By LAFB Network,Ryan Dyrud
Copyright yardbarker
The LA Kings are no strangers to shaking up the NHL with groundbreaking moves. Back in 1988, they pulled off one of the biggest trades in not just NHL history, but sports history.
They sent Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, three first-round draft picks, and $15 million to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for The Great One (Wayne Gretzky), Marty McSorley, and Mike Krushelnyski.
All of a sudden, Los Angeles was a hockey town.
With training camps beginning around the National Hockey League, there is a lot of excitement among the LA Kings faithful. However, it is a team that has not gotten out of the first round of the NHL Playoffs in four straight years, losing every time to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
One of the biggest storylines heading into this season is the fact that McDavid is entering the final season of his contract, and terms on an extension have not been agreed upon.
There are rumors that even though the Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup Finals in back-to-back seasons, McDavid may want to test the waters elsewhere.
This is where the LA Kings have an opportunity to recreate history.
LA Kings Linked To Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid is in the final year of an 8-year, $100 million contract, worth $12.5 million per year. The consensus is that for his next contract, he will be looking for a yearly average of around $16 million.
According to PuckPedia, the LA Kings are projected to have roughly $70 million in cap space next season. They are currently in contract negotiations with Adrian Kempe, who will eat a good chunk of that when a deal gets done.
Captain Anze Kopitar is expected to potentially retire after this season, so that will give the Kings a bit more spending power.
On the books, McDavid coming to LA is certainly possible. Here is where it would get interesting and fun.
