Kings’ Corey Perry and Darcy Kuemper: Potential Trade Assets as Deadline Approaches

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Kings find themselves in a delicate situation. With just hours remaining before the Friday cutoff, general manager Ken Holland seems poised to make subtle adjustments rather than sweeping changes. Currently sitting five points out of a playoff spot and having underperformed throughout the season, the Kings are unlikely to engage in aggressive buying or selling. However, two players on their roster might pique the interest of contending teams.

Right winger Corey Perry and goaltender Darcy Kuemper could be exactly what playoff-bound teams are searching for. While trade rumors swirl, many believe that left winger Warren Foegele is the most likely candidate to be dealt. Nonetheless, Perry and Kuemper’s potential contributions could be hard to ignore.

Kuemper, known for his reliability as a starting goaltender, can address any concerns a team may have regarding their crease situation. The veteran has a solid track record and has previously hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. This season, he has appeared in 37 games, posting a 14-12-9 record alongside a 2.68 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage, including two shutouts. With a cap hit of $5.25 million and a 10-team no-trade list, he remains a valuable asset in the trade market.

Perry, on the other hand, brings experience and a physical presence to the table. Despite being 40 years old, he ranks third all-time in playoff games played in NHL history with 237. His contributions could be particularly appealing to younger teams looking for leadership. This season, Perry has tallied 11 goals and 28 points, making him the sixth-highest scorer on the Kings. He carries a $2 million cap hit and holds a full no-trade clause, meaning any potential deal would require his consent. Still, NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently included Perry in his list of top trade targets, ranking him at No. 28.

While the Montreal Canadiens seem like a fitting destination due to their struggles in net with Samual Montembeault and Jakub Dobes, they are not the only team that could benefit from the services of Kuemper and Perry. As the trade deadline looms, the Kings may find themselves in an intriguing position with these veteran players, who could provide significant value to a team in pursuit of a championship.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.