Ryan Sikes 
Photo Credit: Bill Wippert / NHLI via Getty Images
While Jack Eichel gets the majority of the attention, the LA Kings may be able to grab RFA Sam Reinhart this offseason if the price is right.
The rumor mill is in full swing following the Seattle Kraken expansion draft, while the 2021 NHL Draft is upon us. The LA Kings hold the No. 8 overall pick in the first round, but the pick could be used as trait bait. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Buffalo Sabres are asking for a first-round pick and a top prospect in exchange for Sam Reinhart.
Friedman – I've heard there's a ton of interest in Sam Reinhart. The ask in return from the #Sabres has been a first round pick and a prospect. There's a lot of situations Buffalo will have that will allow the team to move him whenever that happens. #LetsGoBuffalo
— WGR 550 (@WGR550) July 22, 2021
Reinhart, 25, led the Sabres with 40 points last season, broken down into 25 goals and 15 assists. The 2014 second-overall pick’s time in Buffalo appears to be over as the team enters another rebuild.
Of course, Jack Eichel is the headliner from the Sabres this offseason. But, the reported asking price of the equivalent of four first-round picks, combined with the ongoing saga over his neck injury, might be enough for the LA Kings to take a pass.
Earlier this week, Friedman noted on his 31 Thoughts podcast that the Kings are reportedly out on the Eichel sweepstakes, but he also noted the general managers are not always honest this time of year.
But after acquiring Viktor Arvidsson, a younger forward with more control like Reinhart makes a lot of sense to acquire. The West Vancouver, B.C. native, is a restricted free agent this offseason and projected to fetch a five-year deal at a $6.9M AAV, per Evolving Hockey. The move would fill out the Kings’ top-six forwards with legitimate scoring threats.
Aside from the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, it’s unclear which prospect the Kings would have to part with. But I ask you, would you do this deal?
LA Kings reportedly willing to take on Vladimir Tarasenko’s contract