Post by Los Angeles Kings on Feb 26, 2023 18:11:26 GMT -6
The Los Angeles Kings have played like shadows of their former selves this season. Despite being in the mix for a wildcard position, GM Chernuka has decided to pull the plug and start a serious “retool” of his franchise. And oh how the trade winds have been blowing.
Forwards Blake Wheeler, Joe Pavelski, Nick Bonino, David Perron, Ryan Donato, Mattias Janmark, defensemen John Carlson, Ryan Mcdonagh, Dmitry Orlov and goaltenders Ben Bishop, Martin Jones all have been moved out. Incoming to the organization is Michael Rasmussen, Sam Reinhart, Jacob De La Rose, Mason Appleton, Austin Wagner, John Klingberg, Kris Letang, David Savard, Jan Rutta, Jordan Binnington, Collin Delia.
The Kings hold 4 1st round picks over the next 2 years, and a stocked cupboard of 45 prospects, including names like Jiri Kulich, and Lian Bichsel. The big push has been towards youth, with youngsters Michael Rasmussen, Anton Lundell, Jasper Weatherby, Jonathan Dahlen, Gustav Lindstrom looking to play big roles in the future.
Rumors continue to swirl around other changes that might be brewing, including bringing in a big name forward. You have to think, that with only 22 games left, and sitting a full 7 points out of the playoffs, that this team’s playoff hopes are surely finished. With the trade deadline still about 3 weeks away, if the Kings can close the gap on the Wild Card position, expect them to make a push to make the playoffs. If not, expect a sell off of the older assets like Klingberg, and Letang.
