It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re closing on the start of the regular season as pre-season games are underway. However, it’s not just the players that are working hard. General managers are still tinkering with their respective rosters and making additions. Injuries and other factors may be causing executives to change course and do some fine-tuning. One of those teams is the Los Angeles Kings. Today’s NHL rumours looks at how the club may be interesting in making some forward moves.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Los Angeles Kings May Be in Centre Market
Rumour: The Fourth Period’s Dennis Bernstein reports that the Kings may explore the centre market to beef up the position.
Kings to explore centre market? https://t.co/mqUZf4ZXAU
— The Fourth Period (@TFP) September 24, 2024
Analysis: Bernstein describes the pivot spot as “in flux” at this time. Kings General Manager Rob Blake may look outside the organization for help according to Bernstein. The focus seems to be a bottom-six centre at this time.
Los Angeles head coach Jim Hiller has had to experiment on the bottom line when it comes to finding a centre. However, Blake may be tempted to try to add to the team’s positional depth with a deal.
The Kings don’t have a lot of cap room to make a move at this time. Los Angeles currently has nearly $1.3 million in space, but could make some moves in order to free up some more room.
Finding Cap Space
The lack of cap space could be problem for Los Angeles in its quest to add some centre depth. However, the team could send down Brandt Clarke to the AHL in order to free up some space. Clarke does make over $863,000 and can pass through waivers without any trouble.
One issue is that Clarke, a young defenceman, is pushing for a roster spot. He could crack the lineup and that could cause an issue on trying to address the centre position.
Young winder Arthur Kaliyev is out for at least a few months due to an upper-body injury. He just signed a one-year deal worth $825,000 and his deal could be placed on long-term injured reserve to free up some space. It may not be much, but every little bit is going to help.
Who Could Fill the Void?
There has been some internal hope with Samuel Helenius having a solid training camp so far. Could he be a surprise stopgap option to help the Kings to where they need to be? The 21-year-old has played three seasons in the AHL with the Ontario Reign. He doesn’t have any NHL experience, but he might be part of the conversation.
According to Bernstein, Trevor Lewis, Alex Turcotte and Akil Thomas were on the fourth line and all have centre experience. However, it’s unknown who could emerge as that line’s pivot at this time.
A few teams might be willing to offload a veteran centre, but the Kings don’t have a lot of room to make a move. Something would likely have to go back the other way in order for something to happen.
Main photo by: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
