Young LA Kings players who could go for the right price
Alex Iafallo
Though his offensive production is more that of a middle-six forward than a top-line forward, the Kings have loved the fit of Alex Iafallo on their top line with Anze Kopitar over the last few years. He does a lot of the dirty work on that line that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet.
Because of that, there’s a possibility the Kings could look to re-sign him. Iafallo’s in for a raise on his current $2.425 million hit on his next contract, but he’s probably not going to break the bank. But it’s also possible the Kings see Iafallo as expendable with the wave of forward prospects they have on the way.
Even if the Kings want to keep Iafallo around, they could trade him and then try to bring him back in the offseason when he becomes a free agent, especially if they fall out of the playoff race. Either way, if the Kings see Iafallo as a potential part of their future, they don’t have to move him unless a team makes them a worthwhile offer.
Adrian Kempe
With 11 goals and 19 points through 27 games, Adrian Kempe is statistically enjoying a career year so far. He’s already scored as many goals as he did in 69 games last season.
However, the same inconsistency that’s defined his career has still been there. After a nice start to his season with three goals and five points in the first six games, he scored just twice in his next 17 games. Then he exploded for six goals in a three-game stretch.
Like with Iafallo, there’s a chance all the young forwards on the way could lead LA to see Kempe as expendable. Maybe there’s another team out there who believes Kempe really has found another gear. His contract is also valuable — the 24-year-old is signed for another year at just a $2 million hit, and he’ll only be a restricted free agent when it expires.
The Kings have more leverage with Kempe than they do with Iafallo. They certainly don’t need to move him, but the right offer could get them to listen.
Andreas Athanasiou
You may be noticing a theme here. Just about anyone the Kings could trade is someone they could replace with a player from their impressive pool of forward prospects as soon as next season.
Andreas Athanasiou isn’t a perfect player, but his speed and skill are evident every time he has the puck. He’s scored six goals and 11 points in 19 games after having a hot start interrupted by COVID-19, and, like Kempe, his contractual situation could also make him valuable to teams. He signed with the Kings for just $1.2 million, and the 26-year-old will only be an RFA at season’s end.
Last year the Red Wings were able to fetch a package from the Edmonton Oilers that included two second-round picks for Athanasiou. Though his tenure in Edmonton was disappointing, he’s bounced back in LA. If someone wants to make the Kings a similar offer, they could listen. If not, they don’t need to move him.