5 LA Kings players and personnel detrimental to roster retool after tough playoff exit ft. Jim Hiller

The LA Kings suffered their fourth straight first-round exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers this spring.

The loss stung the LA Kings’ fanbase so much that it led to former GM Rob Blake’s departure. With Ken Holland at the helm now, the team will be looking to retool in hopes of getting past the dreaded Oilers and back to Stanley Cup glory.

But five team members stand as potential obstacles in the LA Kings’ successful retool this offseason.

5 LA Kings players and personnel detrimental to retool roster after tough playoff exit

#5 Ken Holland

Newly minted LA Kings’ GM Ken Holland makes it on this list as he’s tasked with the job of getting the team over the proverbial hump.

Holland last ran the Edmonton Oilers as they made it to the Stanley Cup Final last season. However, Holland hasn’t inherited a team nearly as talented or deep as the Oilers. That is why Holland will be faced with a tall order to retool the Kings.

With nearly $22 million in cap space, Holland will need to stretch every dollar to make sure the team maximizes its return on investment.

#4 Anze Kopitar

The Kings face uncertainty regarding Anze Kopitar beyond this season - Source: Imagn

Anze Kopitar, the LA Kings’ captain, is 37 and entering the final year of his current deal. His $7 million cap hit isn’t taxing on the team but will play a factor moving forward.

If Kopitar plans to return beyond this season, how much will he cost the Kings if he re-signs with them? If he retires Kopitar’s cap hit won’t be an issue. But until the team has clarity on what Kopitar plans to do, the club could be in a holding pattern, potentially holding it back from making pivotal decisions.

#3 Vladislav Gavrikov

Keeping Gavrikov could prove costly for the Kings - Source: Imagn

Vladislav Gavrikov isn’t technically a member of the LA Kings until he re-signs with the team. He’s UFA this summer and is reported to be on plenty of teams’ wish lists. That situation means that the Kings will have to pay a pretty penny to keep him.

Gavrikov is coming off a two-year deal worth $5.875 AAV. He’s 29 and looking for one more multi-year deal. If the Kings pony up, Gavrikov could cost the club upwards of $7 or even $8 million.

Such a deal would tie up a good chunk of the Kings’ cap space this season, possibly limiting what it can do moving forward.

#2 Drew Doughty

Doughty's cap hit could become a burden for the Kings this season - Source: Imagn

The 35-year-old Doughty has two more years left on his current contract carrying an $11 million cap hit. That number is high, especially considering that Doughty is past his prime.

He’s been a good blue liner, but certainly not worth $11 million per season. There’s little chance the Kings trade a franchise icon. That’s why Doughty’s contract will weigh heavily until it comes off the books in 2027.

In the meantime, the LA Kings will have a hard time making moves as long as Doughty’s cap hit affects the team.

#1 Jim Hiller

Kings’ coach Jim Hiller came under quite a bit of fire this spring after another failed playoff run. Hiller was criticized for the way he handled his lineup, particularly shortening his bench as the game went on.

While Hiller isn’t rumored to be on the hot seat, he likely is. If he can’t prove that he has what it takes to get the Kings past the first round this upcoming season, Hiller could be on his way out.

Beyond the roster retool itself, Hiller’s lineup decisions will ultimately determine the direction the Kings trend next season.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan