Joe Patarino 
The NHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching. Here is the latest buzz around the LA Kings.
What is going on with Jakob Chychrun?
Hockey Twitter was on high alert 11 days ago when the Arizona Coyotes announced they were holding Jakob Chychrun out of the lineup for “trade-related reasons.” Things picked up a little steam the following day, but it’s been relatively quiet since then. So, what happened?
That’s what we all seem to be wondering at this point.
Elliotte Freidman suggested on the February 13th episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast that a deal between the LA Kings and Arizona Coyotes hit what he called “a snag.” Freidman believed the two sides could not agree on a contract that needed to be moved (presumably from LA).
The February 17th episode of the Cold Stove podcast hinted that Cal Petersen was the contract that caused the snag in the deal.
I cannot imagine the Coyotes had visions of scratching Chychrun for over two weeks. A deal had to be close to completion or close enough to where scratching him for a game would make sense. I tend to believe there was some sort of last-minute hangup in a deal. We will continue to wait for a resolution, though the belief is the LA Kings are still the front runners.
On a related note…
While this isn’t necessarily directly related to the Kings, it could have a domino effect:
Vladislav Gavrikov Watch 2023 may be nearing the finish line. Per source, #CBJ & #NHLBruins have the framework of a trade in place (talk of a 1st/3rd in package), but Boston has to clear cap space. One player I'm told they're shopping is F Craig Smith. However… (1/2)
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 21, 2023
The Boston Bruins have been among the teams heavily linked to Chychrun as well; if they are closing in on Vladisla Gavirkov, that means two things: one, the LA Kings are not acquiring Gavrikov, and two, arguably the Kings’ most significant competition for Chychrun has just acquired a left-shot defenseman.
Whether LA lands Chychrun or not, I won’t be upset if they don’t acquire Gavrikov. Swing big or stand pat.
I’m sensing a theme here…
That’s right, another left-shot defenseman in the rumors:
Jake McCabe is drawing steady interest from contenders. Signed for 2 more years after this season at a $4M AAV. Sense from sources around league is that the asking price from Blackhawks includes a 1st-RD pick. And if Hawks retain salary making him a $2M player, price increases…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 11, 2023
In fairness, the Kings weren’t linked directly in this tweet, but they have been tied to Jake McCabe in recent weeks. The news here is Chicago’s asking price starts with a first-round pick. Which makes sense. McCabe is under contract for two more years at a reasonable cap hit. Not to mention, he’s been a solid defenseman:
I won’t argue that McCabe is a solid NHL defenseman. I’m just not convinced he’s the impactful blueliner the Kings need. Then again, if they do pass on Chychrun, McCabe is much better than just about every other left-shot blueliner that’s been mentioned.
LA has had representatives at some recent Blackhawks games as well:
Adding these for those who have asked about which teams have attended other recent #Blackhawks games
Light crowd tonight comparatively speaking. Maybe they saw what they needed to on Sunday night? pic.twitter.com/RbmMGuf5t1
— Tab Bamford (@The1Tab) February 22, 2023
I can understand the logic of kicking tires on McCabe, particularly if Chychrun doesn’t pan out. I’m just not sure I’m entirely in on the idea.
Calm between the storms?
After the Chychrun frenzy two weekends ago, things have been pretty quiet in the LA Kings rumor mill. I still expect things to pick up again, and Rob Blake didn’t deny that he’d be looking to add to the roster “if it fits the right way.”
The Kings are in the thick of it in the Western Conference and have every reason to be aggressive by next Friday in a wide-open Conference.
(Main Photo Credit: Nam Y. Huh/AP)