The Los Angeles Kings could be preparing to address one of their offseason priorities as NHL free agency approaches.
With veteran forward Scott Laughton widely expected to move on when the market opens July 1, Los Angeles is expected to explore options to reinforce its forward depth. One name that has already surfaced is veteran winger Erik Haula, whom NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes could be headed to the Kings.
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Speaking on The Game Nashville, Friedman was asked whether he had heard of any potential free-agent destinations before the market officially opens. Haula was the first player he mentioned.
“The one name I did hear is that Erik Haula might end up in LA,” Friedman said.
Haula would bring experience, versatility, and secondary offense to a Kings roster looking to add reliable depth under new head coach Peter Laviolette. The 35-year-old has spent parts of 14 NHL seasons with seven different organizations and has built a reputation as a dependable two-way forward capable of contributing throughout the lineup.
He spent the 2025-26 season with the Nashville Predators, recording 14 goals and 38 points in 81 games. Across 840 career NHL contests, Haula has totaled 147 goals and 375 points while logging minutes in a variety of offensive and defensive roles.
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For Los Angeles, the fit makes sense beyond the production. If Laughton leaves as expected, the Kings will have another opening among their veteran forwards, making an experienced player like Haula a logical target. He offers lineup flexibility, playoff experience, and should come at a manageable price compared to some of the higher-profile options available in free agency.
Haula is coming off a three-year, $9.45 million contract and is expected to command a similar annual salary on a shorter-term deal. A one- or two-year contract in the $3 million to $4 million average annual value range appears to be a realistic projection despite the NHL’s rising salary cap.
Because Haula is 35 years old, he is also eligible to sign a one-year contract that includes performance bonuses. That structure could provide additional flexibility for the Kings, who have roughly $11 million in available salary cap space entering free agency. A deal with a lower guaranteed salary and attainable performance incentives could allow Los Angeles to maximize its cap flexibility while adding another proven veteran to its forward group.
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