Los Angeles Kings general manager Rob Blake has reportedly contemplated buying out Dion Phaneuf if he's unable to trade the veteran defenseman, sources told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

Phaneuf has two years remaining on his contract, which carries a $5.25-million annual cap hit. His deal includes a 12-team trade list.

The 34-year-old hit rock bottom in 2018-19. His six points, minus-21 rating, and 15 minutes of average ice time were all career lows. He was routinely a healthy scratch down the stretch, skating in a total of 67 games.