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

4. Trevor Lewis, RW

It's hard to think of the various Kings players over the last two decades without thinking of Trevor Lewis.

The former 2006 first-rounder made his Los Angeles debut way back in 2008, playing his first 12 seasons in a Kings jersey which saw him as a part of both Stanley Cup-winning rosters during that stretch. He left from 2020 to 2023 to play north of the border but eventually returned to Hollywood on a one-year deal last offseason.

Lewis, 37, is still an effective bottom-six player at this stage of his career, but his time with the Kings could be running out. For starters, he's also a UFA and while a ton of Los Angeles fans wouldn't mind another one-year deal, we've already seen him leave the city as a free agent once before.

Secondly, Father Time could end up being a factor in a potential departure, too. Lewis is well within the age bracket where players consider hanging up their skates as he's set to turn 38 in January. Considering how Spotrac lists him as having over $20 million in career earnings, he can likely retire comfortably.

At the end of the day, here's how I see the situation unfolding. If the Kings want Lewis back, he'll return on another cheap contract. If they want to open his roster spot to a younger option, he'll retire since he already has two Stanley Cup rings and potentially won't want to relocate for the fourth time in five seasons.