Kings' Toffoli on trade rumors: 'Whatever happens, happens'

Los Angeles Kings forward Tyler Toffoli is subject to early-season trade chatter for a number of reasons, and being a healthy scratch last week has escalated matters.

Toffoli was left out of the lineup Oct. 30 versus the Vancouver Canucks after going pointless in eight consecutive games. The 27-year-old addressed the trade rumors on Monday.

"I mean, it's just the way it is," Toffoli said, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "It comes with not playing well and not winning games, so whatever happens, happens.

"I was definitely disappointed (by the scratch), but at the end of the day it's not my decision. My job is to go out there and perform."

Toffoli has been a staple in the Kings' attack since 2014, and benching him was not an easy choice for new head coach Todd McLellan.

"You debate whether you're doing the right thing or the wrong thing, but the end game is what it's about when you're making a decision," McLellan said.

"Toff started the season really well. He fell off a little bit, and we didn't want to let it go."

In his first game back in the lineup on Nov. 2, Toffoli recorded two assists in a victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The win was Los Angeles' third in its last 10 games.

Toffoli is an unrestricted free agent at season's end, and he carries a cap hit of $4.6 million. The retooling Kings might try to recoup some assets for the right-winger before the trade deadline.

Toffoli could be an attractive option for contending teams looking to add offensive depth. He's eclipsed 20 goals twice in his career and 30 once, and he won a Stanley Cup with Los Angeles in 2014.