The Los Angeles Kings are rounding into form in the latter portion of the season once again. They're big, they're bad, they're talented and they're almost 10 points ahead of the San Jose Sharks for the top spot in the Pacific. They're also reportedly interested in making a splash ahead of the NHL's trade deadline later this month. And further, they're apparently interested in Winnipeg Jets blueliner Dustin Byfuglien.
ESPN's Pierre LeBrun appeared on Edmonton's TSN 1260 on Tuesday and told the hosts that his sources told him that the Kings have already expressed their interest in Big Buff to the Jets.
And really, it makes a lot of sense. The addition of Luke Schenn has helped offset the loss of Matt Greene, but no one is going to confuse Schenn for a top-tier defenseman anytime soon. Buff, despite being 30, remains one of the most talented blueliners the NHL has to offer. And with the Kings having never really adequately replaced Slava Voynov on the right side of their 'D,' a hole remains that Byfuglien could certainly fill.
Unfortunately, a number of issues remain in the way of a potential deal.
The Jets and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff have reportedly turned their attention to re-signing Byfuglien after reaching an impasse with captain Andrew Ladd. And Buff himself told reporters after the Jets' game Tuesday that he'd "love" to remain in Winnipeg long-term.
The Kings could pick Byfuglien up as a rental and let him walk after the season, negating the issue of his future contract demands - though making space for his $5.2 million cap hit won't be easy - but the Kings would probably want to keep Byfuglien in black and silver beyond just this season were they to give up the significant assets it would take to land him.
Due to his advancing age and singular skillset, coming to terms on a new deal won't be easy for the Jets, Kings or any team. But there's no doubting Buff is worth the headache and the money. Someone will pay him and be better off for it, it's just a matter of who.
It seems unlikely to be the Kings, but stranger things have happened and L.A. GM Dean Lombardi has shown time and again that he's willing to take big risks and think outside the box if it will allow him to upgrade his roster.
