Life without Anze in LA, and the Los Angeles Kings need puck-moving defensemen
Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period: Life without their No. 1 center and captain, Anze Kopitar, is a reality now for the Los Angeles Kings. Acquiring Artemi Panarin at the deadline and extending him for two years helps, but he’s a game-breaking winger with offense. He’s not a center and not someone who does the heavy defensive lifting. They are not going to find “the next Kopitar.”
The Kings need to find some players to play with Kopitar’s tempo, but still remain within their structure. Quinton Byfield will likely play with Panarin, but behind him, they need to build more around him.
The big questions for the Kings this offseason will be how they fill the leadership role and where they find the minute down the middle. They also need to improve the depth on the blue line to survive in today’s NHL. Do they have the right defenseman? They need at least one more puck-moving defenseman, as Brandt Clarke is all they have.
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The New York Islanders will have some options on their blue line next season
Michael Ostrower of The Hockey News: New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov won’t have his full no-trade protection kick in until July 1st of 2027, though it’s unlikely the Islanders will look to trade him. He’s entering year two of an eight-year deal at a $6.25 million cap hit.
With Matthew Schaefer stepping in as he did in his rookie season opens some options on the left side of their blue line. Moving Adam Pelech would be a defensive risk, but his name has come up as a potential trade asset. They bought a little time with Romanov to see how he comes back after shoulder surgery, and how he’ll fit into Pete DeBoer’s system.
To go along with Romanov’s no-trade protection on July 1st, 2027, on June 30th, 2027, Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield full no-trade clauses become 16-team no-trade clauses. Schaefer will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1st of 2027.
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