Washington Capitals: Five Teams That Could Trade For Evgeny Kuznetsov
By CJ Witt
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings seem like a team who are anxious to get back into Cup contention. If you need proof of that just look at the rumor mill and you will once again see the name of Eichel with the Kings being interested in acquiring him via trade.
As I said earlier, the recurring theme here will be if a team can’t get Eichel what’s to say they won’t go after a different top line center?
Kuznetsov will have the opportunity to play behind another top line center in LA in Anze Kopitar. If the Kings have reservations about Kuznetsov’s work ethic they could have faith in their star players in dragging him along. Will Kopitar and Drew Doughty allow this guy to lollygag around as much as he does?
I don’t know how close Quinton Byfield is to being an NHL player but if he were to play in the NHL this season it wouldn’t be the worst thing to play third line center for a good while. The Kings could role out a top three of Kopitar, Kuznetsov and Byfield. Again, all this assuming they don’t get Eichel.
And, of course, it’s Los Angeles. The weather is great, the team has a good history and good recent history and they have good prospects which could mean quick success.