The Los Angeles Kings have acquired defenceman Christian Wolanin from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Michael Amadio. Both of these players were prospects with potential a few years ago, whose time it now appears to move on. The trade was announced Monday afternoon.
News Release: The #Sens have acquired forward Mike Amadio from @LAKings in exchange for Christian Wolanin: https://t.co/ZLbveTokIv pic.twitter.com/4r3eVDDkHs
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) March 29, 2021
Christian Wolanin Headed to Los Angeles
The Kings are getting a 26-year-old defenceman who can transition the puck up the ice with ease. However, he has struggled heavily so far this season. Wolanin has shown some flash at times with the Senators organization and there was even some hope he had the potential to be a top-four guy. However, that didn’t turn out to be the case in Ottawa and he really couldn’t find his game this year. Regardless, Wolanin has shown flashes in the past and given a steady role, is likely at least a bottom pair guy. Yes, he does struggle in his own end at times but he has great puck-moving ability in the offensive end. The Kings may need to use him in a sheltered role going forward.
In return, the Sens get a depth forward in Amadio. Much like Wolanin, this year has been a tough one for the 24-year-old. He has just two assists in 20 games with the Kings. However, also like Wolanin, Amadio has shown flashes of being a useful NHL player too. Just last season he had 16 points in 60 NHL games. On top of that, he also showed some promising underlying numbers too. If he can become even a fourth-line player who helps control play, that could be useful.
Going Forward
This trade makes enough sense for both sides involved. Two guys that haven’t panned out quite as hoped will now get a fresh start. Hopefully, both of them can make use of that. At the very least, they would both be very impactful players with the AHL clubs if they have to be sent down. Amadio has been a point per game since 2017-18 in the AHL and Wolanin would log big minutes. Let’s hope some bigger trades are on their way as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches.
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