NHL Rumors: Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, and St. Louis Blues

Los Angeles Kings GM Seeks Enhanced Offensive Output from Defensemen

Los Angeles Kings General Manager Ken Holland has expressed a desire for improved offensive contributions from the team’s defensemen. For years, the Kings have ranked in the bottom half of the league in this regard, a situation Holland attributes to both player personnel and tactical approaches.

“We need to generate more attack from our defense,” Holland stated. “Whether that involves changing personnel and acquiring new players, or adjusting our playing style.”

He noted that the team’s defensive scoring has been notably low, citing statistics from recent seasons. “I looked at the defenseman points over the last four years. This year and two years ago, I believe we were 30th and 23rd respectively. In other seasons, we were around 16th or 17th.”

The goal is to return to the middle of the pack in offensive production from defensemen. This objective, Holland believes, can be achieved through a combination of strategic player acquisitions and modifications to the team’s game plan.

Potential Trade Fit Between Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues Involving Eighth Overall Draft Pick

According to Murat Ates of The Athletic, the Winnipeg Jets are in need of offensive support for their second line and a right-handed defenseman. The potential dissatisfaction of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck could also be a catalyst for the Jets to consider moving the eighth overall draft pick.

One hypothetical scenario involves the Jets inquiring about defenseman Colton Parayko and a late first-round pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for the eighth overall selection. Another possibility is the eighth pick, coupled with former first-rounders Brayden Yager and Brad Lambert, for forward Robert Thomas.

The Jets might also be open to trading down in the draft, perhaps to the 15th pick, and acquiring the Avalanche’s first-round selection, while focusing on addressing other roster needs.

Jeremy Rutherford has suggested that if the St. Louis Blues could facilitate a trade involving Parayko – who has four years remaining on his contract at $6.5 million annually and possesses a no-movement clause – and move up in the draft, they should seriously consider it.

NHL Rumors: Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, and St. Louis Blues

Los Angeles Kings GM Wants More Offense From Their Blue Line

Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland has stated that the team’s production from the blue line needs to improve, as they have consistently been in the bottom half of the league for years. He attributes this to a combination of the current personnel and their playing style.

“…We need to get a little more attack out of our defense. Whether that’s changing the kind of personnel and finding someone, or do we play a little bit differently?”

Holland noted the team’s struggles, stating, “I think we were 30th in the league. And it’s a bit of a theme here. I was looking the other day, you know, in the last four years, points by a defenseman. This year and two years ago, I think we were 30th and 23rd. There were a couple of years it was like 16th and 17th or 15th and 16th.”

The objective is to climb back to the middle of the pack and generate more offense from the defense. Holland believes this can be achieved through both personnel changes and adjustments to how the team plays.

Could There Be a Fit Between the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues with the No. 8 Draft Pick?

Murat Ates of The Athletic reports that the Winnipeg Jets could benefit from help on their second line and the addition of a right-handed defenseman. The potential unhappiness of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck could prompt the Jets to consider moving the No. 8 draft pick.

Could the Jets inquire about Colton Parayko and the Avalanche’s late first-round pick for the No. 8 pick? What about the No. 8 pick and a package including former first-round picks Brayden Yager and Brad Lambert for Robert Thomas?

Perhaps the Jets would consider moving down to No. 15 and acquiring the Avalanche’s first-round pick, while looking to fill their roster holes elsewhere.

Jeremy Rutherford notes that if the Blues were able to move Parayko, who has four remaining years on his contract at $6.5 million per year and a no-movement clause, and move up in the draft, they should at least consider it.