Brendan Lemieux Traded To Los Angeles Kings Ahead of 2021 Trade Deadline

Overtime Heroics Editorial

912 days ago

The Los Angeles Kings have decided to add a little bit of grit to their lineup for a potential push to the playoffs by acquiring Brendan Lemieux from the New York Rangers. Sitting just five points behind the St. Louis Blues for the last playoff spot in the West division, the acquisition of Lemieux seemingly is to try and protect some of the younger more skilled players in the Kings lineup. Some people might recognize Brendan Lemieux as Claude Lemieux’s son.

The younger Lemieux has replicated some of his dad’s antics into his own game. Both players played a physical game that often comes close to crossing the line into potential suspension territory. Unfortunately for the Kings, Brendan Lemieux does not pack the offensive punch his father did. Nevertheless, he should be a positive addition to the lineup.

How Do the New York Rangers Benefit From the Trade?

Short and simple, the Rangers gain salary cap space by trading Lemieux. They also add to their draft pick pile by acquiring a fourth-round pick in return for Lemiuex’s services. Rumors are swirling about Jack Eichel potentially being trading to the Rangers. If these rumors are true, then this seemingly minor trade might just be a stepping stone to the potential Eichel trade. With Eichel’s massive contract, the Rangers would need to clear cap space. Trading Brendan Lemieux’s $1.6 million salary is needed to make a trade of that magnitude.

Brendan Lemieux cruising around during warm-ups. Photo Courtesy of Dinur Blum

How Do the Los Angeles Kings Benefit From the Trade?

For the Los Angeles Kings, it is a positive transaction as they only had to trade a fourth-round pick to acquire Brendan Lemieux who will hopefully improve the depth that the Kings have. As previously mentioned, Lemieux is a physical player that will occasionally score a few points here and there. He most likely was brought in to help police and protect the younger guys on the roster such as Carl Grundstrom, Gabe Vilardi, and eventually Quinton Byfield.

Lemieux can produce a little bit offensively. Last season with the Rangers Lemieux played in 59 games and scored a career-high 18 points. With six goals and 12 assists, Lemieux proved he is more than just a one-dimensional player on the ice.

Final Thoughts

Looking at the trade-in totality it is quite fair for both the Kings and the Rangers. For the Rangers, they free up some cap space and a roster spot for a potential larger trade in the future. They also get a fourth-round pick in next year’s draft in return for Lemieux. The Los Angeles Kings pick up a solid player that will help chip in offense and protect their young promising prospects.

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