Fansided

Five teams that should trade for Dustin Byfuglien

By David Rouben

Feb 2, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) chases a loose puck with Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) during the third period at MTS Centre. Dallas wins 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) chases a loose puck with Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) during the third period at MTS Centre. Dallas wins 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Los Angeles Kings celebrate after defeating the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. The Kings won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Los Angeles Kings celebrate after defeating the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. The Kings won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

2: Los Angeles Kings

The Kings are very similar to the San Francisco Giants – a team that’s not very far from them proximity-wise. It seems like every other year they’re legitimate cup contenders, and this year is no different. And for as much as people like to talk about the Blackhawks’ dynastic success, the Kings could top it. If they won the Cup this year, that would give them three in five years compared to Chicago’s three in six.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun described Byfuglien as a perfect fit in LA mainly because of Slava Voynov. He was a key contributor in the Kings’ last two Cup runs and his presence was sorely missed last year when they fell short of the playoffs altogether. While Drew Doughty is arguably the best defenseman in the league, and could win his long-awaited Norris trophy this year, they need someone to take the minutes off of him. Currently, their second-best right-handed defenseman is Luke Schenn.

While they tried to trade for Sekera last year – who’s now on the Oilers – they paid too steep a price for him. What they gave up for Sekera is closer to what Byfuglien is worth, especially with his contract set to expire, but without a first-round pick this year, it might be a bit harder for the Kings to pull this one off. Regardless, the Kings still have high-end prospects such as Adrian Kempe to offer the Jets.

Winnipeg could also benefit from an expiring Trevor Lewis and Jeff Schultz – he’s an NHL-level defenseman but seeing as how he’s currently in the AHL, the Kings wouldn’t miss him too much.

Next: 1: Washington Capitals

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