Los Angeles Kings find themselves on disappointing list because of this trade

The Los Angeles Kings have made the playoffs now three straight seasons but have not been able to get past the first round due to matching up with the Edmonton Oilers each year. General manager Rob Blake has tried to build a roster that can get them over that hump, and that has included swinging trades.

However, one of the more recent trades was nothing short of disastrous, and it was not only one of the worst by the Kings but also in the entire NHL.

Prior to last season, the Kings would make a deal with the Winnipeg Jets for center Pierre-Luc Dubois. The Kings would not only send a second-round pick but also three forwards in Alex Iafallo, Gabriel Vilardi, and Rasmus Kupari.

The extension after the trade is what made this trade even worse for the Los Angeles Kings

Pierre-Luc Dubois did not make the impact the Kings hoped he would with only 16 goals and 24 assists, and finished with at least 20 fewer points in each of his last two seasons with the Oilers. The reason this trade was really regrettable was the contract extension they gave Dubios after trading for him.

The Kings would sign him to an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $8.5 million. General manager Rob Blake clearly saw enough and decided it was time to cut his losses. He would trade him after only one season for goalie Darcy Kuemper.

Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report wrote at the end of the section on Pierre-Luc Dubois and they are not wrong that Blake is on the hot seat this season:

This move was among several this offseason that raised questions about Blake's management of the Kings. Already on the hot seat entering this season, he could risk losing his job if they fail to improve.

The pressure certainly is on Rob Blake this season and he likely won't know until the end of the season his fate. It will be tied to just how deep the Kings can go in the playoffs this season.