Overheard — paraphrased, because I hadn’t expected to actually need the quote — in the press box at Falcon Stadium on Saturday after Tyler Toffoli completed his hat trick: “First hat trick in outdoor game history, last goals as a King.”
Rob Blake made that anonymous media member’s speculation — and, to be fair, the speculation of pretty much anyone who watched that game — come true on Monday evening, pulling the trigger on a trade that sent Tyler Toffoli to the Vancouver Canucks.
In exchange, the Kings receive 29-year old forward Tim Schaller, center Tyler Madden (currently of Northeastern University), and a 2020 second round pick. Per Pierre LeBrun, the Kings can also receive a 2022 fourth round pick if Toffoli re-signs with the Canucks.
So to recap: Tyler Toffoli (no salary retained on his $4.6 M AAV) to Vancouver for Tim Schaller ($1.9 M AAV), prospect Tyler Madden, a 2nd RD pick this year plus a conditional 4th in ’22 if Toffoli re-signs with Van City.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 18, 2020
Toffoli, whose 18 goals led the Kings, never quite managed to recapture the magic of his 31-goal season in 2015-16. Granted, that season saw him shoot at 14.6%, a career high that he’s never come close to repeating. (His career average is 10.2%, which is only slightly below the 10.9% he’s putting up to date this season.) Any look at Toffoli’s play — either via statistics or the eye test — show someone who continues to drive play and make chances happen, but who has been fairly snakebitten in terms of finish.
Tyler Toffoli (traded to Vancouver) is an extremely strong play-driver at 5v5 whose hands have utterly, utterly deserted him. pic.twitter.com/eftMbcr5vQ
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) February 18, 2020
#Canucks acquire Tyler Toffoli from LA. High shot and estimated shot rates indicate high underlying 5v5 point potential. (LA had a low on-ice Sh%). #GoKingsGo #TradeDeadline #TradeCentre pic.twitter.com/wPxqZxVJ6q
— Bill Comeau 📊 (@Billius27) February 18, 2020
The real centerpiece of this trade is Madden, who is currently fourth in points in the NCAA, with 37 in 27 games. He’s in his second year at Northeastern and played an instrumental role in helping the Huskies capture their third consecutive Beanpot title this year. Madden was a 2018 third round pick of the Canucks.
The Kings acquiring Schaller was all about making the cap work for the Canucks. Schaller, who has six points in 51 games this season, plays a depth role for the Canucks and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
This story will continue to be updated, and Jewels from the Crown will have more information on Schaller, Madden, and, of course, your reactions to the trade over the next few days.