NHL Rumors: 2 LA Kings Not Expected Back Next Season

The Los Angeles Kings took the Edmonton Oilers to seven games in their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series, but unfortunately fell short thanks to an unreal performance from Connor McDavid. The Kings now find themselves on the outside looking in at the postseason picture. General manager Rob Blake now prepares for the offseason where the Kings will continue to look for ways to improve their hockey team. A hard salary cap brings change, let's take a look at three Kings who may have played their last game in LA:

Troy Stecher

With the likes of Drew Doughty, Sean Walker and Sean Durzi to occupy the right side of the Kings blue line they are likely moving on from Troy Stecher this summer. The veteran defenseman was acquired from the Detroit Red Wings for a seventh-round pick and suited up in 13 games in the regular season and four more in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He put up two goals and two assists in four games against the Oilers and Stecher will hear from a number of teams come early July. Just not likely the Kings. 

Gabriel Vilardi

Even with Dustin Brown's retirement announcement, look for Blake to gauge the trade market on Gabriel Vilardi. At 22 years old there's still a ton of upside and in 2021-22, the former first-round pick put up seven points in 25 games. Meanwhile recorded 38 points in 39 games in the American Hockey League. One scenario would be to move Vilardi for a bruising winger who is hard to play against to help bring back with Brown was providing throughout the years. One issue, those types of players do not grow on trees. 

Photo credit:  Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports