February 15th, 2017

The Kings are in the midst of a bye week, but have been busy on the transaction front.  They traded defenseman Tom Gilbert to Washington in exchange for a conditional 5th round draft choice in the 2017 NHL Draft.

Gilbert is 34 years old, and was signed during the offseason to add defensive depth and experience for the Kings.  However, the emergence of young players like Derek Forbort, Brayden McNabb, and Kevin Gravel made him expendable.  Gilbert has played just 13 minutes since December 22nd.

The Kings also recalled forward Adrian Kempe from their Ontario AHL affiliate.  Kempe, 20, is considered one of the more skilled prospects in the Kings system.  He has scored 11 goals and 19 points in 43 games this season with the Reign.

Kempe will take the roster spot of forward Devin Setoguchi, who was reassigned to Ontario.  Setoguchi has scored 4 goals and 12 points in 45 games for LA this season.

The Kings are currently holding the final playoff spot in the Western Conference heading into tomorrow night’s matchup against the Arizona Coyotes.  However, LA is just 24th in the league in goals scored.