The Kings fill two glaring needs – a netminder and a left-handed shot on the blue line – with one transaction, but they part with a franchise icon as part of the deal.
The Kings have acquired defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a package that includes goalie Jonathan Quick and a 2023 first-round draft pick, according to multiple reports.
That was almost certainly because in order to improve their chances at making a deep playoff run, the Kings jettisoned a franchise icon, one of the last remnants of their golden era. Quick backstopped them to Stanley Cup titles in 2012 and 2014, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy en route to the franchise’s first championship. Kopitar and defenseman Drew Doughty are the only remaining members of those rosters.
Gavrikov posted a career-high 33 points last season. In 2022-23, he has 10 points in 52 games. He has logged more than 20 minutes of ice time in 43 of those games. His offensive production could almost be considered a bonus as his calling card is his game in his own zone. At 6-foot-3 and north of 220 pounds, Gavrikov gives the Kings a physical presence on the left side they haven’t had since Willie Mitchell’s departure.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kings will look to end road woes in WinnipegThe Kings have just one win four games into a five-game trip against playoff-caliber opponents, and Coach Todd McClellan says several players need to do more.
Read more »
Rangers’ defenseman K’Andre Miller to have disciplinary hearing for spitting on Kings veteran Drew DoughtyThe NHL Department of Player Safety will hold a hearing to consider supplemental discipline after Rangers’ defenseman K’Andre Miller was ejected from a game for spitting at a player.
Read more »
Kopitar scores 4, Kempe nets shootout winner as Kings edge JetsAnze Kopitar scores three of his four goals in the second period and Adrian Kempe decides the shootout as the Kings close their trip by rallying for a 6-5 win in Winnipeg.
Read more »
All-star band Kings of Chaos will rock the Grand Prix of Long BeachKings of Chaos, featuring members of Guns N’ Roses, Slipknot, Halestorm and more, will headline the main concert event for race fans in April.
Read more »
Davis Webb made quick jump to coaching with Eli Manning’s helpEli Manning paid off any debts to Davis Webb for all the hours of extra film study that the rookie quarterback did for the Giants in 2017.
Read more »
Former NPR copy editor Patricia Cole, known for her quick wit and editing eye, diesFormer NPR copy editor Patricia Cole, whose sharp eye, quick wit and kind heart made her a cherished colleague, died on Friday. She was 46 years old.
Read more »