On the latest KOTP, Hoven and Bernstein discuss the Kings' trade deadline. Hoven says the Kings are looking at Jake McCabe and says Chicago is trying to package him with center Sam Lafferty. Says if the trade were to happen Lafferty would likely be the 3C and Lizotte would go back to 4C. Lafferty is signed for $1.15 million through next season. Hoven says Kings don't want to trade a 1st rounder. Looking to trade a second and a third or a second and a prospect.
This move would make some sense to me, as I think we need to add a bottom 6 forward and Lafferty adds some size. But we wouldn't need Lafferty next season. Perhaps could unload him in the offseason for a late round pick.
Kings deadline cap space is $3,517,009. McCabe and Lafferty combined would be $5.15 million, so unless Chicago retains close to 50% on McCabe, we'd need them to take something back, such as Walker's contract. Lemieux's contract going back wouldn't be enough without retention. Although perhaps there is a market for Walker if we try to trade him separately for a pick.
If we add a forward, then we'd run into some problems as we'd need to send someone down (Kupari) and then we'd need to move another player if we want to activate Grundstrom from IR. I suppose that would either be Lemieux or sending QB back to Ontario.