The trade deadline is approaching, but the Los Angeles Kings are not waiting.
The organization has been busy this past week, acquiring two pieces to an already deep team.
The first acquisition came in the form of forward Brendan Lemieux from the New York Rangers for a 4th round pick in the 2021 NHL draft.
The Kings addressed a few needs sith this trade. Lemieux can play all forward positions, can play on any line, gives the Kings a much-needed physical presence at the forward position, and is only 25 years old. Lemieux was drafted in the 2nd round (31st overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014 NHL draft.
The feisty 6-1, 213 pound forward brings plenty of sandpaper to the lineup, as well as intimidation and a scoring punch. This season Lemieux has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points in 31 games to go along with 59 penalty minutes.
In 162 career games, he has registered 21 goals, 22 assists for 43 points, and 299 penalty minutes; he is the son of former NHL pest Claude Lemieux.
The second trade involved shipping longtime King forward Michael Amadio to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Christian Wolanin.
Wolanin, a 6-2 185 pounder, brings an overall sound game. He is a left shot, brings stability to the back end, sees the ice well, and plays well in all three zones. He is a defense-first, offense-second defenseman who relies on his hockey sense and instincts.
Wolanin was a 4th round draft pick (107 overall) in the 2015 NHL draft. He, too, has NHL blood in his family; his dad was longtime NHL blueliner, Craig Wolanin.
Two trades, potentially two big pieces for a big playoff run. They both fill holes the Kings were looking to fill.
These trades are a win for the Kings.
Featured Image: Craig Medaglia
