It’s late in the NHL season, and that magical day is coming closer . . .
The trade deadline.
After they last few years it should be renamed Dean Lombardi day.
This year the trade deadline is March 2nd. Just 16 days away.
Some big news erupted in the NHL last week: the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets made a “blockbuster” trade, moving franchise players to other franchises.
Los Angeles Kings
Does that mean either team is done?
Perhaps the Kings could snatch Zach Bogosian from the Sabres. Give Buffalo another 1st round pick that they are looking for. Hopefully, it’s the 30th pick.
Dion Phaneuf is in a tough spot in Toronto. Could he be a good fit in L.A.? Phaneuf is a big bodied defensemen, he has offensive potential, but it’s the ‘intangibles’ and the gigantic cap-hit contract that make him unappealing.
In 48 games Phaneuf has a meager 2 goals, 20 assists, 22 points, -4 plus/minus, 85 penalty minutes, and 1 power-play goal. Not impressive. Phaneuf’s worst numbers, are the best number for him – a $7 million cap-hit for the next six years (lasting to the 2021 season).
There are some rumors running around that the New Jersey Devils are dangling Jarimor Jagr out on the trading block. He’s old, but he’s relatively cheap. He’s an easy first ballot hall-of-famer, and he’s still scoring. Jagr could give the Kings added firepower on offensive, and it may only cost L.A. a draft pick.
Jagr is tied for the lead in points on the Devils. In 53 games Jagr has 11 goals, 18 assists, 29 points, a -10 plus/minus, 42 penalty minutes, and 2 power-play goals. Pretty humble stats for such a reputable player. However, the Devils are terrible this season. If Jagr is put on a second or third line with That 70’s Line, or can work with Justin Williams and Dustin Brown it would give the Kings depth that can’t be matched.
It might be a crazy idea to go after a player like Jagr, but many would have said it was crazy to go after the injury-prone Marian Gaborik at last season’s trade deadline.
What about Mark Streit? The Philadelphia Flyer defensemen has been one of the best offensive d-men in the league this year. Streit ranks 12th in points among all NHL defensemen. In 57 games Streit has 8 goals, 28 assists, 36 points, a -2 plus/minus and 4 power-play goals.
Streit could be a good addition to the Kings blue-line if they can get him for a reasonable price. The only problem is the Flyers have started to climb up the standings. With Boston falling off and Philly on the move up, the Flyers may be reluctant to trade Streit if they think they can sneak into a playoff spot in the East.
If L.A. is serious about making another deep run, and it seems they are, then a late 1st round draft pick isn’t very valuable to them. Especially with the depth of prospects currently in the Kings system.
We’ll continue with some more crazy talk and trade ideas as the draft approaches, and possible moves become more evident . . . or until we think up more crazy trade rumors to perpetuate.
More from Rink Royalty
- LA Kings goaltending could be better than expected in 2023-24
- LA Kings should consider taking a chance on these 2 free agents
- 2 forwards listed as “movable pieces” by the Los Angeles Kings
- LA Kings Need a Goalie: Here’s Our Wishlist of Potential Targets
- Checking in on the LA Kings players in the IIHF World Championship
Mar 23, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) and New Jersey Devils right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) battle for the puck during third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports