NHL Trade Rumors: Kings and Avalanche in Talks Around Drew Doughty, Paul Stastny

Rumors began circulating on Twitter this morning that the Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche are currently engaged in trade negotiations centered around embattled defenseman Drew Doughty and center Paul Stastny.

It has become apparent that this rumor was primarily started by a fake Nick Kypreos Twitter account. It has not been mentioned by any credible source and holds little stock. Nonetheless, it could be an intriguing trade possibility.

Doughty has made news in recent weeks because of his rejection of the Kings' long-term contract offer, rumored to be worth $61 million over nine years. Doughty scored 40 points in 76 regular-season games last season for the Kings, and was an anchor on the Los Angeles blue line. At only 21 years of age, Doughty is one of the top young defensive prospects in the league.

Stastny has been one of the Avs' top centers since 2006, when he made the team out of training camp after his senior season at the University of Denver. He has been a reliable contributor for Colorado, providing three 70-plus point seasons in the last five years. The playmaker has been rumored to be in the front-running for the Avalanche captaincy after former captain Adam Foote retired last year.

Stastny is the son of former Quebec Nordiques legend Peter Stastny.

The Kings became open to trading Doughty away after their contract extension offer was rejected. Colorado is deep at the center position, but questions still remain about the quality of their defensive corps.

In addition, the Avalanche are one of the few teams in the league with the salary cap space to handle the contract of a player like Doughty. The Avs have consistently hugged the salary cap floor for the past few seasons.

At the end of the day, this rumor is an example of what can be started with a cleverly named Twitter account and fans hungry for big news.

It was well thought out, though, as the Kings do have a very serious situation on their hands with Drew Doughty. Paul Stastny remains one of the most high-value players for the Avalanche who could be a piece to a blockbuster deal this season if Colorado decides to make a serious move.

Remember, folks—not everything you read on the Google machine is true.