Quoting: drmantalban
The argument comes from the relative values of certain positions - top 6 C, top 4 RHD. Scarcer positions can warrant larger returns, so it’s pretty natural for ppl to see players like Vilardi as a potential win-win trade target.
To the Kings specifically, is Vilardi’s value as a winger greater than the value he’d fetch if traded as a center? Maybe. Maybe not. Backfilling him as a wing wouldn’t be an overwhelming ask, and his return would presumably be pretty strong.
I can appreciate your point, but I think it’s more complex than you’re giving it credit.
The ACGM above indicated that the Kings have several C prospects and can afford to spread the wealth. I disagree with this point.
First, if the return for these graduated prospects are picks or ungraduated prospects, isn't this a step backwards for a team wishing to exit a rebuild?
Second, of their top tier center prospects, only one is a full-time NHLer, to date, Vilardi is the only graduate from the tier of top-6 potential centers (Byfield, Turcotte, Kupari) to make the NHL full time. So the Kings do not have the luxury to say they have 4 established NHLers who could be top-6 centers . It should be noted two seasons back VIlardi was injured and likely wouldn't even have returned a second-round pick. However, his value is starting to grow, and will likely continue with him playing 3C against much easier competition than he had to handle as the 2C the year prior.
So as noted above, once Byfield (or Turcotte/Kupari) establishes themselves as the 3C it is possible Vilardi could be moved but not until then. But it's more likely the Kings see what they have in Vilardi on the wing before they do this. The Kings have actively been trying this with Turcotte and Kupari in the AHL.
Third, you need to understand what the Kings areas of need are, with their prospect pool filled they are missing a top-line winger and a top-pair defenseman, very few teams have this and are willing to trade this. Until that team presents themselves the Kings are fine standing pat.
The Kings have carefully built this prospect pool, and yes eventually, trades will be made but not until these players get shots in the NHL (specifically their top-tier centers). It is almost guaranteed Kupari, Byfield, Turcotte, and Vilardi are NHLers and will play for the Kings at some point this season or next. If all four thrive at the center position (unlikely) the Kings will then entertain trades but there is no reason for them to act prematurely because other teams want centers right now.