Kings still haven’t discussed contract extension with key defenseman

The Los Angeles Kings have a few key decisions to make this summer — but maybe none bigger than the future of key defenseman Matt Roy. The 29-year-old, who was drafted by the Kings in the seventh-round of the 2015 NHL Draft, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Roy has been a staple on the team’s second pairing over the last few years, chipping in five goals and 25 points over 81 games in 2023-24. But there’s no guarantee player and club will be able to agree to a contract, and talks haven’t even begun between the two parties, reported The Fourth Period’s Dennis Bernstein on Tuesday.

“No talks with Matt Roy’s camp on contract extension but expect them to occur in June prior to Free Agent Frenzy,” wrote Bernstein.

If Roy ends up hitting the open market, he will certainly generate a ton of interest. The Fourth Period points to a couple of teams that may be interested, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators.

“The six-year NHL veteran should see his next average annual value hit well above $5 million on his next season and that could price him out of Los Angeles depending on the type of contract Blake gives pending restricted free agent forward Quinton Byfield and which new No.1 netminder he brings in,” wrote TFP.

Roy was making just $3.15 million AAV on the contract he signed back in March of 2021, and he’ll be due for a significant raise as he’s proven himself as a capable top-four NHL defender.

But it’s clear in LA that improving goaltending is a top priority, as is young star Quinton Byfield’s next contract. But the Kings would be smart to keep Roy around, and he isn’t even the only UFA Blake needs to decide on this summer.

Matt Roy isn’t the only pending UFA on Kings