For the last couple of years, the Los Angeles Kings have been in a rebuilding mode, selling off key players in order to build for the future.
Over this stretch, they’ve traded away key veterans, with the likes Alec Martinez, Jake Muzzin, Tyler Toffoli and most recently, Jeff Carter being shipped out for picks and prospects. However, it looks like the team is done stockpiling their assets and intends to push for the playoffs once again, after acquiring forward Viktor Arvidsson from the Nashville Predators.
The trade marks the first time in the last few years that they’ve given up multiple draft picks to make a major roster addition. The Kings had previously traded a draft pick in prior trades for Lias Andersson and Brendan Lemieux, but Andersson is still young and the acquisition was more of a long-term plan, while the only pick given up for Lemieux was in the fourth round and was a minimal price to pay. Given that Arvidsson is 28 years old and under contract for three more years, it’s clear that the Kings are ready to put the rebuild in the rear view mirror.
This isn't to say that Arvidsson himself is going to make the difference in the team getting back to the playoffs but instead that it's clear the team's vision has shifted from building for the future to competing now.
We know the Kings are looking to make major upgrades, being linked to the likes of Jack Eichel and Seth Jones. While Los Angeles may not go that big, we can expect to see more additions made in the offseason, to help push this team along.
The team's position is only going to be improved by prospects continuing to enter the lineup as well. Quinton Byfield got into some game action at the end of last season, but the Kings will soon see Alex Turcotte and other top prospects competing for roster spots too. Los Angeles has done a good job building a steady base, which should give their top prospects a chance to come in and work their way up the lineup gradually.
It’s clear that the Kings are looking to start climbing back up the standings and competing once again, as the addition of Arvidsson signals the end of the team’s rebuilding era.
***NOTE: We've launched a HockeyBuzz Kings Twitter account! For anyone interested, you can follow @HB_LAKings for updates on articles, Kings news, etc.***
Do you expect the Kings to contend for a playoff spot next season?
Los Angeles Kings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»