Back in December, the thought of the Los Angeles Kings selling assets at the deadline seemed crazy. Now, after a terrible month of January that saw Todd McLellan fired and the Kings plummet down the standings, it's a real possibility. A statement win over the Edmonton Oilers in Jim Hiller's first game as head coach gives the team hope they can turn things around, but it's just one game. If that was just a flash in the pan and the Kings continue their pre-All-Star break slide, players could be on the move come Mar. 8. When asked about the possiblity of trading "players of consequence" Rob Blake responded that those trades are always on the table. Then, when the question was asked about Matt Roy's future, he stated that wins and losses would dictate Roy, and the team's, future. A simple yet clear message, if this team can't turn things around, Roy becomes available. ONE OF THE DEADLINES BIGGEST PIECES: If Roy hits the market, he's immediately one of, if not the, most valuable right-shot defensemen on the market. Matt Roy Deadline Move The other two names available are former King Sean Walker and the Calgary Flames' Chris Tanev. We've seen over the last few seasons that Roy is a better defenseman and greater asset than Walker, despite the formers strong season in Philadelphia. This leaves a battle between Tanev and Roy. They're similar players, bonafide top-four defensemen who're solid in their own end and have a strong first pass. There are two things that potentially give Roy and edge though. Firstly, he's posting better numbers than Tanev. Neither are renowned point-producers, but the little bit of extra offense Roy can bring is a plus. Roy's also posting better analytics with a better goals-above-replacement and better defensive metrics Based on the numbers, both offensively and defensively, Roy is the better player right now. Secondly, Roy's age makes him a more enticing options as more than a rental. A team can look at the soon-to-be 29 year old Roy and see a player that can contribute for the next few seasons, not just a player you add for one Cup run. Those factors combined would make him the most attractive RHD available at the deadline, and arguably the second most valuable defensemen after Noah Hanifin. IMPACT ON KINGS' ROSTER: Moving Roy would weaken the Kings short-term, but it could create long-term gains for them. They've struggled to find a place for both Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke in the lineup, rotating the two of them on the third pair. This isn't the best way to develop these two and moving Roy would give them an opportunity to be every night players. It would also give one of them, ideally Clarke, an opportunity to take on a more significant, top-four role. The benefit of developing Clarke and Spence for the remainder of this season isn't a sufficient reason to trade Roy by itself, but it would be a nice side effect. Trading Roy would also help the Kings restock a prospect pool that has dwindled in recent years. After trading away their first-round pick in back-to-back years and trading away a few prospects, the Kings could use an injection of young talent. If Walker is worth a first-round pick, which is the price being rumoured, Roy is worth that and more. A first-round pick and B-level prospect would start the conversation, and if a bidding war starts, he could garner a small haul for the Kings. WINS & LOSSES WILL DICTATE: It's important to reiterate Blake's words here, wins and losses will dictate Roy's future. If the Kings find their game again and are clearly a playoff team with thoughts of making a deep run, Roy stays. If not, that's when the Kings can shake up the market and dangle Roy to Cup contenders. The Kings don't have a lot of time to decide Roy's future, meaning the next 8-10 games will be crucial for any potential deadline moves. This feels like a win-win for the Kings though. If they keep Roy, it means they've got things back on track and look like a dominant team once again. If not, they move a player they can't afford for quality assets.
