Los Angeles Kings Prepare for Anze Kopitar’s Retirement
As the Los Angeles Kings brace for the retirement of their captain Anze Kopitar at season’s end, the team’s roster will face a significant void. There had been hope that 23-year-old Quinton Byfield would step up as Kopitar’s successor and evolve into a first-line center. However, Byfield’s performance thus far has raised concerns among the organization. With 13 goals and 33 points in 60 games, he has yet to meet the expectations typically reserved for a player in his position. This reality may push Kings General Manager Ken Holland to seek additional help at center over the summer to maintain their playoff aspirations.
Potential Center Acquisitions
To lessen the impact of Kopitar’s departure and to support Byfield, the Kings may need to acquire another center who can either complement him or fill in a top-six role. Here are four centers that could potentially be on the Kings’ radar during the upcoming off-season:
- Nick Schmaltz (Utah Mammoth): After a ten-year career, Schmaltz is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of this season. Currently enjoying a career year with 24 goals and 35 assists in just 64 games, he is projected to surpass his previous best of 63 points. His impressive performance in a five-year contract that paid him $5.85 million annually suggests that he could command a steep raise this summer. Given earlier reports hinting at the Kings’ interest in Schmaltz, he could be a strategic target for their roster needs.
- Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks): Pettersson has been the subject of trade discussions, though no moves have occurred leading up to the NHL trade deadline. Currently in the second year of an eight-year deal worth $11.6 million per season, his performance has dipped, with 13 goals and 38 points over 56 games this season. The Canucks appear reluctant to retain salary, which complicates potential trades. Despite recent struggles, Pettersson’s previous seasons included point totals of 89 and 102, suggesting a change of scenery might help him recapture his elite form, making him an intriguing option for the Kings.
- Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues): Thomas has been noted as a potential trade asset but remained with the Blues despite interest around the deadline. At just 26, he’s currently on an eight-year contract averaging $8.125 million and has been performing well, recording 15 goals and 40 points this season. Known for his strong playmaking ability, Thomas has entered a notable point streak recently. He might be a valuable addition for the Kings, particularly after achieving a career-high 81 points last season.
- Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers): Trocheck was among those expected to be moved at the trade deadline, but the Rangers could not find a suitable deal. He is signed through three more seasons at a cap hit of $5.625 million. Trocheck prefers to remain in the Eastern Conference, which might complicate any potential pursuit from the Kings. His no-trade clause comes into effect this summer, limiting the possibilities for a trade but keeping him on the radar as a potential future target.
These centers not only provide immediate support for the Kings’ lineup but also help bridge the transition as the team looks to fill the significant gap left by Kopitar. As the off-season approaches, the Kings are set to explore options that could reshape their forward group and enhance their playoff viability for the coming seasons.
