Kings Trade Rumors: 4 Offseason Goaltending Trade Targets

The Los Angeles were recently outed by the Edmonton Oilers once again in the first-round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and now the Kings become a team to watch as the offseason approaches. Word is GM Rob Blake is looking to make a serious splash this summer which could mean trying to trade Pierre-Luc Dubois and trying to acquire a goaltender.

There's several netminders who will be made available at the right price, so the Kings will have a long list of options. Four to keep an eye on for LA trades include:

Jacob Markstrom, Calgary Flames

The Flames dropped the ball trying to deal Markstrom before the March 9th trade deadline as their trade talks with the New Jersey Devils went public. Markstrom was not pleased after approving the deal, all for not as the salary retention piece snuck up on the Devils and next thing you know the deal was dead. Look for the Kings to come calling to see what it would take to get Markstrom off the Flames hands. The Swedish netminder has two seasons left on his deal at $6 million annually.

Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators

The Predators surprised themselves this season and after Saros was discussed heading into the season and during the early stages, the wins continued to pile up and Barry Trotz had to pull Saros off the trade market. The Finnish netminder has one season left on his deal at a very affordable $5 million and does not hold any trade protection. Saros posted a 2.86 GAA in 64 appearances this season and continues to play well in the playoffs.

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

While they are rivals, the Kings will at least check in to see what it would take for Verbeek to make the move across state. Gibson is going to hit the trade market at the NHL Entry Draft as the Ducks are still in full rebuild mode and will be interested in moving the veteran netminder. Gibson is signed through the 2026-27 season at $6.4 million and staying in California likely makes the approval list on his modified no-trade clause. At 30 years old, a slight change of scenery could do wonders for his career, even if it means becoming the villain in Anaheim. 

Filip Gustavsson, Minnesota Wild

The Wild have a surplus of goaltending depth after re-signing Marc-Andre Fleury. Gustavsson is available and would be an affordable option for the Kings at $3.75 million AAV for the next two seasons. He does not hold any trade protection as the Wild will look to cash in this summer, while they give Fleury and youngster Jesper Wallstedt the crease. Gustavsson is only 25, would give the Kings their goalie of the future and the present. He was inconsistent this season, but showed in 2022-23 he's capable of being a big-time performer, posting a 2.10 GAA and .931 Sv.%.

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