Colorado Avalanche Rumors: Analyzing the LA Kings as Trade Partners

Tanner Pearson

Pearson is fifth overall in time on ice for forwards on the L.A. Kings, but he still only gets an average of 15:57 per game. What he does with that time is pretty enticing though.

For example, he’s tied with Anze Kopitar for the team lead in takeaways with 15, and his turnover ratio is +4. He also has the fourth highest Corsi-for percentage on the team at 56.7 percent.

He’s also been developing more and more each year. Pearson is currently on pace to smash his previous career-high for goals — 15 — as he is on pace for 25 this season. He is also on pace for 44 points, which would be another career mark.

More From Mile High Sticking: Avs Should Target Kevin Shattenkirk

If he continues to develop at that speed, then he will most certainly find a permanent role on the second line. The Avs could also use a real good two-way forward because they just haven’t had that type of forward since Ryan O’Reilly’s departure.

Unfortunately, Pearson would be a tough player for the Avs to acquire along with Jake Muzzin. The Kings would be creating a hole in their top six, and in their top four on defense.

Granted they would be filling that top six hole once again with Gabe Landeskog. Nonetheless, the Kings are trying to add offensive help, and not lose any in the process.

So, if the Avs wanted to acquire Pearson, they would probably have to throw in a prospect of their own — someone like Cam Morrison, or even A.J. Greer. Which is why it might be best for the Avs to go after the next player on this list.