More than a decade has passed since the Los Angeles Kings last lifted the Stanley Cup, yet the legacy of their 2012 and 2014 championship teams endures through the continued presence of Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar.
As the Kings navigate the final quarter of the 2024-25 NHL regular season, currently holding third place in the Pacific Division with 69 points, there’s a growing sense that they might seek offensive enhancements to bolster their playoff aspirations.
Los Angeles Kings To Focus on Top-Nine Forward At NHL Trade Deadline
According to New York Times NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun, while the Los Angeles Kings do not exhibit any significant gaps in their current lineup, they are actively considering adding more offensive firepower.
“The Los Angeles Kings are playing some of their best hockey of the season and should not be the forgotten team in that battle with the Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights for the Pacific Division title,” LeBrun wrote. “They also don’t have a screaming, glaring hole to fit ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.
“My understanding is they want to land a mid-range, top-nine forward who can add some offense — someone who can jump on a second line and chip in offensively.”
With the NHL Trade Deadline just a week away, set for March 7th this season, the Los Angeles Kings are gearing up for a crucial period. Their next game is scheduled for Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles against the Vancouver Canucks, with puck drop at 10:00 PM EST. The Kings have a history of making impactful trades at the deadline to bolster their playoff aspirations, with the acquisition of Marian Gaborik at the 2014 NHL Trade Deadline standing out as a particularly significant example.
At the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, the Kings made a significant roster adjustment, acquiring Vladislav Gavrikov and Joonas Korpisalo from the Columbus Blue Jackets while parting ways with longtime franchise goaltender Jonathan Quick, who was subsequently traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.
This season, the Kings have demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess and goaltending, consistently ranking among the league’s top performers. However, their offensive output has been less prolific, currently placing them 24th in the NHL with 161 goals scored. Consequently, it would be a logical strategic move for Los Angeles to seek an additional forward capable of providing a significant offensive boost as they approach the playoffs.