3 Los Angeles Kings Who Won't Be Back Next Season: Post Trade Deadline Fallout

The Los Angeles Kings have been a playoff team the last number of years, but haven't gone anywhere. They are trying to change that with a few last runs. This will entail some positive changes in the offseason, regardless of how well the team does in the playoffs this time around.

Tanner Jeannot

Tanner Jeannot wasn't a great pickup and just hasn't been a player living up to what he's being paid since his rookie season in Nashville. The Kings took him on and he has been nothing more than a physical bottom-6 presence. He needs to find some of his offensive touch, and since he hasn't, the Kings have other players that can fill spots on the roster or there will be options in free agency to improve.

Trevor Lewis

Trevor Lewis is at the end of his career at age 38 and is a UFA this offseason. The Kings need some new blood and more effective younger players on their team helping them win. I don't just think that this is Lewis' last season on the Kings, but the NHL as well. It is time to call it after 17 seasons as the career bottom-6 player is barely cracking 10 minutes of ice time per game.

Brandt Clarke

The Kings see their best opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup right now and there is a chance Brandt Clarke is traded. He was utilized well before Drew Doughty returned from injury, but since then, has been used a lot less despite his strong production in the first half of the season as a 22-year-old. While he could be a great piece for the future, there is only a limited time remaining for Anze Kopitar and Doughty and the team may very well be willing to trade away some of their future for immediate help. Clarke was in trade rumors and those could pick up again in the offseason.