Could Kings, Holland Land Two Young Stars?
The Los Angeles Kings and general manager Ken Holland can add two young players without spending millions in free agency.
Reports suggest that young star J.J. Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Isaac Howard are on the block. Holland would be making a big mistake not to take a shot at these two young players, but the asking price could be steep.
Could the Kings bring in one or both of these potential franchise-changing players?
J.J. Peterka
Peterka was drafted 34th overall in the 2020 draft. He has made a statement during his short time in Buffalo, bringing energy, scoring touch, and speed to a young lineup. However, Buffalo has failed to make the playoffs during his tenure, and he has been rumored to want out. While many teams should be lining up for his services, the Kings may be one of the few teams that have the assets to acquire him.
Defenseman Jordan Spence may be heading out of Los Angeles, as he could use more ice time in a place like Buffalo. Sabres Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power man the left side of the defense, and Spence could bring offense from the right side. Peterka is expected to be a restricted free agent after the upcoming season, and this may be a way to avoid signing him to an extension and potentially receive something in return.
Peterka has been a consistent scorer in Buffalo, scoring 67 goals and 83 assists for 150 points in 238 games. He could fit in perfectly on the first or second line of the Kings and bring experience as a young player.
Isaac Howard
Howard is a 21-year-old winger playing for the Michigan State Spartans. He was drafted 31st overall in 2022 by Tampa Bay. He is currently at odds with management and is seeking a new opportunity elsewhere. The 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner wants out, and the Kings could be one of the front-runners for his services.
He is smaller than Peterka at 5-foot-10 and 181 pounds, but they bring the same dynamic that the Kings could use in the lineup. He is the same type of player as Peterka, but the value their teams place on them could be dramatically different.
If Holland can land one, that would improve the middle six of the lineup.
However, if he can grab both without giving up much, this middle six could be highly effective once Howard lands in the NHL.
Again, the price will be high, but the reward may be worth it.
The roster needs to get younger, and this may be the way to do it, whether it be one or both of them.
PHOTO: Nick King/Lansing State Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn Images
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