NHL Rumors: Coyotes Linked To Kings Forward

According to David Pagnotta, the Arizona Coyotes are linked to Los Angeles Kings forward Gabriel Vilardi.

Vilardi's name entered the rumor mill earlier this season after the team sent him back to the AHL at the beginning of the season. The 22-year-old struggled this campaign with the Kings, as he had just one goal and a minus-5 rating in seven contests. Since then, he has not been able to get himself back onto Los Angeles' NHL roster.

Vilardi has looked very good with the Ontario Reign, however. In 38 games, he has 15 goals to go along with 23 helpers. The 2017 11th overall pick still seems to have a good amount of potential, but due to the Kings' strong prospect pool upfront, it could make him expendable. This is especially true if the Kings used him as a piece to acquire Jakob Chychrun from Arizona.

Vilardi would certainly be given the chance to play at the NHL level regularly with the tanking Coyotes. It could be a move that helps his career, but alas, time will tell if he ends up there.