The NHL trade market has been slow to this point, with many teams wary of making big moves that could upset their plans ahead of the Expansion Draft later this month. However, a move was made today as Nashville announced that they have dealt scoring winger Viktor Arvidsson to Los Angeles. The Predators will receive L.A.’s 2021 second-round pick, No. 40 overall, and a 2022 third-round pick. Though the deal may lack excitement with none of the Kings’ high profile prospects going the other way, it is a solid return for Nashville, who need to restock their system. According to The Athletic’s draft pick value chart, the Kings’ second-rounder this year plus a presumptive top-half third-rounder next year is equivalent to a late first-round pick.
Arvidsson, 28, has cracked 30 goals and 60 points twice in his six-year NHL career, showing dangerous scoring ability. Even as his numbers have tailed off the past two seasons, he has maintained a half-point per-game scoring mark in all five of his full NHL seasons. It is also worth noting that his 6.6% shooting percentage this season was an extreme deviation from his career average. Positive regression likely means that more goals are on the way. Arvidsson is more than just his scoring totals, too. The undersized, but hard-working wing plays big minutes, contributes to both the power play and penalty kill, and is an excellent possession player.
[Related: Expansion Primers – Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators]
With all that said, Nashville was not wrong to be shopping Arvidsson. At times this past season, he seemed too passive and uninvolved. While he has still put up solid top-six numbers, the Predators have been relying on him as a top-line scorer and he has fallen short. It seems that both sides will benefit from this change of scenery. Nashville will certainly benefit from the expansion flexibility, cap space, and draft pick capital as they look to get back into Stanley Cup contender status after some up-and-down years.
As for the Kings, this is exactly what GM Rob Blake and company have promised their veteran core. The team plans to add established talent this year to help take their young team to the next level and to give their long-time centerpieces another chance to win. In a new place with and with a fresh group of teammates, Arvidsson could easily return to elite production. They had draft picks they could afford to move, the Expansion Draft slot to spare, and a desire to win and now they have a capable veteran in the fold as they look to get back into playoff contention.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report that the Kings were acquiring Arvidsson.
They shouldn’t allow trading until after the playoffs end. What if Tampa or Montreal wanted him?
So what? Nashville is the team trading the asset. They are fully aware that 2 potential trade partners are unavailable (though, Tampa is HUGELY unlikely) . . . it’s the Preds call to make if they’re prepared to make a trade with those “restrictions.” Besides, I’m sure if Montreal is interested, they’d make a quick call to Poile and encourage him to wait a week!
then that’s on Nashville for limiting his market
Tampa will have to clear $18M plus another $4-5M to add Arvidsson to be cap compliant after the deal if Tampa was interested
Cap does not apply for Stanley Cup playoffs. Lightning only have to clear $5,066,666 for 21-22, but will need to clear more to sign additional players, not under contract.
They could have traded for him, he just wouldn’t have been eligible to play. Not to mention if both clubs were interested but unable to make the trade during the playoffs they could have easily agreed to a deal in principle with Nashville and then only announce it after the playoffs concluded (which is basically a week from now). There was no rush to complete this deal so what’s your point?
@padre – outstanding point. The NHL should also close down HQ until the playoffs have concluded. And trades shouldn’t be allowed until all GMs are back from their vacations.
Any team, including TB or Montreal could have acquired him, just would not be eligible to play for the cup.
Attitude !! Lol. Was no “point”, it was a question. I don’t understand your aggressive response.
Done deal
Done deal. 2nd and 3rd.
Arvidsson kinda lost his spot in Nashville, so this is a good return for him. Allows them to protect Jarnkrok in the expansion draft as well. Opens up some cap space to go after a bigger scoring forward as well.
they gave up Neal last time to protect Jarnkrok. I like both Jarnkrok and Arvidsson both guys id be happy if the hawks added
Arvidsson from Kopitar nice ring to it…
This is a good deal. They return their top assets for potentially a bigger deal, and add exactly what we need in a top six, scoring forward. It’s not a slam dunk, though, because Arvidsson has struggled in recent years. Him returning to past production is a bet I’d be willing to take (and obviously the Kings are, as well,) but it’s not a sure thing. Still a good deal.
The Kings are going to get young and really good again pretty quick. Can’t wait to see all their top prospects get their shots.
Jesus loves you !❤️
Too bad he hates you.
I like the move for both teams the kings get a good 1st line winger and the press get space to protect in the expansion draft
As a side note: Did anyone see Forsberg’s reaction? Maybe he becomes disgruntled enough that the Kings go back to the well… could be a brilliant move on multiple levels. Not likely, I know, but I can dream on a Forsberg/Kopi/Arvidsson line. Now THAT’S a top line.
Exactly. If you surround those two with a real center who cares like Kopitar instead of a guy who just cashes the checks or a guy who wants to be Garth Brooks more than Wayne Gretzky that would be a real top line.
Fellas, is it actually bad to play the guitar?
It seems smart for teams who aren’t worried about losing a player in the expansion draft, to take on talent right now.
The kings have big contracts to expose and can add more talent.
Shouldn’t Vegas be #1 on every team’s speed dial?
Any team worried about losing a good player should see what VGK would give up for him before exposing him.
Vegas doesn’t have cap space
Do you mean Seattle ??
I’m guessing not as Vegas is exempt from this so might as well trade with them since they don’t have to worry about being exposed
Kings pick up a good winger at the Dollar Tree.
2nd and 3rd rounders isn’t a cheap price, especially if he doesn’t rebound. Good quip, though!
Kempe – Kopitar – Arvidsson
Whom do they NOT protect now that they traded for Arvidsson?