NHL Insider Believes the Kings Could Be Positioning for Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes the Los Angeles Kings' quiet offseason is a deliberate strategy to preserve salary cap space, positioning the team to potentially pursue superstar free agents such as Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews. The report, published on July 13, 2026, suggests the Kings are targeting a franchise-changing acquisition rather than making incremental moves. No official roster moves or signings have been announced as part of this reported plan.