NHL Los Angeles Kings

Jeff Petry Should Be On Los Angeles Kings’ Radar

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By @powerplaywithcj

Getty Images

Getty Images

With Slava Voynov’s fate uncertain and Drew Doughty being forced to play nearly 30 minutes per game, the Los Angeles Kings need to make a move on defense or risk losing serious ground in the Western Conference. While I’ve previously said Mike Green of the Washington Capitals  would be a great fit, Green’s cap hit and Washington’s apparent lack of interest in moving him makes such a deal unlikely at best. While he may not be as big name, nor as prolific offensively Jeff Petry of the Edmonton Oilers could be the best and most logical fit on the Kings’ blue line.

The Oilers are nose-diving in the standings and will be looking to firesale in order get as many assets as possible for-yet another-rebuild, making the pending free agent Petry an attractive option. Petry’s recorded eight points in 34 games with the woeful Oilers, and while he’s by no means a superstar, he would surely help the Kings in all facets of the game. Also, like Voynov, Petry is a right-handed shot that while it may not seem like much would help fill the void with a little bit more ease. Petry’s $3 million salary cap hit is also low enough for the Kings to add him without

Dean Lombardi really needs a renewed sense of urgency here, because as great as Doughty is, he can’t play as much as he has been without breaking down at some point down the line. Adding a defenseman that can ease Doughty’s workload while simultaneously allowing the Kings to continue their stellar play is easier said than done. However, if there is one general manager  in the NHL that can pull off such a move while meandering the tricky waters of the salary cap, it surely is Dean Lombardi.

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