By Bobby Berger
The Los Angeles Kings were second in the west at the quarter season mark, but that has vastly changed during the next half the year (that makes us about the 3/4 mark now for those bad at math). The Kings now sit 3rd from the bottom in the west, although still only 4 points out of a playoff spot. As a result of the struggles, the Kings made 2 deals.
The first was a small deal with New Jersey to pick up William Karlsson from New Jersey in exchange for a low level pick. This deal was little given up in exchange for a solid defensive center. Karlsson allowed the Kings more cap flexibility and if the team shows no improvement they should be able to move him.
The second deal was a big one. The Kings moved 24 year old Robert Thomas and 20 year old prospect Kisakov to Toronto for Gurianov. In Gurianov the Kings acquire an established 80ov who isn't over the hill at 27. Gurianov will be an RFA after the season which could make him pricey. Thomas had been a top prospect for the Kings for years, but just hadn't yet hit his stride. He will hope to find that in Toronto.
The Kings probably aren't done wheeling and dealing, so this team could look different in the very near future. Stay tuned!
11/30/2023 - 227 words
