Report: Kings Ready to ‘Make the Next Push’ Even if Chychrun Deal Doesn’t Happen

Things have cooled a bit on the Jakob Chyrchun front recently. 

The confidence that he would be traded to the Los Angeles Kings has slowly dwindled in the last few days and there's a lot of uncertainty about his future.

He may end up in a King's uniform and he might end up somewhere else, who knows? 

But, one thing we do know, is that the Kings are ready to take the next step with moves like a Chychrun trade.

A Kings source shared with BostonHockeyNow.com reporter Jimmy Murphy that there is real excitement internally over how close they are to acquiring a player like Chychrun and that they have reached the stage to utilize the stockpile of talent they've built and 'make the next push.'

You could argue that the deal to acquire Kevin Fiala last summer was the start of that push. Giving up a prospect and pick for a need. And that's true to a degree, but this feels different.

Fiala was available at a discount because of the Minnesota Wild's cap situation. Chychrun isn't at a discount and it seems like the Kings are done discount shopping. 

They're ready to pay a premium price for a premium piece. Again, that piece might not be Chychrun, but something is brewing in Los Angeles.

It makes sense too. 

The Kings aren't cup contenders right now, but they're close. A few key additions and a little bit more development from key prospects and they're right there.

They also have an abundance of assets. Even after trading a top right-shot defensive prospect in Brock Faber, they're overloaded in that area. At least one of Sean Durzi, Jordan Spence and Helge Grans needs to be moved. 

And it's a similar story up front. Even now, they have more forwards than roster spots when healthy. Assuming Gabe Vilardi returns later this week, one of Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Rasmus Kupari or Arthur Kaliyev will spend time in the press box. Add in prospects like Samuel Fagemo and Alex Turcotte who are close to being NHL-ready and the need for a trade becomes evident. 

A trade is not only logical but necessary. 

Their needs are clear. Even with Durzi settling in on the left and Pheonix Copley winning games. Adding a left-shot defenseman and goalie would be huge for this team.

I've wondered for a while how close Blake and his team think the Kings are to cup contention. 

Well, I have an answer.

They think they're just a piece or two away and it's hard to argue with them.

A deal before the deadline and another in the summer seems like a reasonable expectation for Blake. And could set the Kings up as a dark horse for next season.

One thing remains true though, this next trade will be massive for the Kings' future. Get it right and they're a cup contender within the next season or two. Get it wrong and you undo a lot of good work over the last few seasons.