(Updated): Trade’s Official, Kings Shed Cap in Three-Team Deal

On Tuesday morning TSN’s Elliott Friedman reported that the Los Angeles Kings were working on finishing up a three-way trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers.

Friedman mentioned that Ivan Provorov is likely heading to Columbus, with Cal Petersen and Sean Walker heading to Philly. He also added that there would be some salary retention involved.

The other piece rumored is Los Angeles’ first-round pick that Columbus holds going to the Flyers.

The Kings acquired minor leaguers Kevin Connauton, Hayden Hodgson and retain 30% of Provorov’s contract in exchange for Cal Petersen, Sean Walker, Helge Grans and a 2024 second-round pick.

New: Kings acquire Connauton, Hodgson from Philadelphia for Petersen, Walker, Grans, Pick https://t.co/U6Irt6fQ6x

— LA Kings Insider (@lakingsinsider) June 6, 2023

There was always speculation that Rob Blake’s comments about Petersen starting the season in Los Angeles were meant as misdirection. And this all but proves that.

Walker was also an obvious trade candidate given his contract and role on the team. Walker himself even hinted about a possible trade in his exit interview.

The Kings will clear up roughly $5.6 million in cap with this trade. Giving them more room to re-sign Vladislav Gavrikov, Joonas Korpisalo and Gabe Vilardi.

I would expect an extension with Gavrikov to be worked out soon. With most reports suggesting somewhere in the three-year, $6 million per year range. It’s a pretty heavy AAV, but given that it’s just three years for a rock-solid second-pairing defenseman, I’d call it a good deal.

This is an excellent deal from Blake and a great way to kick off a summer of moves for him.

There are also rumors of a potential Carter Hart trade being worked out. There’s no link to the Kings right now, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find out they’re involved. Adding Hart and freeing up the space to re-sign Gavrikov and Vilardi would be an absolute home run from Blake.