After losing forward Kevin Fiala for the season to knee surgery, the Los Angeles Kings will need to make a decision. Are they going to try to replace his production on the trade market or make a run with the roster they have? Seeing as they just added Artemi Panarin and pushed all-in on a playoff push, it’s hard to imagine the team standing pat.
However, who they go for in a market where Panarin was probably the biggest name available is unclear.
There are sellers that will make some solid players available before March 6. However, The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau suggested that Steven Stamkos out of the Nashville Predators organization could be an ideal option. If the Predators become a seller, Stamkos, 36, could provide similar offensive production at a comparable cost.
Stamkos has a full no-trade, so he might not be interested in going to LA. But if he is, the veteran is under contract for two more seasons with an average annual value of $8 million. Proteau writes:
“The Preds may choose to hang onto Stamkos as they may make a Stanley Cup playoff push of their own, as they are four points out of a spot in the post-season. But if Nashville GM Barry Trotz wants to speed up the retool or rebuild for his team, dealing Stamkos could bring the type of return that makes the Predators a better team in the long run.”
Stamkos has 28 goals in 57 games this season, already more than the 27 goals he had for Nashville in 82 games last season.
Out of Vancouver, Jake DeBrusk might be an intriguing option, or in St. Louis, Jordan Kyrou presents an intriguing fit.
The problem for the Kings is that there aren’t a lot of high-quality rentals available, and Fiala is not on an expiring deal. Anyone the Kings add, should they take a big swing, is likely someone they’ll have under contract for the next few seasons.
That puts at risk any potential swing the Kings might have wanted to take for a really big name free agent that could become available over the next few years… cough, cough.. Connor McDavid.
Next: Could the Maple Leafs Cash in On The Oilers Buying at the Deadline?
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