The Los Angeles Kings are staring down a franchise-defining crossroads, and it’s coming sooner than they’d like. With captain Anze Kopitar set to retire at the end of the season, the Kings are already getting a sobering preview of life without their longtime leader. Kopitar’s been sidelined since January 5 with a lower-body injury, and his absence has underscored just how thin L.A. is down the middle - both now and in the near future.
In theory, this was supposed to be the moment Quinton Byfield stepped into the spotlight. But so far, the 21-year-old hasn’t quite seized the opportunity the way the Kings had hoped.
That’s led to some creative lineup juggling, including moving Alex Laferriere - a natural right winger - into the first-line center role. It’s a short-term patch, not a long-term solution.
So, with the trade deadline approaching and the playoff race tightening, it’s no surprise that GM Ken Holland is reportedly exploring the center market. And he’s not alone. Plenty of teams are on the hunt for help up the middle, but the Kings’ situation is urgent - they’re not just looking for depth; they need a potential heir to Kopitar.
One name that’s surfaced is Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks. According to reports, the Kings are among several teams expressing interest in the 27-year-old Swede.
On paper, Pettersson would be a dream fit - a dynamic, play-driving center with a high hockey IQ and elite skill. But the logistics are tricky.
He’s in the second year of an eight-year, $11.6 million AAV deal that includes a full no-move clause. That’s a big swing for any team, and it’s fair to question whether the Kings are ready - or able - to make that kind of commitment, especially with other holes to fill.
A more realistic, though still complex, option might be Nazem Kadri. The veteran center, currently with the Calgary Flames, has reportedly drawn interest from L.A.
Kadri brings playoff pedigree, a Stanley Cup ring, and a gritty, two-way game that could complement the Kings’ current core. But at 35 years old and with three more years at $7 million per season, he’s not exactly a short-term rental.
Plus, he holds a modified no-trade clause that allows him to block deals to 13 teams.
Still, Kadri’s leadership and experience could be invaluable in a post-Kopitar locker room. He’s not the flashiest name, but he brings a compete level and edge that could help stabilize the Kings down the stretch and into next season.
Another potential target? Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers.
The Kings just faced the Rangers, and according to reports, Trocheck is on their radar. The 32-year-old is signed through 2029 with a manageable $5.625 million cap hit, and he’s been a steady, productive presence for New York.
But while he’s a solid second-line center, he’s probably not the No. 1 solution the Kings are after - unless Byfield finally takes that next step and claims the top-line job for himself.
That’s the real question hanging over all of this: Is Byfield ready to lead? If the Kings believe he can be their top-line center moving forward, then someone like Trocheck makes sense as a complementary piece. But if there’s doubt - and right now, there is - then L.A. may need to aim higher.
No matter which direction they go, the Kings are in a pivotal moment. Replacing a franchise icon like Kopitar isn’t easy, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with the deadline looming and their window still open, expect the Kings to stay active in the market - because standing pat isn’t an option.