{"time":1758064987418,"blocks":[{"id":"3mQN82kFKY","type":"image","data":{"caption":"© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"stretched":false,"file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/112b4104-5171-40c8-a381-31aed0918053.jpeg","width":3702,"height":2468}}},{"id":"-xhcm-qS8P","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Los Angeles Kings are just a few weeks away from training camp and less than a month from opening night. For this season, there are still talks around the roster lacking a little firepower, but it's good enough to make the postseason and go home early again. "}},{"id":"H7b5QibrcR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"However, with a few roster spots still available, the Kings should consider targeting restricted free agents after the market thins out. The question then becomes whether the Kings can tap into the restricted free agent (RFA) pool to add young, high-end talent."}},{"id":"BO0JdWbnCz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It’s a long path, but one worth examining."}},{"id":"otmh4Fc6ja","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://x.com/LAKings/status/1967354320623681691","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=1967354320623681691","width":600,"height":300,"caption":""}},{"id":"iVeydk-Sfg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Why RFAs Are Rarely Targeted"}},{"id":"Ilck-pawmR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With the Kings needing fresh talent and the organization looking for answers after repeated playoff disappointment, it’s fair to ask whether this could be the moment LA takes a swing."}},{"id":"q76buDVrtu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"LA needs to fill some vacant spots on the roster, especially after Corey Perry’s injury, who is expected to miss 6-8 weeks after undergoing knee surgery. The Kings can sign a young talent in the market who is looking to prove something and get a contract offer. "}},{"id":"2soZ4qGBDN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Kings’ Needs and Outlook"}},{"id":"CkJPQAokjV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Los Angeles is pressed against the salary cap with long-term deals for Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, and Kevin Fiala already on the books. They'll need to manipulate things carefully if they're to make a significant addition."}},{"id":"89JhkhsoCq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"What they need is clear: scoring depth behind Fiala, long-term center assistance with Kopitar aging, and young defensemen who can grow into bigger roles. With that as context, here's a look at which RFAs are a fit — and how likely each might be."}},{"id":"Gns-tal2PO","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dream Scenarios (Unrealistic, but Fun to Imagine)"}},{"id":"P8kx-s8AxK","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Jack Hughes (Devils): A franchise cornerstone, Hughes is as close to untouchable as it gets. His name sparks headlines, but the odds of him leaving New Jersey are zero. Hughes is also coming off a season-ending shoulder surgery, so he will most likely not get any playing time if the Kings were to sign him right now, miraculously. "}},{"id":"pQLK84k5FK","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://x.com/NHLNetwork/status/1967377322228502741","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=1967377322228502741","width":600,"height":300,"caption":""}},{"id":"-1xArLnZdS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mason McTavish (Ducks): Anaheim would never let a top young center cross the freeway to LA. Still, Anaheim is listening to trade offers from several teams interested in McTavish, so it is possible. Still, the Ducks and McTavish will most likely sign a long-term deal, forcing the Kings to give up a lot of their young pieces for him in a trade to make it possible. "}},{"id":"QDLYE2fjh6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Intriguing but Complicated"}},{"id":"zg9Tci0sx4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Luke Evangelista (Predators): A skilled forward with offensive upside, Evangelista could complement LA’s forward group. Nashville would likely match any reasonable offer, but the deal between the two has continued to linger and caused frustration from Evangelista’s side. "}},{"id":"zdRfgguszI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Realistic Options"}},{"id":"8aYlNwcac0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Wyatt Kaiser (Blackhawks): Still developing, the young defenseman could provide organizational depth and long-term upside. With the Kings needing blue-line reinforcements, Kaiser represents a more practical type of target."}},{"id":"cq6RO-0UAh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Verdict"}},{"id":"Un2uWSDj68","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"While the idea of Jack Hughes or Mason McTavish in a Kings jersey is fun for fans, the reality is that LA’s best chance in the RFA market lies with mid-tier players like Evangelista or Kaiser. These aren’t flashy names, but they could fill immediate needs while still fitting the cap structure."}}],"version":"2.31.0"}

Should the LA Kings Target Any Remaining RFAs? Fantasy Fits vs. Realistic Options