Even if things have improved recently, there are still rumors that the Los Angeles Kings need goaltending assistance. Elliote Friedman said, “Now there’s people looking at (the Kings’ goalie situations) and thinking, ‘there’s no way they’re letting it play out like this they’re going to try for something,” in last Friday’s edition of 32 Thinking. Subsequently, co-host Jeff Marek introduced himself and Juuse Saros. Many teams believe the Kings made a push at Saros last season, but a deal couldn’t be reached, as Friedman pointed out.
Barry Trotz said they hoped to extend Saros, but given their current form and Yaraslov Askarov’s play, Friedman believes a trade is now more likely. Saros’ future is still very much up in the air. indicating that there is currently a 25% and growing likelihood of Saros being traded. This would seem to be a wonderful fit, especially considering the possibility that Saros will become available and the Kings’ apparent need for a goalie.
There are a few factors that make a potential deal extremely difficult, bordering on impossible.
First is the Predators needs. As Friedman pointed out, they need elite offensive talent, be it an established player or a prospect.
This led Marek to throw Adrian Kempe’s name into the mix.
Although it is not impossible for the Kings to move Kempe, it is extremely unlikely. A team that is having trouble finishing dealing both their current point leader and their most reliable goal scorer over the past few seasons is not one I can see. The only other outstanding offensive players the Kings have, if it’s not Kempe, are Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala.
