By: Chris Nosek
All season, the Kings have struggled to score goals. They’ve allowed the 8th-fewest goals all season; however, they had also scored the 3rd-fewest heading into the trade deadline. Ken Holland didn’t hesitate to address this, and prior to the roster freeze for the Olympic break, he brought in Artemi Panarin. Unfortunately, during the Olympics, Kevin Fiala suffered a season-ending injury. As a team that continues to remain on the bubble of the playoffs, a full teardown would have been irresponsible, while going all in would cost them in the long term.
While the Panarin trade included a top prospect plus two draft picks, the conditions that Holland was able to get on the draft picks actually make the deal even better. The 3rd-round pick in 2026 is the better pick between LA’s or Dallas’ and only upgrades to a 2nd-round pick if LA wins a playoff round this year. The 4th-round pick, in 2028, only transfers to New York if the Kings win two playoff rounds this season. The injury to Fiala gives the Kings a significantly lower chance to make the playoffs.
After the Fiala injury, Holland changed direction and started to move off some guys who helped them restock a few of the draft picks he’d already moved. He moved out Corey Perry, who they were struggling to come to agreement on a contract extension with, and Warren Foegele who is on the books for next season carrying a $3.5 million cap hit. While sending a 3rd-round pick to Ottawa with Foegele, he was able to bring back both a 2nd round pick and a 3rd-round pick. While it is conditional, they end up with a 3rd round pick regardless it is only a matter of who’s they receive – Ottawa’s or Washingtons’. This pick, one resolved, is sent to Toronto because he added Scott Laughton.
The addition of Laughton, helps the team this year, without committing them to the cap hit carried by Foegele. While eating some of this years cap to move Corey Perry, Holland added yet another 2nd-round pick from Tampa Bay. Holland walked a very fine line perfectly. He helped the team in the long-term, by upgrading three draft picks, while giving up the lower picks to help this years team maintain its competivness to compete for a playoff spot.
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