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LA Kings Need a Goalie: Here’s Our Wishlist of Potential Targets

By Cameron Franck

Apr 23, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) takes the ice before the second period against the Edmonton Oilers in game four of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) takes the ice before the second period against the Edmonton Oilers in game four of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Karel Vejmelka – Under Contract with the Arizona Coyotes

The Arizona Coyotes seem like they will be in rebuilding mode for a while. With their slew of draft picks, their inability to get their new arena plans approved, and their pattern of taking on players’ salaries who are on LTIR just to reach the cap floor, a very capable, young goaltender like Karel Vejmelka seems like a great trade option for the Los Angeles Kings.

The LA Kings have two things that the Coyotes have sought in trades: a borderline unusable NHL player and a plethora of young prospects. Even if the Coyotes were to use all of their draft picks on actual players, the reality is that they would be unable to even sign them all to a contract. So, they could package multiple lower-round picks for one higher-round pick, or whatever their general manager decides to do.

A trade package for Vejmelka could look like Cal Petersen, a mid-round pick, and a defenseman prospect such as Jacob Moverare or Tobias Bjornfot. Or if they need more actual salary to reach the cap floor, then the Kings could trade Sean Durzi or Sean Walker. There are several options available to land a goaltender of his caliber at an AAV of $2,725,000 million dollars. Plus, he is under contract through the 2024-2025 season, so that would also be an advantage for the Kings.

Last season on one of the worst teams in the league, Vejmelka recorded a .900 save percentage with a 3.43 goals-against average. The fact that he could attain a .900 save percentage is remarkably impressive considering the players who took the ice in front of him. He could do wonders backstopping a team like the LA Kings.

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