Keeping this paragraph as a starting point if this is your first time reading this series: We will be continuing our journey through this series looking at one team at a time to act as a trade partner. Please keep in mind this should not be viewed in the same way as a comprehensive GM for a day type of post where we are looking to completely overhaul the team in one fell swoop. Each article will “reset” the Sabres roster, so don’t be surprised to see the same players, prospects, and picks used repeatedly in various trade offers.
There are a number of players on the LA Kings that are either tied to no movement clauses or don’t fit the age window that the Sabres are trying to compete within. This is a team that is looking to retool for a longer playoff run, and not trying to make a blockbuster move. At least, that is what it feels like when looking at their roster and existing contracts.
Even still, there are a couple of players I wouldn’t mind seeing Buffalo target on the Kings team to look to the future and add a little new dynamic to the team as it sits today.
When Buffalo first played LA this season, after coming back from their disappointing start over in Europe, it appeared that the Sabres were a much better team throughout the entirety of that game. Unfortunately, the effort and numerous high danger shots led to a more resounding sentiment of the Sabres getting beaten by an outstanding goaltender performance.
LA is an up and coming team with players like Byfield to build around, but also surrounded with experience and talent in players like Kopitar and Doughty. What could Buffalo offer to the Kings that work equate to a fair deal for both sides?
To Buffalo: Jordan Spence, Alex Turcotte, and a 2025 3rd round pick
To Los Angeles: Jack Quinn, Ryan Johnson, and Viljami Marjala
On paper, through my blue and gold colored glasses, I do think that a two for two player swap with the above players mentioned should be considered fairly close in value on both sides. I did want to add a prospect with some experience of playing against men into the deal for LA, and have the Sabres get back a respectable draft pick in return.
The left side defense of the Kings is nowhere near the potential that the Sabres currently have on their roster. With this type of trade Ryan Johnson has an NHL slot to potentially slot into and stay at if he plays well consistently. His type of play would seem to fit the Kings style of puck possession and transition ability, and if the Kings don’t re-sign Gavrikov there does seem to be a nice fit here for a good fit.
How many pure snipers do the LA Kings have? Not many would be my response, the closest pure goal-scored would seem to be Kevin Fiala, beyond that it seems to be a team that thrives by scoring by committee. Jack Quinn does not fit the typical mold of a LA King player, however his goal scoring capability when given time and space is quite compelling. The Kings tend to be an above average puck possession team, and if they were able to put Quinn in a spot to succeed I could see him crave out an important role on finishing chances for this team.
As per a recent NY Times article that ranked NHL prospect pools for each team, the LA Kings were found at the 26th overall position. Adding a player like Viljami Marjala isn’t ground-breaking, but I do think he adds value to their system and could step into the NHL sooner rather than later. Marjala is currently playing overseas in Finland, and is very nearly a PPG player in Liga (top tier – Finnish league). His playmaking capabilities could be valued quite nicely by this organization, and he wouldn’t be an unknown draft pick.
Putting this entire deal aside, the player I would like the Sabres to fully target would be Jordan Spence. I think he could be acquired from the Kings for a “relative” bargain in comparison to his potential. With the Kings having Brandt Clarke waiting to take on full-time NHL responsibilities it feels like Spence is just a placeholder for that team. Acquiring a player like Spence would add hockey IQ and some more offensive instincts to the Sabres RHD, which is sorely missing at this time.
Alex Turcotte is a player that at one point was thought to be a “bust” when taken 5th overall and still dwindling in the AHL. Last year his AHL game picked up from a points production standpoint, and he finally made the full-time jump to the NHL this season. Turcotte has found some decent levels of success being moved around the roster, but no permanent line home. His style of play is geared towards that of a play-making center, and the swap with him for Quinn could be a good balance for both teams. He also does have a sound two-way game, and if the Sabres were to look at moving Cozens to the wing, Turcotte could be an interesting option to pair with at center. The 3rd round pick coming back to the Sabres is intended to help balance the deal, but open to interpretation on the player going either direction.
Hope you enjoyed reading this article, and always value your input & feedback. Who would you target on the Kings? Do you see them as a potential trade partner?
As always, thanks for reading & Go Sabres!