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Seismic Shift in L.A.

Kings make moves to improve present and future

By Bobby Berger

The Los Angeles Kings shook the hockey world with back to back trades with new FNHL clubs Seattle and Las Vegas. The first deal saw sniper Tony Lagerstrom and a 2028 3rd round pick go to Seattle for Arthur Kaliyev, Joe Colbourne, and a 2027 2nd round pick. The Kings then traded Calle Jarnkork, Noah Hanufin, John Marino, the 2027 2nd round pick acquired from Seattle for Seth Jones, Corey Perry, and Brayden Tracey.


The Kings took a chance on Lagerstrom in free agency a few years ago, and it would be tough to say many free agents had the impact Lagerstrom did. As a 77 ov, he put up 30 goals in each of the last 2 seasons. The Kings felt that with the emergence of Trevor Zegras on the left side and the likelihood of Lagerstrom leaving after this season in free agency, they should strike while the iron was hot. In return the Kings received a young sniper in Kaliyev who they think could become a star. They also received Colbourne who is a solid third line winger to maintain their competitive chances this season, and a 2nd round pick.

This next trade was all about fits. The Kings and Knights knew what each other were looking for, LA a D upgrade and Vegas more scoring. This made the Jarnkork and Jones parts of the trade front and center. After that it was rounding out the deal. GM Berger was ecstatic to add a veteran performer like Perry to a young locker room as well as stack the farm with a stud like Tracey. “We gave up a lot, but believe this deal helps us both today, but in the future as well.” 

Time will tell if these educated gambles pay off for the Kings. It is likely these deals will define GM Berger’s tenure for the foreseeable future.

7/3/2021 - 311 words


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