The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired defenseman Zac Leslie from the Los Angeles Kings for future considerations, according to Kings VP/GM Rob Blake.
Leslie, a 2013 sixth-round pick (No. 178 overall) of the Kings, has yet to play in an NHL game, but has spent the better part of three years playing for the Ontario Reign in the AHL. Through 121 games with the Reign, Leslie has registered six goals and 33 points.
Here’s a little analysis on Leslie from our friends over at Jewels From The Crown in their Top 25 Under 25 series:
Leslie is built in the mold of Kevin Gravel, holding his own in all areas of the game without necessarily excelling in any of them. He appears to have a bit more offensive upside than Gravel, averaging a slightly better 0.35/PPG than Gravel did during his own age-22 season in the AHL (0.26/PPG). Both are also products of the Kings’ preferred prospect trees. Gravel played two seasons with St. Cloud State University, while Leslie grew up in the OHL, playing four seasons with the Guelph Storm.
Leslie, who just turned 24 on Jan. 31, is still a developing blueliner, so it is likely he will spend the foreseeable future playing for the Chicago Wolves in the AHL.
This is no blockbuster trade for the Golden Knights, but adding young talent to develop in the minors is never a bad thing.