Life moves fast in the NHL - and if you need proof, just look at the Los Angeles Kings.
A year ago, the idea of Corey Perry and Evander Kane both suiting up in LA would’ve sounded like a fantasy cooked up in a hockey forum thread. But here we are in 2026, and not only is Perry already wearing the Kings sweater, there’s real buzz that Kane could be next.
Let’s rewind for a second. When Ken Holland took over as the Kings’ general manager last offseason, one of his first big moves was signing Perry as an unrestricted free agent.
It raised eyebrows at the time, no doubt. Perry came with baggage and questions about what he had left in the tank.
But on the ice, he’s answered most of them - bringing grit, playoff experience, and a knack for timely contributions to Jim Hiller’s lineup.
Now, Holland might be looking to double down on his Oilers-to-Kings pipeline by exploring a trade for Kane. And while it’s still in the rumor stage, there’s enough smoke here to warrant a closer look.
Two separate sources in the past week have indicated that Holland is at least “kicking the tires” on the idea of bringing Kane to LA. And if you’ve followed Kane’s career, especially his history with the Kings, you know this wouldn’t just be a headline move - it would be a playoff move.
Kane has racked up 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 37 regular season games against the Kings, but his biggest impact has come in the postseason. He’s been a thorn in LA’s side over the last four years, playing a central role in multiple playoff series between the Kings and Oilers.
Even after missing the entire 2024-25 regular season due to injury, Kane returned just in time to face LA in the playoffs. And he made it count.
Game 3 of that series was a turning point. The Kings were up 4-3 in the third period and held a 2-0 series lead.
Then Kane scored the tying goal, shifting the momentum squarely back to Edmonton. The Oilers took that game and never looked back.
In Game 5, after LA struck first, Kane answered quickly - another momentum-swinging moment that helped Edmonton take control and eventually close out the series.
That kind of playoff impact is exactly what the Kings are looking for. They’ve been staggering through the Pacific Division for the better part of six weeks, but if they can right the ship and clinch a playoff spot, they’ll need players who can shift a game - or a series - with a single moment. Kane fits that mold.
At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Kane brings a physical edge that’s tailor-made for postseason hockey. He’s the kind of player who makes his presence felt every shift - whether it’s on the forecheck, in front of the net, or jawing with opponents.
And at 34, he’s no stranger to the grind. He’s played for Winnipeg, San Jose, Buffalo, and of course, Edmonton - and his playoff resume speaks for itself.
The Canucks, who acquired Kane from the Oilers for a fourth-round pick just before free agency last summer, are now openly discussing a rebuild. That puts Kane squarely in the trade conversation. He’s in the final year of his contract, carrying a $5.1 million cap hit - a number LA can comfortably absorb given their current financial flexibility.
There’s one wrinkle: Kane has a 16-team approved trade list, so he’ll have some say in where he lands. But if the Kings are on that list - and if Holland is serious about building a roster that can finally get past Edmonton - this move makes a lot of sense.
It’s starting to feel like Holland has one clear directive in LA: Beat the Oilers. He’s already brought in Warren Foegele, another former Oiler who gave the Kings fits in the playoffs.
Perry? Same story.
And now Kane could be next.
If that happens, it won’t just be a reunion - it’ll be a statement. The Kings aren’t just trying to make the playoffs.
They’re trying to build a team that can win in the playoffs. And if Kane ends up in LA, it’ll be because they believe he can help them do exactly that.