The Los Angeles Kings once again were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This marked their fourth consecutive postseason exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers. As a result, Los Angeles heads into NHL Free Agency with a new general manager in Ken Holland.
Holland formerly headed up the front office in Edmonton, building the Stanley Cup contender they are today. Now, he is tasked with getting the team his Oilers beat in the playoffs to the next level. And this work starts in two weeks once NHL Free Agency begins.
The Kings could address several different areas this summer. For instance, defense could be an issue, especially if Vladislav Gavrikov leaves as an unrestricted free agent this summer.
In any event, one area of need is top-six wing depth. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for Los Angeles to pursue in the open market. However, one name stands out for the Kings in NHL Free Agency this year.
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser is not the flashiest option available. However, he has proven that he can be an elite goal scorer in the NHL. And he could be one of the missing pieces that could take the Kings to the next level.
What Brock Boeser Could Give The Kings
Derek Cain/Getty ImagesBrock Boeser could rediscover his elite scoring form with the Los Angeles Kings.
Boeser is a bit of a confounding case, as he has struggled with inconsistency. For instance, his season he scored 25 goals and 50 points for a Canucks team that ultimately missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, he turned in a far better performance in 2023-24.
That season, he scored a career high 40 goals and 73 points. He was a vital part of Vancouver winning the Pacific Division in 2024. And he also played a role in the team’s run to Game 7 of the second round against Holland’s Oilers.
Boeser has 16.1 Offensive Goals Above Replacement over the last two seasons, according to Evolving Hockey. Moreover, he is worth nearly 2.0 Wins Above Replacement in this span. Boeser is not an elite player overall, but can make a significant offensive impact.
Overall, this is what the Kings need. Anze Kopitar tapered off toward the end of the season. Alex Laferriere also cooled off in the second half. Adding another scorer like Boeser to take some responsibility off Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala could do wonders for Los Angeles.
Boeser Knows Canucks Departue Could Happen
Boeser addressed his future in Vancouver a few times during the season. This is the only organization he has ever known. A departure would be difficult for both sides. But the former first-round pick knows it’s a possibility.
“Honestly, it’s unlikely at this point,” Boeser said in mid-April when asked about a return to Vancouver next season, via Sportsnet. “It sucks, it’s unfortunate. I’m just trying to play good hockey, and then I’ll worry about everything after that. We all know it’s been a roller coaster of a year. There’s been a lot of different things.”
Boeser could stay within the Pacific Division if he signed with the Kings. It’d give him a chance to show the Canucks he can still contribute. And it could give him a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup in Los Angeles.
1 Player Kings Must Sign in 2025 NHL Free Agency