Kings continue to search for scoring — The Fourth Period
Los Angeles Kings General Manager Ken Holland remains in the market for some additional scoring punch as his club continues to battle for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.
The Kings currently sit in the first wildcard position in the West with a 14-10-9 record and 37 points, and while they stay in the playoff race, they rank 28th in the NHL in goals-for, averaging 2.58 per game, ahead of the New York Rangers (2.51), Calgary Flames (2.50), St. Louis Blues (2.49) and Seattle Kraken (2.48).
They have scored more than two goals in just three of their last 10 games and offence is becoming a frustrating concern for both the club and its fanbase.
It is unclear whom the Kings may be keeping tabs on across the NHL, but as TFP’s David Pagnotta reported Wednesday on “The Powerplay” on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Holland has been scouring the market for a goal-scoring winger with speed to add to his roster and has some cap flexibility to add to his roster this season.
The Kings currently have just under $3.7 million in salary cap space and adding a piece to their top-six seems to be a focal point for management and the scouting department. Los Angeles had three scouts in attendance in Toronto on Tuesday, taking in the Maple Leafs and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Meanwhile, teams have indeed reached out to the Kings about centre Phil Danault, who has struggled offensively this season and is currently battling the flu – he has missed the team’s last three games.
Despite reports to the contrary, TFP has confirmed that Danault has not requested a trade, but that has not stopped Holland from entertaining inquiries from other teams and engaging in those conversations.
Danault, 32, has one more year remaining on his contract after this season and comes with a $5.5 million cap hit. He also owns a 10-team no-trade list as part of his deal.
