NHL Rumors: Kings To Trade Former First-Round Pick

According to Lisa Dillman of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Kings are likely to trade Gabriel Vilardi this summer.

Vilardi's name was in the rumor mill all season, but a trade was never finalized. With the Kings taking a big step forward this season, they likely will be aiming to strengthen their roster this offseason. Thus, don't be surprised to see the 2017 first-round pick as a part of a trading package to land a big-name player.

Vilardi has not been able to establish himself as a full-time NHL player in LA and would likely be open to a move because of it. In 89 career games over three seasons with the Kings, he has 18 goals, 19 assists, and 37 points. This season he took a step back, however, as he had just five goals and two helpers in 25 games.