The Los Angeles Kings aren't waiting around. Just days ago, they made one of the boldest moves of the NHL season, swinging a deal with the New York Rangers to bring in star winger Artemi Panarin. It’s a move that signals a clear message from GM Ken Holland and the Kings' front office: they’re going all-in.
To land Panarin, the Kings sent promising forward prospect Liam Greentree and a pair of conditional entry draft picks to New York. That’s a significant price, but when you’re chasing a deep playoff run - and potentially more - it’s the kind of swing that can reshape a season. With the NHL’s roster freeze hitting ahead of the Winter Olympic break, Holland made sure the Kings didn’t miss their window to upgrade.
Panarin brings elite offensive firepower to a Kings team that’s already built on strong foundational pieces. His ability to drive play, create in tight spaces, and quarterback a power play adds a new dimension to L.A.'s top six. In a Western Conference that’s as competitive as ever, this kind of firepower could be the difference between a first-round exit and a serious run to the Cup.
But Holland doesn’t appear to be done. The Kings are reportedly still in the market for more scoring punch, and they’ve been linked to another big name: Patrik Laine.
According to Marco D’Amico of ratings.org, the Kings are among a handful of teams that have “kicked the tires” on acquiring Laine from the Montreal Canadiens. The former 40-goal scorer has been sidelined since October following core muscle surgery, but he’s now past the three-month mark in his recovery and has returned to practice. While his return to game action isn’t imminent, he’s reportedly ready to play - a key detail for teams considering a move before the trade deadline in early March.
Laine’s name has been circulating around the league, with the Carolina Hurricanes, Seattle Kraken, and Calgary Flames also expressing interest. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos recently included Laine on his trade board, suggesting that the Canadiens are at least listening to offers.
The fit in Los Angeles would be intriguing. Laine, when healthy, is a pure sniper - the kind of player who can tilt a game with one shot. If the Kings believe his injury is behind him, he could be a high-upside addition to an already dangerous forward group.
That said, there’s an argument to be made that the Kings might be better served targeting a top-six center rather than another winger. Depth down the middle is critical, especially in the postseason grind, and while Panarin adds elite talent on the wing, a reliable two-way center could round out the lineup in a more balanced way.
Still, the Kings have made it clear they’re not content to stand pat. With the trade deadline looming and the Olympic break offering time to reset and recalibrate, don’t be surprised if Holland has another move or two up his sleeve. The Western Conference is wide open - and the Kings are positioning themselves to make some serious noise.