It was reported Tuesday by Bob McKenzie of TSN that the Vegas Golden Knights are working on a deal that would see Alec Martinez leave the Los Angeles Kings in exchange, the Kings would receive a package of two second-round picks. The deal was made official Wednesday afternoon.
On Tuesday, McKenzie noted:
It’s not done yet, but VGK and LA are working to try to finalize a deal that would send defenceman Alec Martinez to the Golden Knights. Most telling sign will be if Martinez is in or out of the Kings’ lineup tonight vs. WPG.
On Wednesday, McKenzie simply tweeted, “As expected.”
Martinez is not a rental as he has another year left on his contract with a $4 million cap hit.
More than just McKenzie noted the trade is now done as Frank Seravalli of TSN reports that this trade has now been completed. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic also commented, explaining that the return will be one 2020 second-round pick and one 2021 second-round pick. The Kings will not retain any of Martinez’ remaining salary which means the Knights will either make a trade or send salary down to adjust for the incoming money.
Martinez has one goal and seven points in 41 games with the Kings this season. He is the Kings’ second-longest tenured defender behind Drew Doughty and he further represents the Kings shaking things up as they’ve already moved Tyler Toffoli to the Vancouver Canucks earlier this week.
Coach Peter DeBoer said of the Golden Knights acquiring Martinez:
“Kelly (McCrimmon) and I had some frank conversations about the strengths and weaknesses of this team, and I don’t think it’s been any secret that getting a defenseman has been a priority. At least at the top of the list if they were going to do something.”
The Golden Knights currently sit second in the Pacific Division, tied for points with the Edmonton Oilers who have recently been hit with a rash of injuries.
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