NHL Trade Rumors: Why Los Angeles’ Struggles Could Result In A King’s Ransom For The Buffalo Sabres

Two years ago, they were Stanley Cup Champions.

Jan 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center

(71) scores a goal past Los Angeles Kings goalie

(32) in the first period of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

This year, they are in a bit of a free-fall and could find themselves hanging on for dear life to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

As I’m sure you have already figured out, I am discussing the Los Angeles Kings today, who have lost their past two games by a combined score of 7-1, are 3-6-1 in their last ten, and have dropped down to sixth place in the West, only 6 points ahead of the currently ninth-place Phoenix Coyotes.

Plenty of the NHL trade rumors that I have been hearing about the Kings lately have focused on their desire to acquire a blueliner and a left winger, and Matt Moulson‘s name has popped up more than a few times in these rumors.

Just take a quick look at LA’s stats and you’ll see why they are so desperate to shore up the left wing: their most productive left winger,  Dwight King, has given them 23 points this season (11-12-23), but production at the position drops off a cliff once you get past King, as their second-best scoring left winger is Kyle Clifford with a total of 5 points on the season (3-2-5).   Those 28 combined points are only 4 more than what Moulson has produced this year, and it’s pretty clear that Moulson is not on a team that gives him the best chance to be successful.  Playing alongside John Tavares with the New York Islanders, Moulson could be counted on to score 30 goals and top 50-60 points from the left wing, so the Kings would be crazy NOT to want to try and bring him into their system and pair him up with someone like Anze Kopitar . . . and in my opinion, the Sabres would be equally crazy not to consider Los Angeles’ offer.  Here’s why:

That’s right, folks: in the NHL, you snooze, you lose, and since the Kings’ are desperate, now is the time for the Sabres to swoop in and collect a king’s ransom for their soon-to-be UFA.

Jan 15, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward

(26) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Buffalo 4-3 in an overtime shoot out. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Look: I like Matt Moulson.  I really wish there was a chance that he would re-sign with Buffalo during the impending offseason, but I just don’t see that happening.  Why would he want to, when his services can be used on a team such as the Kings who could contend for the Stanley Cup as soon as, oh, now?   If Sabres GM Tim Murray thinks he can convince Moulson to remain in the 716, great, but if not, Murray should be on the phone with Kings’ GM Dean Lombardi today.  Now.  Actually, a few hours ago.

Get this deal done – especially if there is a chance the Sabres could pry young  Tyler Toffoli out of Lombardi’s hands.  Wishful thinking?  Of course!  We’re a blog – this is all just speculation for fun, everyone.

If anything concrete begins to surface, I’ll check back into Sabre Noise and keep you all in-the-know!