LA Kings: Three defenders on Carolina Hurricanes to target in trades
By Ryan Sikes
3. Brady Skjei
Big and physical is the best way to describe Brady Skjei. The almost 27-year-old was selected by the New York Rangers with the 28th overall pick in 2012 but was sent to Carolina in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. Skjei signed a six-year contract extension in July 2018, and Carolina is responsible for his $5.3M cap hit for the next three seasons beyond 2021.
He has a modified no-trade clause beginning next season and could be that dynamic defenseman that Blake has been targeting. Skjei tallied eight goals and 16 assists in 67 games split between the Rangers and Hurricanes last season. I mentioned physical, right? He’s not afraid to put his body on the line to stop a shot, nor is he afraid to put a big check on the opposition.
In the 18-19 campaign, Skjei tallied career-bests with 119 blocked shots and 178 hits. He’d bring a much-needed element of physicality to the LA Kings blueline while also having the body of work in offensive categories. Like Slavin, Skjei is an excellent facilitator averaging around five goals and 23 assists in the previous four seasons.
His defensive metrics haven’t been great since changing uniforms. Perhaps the Hurricanes are willing to admit it’s not a fit for both parties and move on?
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Conclusion
Carolina has just under $1.5M in salary cap space, with several offensive players and defenseman Dougie Hamilton becoming unrestricted free agents at the end of the 2021 season. With four players for three spots on the left side, Carolina can free up salary cap space and acquire assets while the Kings can get their defenseman.