Don't Expect Any 'Rebuilding' Trades From the Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings finished last season as the NHL's 4th-worst team and ended up with the #2 selection at the NHL Draft, where they scooped up Quinton Byfield from the Ontario Hockey League's Sudbury Wolves. The move was a great moment for the franchise as they look to turn the page on a dismal 2019-20 season. Don't expect any more 'future' moves from the Kings, their head coach wants to win now.

Kings' head coach, Todd McLellan spoke to the LA Times and had this to say about his club and their next steps:

The players that are coming back this year, they're long-term players for us. I heard (general manager) Rob Blake talk to each of the individuals saying, 'Listen, we are basically done with the initial phase of the rebuilding. We've moved players around and out and brought different players in. It's time to turn the ship and let's start growing all of this. If I’m one of the five long-term veterans coming back, I got to be excited to hear that. I’ve got to be excited about seeing [Blake] bring guys like Maatta in and trading for Lias Andersson.

The Kings are in a weird spot because the franchise went from long-standing Cup contender to bottom feeder really quickly, but their core players remaining are still capable of playing at an elite-level. 

Jonathan Quick, Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty are all over 30, the Kings' infusion of youth have three mentors to learn from and if they can stay healthy and produce, the Kings could be in line for most improved team next season. 

In a shortened season anything can happen so it's hard to count anyone out at this point. The Kings have roughly $14 million in cap space to work with which is 2nd in the league behind the New Jersey Devils. If they surprise expect the Kings to acquire a couple rentals for a playoff push.

What you shouldn't expect - subtraction. It's all systems go for the Kings from here. 

Photo credit:Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire