Since the LA Kings very publicly fell out of the Jakob Chychrun sweepstakes in the last few weeks, the team was heavily rumoured to be in on a few defenceman available around the league, including Vladislav Gavrikov from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Reading more into the team however, the Kings were also dissatisfied with their goaltending and identified it as one of their biggest weaknesses.
In a trade late last night with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Kings were able to address both their defence and forwards, but for a shocking return. The Kings acquired defenceman Vladislav Gavrikov and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo in exchange for franchise legend Jonathan Quick and at least one first round draft pick.
While it was known the Kings would look to improve their goaltending, and that Quick wasn't having a great season, it's still extremely surprising that the team would trade their franchise goalie at 37 years old to a rebuilding team. Early reports from Frank Seravalli relay the fact that Quick is extremely upset with the trade, and perhaps will not retire as a King.
Quick, at 37 years old and in the final season of a 10-year, $5.8M contract, had lost the net to Phoenix Copley this season with his poor play. Heading into the playoffs, the Kings are hoping Joonas Korpisalo to be a viable option for them down the stretch. In 28 games played this year, Korpisalo has a 3.13 GAA with a save percentage of .913%, about eight percent better than league average. Gavrikov will provide the Kings with size and a particularly defensive acumen on their back end, essentially playing a game molded for playoff success.
In a trade in which the Kings sent their goalie of the last decade, the team proved they're serious about winning now, no matter the cost. Loyalties aside, the Kings significantly improved their roster at two positions. In a weaker than normal western conference, maybe these adds are enough to propel the Kings to make a Cinderella run through the playoffs.
