3 reasons acquiring Lecavalier, Schenn makes sense for Kings
Following Wednesday's trade with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Los Angeles Kings will allocate just over $4 million in cap space to veterans Vincent Lecavalier and Luke Schenn, who have combined for just two goals and four assists this season.
Related: Flyers trade Lecavalier, Luke Schenn to Kings
Despite the tall price tag for a potential fourth-line forward and bottom-pairing defenseman, here are three reasons why the trade makes sense for the Kings.
Future cap relief
Kings general manager Dean Lombardi has already made it clear that this trade wouldn't have gone through if Lecavalier didn't intend to retire at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old's production has been on a steady decline since he signed a five-year, $22.5-million deal with the Flyers in 2013. As Lombardi noted, this deal will allow the 1998 first overall pick a chance to end his career as a winner.
With more than two years left on his contract, his impending retirement will open up an extra $2.25 million in cap space over the next two seasons, which is important with an extension still outstanding for star forward Anze Kopitar.
Shoring up the defense
Schenn adds to the cap relief narrative, as he's set to clear an additional $1.8 million when his contract expires at season's end, but the 26-year-old also adds some much-needed veteran depth to the blue line.
With no return in sight for Matt Greene following shoulder surgery in December, Schenn's arrival returns 2010 first-round pick Derek Forbort to the AHL, where he'll be better used than in a rotation with Christian Ehrhoff, Jamie McBain, and the team's latest acquisition.
Schenn also provides another coveted right-handed shot on the back end, joining McBain and Drew Doughty in that category. And with free agency looming, his financial future could rest solely on a strong second half.
Closer to dynasty
Seeking a third Stanley Cup in five seasons, the Kings couldn't have dreamed of a better position to find themselves in through 39 games.
While their previous championship seasons came after barely squeaking into the playoffs, they currently sit atop their division by a comfortable 10-point cushion.
For once, their prospective playoff matchups look favorable where they'd have home ice through the opening two rounds, likely hosting an inconsistent Central opponent (Wild, Predators, or Avalanche) before an underwhelming Pacific rival (Coyotes, Flames, or Ducks).
If and when Lecavalier joins the lineup, he should be rested at the very least, after not seeing game action since Nov. 12. The center adds another Stanley Cup ring to the dressing room, and will certainly be motivated to close out his final season in style.
With a long playoff run seemingly inevitable, acquiring veteran depth for just a rarely used forward (Jordan Weal) and a third-round pick before many teams have decided where they're headed could be a turning point for the Kings as they look to reign once again come June.