LA Kings: Three RFA forwards to consider trading for
By Ryan Sikes
2. Anthony Beauvillier
The former 28th overall pick in 2015 has scored at least 15 goals in the last four seasons. He accumulated a career-best 39 points during the 2019-20 campaign. It will be interesting to see which players the Islanders prioritize in free agency, with a projected cap space around $16.6M.
As alluded to, they have a number of players to make decisions on, including potentially re-signing Kyle Palmieri. Other notable RFA’s for the Isles include Adam Pelech and 25-year-old netminder Ilya Sorokin. Can they get it all done within their available cap space, or will something have to give?
Beauvillier’s defense has improved in each of the last three seasons, while his finishing ability took an enormous leap forward this past season. The graphic below indicates he’s a fourth-liner, but he primarily played top-six forward minutes with the Islanders in 2021, including both winger positions.
He accumulated 15 goals and 13 assists in the 2021 season with a quality of teammates metric in the 14th percentile. Get him on a line with Anze Kopitar, and watch his numbers skyrocket. For what it’s worth, Evolving Hockey projects his next contract to be a two-year deal at a $3.73M AAV – perhaps setting up a sign and trade scenario?
