With the NHL offseason coming to a close, the Los Angeles Kings still have some cap room to play with before training camp.
Every year, squads sign unsigned free agents to PTOs, giving them a chance to fight for a roster place without any guaranteed promise. For veterans looking to prove they still have something left in their tank—or younger guys looking to rejuvenate their career—a PTO could be the chance of a lifetime.
With some intriguingly named talent still on the market, here are three free agents the Kings could invite to camp this September to bring depth, competition, and perhaps snag a bargain signing ahead of the 2025-26 season
Jack Roslovic (Center - UFA)
One of the few actual scoring threats remaining on the board, Roslovic has the speed, playmaking ability, and overall versatility to be a natural fit in the middle-six depth for LA on the third or second line.
Roslovic is the best free agent remaining on the board, according to this article, and a PTO would give him another chance to prove himself in training camp — if he impresses, the Kings can sign him to a short-term NHL deal.
The 28-year-old still has a lot left in the tank, having played 81 games last season for the Carolina Hurricanes, averaging 22 goals, 17 assists, and 39 points. The one issue with Roslovic has been his ability to stay consistent and play at a high level for a playoff team, but with the Kings on a PTO deal, he might be motivated to.
After matching his career high with 22 goals last season, Jack Roslovic remains unsigned.
— BarDown (@BarDown) August 4, 2025
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Fit: Low-risk secondary scorer and forecheck option.
Likelihood to sign: Moderate — veteran NHL player with no offers, sexy as a PTO and bounce-back candidate.
Matt Grzelcyk (Defenseman - UFA)
Matt Grzelcyk played eight seasons with the Boston Bruins before his tenure came to an end when he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins on a one-year deal last summer.
Despite finishing with a +/- of negative 6, the lowest in his career, Grzelcyk still finished with a career high in points (40). The 31-year-old veteran is the exact type of player that the Kings need on the defensive end, especially after losing Vlasdilav Gavrikov to the New York Rangers in free agency.
This postseason showed that the Kings are missing veteran leadership, experience, and a strong power-play unit on the ice. A PTO would serve as audition territory, with LA considering where he would best fit in their roster depth.
Fit: Left-side puck-moving depth.
Likelihood to sign: Moderate — good returning offense, still out there late in free agency.
Max Pacioretty (Left Winger - UFA)
Max Pacioretty might not be the player he was a few years ago in his prime, but he is still very capable of creating shots.
Pacioretty played 37 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season and finished with 13 points, playing only half a season. A fully healthy Pacioretty can still help a team reach the next level, as the last time he played a full season was in 2021-22 with the Golden Knights.
In that season, the 36-year-old put up 19 goals, 18 assists, and 37 points with a positive +/- of 8. Again, the Kings would greatly benefit from signing a couple of these solid veterans, who still have a lot left in the tank and bring valuable experience and discipline.
You never know how the players on the market would benefit from playing with a team like the Kings, which boasts a lot of young talent and rising stars, especially now that a new GM has brought a fresh culture and a new start to the Kings.
Fit: Veteran winger for goal-scoring depth and leadership.
Likelihood to sign: Reasonable — skilled veteran with prior PTO-to-contract precedent.
Why these make sense for the Kings:
The UFA pool has thinned, especially beyond top-tier names like Roslovic. Grzelcyk and Pacioretty remain the best heading into training camp in mid-September.
All three can be signed on one-way, low-guarantee PTOs—giving LA the cap flexibility heading into training camp.
Who is the best fit for the Kings. Drop your thoughts below.