NHL Trade Deadline: LA Kings stand pat and hope for the best
By Jamaal Artis
The LA Kings didn’t make a move at the NHL Trade Deadline — here’s what that means.
At 12 pm pacific standard time the NHL trade deadline expired and the Los Angeles Kings’ front office sent a message to their team. The team will win or lose from here on out as constructed.
General manger Rob Blake did not make any more moves, so if the Kings are going to make a push toward the playoffs it will be with the 20 guys on the roster right now.
The LA Kings were rumored to be in discussions with the Montreal Canadiens to trade for captain Max Pacioretty, a proven goal scorer. It’s likely the Kings weren’t willing to meet the Canadiens demand for draft picks or prospects.
With the team in need of goal scoring and fast as the Kings took on the Las Vegas Golden Knights Monday night, the message was win with the guys you got. The Kings responded by erasing a 2-0 deficit for a thrilling 3-2 overtime win.
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Three factors as to why the Kings stayed pat at deadline:
Early Moves
When the Kings traded for Dion Phaneuf and Nate Thompson in the middle of their seven game road trip they accomplished two things.
The Kings were able to rid themselves of Marian Gaborik’s hefty contract, and they were able to get a veteran defenseman to shore up the struggling defensive unit. By adding another veteran forward the Kings also gave themselves some depth.
Both Phaneuf and Thompson have been positive contributors to the teams since the trade.
No more rentals
Rob Blake probably learned from his predecessors mistakes of trading prospects for rental players who would not stay with the Kings. Losing out on these prospects have thinned the depth and youth from Kings.
When the rumors swirled around a Pacioretty trade draft picks and prospects seemed to be the asking price, the Kings were unwilling to mortgage the future even if it meant getting a proven goal scorer.
You can’t blame Blake for his cautiousness, even if they made the trade there is no guarantee it makes them a Stanley Cup contender today. Blake wants to win but he also needs to fix the lack of prospect depth in the organization.
Jeff Carter is back
Saturday, veteran center Jeff Carter made his first appearance since being injured in late October. One of the playmakers on the team, Carter’s versatility has been missed and his comeback is like a trade deadeline acquisition.
His goal in the third period started the comeback against the Vegas Knights. It was a welcome scene for Kings fans who missed one of the most popular players on the team.
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Some fans may be frustrated that the Kings didn’t do more at the trade deadline, but they’ll have to trust the players, coaches, and front office the rest of the season.