The Los Angeles Kings added a big name on their blue line last night, bringing in Dion Phaneuf from the Ottawa Senators for almost nothing but money. Now, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the team is still looking for a “mid-level scoring winger” to help them into the playoffs. The Kings sit out of the playoffs at the moment, but are just three points behind the San Jose Sharks for second in the Pacific Division.
There is no shortage of wingers on the market, from the expensive rentals like Evander Kane or Rick Nash, to the players with more term like Mike Hoffman and Max Pacioretty. Whether Los Angeles would ante up for any of the top names is unclear, but there are less expensive versions like Patrick Maroon and Michael Grabner that could interest them as well. The Kings have had trouble scoring since Jeff Carter went down, but are still one of the tightest defensive groups in the league.
If the Kings do go after one of the top names, they have their full cupboard of draft picks available to offer. With interesting prospects like Gabe Vilardi and Kale Clague in the system, they might be able to afford selling a piece of their future for success this season. Still, with the playoff picture so undecided in the Western Conference, every team will have to be careful with how much they’re willing to spend.
Please no. Vilardi, Clague, and Anderson-Dolan should be deemed untouchable.
You guys want Tatar? He had good chem with Kopitar a few years ago at the World Cup of Hockey. And he won’t be as expensive.
Is this Red Wings GM trying to deal on a website? 2018 is lit