With recent additions to an already somewhat crowded roster, the Los Angeles Kings have more players than roster spots, heading into next season.
In a recent article, I asked whether readers thought the Kings would look to trade depth forwards this offseason in order to clear roster space, to which 80 per cent of people voted that they would. Looking more broadly, I decided to pick out three players on the Kings' roster who could be dealt at some point this offseason, in order to make space in the lineup.
BLAKE LIZOTTE
While I do like Lizotte, he’s stuck at the bottom of the lineup and is likely to lose his spot to younger players in the near future. His production took a bit of a hit this season, which can be partially attributed to a decreased role, scoring just three goals and 10 points in 41 games.
Now with the addition of Phillip Danault as well, there just isn’t much room left over for Lizotte. Given that he’s unlikely to be a long-term member of the forward group, it could make sense to try and get back a mid-round draft pick for him, rather than waiting for him to get bumped out of the lineup.
OLLI MAATTA
While the right side of the team’s defense group has been set for a little while, the left side is now crowded as well, after the Kings signed Alex Edler. In addition to Edler, Mikey Anderson will take on a large role once again, while Tobias Bjornfot and even Kale Clague should get opportunities to develop as well. This leaves Maatta on the outside looking in.
Maatta didn’t have the impact the Kings were hoping for, after they acquired him last offseason. He ended up averaging just 16:26 per game and with him turning 27 years old later this month and not likely to be a long-term fit, it makes sense to move him and leave some room for younger players.
AUSTIN WAGNER
This marked the second season in a row in which Wagner’s points per 82-game pace was 15 points or less. He was playing just 10:30 per game as well, the least ice time per game of any player to play at least 20 games with the Kings this season. With two years still remaining on his contract at a $1.13 million cap hit, the team may look to move on.
While Wagner does have great speed, there isn’t a ton to his game and he isn’t going to be more than a depth forward. Given how many quality prospects will be looking to earn a spot with the team and how many depth forwards the Kings already have, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Wagner moved.
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Who do you think is most likely to be traded to clear roster space?
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