LA Kings: A tiered approach of left wingers to trade for this offseason
By Ryan Sikes
Tier 3 – Thinking outside the box
Anthony Duclair
Duclair could be difficult to pry away from the Panthers, given how well he fit in with the upstart Florida squad. The 25-year-old restricted free agent posted a 10-goal, 22-assist season for the Panthers, so a significant piece would have to go the other way as Bill Zito’s group looks to take the next step. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but Duclair will be very tough to acquire this offseason.
Still, the Kings have the pieces to do it. The Panthers also have just over $8M in cap space this offseason, with key free agents in Sam Bennett, Alex Wennberg, Nikita Gusev, and Brandon Montour to potentially re-sign. Something has to give. The Kings would have to work out a sign and trade deal for The Duke.
Evander Kane
You serious, Clark? The Kings might be getting Kane at the right time. The Sharks were rumored to potentially terminate his contract amid his Chapter 7 bankruptcy after the 2021 season. Despite the off-ice distractions, the 29-year-old led San Jose with 49 points (22G, 27A). He’s consistently flirted with 50-point seasons throughout his career and would certainly improve the Kings’ scoring woes.
If the Sharks terminate his contract, the Kings can work out their own contract with Kane. If he remains with the club into the offseason, perhaps the Sharks could sweeten the pot for the Kings to take on his $7M cap hit through the 2024-25 season. Of course, San Jose may not want to sweeten a deal with a division rival.