The Los Angeles Kings may need to free up cap space to bring back some free agents. There's media speculation about if Viktor Arvidsson could be moved.
The Los Angeles Kings could attempt to shed some salary this summer. CapFriendly indicates they have about $7.587 million in projected cap space for 2023-24 with 18 players under contract.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Kings could make Viktor Arvidsson available. The 30-year-old winger has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.25 million. He also lacks no-trade protection and is eligible to become a UFA next summer.
Appearing on the May 19 edition of his 32 Thoughts podcast with Jeff Marek, Friedman said he heard the Kings want to clear some cap room because they have some other business to do. He wouldn't say Arvidsson is definitely available but believes he'd have some value in the trade market.
Marek wondered if the Kings would free up space to sign a goaltender. Friedman also thinks they want to re-sign Vladislav Gavrikov. The 27-year-old defenseman fit in well on their blueline after being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the trade deadline. He's eligible for UFA status on July 1.
Moving on from Arvidsson wouldn't be an easy decision for the Kings. He's been a key factor in their return to playoff contention after joining them in a trade from the Nashville Predators in 2021. The hard-working Swede had 20 goals and 49 points in 66 games in 2021-22 and 26 goals and 59 points in 77 games this season.
Arvidsson's affordable cap hit and productive play will draw interest from clubs in the market for a top-six winger. The New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins could be among the suitors if the Kings put him on the trade block.