I'm just here for
@Drivesaitl's thoughts
Wasn't around for awhile to see this query.
Weird move on surface, but the deal probably better understood given some details and with more going back to Winnipeg being paring cap and crowded roster. Briefly said Iafallo has not been worth his 4M. He's plateaued if not sunk and also in and out of lineup with injuries. he isn't a reliable part on the Kings roster in 2023. he was maybe in years earlier.
Far as Vilardi he's quite the talent, I like the player but the constant with him has been significant injury history deepsixing his career and precluding even playing. This last season was thought to be the first season where he'll be healthy but even that didn't pan out. A healthy Vilardi is worth a lot, but he isn't that. I suspect the Kings know this by now.
Kupari another talent but one the Kings have pretty clearly given up on. He had his chances and was mostly a peripheral player that looks pretty with the puck on occasion but just doesn't produce a drop.
Still, if I'm a Kings fan I don't like the trade. But in Lotusland the biggest name in the deal is coming the Kings way. PLD would have some name recognition and also adds more size.
Last comment is Kings have often had a numbers game going on and cutting some players out that werent in the lineup due to injuries a lot makes room for other prospects to be constants in the lineup.