Los Angeles Kings winger Trevor Moore came to the NHL as an undrafted player. he took NHL ice for the first time after signing a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs and he was in for a new beginning in his hockey career. He made his way to the Kings via trade and he was on a new career path. However, after his offensive production has declined over the past two seasons, do the Kings have the initiative to trade the 30-year-old?
Moore was traded to the Kings along with a 2020 third-round pick from Toronto in exchange for goaltender Jack Campbell and fan favorite winger Kyle Clifford. Moore was an unknown at the time but his best offensive years were ahead of him. Moore became a big piece in the Kings top six and played a key role in the team’s success.
After a promising start to his Kings career, his offensive production has declined over the past two seasons. During the 2023/24 season, he produced 57 points. However, last season he only produced 40 points and this season he has 13 points on five goals and eight assists. He has been demoted to the third line and does not seem to have the same motivation he did when he arrived in Los Angeles.
Moore did sign a new deal shortly after the 2021-22 season started, agreeing to a new 5-year deal worth $21 million. In years 1-5 of the deal he does have a 10-team no-trade clause so he can be moved after agreeing to a new deal. He could be traded to 20 more teams in the league and these teams could use a player like Moore. He is not washed up but he could still be a valuable piece yet he has struggled in Los Angeles. The Kings could use different pieces in places to make a potential playoff run. Moore could attract teams that have pieces the Kings want.
One position that the Kings may look to upgrade is that of backup goaltender. With Darcy Kuemper the number one guy, Anton Forsberg has been somewhat of a disappointment between the pipes. He has a 6-6-3 record with a 2.70 goals against average and a .901 save percentage. If the Kings can upgrade this position this position for a deep playoff run than Moore is a piece that could be moved.
If Moore stays with the Kings something needs to change. A player of his stature and importance cannot be scoring at this pace and expect the team to go far. Los Angels is 16-13-4 and is currently tied for fourth place in the Pacific Division. The Kings are going to have to make a move if they have any hopes of winning it all this season.It would hurt to lose Moore but his lack of production and need for a roster upgrade could make him expendable.If they do not move him he has to get going as he is one player that is counted on for crucial plays at crucial times.
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