As the NHL trade deadline looms, the Los Angeles Kings find themselves at a pivotal crossroads - one that could shape not only the rest of this season but the early tenure of new general manager Ken Holland. With the Western Conference playoff picture tightening and the Pacific Division offering little room for error, the Kings are eyeing reinforcements up front. More specifically, they’re looking to bolster their top-six forward group with an injection of scoring punch - and they might be ready to act sooner rather than later.
The Kings’ offense has had its moments this season, but if they’re going to make a real push for the postseason, they’ll need to find a consistent scoring threat to complement their core. With the 2026 Winter Olympics just around the corner, the trade market could heat up quickly - and Holland is reportedly already exploring his options.
Let’s break down three names that have surfaced as potential targets for Los Angeles - each offering a different mix of skill, experience, and contract considerations.
Nazem Kadri - Calgary Flames
If the Kings are looking for a battle-tested veteran with playoff pedigree, Nazem Kadri checks a lot of boxes. The 33-year-old center is no stranger to the big stage, having played a key role in Colorado’s Stanley Cup run not long ago. He brings grit, leadership, and a scoring touch that could help stabilize the Kings’ middle six - especially as the team prepares for life after Anze Kopitar, who’s in the final year of his career with the franchise.
Kadri still has three years left on a deal that carries a $7 million AAV, which isn’t exactly a bargain for a player in his mid-thirties. But for a team like the Kings, who are trying to win now while also bridging the gap to their next generation of stars, the cost might be worth the return. TSN’s Darren Dreger recently linked Kadri to the Kings, and while nothing is imminent, it’s clear the interest is real.
Kadri would bring more than just offense - he’d bring a level of edge and playoff experience that could be invaluable in a tight Western Conference race.
Elias Pettersson - Vancouver Canucks
Now, this one would be a blockbuster.
Elias Pettersson has been a mainstay in Vancouver for nearly a decade, and at 27, he’s still in his prime. But with the Canucks reportedly open to shaking things up, Pettersson’s name has been floated in trade discussions - and the Kings are among the teams said to be kicking the tires.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that L.A. is one of several teams interested in Pettersson, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a dynamic, playmaking center who could immediately elevate the Kings’ top six. This season, he’s continued to produce at a high level and would bring a different dimension to the Kings’ attack.
But there are hurdles. Pettersson is locked into a long-term deal with a cap hit north of $11 million per year, and he holds a full no-trade clause.
That’s a significant commitment - not just financially, but structurally. The Kings would need to be certain he fits into their long-term vision, not just this season’s playoff push.
Pettersson would be a swing-for-the-fences type move. If Holland believes this group is ready to contend, it might be a risk worth taking.
Artemi Panarin - New York Rangers
Artemi Panarin may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about trade deadline targets, but he’s reportedly on the Kings’ radar - and for good reason. Despite being 34, Panarin is still producing at an elite level for the Rangers. With 19 goals in 51 games and six points in his last five outings, he remains one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive wingers.
If the Rangers are open to moving a veteran piece, Panarin could be a game-changer for L.A. He’d bring instant credibility to the top six and add a level of creativity and finishing ability that the Kings could use down the stretch. His ability to drive offense and make plays in tight spaces would complement the Kings’ structured system well.
Of course, any deal for Panarin would be complex. His contract, age, and the Rangers’ own playoff aspirations all factor in. But if the Kings want to make a bold move to chase a deep playoff run, Panarin is the kind of talent who could swing a series.
Vincent Trocheck is another Ranger name to keep an eye on, but Panarin’s offensive ceiling makes him the more intriguing option.
Final Thoughts
The Kings are in a fascinating spot. They’ve got a new GM in Ken Holland who’s no stranger to making bold moves, a team that’s hovering around playoff contention, and a clear need for more scoring up front. Whether it’s a rugged veteran like Kadri, a high-end playmaker like Pettersson, or a dynamic winger like Panarin, the message is clear: L.A. is looking to upgrade - and they’re not afraid to aim high.
With the trade deadline approaching and the Olympic break adding urgency to the calendar, don’t be surprised if the Kings are among the first teams to make a splash. The Pacific Division is there for the taking - and the right move could make all the difference.