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Realistic, Logical, Ambitious Part 2: Three Trade Targets for FLA

By Cal Friedman

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 14: Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers defends a shot on goal by Adam Lowry #17 of the Winnipeg Jets during the second period at BB&T Center on November 14, 2019 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 14: Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers defends a shot on goal by Adam Lowry #17 of the Winnipeg Jets during the second period at BB&T Center on November 14, 2019 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Realistic: Alec Martinez (32, D, Los Angeles Kings)

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 13: Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in double overtime against the New York Rangers during Game Five of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final at Staples Center on June 13, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 13: Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in double overtime against the New York Rangers during Game Five of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final at Staples Center on June 13, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Likely one of the more underwhelming names that will be thrown around the rumor mill within these next couple days, Kings defenseman Alec Martinez would be a very realistic target for Florida to pursue.

Martinez’s most memorable moment in Kings’ colors, which he’s spent 11 seasons wearing, was that Stanley Cup-winning goal in 2014, rebounding home a wrist shot past Henrik Lundquist to crown the Kings champions. Despite that goal, it isn’t what Martinez is known for.

Martinez has consistently been apart of this era of Kings hockey as a defensive defenseman. In his prime years from 2013-2015, Martinez had a combined plus-minus of +42, second to only Drew Doughty’s +45.

The Kings’ current situation is still applicable to last week’s take. Hollywood’s hockey club sits in the bottom of the Western Conference with five pending UFAs this summer. Martinez’s deal lasts until next season’s end, making a steeper fee of $4 million for the remainder of this season as well as next season.

Other than maybe loyalty, the Kings have zero reason to hold onto Martinez for the remainder of his contract, and rather look to stockpile as many draft picks or cap space as they can. While they likely won’t get a return from a lot of teams, the Panthers are desperate for a defenseman around this time of year.

The question is whether the Panthers shoot for greater targets as the days count down before the deadline. If the Panthers are unable to land these names, Martinez should be Dale Tallon’s safety valve.

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