The Los Angeles Kings have traded Stanley Cups back and forth with the Chicago Blackhawks since 2012, and the Kings look poised to make another cup run. However, GM Dean Lombardi is trying to add a piece or two before Monday's trade deadline, according to Pierre LeBrun.
Lombardi is trying to plug two holes in his lineup. A rental defenseman, as well as a forward to fill the void left from injured winger Marian Gaborik. Gaborik suffered a knee injury on Feb. 12 in a 5-4 win over the Rangers and could be out until the start of the playoffs, according to CBS Sports.
If Gaborik is on long term-injured reserve at the trade deadline, and it seems likely he will be, the Kings will have an unexpected $4.85 million in cap space available. This gives Lombardi a little more leeway for a big name rental player like Andrew Ladd, Loui Eriksson or Mikkel Boedker, all of which have been linked to the Kings. However, a move for a high-end rental will demand prospects or draft picks and the Kings don't have many of either. It's more likely the Kings could be looking at a discounted rental, making Edmonton Oilers forward Teddy Purcell a viable option, according to LeBrun.
In an attempt to make the playoffs last year, Lombardi added defenseman Andrej Sekera from the Carolina Hurricanes for a conditional first round pick and prospect Roland McKeown. The Kings went on to miss the playoffs and Sekera signed with Edmonton in the offseason. Having learned his lesson, Lombardi is weary of the thin rental market and will only add a defenseman if the price is right, according to NBC sports. A modest price tag on Devils defenseman David Schlemko could be a fit if the Devils decide to become sellers.
The Kings are undoubtedly a cup contender, but with a core group of players that aren't getting any younger, the time is now for the Kings to market the future and make a push for a third Stanley Cup in five seasons.
