The Los Angeles Kings are back in the spotlight, and this time, it's all about their pursuit of a certain winger, Patrik Laine. But here's where it gets interesting...
Last month, the Kings showed interest in Laine, a former 40-goal scorer, after losing Kevin Fiala to a season-ending leg injury. However, those talks seemed to fizzle out. But now, with a fresh wave of injuries hitting the team, the Kings are circling back, and this time, they might just be in for a wild ride.
The Kings' injury woes are no secret. Their roster has been hit hard, with a third of their regular forwards unavailable, including the talented Andrei Kuzmenko, who underwent meniscus surgery, effectively ending his regular season. To make matters worse, they've also lost Joel Armia and Quinton Byfield to injuries, and Trevor Moore is battling an illness. It's no wonder their scoring has taken a hit, averaging a mere 2.25 goals per game post-break.
Despite these challenges, the Kings are still in the playoff race, just four points out with a game in hand. But with a crowded field and a slim chance of 27.7%, they need a spark. And that's where Laine comes into the picture.
Laine, a pending free agent, could be the X-factor the Kings need. His potential acquisition comes at a low cost due to his high salary, which has diminished his trade value. The Canadiens, facing a cap crunch, have been trying to trade him, and with Laine practicing in a non-contact jersey, he's ready for a comeback.
While Laine's start to the season was underwhelming, his performance last season in Montreal, despite missing games due to injury, showcases his potential. With 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games, he could be the secondary scoring presence the Kings desperately need.
And this is the part most people miss... Laine's goals-per-game ratio would currently lead the Kings. If healthy, he could be a game-changer, providing the offense needed to secure a playoff spot.
So, will the Kings take a chance on Laine? It's a risky move, but with their current situation, it might just be the Hail Mary they need. What do you think? Should the Kings go all in on Laine? The floor is open for discussion!
