Justin Schultz Could Replace Drew Doughty While On LTIR

The Los Angeles Kings have lost their top defensemen in Drew Doughty for what the team is saying "month-to-month."

This creates a significant void in their backend, despite the existence of internal alternatives to bridge the gap. The Kings could also look at available free agent options to help fill the hole.

Related: Kings Provide Update On Doughty

Justin Schultz is the player they could target that would make a larger impact.

Schultz has been known for his offensively-minded defensemen, who would work well on the Kings' blue line. He spent the last two seasons with the Seattle Kraken and played a solid top-four role.

Last season, he had seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points in 70 games. At this point in the pre-season, he would likely take a lower AAV deal to have a chance to play.

If Schultz was signed by the Kings, he may not be played on their top pairing with Mikey Anderson; however, he would provide them with another NHL veteran to play on their backend.