully where he contributed the most last season and that was on the power play. In that short time between the regular season and playoffs, Kuzmenko had three power play goals and six power play assists. The Kings were one of the worst power play units prior to trading for Kuzmenko and showed significant improvements after he was added to their top unit.
This move ultimately gives the Kings a player for their top line next to Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar while a key part of their power play unit. The fact they could address both with only a one-year deal limits the risk and maximizes the value. This easily makes it the best move by Ken Holland this summer and could result in a bigger deal next season for Kuzmenko.