3 Orders Of Business Next LA Kings GM Has To Attend To

The LA Kings fell in the first round to the Edmonton Oilers for the fourth straight season and it was time for a change in some capacity. Former GM Rob Blake and the Kings parted ways and the search is on for a replacement. That being said, whoever steps in will have some important work to do.

Re-Sign Andrei Kuzmenko

Originally an under the radar trade deadline acquisition, many said that the Kings didn't do enough to bolster the team ahead of playing the Oilers again. Down the stretch and for the first two games, this proved to be wrong as Andrei Kuzmenko did very well on the top line and top power play. While nobody should dispute that addition, more could have been done as well. Since he fit in so well, there should be a big incentive for the Kings to bring him back. He has a high offensive upside and chemistry with the top players, so LA would be able to get him for a little cheaper and expect more from him. If he can be re-signed before free agency, it's one less thing to worry about and less teams getting in the way and upping the price.

Address Depth

As it stands heading into the offseason, the Kings would have Alex Turcotte, Samuel Helenius, Jeff Malott, and Akil Thomas as everyday NHLers. Only Turcotte and Helenius should be given that opportunity. The other two should be pushed down to extras or even the AHL since better depth should be acquired. As usage in the playoffs was a problem and one that will be addressed below, more trusted players that have experience should be in the mix for playing time. Some older players on short-term deals could really change the complexion of the fourth line in this case.

Have Talks With Hiller About Player Usage

A glaring problem for the Kings in the first round loss was the lack of ice time to a number of players. The Kings played their top players too much, it tired them out, and some talented younger players just didn't get the opportunity they deserved or the Kings needed. LA had more contributors than were utilized and later in the games it contributed to the team sitting back and being rushed by the Oilers. Players like Brandt Clarke, Jordan Spence, Turcotte, Helenius, and Jacob Moverare need a little more trust placed in them. The lack of playing time hurts the better players, but also hurts the future of the Kings and who the GM chooses to have on the roster and draft.