Photo Credit: NHL.com
The LA Kings are off to a very good start, currently sitting 3rd in the Pacific Division. Although they are playing well, the Kings still have an issue that needs to be addressed.
While the team, as a whole, has been playing great, there is one position that stands out that needs an upgrade. A possible move to improve that position, as well as propel the team upwards in the standings.
The Kings need to address the left side of the defense, as it is a concern. With Mikey Anderson out, Alex Edler potentially returning at the end of the season, and Olli Maatta not fitting in as they hoped he would, the need for defensemen to fit on the left side is immediate.
With the trade deadline coming up this would be a perfect time to make a move to improve the defense.
Enter Montreal Canadian defenseman Ben Chiarot.
Although he is 30 years old, Chiarot fills a big hole and adds some size that the defense lacks. At 6-foot-3 and 234 pounds, Chiarot is also mobile for a big guy.
BEN CHIAROT 🚨
The @CanadiensMTL are on the board! #ItsOn | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/CSv6Dgcy6V
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 29, 2021
This season, Chiarot has accounted for 9 points on 5 goals and 4 assists in 41 games, plus 32 penalty minutes. Chiarot also has an all-around game that the Kings can appreciate.
Another reason the Kings should take a shot at Chiarot is he carries a low cap hit of $3.5 million. This works well for the Kings, who have money left under the salary cap to fit him in.
Chiarot is a free agent after this season, but the price to keep him would not be a problem for Los Angeles. A defenseman who can play a regular shift, plays the penalty kill, and power play, he could see himself re-signing after the season in Los Angeles if things go well.
Chiarot is exactly the type of defenseman the Kings need to add at the deadline. Cheap price tag, physical, can play in any situation, heavy left shot, and can use 20 minutes of ice time.
He is there for the right price, which may not be cheap, but the Kings have the prospects and draft picks to meet that requirement. Will general manager Rob Blake pick up that phone and make that much-needed deal?
Three left-shot defensemen LA Kings should be targeting at trade deadline