A Quiet History: Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings
In 1993, the Montreal Canadiens made a memorable impact by defeating the Wayne Gretzky-led Los Angeles Kings in just five games, with three of those games extending beyond regulation. Since that significant moment, the relationship between these two teams has been relatively quiet, with only a minor trade involving defenseman Frédéric Allard and forward Nate Schnarr to note. While fans and analysts may speculate about potential connections and deals, it’s essential to set aside those thoughts for now and focus on the current landscape of both teams.
Kings’ Deadline Pursuits: Seeking an Uplift
The Kings are undoubtedly eyeing improvements ahead of the trade deadline. The gap between them and the top teams in the Western Conference has narrowed somewhat in recent seasons, but a clear distinction still exists, placing the Kings more in the category of a "dreamer" team. One of the primary areas they need to address is the lack of a right-shot scorer in their top six. Names like Brock Boeser, Rickard Rakell, Jonathan Marchessault, Alex Tuch, and Travis Konecny have been on their radar, but the reality is that these players come with a steep price tag, and the Kings are limited in terms of enticing assets they can offer without sacrificing their future. The team’s current management, led by Rob Blake, has to navigate this delicate balance between immediate gains and long-term sustainability.
Kopitar’s Wing: A Necessity and a Challenge
Rob Blake and his team have been focusing on finding the right player to complement Anze Kopitar’s top-line wing. This need has become more pressing following the decline of Alex Turcotte, one of the team’s promising young forwards, and the looming impact of age on Kopitar’s performance. At 37, Kopitar is a veteran leader and the team’s captain, transitioning from a 40-goal scorer to playing alongside less experienced sophomore players like Turcotte and Alex Laferriere. This shift represents a significant downgrade for Kopitar, who has been a cornerstone of the Kings for years. However, recent line shuffling by assistant coach Jim Hiller has yielded promising results, particularly with the combination of Kevin Fiala, Quinton Byfield, and Adrian Kempe. This trio has shown exceptional chemistry and dominance on the ice, suggesting that the Kings might have found a crucial upgrade for their top line.
Chemistry and Depth: Evaluating the Options
Despite these promising developments, the Kings still need to consider whether upgrading Kopitar’s wing is essential. The newly formed Byfield line is a strong contender for the top position, but there’s always room for improvement, especially in a competitive league. If the Kings decide to pursue a trade, they need to be mindful of the chemistry and depth they can add without disrupting their current lineup. One name often linked to the Kings from Montreal is Jake Evans, a versatile depth player who can play up and down the lineup and effectively kill penalties. Another Canadiens player, Joel Armia, has also been mentioned as a potential target. Armia is a solid two-way player with impressive skating for his size (6’3") and penalty-killing skills. Both players could provide the Kings with the necessary scoring depth and defensive reliability they seek.
Balancing Acts: The Risks and Rewards
Acquiring both Evans and Armia would be a significant move for the Kings, potentially allowing them to rest seasoned veteran Trevor Lewis. However, there are uncertainties to consider. The chemistry between Kopitar and Armia, or Kopitar and Evans, is a major unknown. Additionally, neither player has a strong track record with powerplay contributions, with Armia having only seven powerplay goals in ten NHL seasons and Evans a minimal one. Despite these risks, the potential benefits are noteworthy. Armia’s size and skating ability could add a physical presence and versatility to the first powerplay unit, while Evans’s penalty-killing expertise could bolster an already improving penalty kill. These upgrades would be valuable without the Kings having to sacrifice their promising young talent or draft picks.
Realistic Goals: Quality Over Perfection
While the Kings would ideally prefer to land a high-caliber right-shot scorer like Boeser, the reality of their available resources suggests that a more modest trade might be more feasible. A package involving players like Evans and Armia represents a practical and realistic approach to improving their roster. These players could provide the necessary depth and versatility to enhance the team’s overall performance without draining their future prospects. The Kings have shown remarkable progress with their line combinations and seem to have found a solution to their top-line issues, even if it means playing with left-handed forwards. This strategic move, while not perfect, could be the kind of "blemish cut" that Rob Blake is known to make, focusing on quality and value rather than chasing the most expensive and high-profile options.
Looking Forward: A Unified Vision
In conclusion, the Kings have a clear path to improvement without making drastic sacrifices. The combination of internal line shuffling and targeted trades for players like Jake Evans and Joel Armia could provide the necessary depth and chemistry to solidify their lineup. While the pursuit of a right-shot scorer remains a priority, the Kings must weigh the immediate benefits against the long-term costs. By making smart, balanced decisions, they can position themselves for a strong finish to the season and a competitive future in the NHL.
