Kings rumors: The forward who has become expendable after Artemi Panarin addition

The Los Angeles Kings had a solid season this year despite some of the changes they made, and they’ll be looking to improve their roster for the next season. Artemi Panarin was the big addition for the Kings during the season, but there is a forward who could become expendable on the team if they need more offense moving forward, and it’s Andrei Kuzmenko.

“The Kings need more offense. Kuzmenko is capable of that, but on a one-year, $4.3 million prove-it contract, he had 13 goals in 52 games and helped only in an intermittent sense before he underwent knee surgery in February. With Panarin aboard, he’s likely not needed,” Eric Stephens of The Athletic wrote.

If Kuzmenko proved to be more of a threat on the ice, the chances of the Kings bringing him back would’ve been high. At this point, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they ended up looking elsewhere for help to improve their roster.

Another player whom Stephen sees could be on the outside looking in for the Kings this offseason is Jeff Malott.

“Malott built on his strong first impression from 2024-25 and spent the entire season in L.A. while playing in 58 games. He probably wound up playing too much. Malott is a strong organizational journeyman and a pending UFA, so the Kings could keep him or let him walk to free up a spot,” Stephen wrote.

It will be interesting to see what the Kings do during the offseason, and who they decide will be a priority to keep on the team.

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