The asking price for Jake Muzzin right now is very high. That’s what Bob McKenzie had to tell TSN radio today when asked about the Los Angeles Kings defenseman and the trade market at large. McKenzie explained that given there is still a month left before the trade deadline teams are asking for huge returns hoping someone will jump the gun and meet them.
So I would assume that the Kings will be saying, ‘We want a first-round pick, and we want a really good blue-chip prospect or young player,’ and that’s what the asking price will be.
That asking price is no doubt too steep for many of the teams in the hunt right now, but Muzzin is also an extremely valuable asset that could change the look of nearly every top-four in the league. The left-handed defenseman has 21 points through his first 50 games this season and is once again a dominant possession player who can log more than 21 minutes every night. The fact that he’s under contract for another season at just a $4MM cap hit makes him incredibly affordable for teams looking to compete this year and next.
But that incredible value could be held by the Kings next season as well. If the Los Angeles brass believe that their team can compete for a playoff spot right away, perhaps they decide to hang on to Muzzin at least through the summer and see what their on-ice product looks like next season. If it’s not going well, Muzzin would still be an attractive trade chip next deadline, or a potential extension candidate given that he’s only currently 29.
Where do you think the veteran defenseman will end up? Does a team make a splash with weeks left before the deadline, or do the trade negotiations last right to the eleventh hour? Can the Kings expect to get the full asking price? Cast your vote below and make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments.
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Perfect fit for the Habs… Bergevin has the young players Kings are looking for and chances for LA to grab a very good first round pick.
How about Toronto for Zaitsev, a consitional 1st (win cup) or 2nd, and Lililigren?
Gets rid of Zaitsev at the cost of a good pick and prospect
Not good enough has to be a 1st and a better player. Or if the trade you posted above then kings could add a bad player like dustin brown and his deal for lesser pieces
Love how the article posted says the Kings could hold onto Muzzin in case they are contenders next season, then see how the season goes and trade him next year if it’s not working out. Couple things, the Kings have almost zero cap space, so they won’t be adding any real help in free agency. Have you seen this team this season? What in the hell makes you think they can even come close to competing next year? The team needs a COMPLETE overhaul and influx of speed and skill. Second, if Blake and company hold onto Muzzin, as suggested, next year his trade value is WAY less since he is merely a half season rental. Therefore, Blake and company would have botched yet another opportunity to improve the roster and future (draft picks) of the club.
Muzzin needs to go. Now. Next year will only HOPEFULLY be a slight improvement on this year, which isn’t saying much. Kings are headed for a 3-4 year rebuild at minimum…. Especially since “top prospect” Vilardi A) can’t stay healthy enough to play a season and develop… and B) fits more into the mold of the players the Kings have too many of already (big body, possession, puck control down low). That doesn’t address what the team is LACKING