LA Kings: Three way-too-early defensemen to target in 2021 offseason
By Ryan Sikes
1. Jaccob Slavin, LD (Ryan)
The Carolina Hurricanes have less than $1M in cap space entering the upcoming season. Without any significant moves to clear up cap space, Hurricanes’ general manager Don Waddell has four unrestricted and two restricted free agents on the offensive side to re-sign after the conclusion of the 2021 campaign. That could leave the door open for the Hurricanes to move a big contract, like Jaccob Slavin.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Slavin has consistently produced 30+ point seasons. Most recently, the 26-year-old tallied six goals with 30 assists, tying Dougie Hamilton for a team-high +30 rating.
1. Matt Dumba, RD (Russell)
Although General Manager Bill Guerin has tempered down some of the trade rumors circulating Matt Dumba, another disappointing season from the Wild could start the dreaded rebuild. With three years left on his deal at an AAV of $6M, Dumba not only brings a solid offensive game from the backside but winning the King Clancy Memorial Trophy shows the amount of leadership he brings on and off the ice as well. It will be interesting to track the Wild as they go through the shortened season to see whether they could be headed toward some roster reconstruction.