LA Kings: Three options after missing out on Vinnie Hinostroza
By Ryan Sikes
1. Continue to pursue players like Hinostroza
Players like Hinostroza? What the heck does that mean? It means guys who would likely slot in along the Kings’ third or fourth line without committing a bunch of money or years to prevent blocking one of the prospects.
A guy like Derick Brassard could be the preferred target. The 33-year-old spent last season with the Islanders, scoring 10 goals with 22 assists in 66 games. He brings an element of physicality to his game with 115 recorded hits last season, replacing what was lost in both Kyle Clifford and Trevor Lewis.
He can play where ever needed as well, slotting in at LW, C, RW along every line in New York last season. I’d feel comfortable giving him a one-year bridge deal and nothing more. If you noticed on Friday, there were a lot of two-year deals being passed out, which could be the COVID impact on the flat salary cap.
Former 21st overall pick, Riley Sheahan, could be another option. While he didn’t score as much as Brassard, he’ll be 29 when next year’s season begins. In 66 games last season, Sheahan scored 8 goals with 7 assists for the Oilers. He also only had a $900,000 cap hit, making him a relatively inexpensive signing.