The LA Kings have been at the forefront of plenty of rumors in recent weeks. From coaching changes to massive contract extensions, Los Angeles has been a much-talked-about team.
But there’s one rumor that’s caught pundits off guard. According to various sources, the LA Kings have been receiving calls on veteran forward Phillip Danault.
The rumors, initially reported by Elliotte Friedman in his 32 Thoughts Podcast, posit Danault finding several suitors around the league. The main reason for the LA Kings getting calls on the 32-year-old has been his lack of production.
In 29 games this season, Danault has just five assists. The talk is that something is affecting his game, and a fresh start could solve it. That’s an interesting assertion, as David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period claimed that Danault had asked for a trade, though sources have denied such talk.
Pagnotta wrote:
“A few weeks ago, there was talk he asked for a trade, but sources say that is not the case.”
So, it seems that there is no animosity between Danault and the LA Kings. Could this just be the case of proactive GMs trying to get ahead of the game? Possibly. It may also be that teams are getting desperate and are kicking the tires everywhere.
The LA Kings remain a competitive team this season. However, Anze Kopitar’s retirement could usher in a new era in Tinseltown.
Danault’s Lack of Production Inexplicable
Danault has been one of the NHL’s best matchup centers. Ever since he made a name for himself with the Montreal Canadiens, the 32-year-old became a prized commodity on the free-agent market.
Ultimately, it was the LA Kings who scooped him up during the 2021 offseason. The club signed him to a six-year deal worth $33 million . The deal raised some eyebrows across the league. But Danault has been a steady presence. He scored 27 goals in his first year with the Kings. He hasn’t topped the 20-goal mark since, but he’s been a consistent producer.
This season, however, his lack of production has been inexplicable. Danault continues to play in a similar role. Though it’s worth pointing out that scoring has been a challenge for the club across the board. The LA Kings are 27th in the league in scoring and need to find more offense.
LA Kings Could Address Offense by Trading Danault
If center-starved teams are willing to pay up to get Danault, that could open the door for a scoring winger to join the LA Kings.
Now, there’s no specific chatter about which teams have inquired about Danault. But one would have to think that those teams would have to entice GM Ken Holland with value. Draft picks and prospects may not move the needle in Los Angeles this season.
Perhaps a scoring winger like Alex Tuch or Jordan Kyrou could be an interesting fit. Of course, the LA Kings would likely have a high price tag on Danault. That situation may lead to one team or another getting fleeced.
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