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LA Kings Roster Shakeup: Spence Traded, Veteran Defenseman Role Targeted
Table of Contents
- LA Kings Roster Shakeup: Spence Traded, Veteran Defenseman Role Targeted
- Kings seek Veteran Defenseman to Fill Key Role
- Spence Trade Driven by roster Competition
- Impact on the Kings’ NHL Roster and Salary Cap
- kings’ Defensive Outlook
- LA Kings Projected Defensive Lineup (Pre-Free Agency)
- The Evolution of NHL Roster construction
- Frequently Asked Questions About the LA Kings’ roster Changes
Los Angeles Kings General Manager Ken Holland is actively reshaping the team’s defensive lineup, highlighted by the trade of defenseman Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators on June 28, 2025. In return, the Kings received a third-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026, which was afterward flipped to acquire a 2026 third-round pick, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and another sixth-round pick in 2026. This move signals a strategic shift as the Kings aim to bolster their roster wiht a veteran presence on the right side of the defensive line.
Kings seek Veteran Defenseman to Fill Key Role
Holland has indicated that the Kings are exploring all avenues to acquire a seasoned defenseman, whether through free agency, trade, or potentially re-signing Vladislav Gavrikov, who is capable of playing both sides of the ice. Gavrikov’s decision is expected around July 1, 2025, and the Kings remain in interaction with his representatives. If Gavrikov is signed as a right-sided defenseman,the Kings will likely pursue an experienced left-sided defenseman as well.
Did You Know? The average age of a Stanley Cup-winning team is 27 years old,highlighting the importance of veteran leadership alongside young talent [[1]].
Spence Trade Driven by roster Competition
The decision to trade Jordan Spence stemmed from a mutual understanding between the Kings and Spence’s representatives. The Kings could not guarantee Spence a top-six role on the blueline, leading to the trade with Ottawa. Holland emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for young talent like Brandt Clarke, the eighth overall pick in the draft, to develop into a key player. With Mikey Anderson, Joel edmundson, Drew Doughty, and Brandt Clarke already projected as four of the team’s top six defensemen, the Kings felt it was best to allow Spence to pursue his career elsewhere.
“He wanted to play every night, and there are some things that have to happen between July 1, July 2, and we basically moved him because I’m not sure that he would be in our lineup every night,” Holland stated.
Impact on the Kings’ NHL Roster and Salary Cap
Trading Spence opens up significant salary-cap space for the Kings, potentially exceeding $25 million. This financial flexibility allows the team to actively pursue improvements to the roster through free agency and trades. The Kings are focused on adding players who can contribute to both regular-season success and a deep playoff run. Holland emphasized the need for a team that blends skill and speed with physicality and competitiveness,particularly in the high-pressure surroundings of the stanley Cup Playoffs.
Pro Tip: keep an eye on NHL free agency news and trade rumors in the coming days, as the kings are expected to be active in the market.
kings’ Defensive Outlook
Holland believes that Jacob Moverare and Kyle Burroughs are capable of filling the roles of the seventh or eighth defenseman on the team. However, the Kings still need to fill two holes within their top-six defensive lineup. The team’s strategy is to build a roster that can withstand the rigors of an 82-game season and compete with the best teams in the NHL during the playoffs.
LA Kings Projected Defensive Lineup (Pre-Free Agency)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Left Defense | Mikey Anderson |
| Left Defense | joel Edmundson |
| Right Defense | Drew Doughty |
| Right Defense | Brandt clarke |
| Depth | Jacob moverare |
| Depth | kyle Burroughs |
What qualities are the Kings prioritizing in their search for a veteran defenseman? How do you think the addition of a veteran defenseman will impact Brandt Clarke’s development?
The Evolution of NHL Roster construction
NHL roster construction has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Teams are now placing a greater emphasis on speed, skill, and puck possession, while still recognizing the importance of size and physicality. The salary cap era has forced general managers to make difficult decisions about which players to retain and which to let go. The Kings’ current strategy reflects this modern approach, balancing the need for experienced veterans with the development of promising young players.
Frequently Asked Questions About the LA Kings’ roster Changes
Why did the LA Kings trade Jordan Spence?
The LA Kings traded Jordan Spence because they could not guarantee him a top-six role on the defensive lineup and wanted to provide more opportunities for young defenseman Brandt Clarke.
What are the LA Kings looking for in a veteran defenseman?
The LA Kings are seeking a veteran defenseman who can bring experience, physicality, and competitiveness to the team, particularly in the playoffs. They need someone who can defend the crease and win battles.
How much salary-cap space do the LA Kings have after trading Jordan Spence?
The LA Kings potentially have over $25 million in salary-
