In his latest ’32 Thoughts’ podcast for Sportsnet, Elliotte Friedman highlighted the Los Angeles Kings’ primary objective ahead of the trade deadline: acquiring a right-handed scoring forward. This observation aligns with the team’s current needs, as their offensive output has been underwhelming despite their playoff contention.
Among teams currently occupying a divisional playoff spot, the Kings exhibit the lowest goals-for-per-game, powerplay percentage, and shots-on-goal figures. This offensive stagnation is further compounded by a notable lack of right-handed shooting forwards. In fact, winger Alex Laferriere is the sole right-handed forward among the nine Kings’ forwards with 10 or more points this season.
Los Angeles Kings Seek Right-Handed Scorer At NHL Trade Deadline
Given the team’s commitment to Anže Kopitar and Quinton Byfield as their top-six centers, their pursuit of a right-handed scoring forward will likely focus on the wing position. Furthermore, with limited cap space, the Kings are expected to explore the rental market for a short-term solution ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline
This constraint significantly narrows the pool of potential targets. Among pending unrestricted free agents with double-digit goal totals, only Kyle Palmieri of the New York Islanders, Joel Armia of the Montreal Canadiens, and Justin Brazeau of the Boston Bruins meet these criteria while playing for teams currently outside of playoff contention.
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Palmieri emerges as an ideal candidate, given his recent 30-goal campaign and modest playoff experience. Acquiring Palmieri would immediately bolster the team’s offensive firepower, elevating him to third on the team in goals scored and sixth in shots on goal.
While Joel Armia and Justin Brazeau offer more budget-friendly options, their 10-goal seasons pale in comparison to Palmieri’s production. However, after three consecutive first-round exits at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, they may prioritize acquiring a more impactful, game-changing talent to propel them further in the postseason.