5 Trade Targets The Los Angeles Kings Should Pursue

By Jeff Henning

5 Trade Targets For The Los Angeles Kings

Braydon Coburn — Though the season is still in its opening weeks, there is no shortage of trade rumors or players who could potentially be on the block. If the Los Angeles Kings plan to be hoisting another Stanley Cup at the end of this season, there are a few holes on their roster that they need to address. Here are five potential trade targets for the Kings.

5. Eric Staal

Eric Staal

5. Eric Staal

Eric Staal — Sure, the contract situation makes this a bit of a long shot, but if the Kings found a way to acquire Staal it would certainly solidify their depth down the middle. Staal would be an immediate boost to the Kings' offense, which can be quite anemic, and would make them the front-runners in the Western Conference.

Odds: 10 percent

4. Brad Marchand

Brad Marchand

4. Brad Marchand

Brad Marchand — As mentioned in a previous article, if Marchand is made available, the Kings should make the inquiry. Marchand is a very skilled two-way forward who would fit perfectly into the Kings' system. His pesky style of play will serve the Kings greatly in their push towards another Stanley Cup.

Odds: 25 percent

3. Matt Carle

Matt Carle

3. Matt Carle

Matt Carle — Since Slava Voynov’s departure from the team, it has been widely reported that the Kings are interested in adding some defensive help to shore up their blueline. If the Lightning make Carle available, the Kings should have interest in him. Carle could be a nice piece to fill-in, however his contract could be an issue for the Kings. Carle, who’s 31, has two years left on a deal that pays him $ 5.5 million annually.

Odds: 25 percent

2. Braydon Coburn

Braydon Coburn

2. Braydon Coburn

Braydon Coburn — Like Carle, fellow Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn may also be on the block, but unlike Carle, Coburn’s contract may be much more manageable. Coburn is in the last year of his deal that carries a $ 4.5 million cap hit. The fact that Kings won’t be committed to Coburn after this season makes him a much better commodity than the aforementioned Carle.

Odds: 30 percent

1. Carl Gunnarsson

Carl Gunnarsson

1. Carl Gunnarsson

Carl Gunnarsson — If the Kings are looking to shore up their blueline, then Carl Gunnarsson could be the best answer. The Blues seem to be overloaded with defense, and Blues GM Doug Armstrong has made it known that he’s willing to unload a defenseman. Gunnarsson carries a much lighter cap hit than anyone on this list ($ 2.95 million) and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Odds: 40 percent

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Los Angeles Kings

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