The Hockey News' Adam Proteau reports that Los Angeles Kings general manager Rob Blake The Kings are under immense pressure to have playoff success next season. They have lost in the first round three straight seasons and have not won a playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup a decade ago. Blake took over on April 10, 2017 and has been at the helm of a rebuilding team. The team has acquired some young, talented players, but has had mixed results on the ice.
Blake has made some solid moves for Los Angeles, including Kevin Fiala, Quinton Byfieldand Phillip DanaultBut he also, especially Pierre-Luc Dubois A trade (and subsequent contract extension) from last season.
For Blake to continue in that role long term, the Kings would need to win at least one round in the playoffs, which seems unlikely given his performance this summer. The Kings did acquire a goaltender in a trade. Darcy Kuemperand moving forward Tanner JeannotWhile signing a veteran defenseman Joel Edmundson And moving forward Warren FogelThese moves are unlikely to get the Kings over the hump, and they will likely rely on significant internal improvements to take the next step.
Vogel's contract is fine. He fills a need in the Kings' middle six and could potentially play on the top line in the right situation. Edmundson's contract, on the other hand, is confusing. Los Angeles didn't necessarily need a player with his skill set, and Edmundson's four-year, $15.2 million contract could become problematic if back problems cause him to change his playing style or miss games.
The Kings have reshuffled their roster and will undoubtedly look different if they face Edmonton again in the playoffs next season, but they have made some big cuts (Dubois, Matt Roy, Viktor Arvidsson), and given the disappointing additions, this could be Blake's final season in Los Angeles.
