The Los Angeles Kings traded goaltender Jack Campbell and forward Kyle Clifford to the Toronto Maple Leafs for forward, Trevor Moore and two 3rd round picks, one this year and one next year.
Fans definitely expressed their opinions on the trade, which they are certainly allowed to do so.
So, what is my opinion?
At first, the trade didn’t make sense to me. Here is a fan favorite and 2-time Stanley Cup champion in Clifford, and Campbell, who has played like a number 1 goalie. For the most part, Kings fans knew that we would either lose Campbell, Jonathan Quick or Cal Petersen. In return the Kings got 2 pretty good draft picks in return and a player who somewhat resembles Blake Lizotte in the fact he is small, productive and can play a regular shift, power play or penalty kill.
On the negative side of this trade, Kings fans hated to see Clifford and Campbell go anywhere.
Campbell could have really helped this team next year and Clifford sending opponents into the 5th row or throwing the occasional fists. This is what has to happen in order to make this team a contender again. Clifford is an unrestricted free agent at seasons end
On the positive side, those picks will really help the Kings in building for the future. Having to come around to see both sides of this deal made me realize this truly is a business and no ill will towards Campbell or Clifford.
We can only assume that there will be more moves before the end of the season only to make this team better ion the future.
This Kings team could really look different next season but this is what we can expect during a rebuild.
What are your thoughts on the trade?
Featured Image: NHL.nbcsports.com/Scott Charles
