Over the last few years, Alec Martinez has had his name swirl in trade rumors but by season’s end had remained a member of the Los Angeles Kings. Martinez’s name has been connected to the Vegas Golden Knights for much of the season, but it never had a definitive air until yesterday when Bob McKenzie reported that it was basically a done deal.
Hearing the Alec Martinez trade from #LAKings to Vegas deal is now done.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 19, 2020
In exchange, the Kings will receive two 2nd round picks—one in 2020 and one in 2021 and are not retaining any salary on this transaction. And if there were any doubt at all about this being a serious rebuild, Rob Blake really is all-in, stockpiling an incredible amount of draft picks over the next two years.
Kings now have 20 picks in the next two drafts.
(Translation : that’s a lot)
One in the first round and three in the second this year … so far.— lisa dillman (@reallisa) February 19, 2020
Here is Rich Hammond, former LA Kings Insider, to twist the knife in our hearts a little more:
And then there was Trevor. https://t.co/7QRRnDteSY
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) February 19, 2020
The price may seem high (at least to Golden Knights fans), but Martinez has always been known for his good skating and being more of an “offensive” defenseman. He’s great at moving the puck and excels at helping his team breakout from their own zone.
In 41 games this season, he’s only managed one goal, a far cry from his career high of 11 set in 2013-14, but he’s always been one of the best corsi percentage players on the team. In fact, since 2014, among players who played at least 500 minutes with the Kings, he’s top-five in shot differential on the team. While he wasn’t much of a scorer, he was a terrific play driver and remains one even at 32 years old.
Alec Martinez ends 11 seasons with the @LAKings as the sixth longest tenured player. He is sixth all-time in games played and ninth all-time in scoring among #LAKings‘ defensemen, and scored 16 points in 64 playoff games, including a Stanley Cup clinching goal.#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/glS9JZrLnL
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) February 19, 2020
Most importantly, he will always be remembered for scoring the Stanley Cup clinching goal with the most epic celebration ever.
Thanks for giving us jazz hands, Alec, and good luck in Vegas!