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Los Angeles Kings Trade Kyle Clifford and Jack Campbell to Toronto Maple Leafs

Kyle Clifford

The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to trade Kyle Clifford and Jack Campbell to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Trevor Moore and Columbus’ third-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft and a conditional third-round pick in 2021. The Los Angeles Kings will retain 50% of Kyle Clifford’s salary.

Los Angeles Kings Trade Kyle Clifford to Toronto Maple Leafs

The Kings completed a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, February 5th, 2020. The Toronto Maple Leafs acquire winger Kyle Clifford and goalie Jack Campbell in exchange for winger Trevor Moore and draft picks.

Kyle Clifford

The 35th overall pick in 2009, he had been with the Kings for his entire 10-year career. Despite his relatively high draft position, Clifford has always been valued for his rough-and-tumble game. He’s built a solid career on the fourth line, regularly throwing more hits than he does shots on net. He’s long had good possession numbers, disrupting opponents’ flow with his high-pursuit game.

Last season he added more scoring to his game with career-high 11 goals and 21 points in 72 games. He’s managed to continue that pace into this season with 6 goals and 14 points so far in 53 games.

Over his 10-year NHL career, Clifford has 60 goals and 69 assists for 129 career points in 660 career games.

Jack Campbell

Campbell was drafted 11th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars. However, he could not seem to find his game in Dallas. After being given up on as a draft bust, Campbell rebuilt his career with the Kings. He has put up a .900 save percentage and 2.85 goals-against-average on the rebuilding Kings.  In 58 career NHL games, Campbell has a .916 save percentage and 2.58 goals-against-average.

Trevor Moore

Moore, 24, has three goals and two assists for five points in 27 games for the Leafs this season. Undrafted, Moore had a strong career with the University of Denver before signing in Toronto in 2016.  He worked his way up through the AHL before getting his chance with the Leafs late last season. In 52 career NHL games, he has five goals and 13 points.  He also added a goal and played in all seven games in the Leafs first-round loss to the Bruins last year.

What This Means for the Future

Clifford’s new team knows what they’re getting: a constantly-moving shift disturber with two Stanley Cup rings. He’s more than ready to battle in the tighter-checking second season, and cranks up his physical game to match. He’s set to be a UFA, and would dearly love to make a statement in these playoffs, both for his new team and for himself. The Leafs are relying on exactly that as they make their push. They also acquire a much needed backup goaltender.

His job may not be glamorous, but it’s been enough for over 650 regular season and 55 playoff games. And if he does well here, he will position himself well for the chance at a couple hundred more.

Trevor Moore adds a young presence for the Kings and can contribute now and in the future for them. He is a high energy winger that can fit into a number of roles and will help out a struggling LA Kings team.

Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images

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