The NHL trade winds are picking up steam, and the Los Angeles Kings are right in the thick of it. After making a major splash by acquiring Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers on February 4, LA isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. With the roster freeze in effect for the next two weeks, the Kings' front office-led by new GM Ken Holland-is making it clear: they’re not done yet.
Panarin’s arrival brings a serious jolt of offensive firepower to head coach Jim Hiller’s lineup. He’s a proven scorer, a dynamic playmaker, and someone who instantly elevates LA’s top-six forward group. But the Kings aren’t just looking to add-they might be looking to shuffle the deck a bit too.
One name that’s been floating in trade chatter? Warren Foegele.
Foegele’s been a bit of a mystery this season. After a solid campaign last year, he’s found himself on the outside looking in recently, sitting out the last few games.
Holland, speaking with the NHL on TNT crew, didn’t exactly shut down the idea of moving Foegele, saying, “Warren Foegele had a great year last year. He’s been out of the lineup for the last couple of games.
Got to work the phones here.”
Translation: Foegele could be on the move.
And that’s where things get interesting. On Sunday, Oilers reporter Mark Spector floated the idea of a potential swap: Foegele heading back to Edmonton in exchange for Andrew Mangiapane. It’s a trade that, on paper, makes some sense for both sides.
Let’s break it down.
Mangiapane is in the first year of a two-year deal worth about $3.6 million annually, running through the 2026-27 season. Foegele, meanwhile, is in year two of his own three-year pact, which pays him roughly $3.5 million per year through the same timeline. Financially, it’s a near wash.
Production-wise, neither player has exactly lit it up this season. Foegele has managed just six goals and eight total points in over 40 games for the Kings.
Mangiapane hasn’t fared much better, with six goals and 12 points in nearly 50 games for the Oilers. Both are capable of more, and maybe a change of scenery is what each needs to get back on track.
From the Kings’ perspective, Mangiapane could bring a different kind of energy to their middle-six. He’s got speed, a nose for the net, and has shown in the past he can be a streaky scorer. For Edmonton, a reunion with Foegele-who spent two seasons with the Oilers before landing in LA-could provide some needed depth and familiarity.
The Kings already boast a deep forward group, particularly in their top nine. But if they’re serious about making a playoff push-and Panarin’s acquisition signals they are-then they’ll need to find the right mix. That might mean moving a piece like Foegele to bring in someone who better complements their current core.
There’s no deal yet, and with the roster freeze in place, nothing’s imminent. But keep an eye on this potential swap. It’s the kind of under-the-radar move that could pay dividends down the stretch.
And one thing’s for sure: the Kings aren’t done making noise.