Los Angeles Kings Rumors: Two D-Men On Trade Block

The Los Angeles Kings suffered another disappointing first-round exit from the playoffs this year, and many observers are expecting changes to come this summer.

With two top young defenseman expected to be full-timers on the blueline next season, word is that at least two regulars from this past year could find their way out of town on the trade market. 

According to NHL Insiders Michael Russo and Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic, both Sean Durzi and Sean Walker could be dealt. 

The blueline will be getting mighty crowded in L.A. once top prospect Brandt Clarke arrives as an everyday player next season after only a nine-game cameo last year, along with Tobias Bjornfot, who is out of minor league options after playing in only 10 games with the big club this past season. Bjornfot would have to clear waivers to be sent to the minors next year, and the Kings are not interested in losing their 2019 first-round pick. 

In addition, the Kings are close to finalizing a contract extension for pending unrestricted free agent D-man Vladislav Gavrikov, who was brought in at the trade deadline. 

Durzi, just 24, played the left side as a right-handed shot for plenty of the season (much to Kings fans' chagrin), while registering 38 points in about 19 minutes per game. He also anchored the second power play unit, and will earn just $1.7M next season. 

Walker, 28, was coming off knee surgery but certainly showed he was healthy once again, playing 70 games at just under 15:00 TOI per contest. 

Something's gotta give on the Kings' blueline, and one or both of the Seans could find themselves in new unis for 2023-24.

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports