Could Trevor Moore Be a Trade Piece for LA Kings ?
Los Angeles Kings winger Trevor Moore came to the NHL as an undrafted player.
He took NHL ice for the first time after signing a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he was in for a new beginning in his hockey career.
He made his way to the Kings via trade, and he was on a new career path.
However, after his offensive production has declined over the past two seasons, do the Kings have the initiative to trade the 30-year-old?
Moore was traded to the Kings along with a 2020 third-round pick from Toronto in exchange for goaltender Jack Campbell and fan favorite winger Kyle Clifford. Moore was an unknown at the time, but his best offensive years were ahead of him. Moore became a big piece in the Kings’ top six and played a key role in the team’s success.
After a promising start to his Kings career, his offensive production has declined over the past two seasons. During the 2023/24 season, he produced 57 points. However, last season he only produced 40 points, and this season he has 13 points on five goals and eight assists. He has been demoted to the third line and does not seem to have the same motivation he did when he arrived in Los Angeles.
Moore signed a new 5-year, $21 million deal shortly after the 2021-22 season started. In years 1-5 of the deal, he does have a 10-team no-trade clause, so he can be moved after agreeing to a new deal. He could be traded to 20 more teams in the league, and these teams could use a player like Moore. He is not washed up, but he could still be a valuable piece, yet he has struggled in Los Angeles. The Kings could use different pieces in places to make a potential playoff run. Moore could attract teams that have pieces the Kings want.
One position the Kings may look to upgrade is backup goaltender.
With Darcy Kuemper, the number one guy, Anton Forsberg has been somewhat of a disappointment between the pipes. He has a 6-6-3 record with a 2.70 goals against average and a .901 save percentage. If the Kings can upgrade this position for a deep playoff run, then Moore is a piece that could be moved.
If Moore stays with the Kings, something needs to change. A player of his stature and importance cannot be scoring at this pace and expect the team to go far.
Los Angeles is 16-13-4 and is currently tied for fourth place in the Pacific Division. The Kings are going to have to make a move if they have any hopes of winning it all this season.
It would be a blow to lose Moore, but his lack of production and the need for a roster upgrade could make him expendable.
If they do not move him, he has to get going, as he is one player who is counted on for crucial plays at crucial times.
Discover more from Los Angeles Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.