The Los Angeles Kings have surprised some teams this season as they've compiled a 32-19-8 record so far in 2021-22 and currently sit second in the Pacific division. General manager Rob Blake is trying to make some upgrades to his roster while keeping his young foundation together for future success. The Kings are a great mix of young talent and veteran leadership and have become a team to watch as we approach the March 21 trade deadline. Let's take a look at two Kings who could be dangled in trade talks:
Gabriel Vilardi
The one-time top prospect has not been able to land a regular spot in the NHL lineup and currently finds himself down playing big minutes in the American Hockey League. Vilardi was a former 11th overall draft pick from 2017 and is currently in the final season of his entry-level deal, paying him $894,167 against the cap. The 22-year-old is a point-a-game player in the minors, but unfortunately has not enjoyed the same success just yet for the Kings. He's recorded 31 points in 71 career games and if the Kings are going to land one of the big fish, it's likely Vilardi is included in the deal.
Blake Lizotte
The undrafted center is a pending restricted free agent who has been given an opportunity so far this season in LA with some more minutes. Lizotte has appeared in 53 games and recorded 17 points, setting a career high in goals and on pace for a career high in points. While his trade value isn't threw the roof, Lizotte is a piece that would likely be included in a trade package for a veteran defenseman who has a proven NHL track record. Blake and the Kings are expected to dangle multiple young pieces at the deadline and it's also likely their first-round pick gets some play in trade talks. Regardless of what transpires, the trade chatter is running wild in southern California at the moment.
Photo credit: Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports
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