In this crazy hockey season, we can expect the unexpected. We can expect ups and downs.
However, can we expect moves, most namely trades, this early?
The Los Angeles Kings are in a bit of a funk right now. They have not played their best and yet not their worst. The Kings have the tools to be successful but have not managed to piece it all together just yet.
At the time of this writing, the Kings have lost 4 straight.
There will no doubt be fans who show their displeasure, exclaiming, “bring up Quinton Byfield, get a new coach, fire Rob Blake, make a trade.”
The first three will no happen this season; the last topic could happen within the week or not happen at all.
The two candidates brought up as trade bait last season were forwards Michael Amadio and Austin Wagner. This season, Olli Maatta has just joined the team but has been healthy scratched several times already.
Of these players, Wagner and Maatta have more return value. Wagner is young, can skate like the wind, and is one of the best penalty killers in the league. His issue remains that he cannot finish scoring opportunities when given a chance, mainly breakaways he gets from his speed. Maatta could be attractive because he is a veteran whose contract is nice, and he can play solid defense and contribute on the offensive end.
Let us not panic here; it’s 4 games out of 56. Yes, there is pressure to win now because of the length of the season.
I’m sure Rob Blake sees the on-ice product and is looking for answers. He will not make a trade unless it makes sense for the Kings organization.
Who knows, this could just all be a bump in the road, and the Kings still make the playoffs.
Featured Image: Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
