Are the LA Kings Searching for Right-Handed Scorer at Trade Deadline?
The Los Angeles Kings have a solid lineup that can compete every night. However, one thing they lack is depth scoring.
Preferably a scoring forward with a right-handed shot is preferred.
13 out of the 19 rostered players are left-handed shots, and the team lacks offensive creativity due to the shortage of players on the right side.
Could general manager Rob Blake make a move for this type of player? Before or at this year’s trade deadline?
Three players who are extremely skilled and who are right-handed shots could be available for the right price.
All will come with a high price tag but could dramatically change the look of the forward group for Los Angeles.
Jonathan Marchessault
A player who has been consistent his entire career, Jonathan Marchessault could be a massive upgrade to the forward group. He is equally skilled in power play as he is at full strength. A smallish, yet dangerous, forward he can turn the game over with his patience and creativity.
At 34 years old, he is still producing offensively and can be a pivotal piece come playoff time. His annual average value (AAV) is $5.5 million, and he has been signed through the 2027-28 season.
Rickard Rakell
PHOTO: Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images
Forward Rickard Rakell is an underrated forward who brings offense and size to the forward group. He is currently a player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are in desperate need of offense and young talent. The Kings could provide both in a deal. He would give the middle-six a boost and can be a threat on the power play.
The Penguins are going to be in a rebuilding mode with younger players, and he could be one of the players on the roster who could fetch a nice return. He is 31 but signed through the 2027-28 season with a $5 million AAV.
Dylan Cozens
Dylan Cozens is a talented young center who could fill a massive hole down the middle for the Kings. At 24 years old, he also brings youth and two-way play. He is effective in all situations and could be available, with the Buffalo Sabres likely to look for prospects and draft picks in return.
His $7.1 AAV is a bit high, but he is young, and the cap will be going up, and he fills a need. It could be a nice piece added if the teams could swing a deal.
The Kings are talented at forward and have done some incredible things recently. However, they are not perfect and have holes to fill. Any one or two players listed above would be a massive improvement for the Kings as they lack right-handed shooting forwards.
The question is, what would the teams want in return? Los Angeles has young roster players, draft picks, and prospects to part with.
Is Blake already on the phone, trying to make something happen?
Will he wait until the 11th hour, then strike?
The time to strike a deal is before the trade deadline, and Blake is known for making moves.
Blake may be running out of time to win a Stanley Cup, as this is his last season under contract.
PHOTO: Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images
Discover more from Los Angeles Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.