Los Angeles Kings on the Brink of Playoff Elimination
The Los Angeles Kings find themselves on the brink of playoff elimination, primarily due to insufficient offensive output. In fact, the team ranks as one of the bottom two in the NHL regarding scoring efficiency, having netted just 121 goals and maintaining a paltry average of 2.57 goals per game.
Underperforming Key Players
Key players have underperformed this season, with right winger Adrian Kempe contributing only 15 goals and 36 points across 47 matchups, while center Quinton Byfield has managed nine goals and 28 points in 46 appearances. This lack of scoring consistency, compounded by head coach Jim Hiller’s defense-oriented strategy, has left the Kings struggling to secure a postseason berth.
Search for a Scoring Winger
In light of their scoring struggles, it has emerged that general manager Ken Holland is actively searching for a capable scoring winger. Recent developments with the New York Rangers may present an opportunity, as the franchise indicated a desire to rebuild, hinting at potential trades involving veteran players.
Artemi Panarin, the talented left winger and pending unrestricted free agent, appears to be available after the Rangers announced they would not pursue a contract extension with him.
Despite possessing a full no-move clause that offers him significant control over his fate, the Rangers’ clarity on their playoff outlook may encourage Panarin to consider a new opportunity elsewhere.
Panarin’s Performance and Contract Challenges
Even though the Rangers are having a challenging season, Panarin’s individual performance stands out. He has tallied 18 goals and provided 36 assists for a total of 54 points in 48 games, ranking as the top scorer for New York. If he were to join the Kings, his scoring tally would surpass their highest scorer by nearly 20 points.
However, his current contract carries an $11.6 million cap hit, and with the Kings holding just $11.3 million in available salary cap space (factoring in injured players like Anze Kopitar, Trevor Moore, and Corey Perry), a deal may require some financial maneuvering.
Team Challenges and Potential Trade Considerations
Adding to the team’s challenges, right winger Corey Perry will be absent for an indefinite period as he attends to a family matter. Defenseman Jacob Moverare is set to step in during his absence for the upcoming game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Trading for Panarin would necessitate the Kings to either convince the Rangers to retain some of his salary or to exchange other contracts to balance the books. Should the Kings show genuine interest, they have an array of promising assets to offer, including top-tier prospects like Liam Greentree, Carter George, and various draft picks.
Nevertheless, the Kings need to tread cautiously considering Panarin’s age (34) and the uncertainty surrounding his long-term commitment to the team. The no-move clause adds another layer of complexity, as it ultimately allows Panarin to decide his fate. Despite these challenges, if the Kings’ management is eager to strike a deal, Rangers GM Chris Drury would likely be open to negotiations.
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