"The Los Angeles Kings have been dealt a serious blow to their lineup following the season-ending injury to Kevin Fiala during the Olympics. The Kings, currently three points out of a playoff spot, will likely explore the trade market to try to replace Fiala. The St. Louis Blues are sellers this season, and there are some possible trades that make sense between the teams. However, the Blues should exercise caution when negotiating, as there are some trades the team should avoid with the Kings."
"Fiala is a high-skilled winger known for speed, puck-handling, and offensive playmaking. He has 18 goals in 56 games this season, and likely would have scored 20 for a seventh-straight season. Replacing a top-six player like Fiala will not be an easy task. The trade for Artemi Panarin in early February will help, but it was made to supplement Fiala's production, not replace it. The Kings were hoping to have both Fiala and Panarin in their lineup. Their reality is now different."
"Thankfully, the Kings have some cap room to work with. As of now, the team can acquire up to $15.7 million in cap space at the deadline. Furthermore, once the roster freeze ends, Fiala will likely be placed on long-term injured reserve, clearing his $7.8 million salary for the remainder of the season. In short, the Kings will have the cap space available to make another move."
Kevin Fiala suffered a season-ending injury at the Olympics, creating a top-six scoring vacancy for the Los Angeles Kings while the team sits three points outside a playoff spot. The Kings will likely explore the trade market to replace Fiala and can access up to $15.7 million in cap space at the deadline. Placing Fiala on long-term injured reserve would clear his $7.8 million salary for the remainder of the season. Artemi Panarin’s recent acquisition supplements Fiala’s production but does not replace it. The St. Louis Blues are sellers this season, with Jordan Kyrou identified as a close stylistic match and Robert Thomas representing a distinct playmaking profile.
Read at The Hockey Writers
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