Kings Strengthen Future Assets by Trading for 2024 Second-Round Draft Pick

LA Kings Acquire Draft Pick in Trade with Arizona Coyotes

The LA Kings have made a trade with the Arizona Coyotes, acquiring a 2024 second-round draft pick in exchange for defenseman Sean Durzi. This trade adds to the Kings‘ draft assets for the upcoming season, as they had previously traded away their own second-round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers in a deal involving goaltender Cal Petersen and defenseman Sean Walker.

Reshaping the Kings‘ Roster

The trade of Sean Durzi is part of the ongoing reshaping of the LA Kings‘ roster during the offseason. The team has been focused on solidifying their defensive lineup and creating opportunities for young players to step up to the NHL level. With the recent signing of defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a contract extension, the Kings have locked in their top two defensive pairings for the 2023-24 season.

Additionally, the Kings have two promising young right-shot defensemen in Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke, who are both close to NHL-ready. This trade allows one of them, or possibly both, the opportunity to compete for a regular NHL role. Both Spence and Clarke have cap-friendly contracts, making them valuable assets for the Kings as they navigate the salary cap and work towards building a competitive team.

Value in Draft Assets

By trading Sean Durzi for a second-round draft pick, the Kings have not only opened up roster space, but they have also acquired a highly-valued asset that can be used in future transactions. The Kings have been active in moving draft picks in recent years, and this trade helps to recoup some of the lost picks.

The Kings now have a total of five selections in the 2024 NHL Draft, including picks in the first two rounds. This gives them the opportunity to add more young talent to their roster and continue building for the future.

Durzi’s Role and Contributions

Although the Kings valued Sean Durzi as a player, his skill set and position overlap with the likes of Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke. Durzi is an offensively gifted, right-shot defenseman, similar to the two young prospects. The Kings believe that one of Spence or Clarke can fill the role that Durzi vacated, while providing a more cost-effective solution against the salary cap.

Durzi’s offensive abilities were evident in his statistics, leading all Kings defensemen in goals, assists, points, and giveaways on a per/60 basis during 5-on-5 play. He was a dynamic puck-mover and had a knack for creating offense with his passing ability. While he had flaws in his game that led to defensive mistakes, Durzi exhibited physicality and stood up for his teammates.

The Value of the Trade

The trade of Sean Durzi to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a second-round draft pick provides the Kings with several benefits. It opens up roster opportunities for young defensemen in the organization, adds to their draft assets, and frees up salary cap space for future moves.

While the Kings lose a talented player in Durzi, they believe in the potential of Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke to fill his role. This trade serves as a significant move in the ongoing reconfiguration of the Kings‘ roster and demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive team for the future.

Overall, this trade positions the LA Kings to continue their reformation, maintaining a focus on acquiring valuable draft assets while giving opportunities to their promising young players. As they move forward, the Kings will aim to make further moves that strengthen their roster and elevate their position in the league.