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5 L.A. Kings Who Won't Return Next Season

After a disappointing playoff elimination at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, don't expect to see these five Los Angeles Kings returning for the 2024-25 NHL season.

By Devon Platana

Viktor Arvidsson is one King who might not return for the 2024-25 NHL season.
Viktor Arvidsson is one King who might not return for the 2024-25 NHL season. / Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Kings' postseason run is officially over. Despite being one of the NHL's better teams during the regular season's second half, the Kings didn't have what it took to take out Connor McDavid's Edmonton Oilers, exiting the 2023-24 playoffs after only five games.

The Kings' exit is just the latest postseason disappointment since the franchise won the 2013-14 Stanley Cup. Los Angeles has qualified for the NHL playoffs five times since that championship run only to suffer a first-round elimination each time — including in each of the last three seasons.

In other words, fans can likely expect some changes throughout the offseason if the Kings want a deep playoff run next year. After all, free agency and the trade market will kick into full gear once the Stanley Cup is handed out, meaning we may have already seen the last of several players in a Los Angeles jersey,

Here are five Kings who won't return to Los Angeles for the 2024-25 campaign.

1. Viktor Arvidsson, LW

The Kings have several players who are becoming unrestricted free agents this offseason, including Viktor Arvidsson The veteran winger has been with the franchise since 2021 after being traded to Los Angeles from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a pair of draft picks.

Arvidsson played well through his first two seasons with the Kings, but fans barely saw him during the 2023-24 regular season. The 31-year-old Swedish forward was limited to just 18 games due to a serious back injury, however, he still managed to tally 15 points during that stretch. Unfortunately, he wasn't much of a factor in the playoffs as he's struggled to find the back of the net.

So, what happens next? Well, the Kings project to have $20.9 million in cap space this offseason (per CapFriendly), but that doesn't mean a return is guaranteed. Between Los Angeles' unrestricted and restricted free agents, the team has 12 players who need new contracts, meaning not everyone will be brought back.

As solid as Arvidsson has been for the Kings, it's likely that the Kings let him walk this offseason. He isn't getting any younger (31) and Los Angeles might be more inclined to pay its younger players over him — especially if there's a concern about future back issues.

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