As the NHL hits pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Los Angeles Kings are anything but idle. With the trade deadline looming in early March, new general manager Ken Holland appears to be laying the groundwork for a busy return to action.
The Kings have already made waves with a major move, acquiring star forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers just a couple of weeks ago. But if recent reports are any indication, that might just be the beginning.
According to insider David Pagnotta, who spoke on the Oilersnation Everyday podcast earlier this week, the Kings aren’t done dealing. “I don’t think LA’s done,” he said, noting that Holland and the front office have been actively exploring additional moves. Among the names reportedly being floated: Trevor Moore, Warren Foegele, and even Andrei Kuzmenko.
Now, let’s break that down.
Moore and Foegele are both serviceable forwards with value, especially for teams looking for depth and versatility down the stretch. Moore brings speed and a solid two-way game, while Foegele offers a physical presence and some scoring punch in the middle six. Both could draw interest from contenders looking to round out their rosters.
But Kuzmenko? That one raises some eyebrows.
The talented winger hasn’t been in LA long, and his offensive upside is clear. Trading him would be a bold move, and if it happens, it likely signals a broader strategic shift - perhaps a desire to retool the forward group with a different mix of skill sets or to free up cap space for another high-impact addition.
The Kings, sitting in a tightly contested Pacific Division, know they need more than just one marquee name to make a deep playoff run. That’s where Holland’s experience comes in. He’s not afraid to be aggressive, and with Panarin now locked in on a two-year extension worth $11.5 million AAV through 2026-27, the window to win is clearly open - and possibly shorter than it seems.
That extension signals commitment. Panarin isn’t just a rental; he’s a cornerstone.
And if you’re investing that kind of money and term in a player of his caliber, you’re not doing it to tread water. You’re building to contend.
So what’s next? Expect the Kings to stay active, particularly in the forward market.
Adding veteran stability - someone who can slot into the top six or provide leadership and scoring depth in the bottom half - would make a lot of sense. They’ve got the trade chips, and they’ve got the motivation.
Whether it’s Moore, Foegele, or someone else on the move, don’t be surprised if LA keeps reshaping its roster with the playoffs in mind.
One thing’s for sure: Holland didn’t come to Los Angeles to sit on his hands. The Kings are in go-mode, and the rest of the Western Conference should take notice.