Teams look for potential new additions following the Oilers series defeat
L.A. Kings Heading for Change in Offseason After Regular Elimination
The Los Angeles Kings have been eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for four years running, this time against the Edmonton Oilers. With the departure of General Manager Rob Blake, a shake-up is on the horizon.
The Kings' recent run in the playoffs has been underwhelming, as they've failed to advance past the first round in every post-2014 appearance. With top talent dwindling, the new GM will have a big task ahead.
Who might find a new home in LA this offseason? Here's a look at potential trades and what the new GM should be targeting:
A Fresh Era Begins: Shaking Up the Current Core
Adrian Kempe, entering the final year of his contract with a $5.5 million salary, has put up some impressive numbers for the Kings. His recent seasons include three 35-goal campaigns. The Kings had reportedly planned to extend Kempe, but a new GM may take a different approach.
Kempe has a modified no-trade clause, but the Kings could benefit greatly from trading him. The influx of prospects would set the team up to invest in other players and build for the future.
Things might get difficult with ownership and fans, as Kempe will likely need a significant raise after next season. But at 30, the Swede may not be a long-term solution for the team.
Kicking Off a Rebuild: Trade a Center
The Kings landed Phillip Danault from the Montreal Canadiens in a free agency move before the 2021-22 season. However, Danault's lack of scoring and defensive struggles hurt the team, especially in the playoff series against Edmonton.
Expect the new GM to explore trades for Danault, providing an opportunity to collect assets while focusing on a mini-rebuild around players like Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke, and Mieky Anderson. The process could involve trading Danault to secure team control and replace him with a younger, more dynamic center.
Overhauling a Head-Scratching Purchase
Last offseason, the Kings signed Joel Edmundson to a four-year deal worth $3.85 million annually. Although the contract won't break the bank with the salary cap on the rise, Edmundson is already 31 and won't provide significant impact in the next three years.
A rebuild-focused GM will likely move Edmundson this offseason, but only if the Kings don't let Vladislav Gavrikov walk away. Retaining Gavrikov would ensure the team maintains a reliable defensive presence.
In terms of trade prospects, the Kings have a solid array of players who could be on the move. The new GM should focus on acquiring young players with immediate impact, draft picks, and defensive and scoring depth to help the team advance beyond early elimination. With the roster ripe for change and the potential for significant offseason activity, the Los Angeles Kings are at a pivotal point in their journey towards Stanley Cup contention.
The new General Manager, with the task of revitalizing the Kings, might consider trading Adrian Kempe, a player with impressive numbers yet entering the final year of his contract, to acquire prospects that would help the team focus on building for the future. Additionally, the new GM could explore trades for center Phillip Danault to collect assets while focusing on a mini-rebuild, potentially replacing Danault with a younger, more dynamic center.
