Kings winger Tyler Toffoli had been part of trade speculation dating back to early in the season. However, he remained with Los Angeles through the deadline and perhaps we now know why. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that the asking price on the 26-year-old included a first-round pick plus a good prospect. Toffoli has struggled considerably this year with just 12 goals in 63 games and only has one year left on his current deal with a $4.6MM AAV before becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency next July. While he has a decent track record, that’s a high price to pay for someone that hasn’t been lighting the lamp too often this season.
More from the Pacific Division:
- The Coyotes reached an agreement on an extension with one of their potential restricted free agents on Wednesday with the two-year deal for winger Conor Garland. There could be more news like that on the horizon as GM John Chayka told reporters in a conference call, including Arizona Sports’ Matt Layman, that the team has held at least preliminary discussions with “the majority if not all of” their pending RFAs. The most notable players on that list include centers Nick Schmaltz and Nick Cousins as well as winger Lawson Crouse.
- Canucks winger Jake Virtanen has had an up-and-down first few seasons in the NHL but his potential upside still makes him an intriguing piece of their puzzle. With that in mind, Jason Brough of The Athletic suggests (subscription required) that the 22-year-old may be their best non-star trade chip that they could use to try to add to their back end. Vancouver’s defense corps has been shaky and with Alex Edler’s future with the team beyond this season being uncertain, it’s an area that GM Jim Benning will likely be looking to address over the offseason.
Toffoli would have never got that return but might as well try.
I like Toffoli as a player, but I wouldn’t have given up that price for him. I can see why nobody bit
The Canucks have not addressed their defence for two years. It’s an affront to the eyes to watch that group.
Toffoli is a much better player than what we’re seeing in LA. Hes got to get out of there. Virtanen is also a valuable forward.
The fact that that was the asking price for a player like Toffoli, shows exactly how out of touch with the game/league the Kings front office is. People also thought Pearson was good and just needed to get out of the Kings system….. how’d that work out? He’s now been traded once again. These Kings forwards are system forwards, who’s skills don’t translate well to many other teams. Good luck unloading toffoli for anything other than MAYBE a second or third round pick.
What do you mean? Pearson is on a goal per game pace with his new team…
Better hope Toffoli has a better year next year if you want that first!!
Lombardi made the mistake of trusting players to play hard after giving them long term deals; this group led by Blake and Luc just seem out of touch with reality.