LA has a chance to bolster their goalie postion with one of the best in the trade market
The Los Angeles Kings have begun their offseason with promising developments. Although it has been approximately two months since their season concluded, the official start of their offseason is expected to commence soon, possibly as early as tomorrow. One area where the Kings aim to make significant changes is their goalie position. After parting ways with Jonathan Quick, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, during the 2023 trade deadline, they are now prepared to do the same with Joonas Korpisalo.
As the Kings enter the offseason, they have various options to consider for their goaltending needs. According to Eric Stephens, a Kings insider for The Athletic, former Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck is among the potential targets.
What’s not to like? In an era in which the workloads on No. 1 goalies have been cut down to keep them fresher, Hellebuyck remains a workhorse who led all netminders in games played this season. He could be in line for his fourth top-four Vezina Trophy finish (he won it in 2020-21). He’s an elite No. 1.
Hellebuyck, 30, has had an impressive tenure with the Winnipeg Jets. However, reports suggest that he is not keen on re-signing with Winnipeg, indicating a probable trade scenario. The Kings, with their aspirations to bolster their roster, could be an appealing destination for the talented goalie.
Hellebuyck's inclusion in the Kings' lineup would undoubtedly be a significant upgrade. Regarded as one of the league's elite goaltenders, he possesses the skills and experience to elevate the performance of the LA team. By securing Hellebuyck, the Kings could solidify their goaltending position and potentially enhance their chances to compete next season.
With their sights set on finding a new goalie, the potential acquisition of Connor Hellebuyck holds great promise for the Kings. By adding Hellebuyck to their roster, the Kings could significantly strengthen their chances of success moving forward.
We'll see how things transpire this offseason.