The Los Angeles Kings have run into an Edmonton Oilers roadblock in recent years, but finally seem poised to defeat their Pacific Division rival in the postseason. A trade deadline acquisition of Andre Kuzmenko has proved genius, and the free agent signing of Warren Foegele from rival Edmonton has provided much-needed depth scoring. Quinton Byfield has also taken another step in his development and seems primed to become a franchise cornerstone.
The Kings also will have a projected $23 million in cap space this offseason. While they will undoubtedly use some of those funds to resign Kuzmenko and secure Alex Laferriere's services for several more years, they are positioned to acquire a big-name player. They will also likely re-sign defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to another multi-year extension.
What can the Penguins offer the Kings?
If there is one thing the Kings lack, it is a right-hand-shot forward. As it stands now, the Kings only have four right-handed forwards on their roster. They also could use an additional scorer; the Kings scored 249 goals this year, which ranked 14th in the league. Come playoff time, you can never have enough scoring, especially when the Oilers and Golden Knights are in their division.
The Trade: Rickard Rakell for Alex Turcotte Otto Salinand a 2026 first-round pick.
Rakell had 70 points this year, including 35 goals; his point total would have been second best on the Kings, while he would have been their third-highest goal scorer. Rakell is also a right-shot forward, which the Kings could use. He is also under contract until 2028 with an AAV of $5 million.
Turcotte was the Kings' first-round pick in 2019 (5th overall) and has struggled to gain his footing at the NHL level. This season was the first time he saw consistent NHL action, and a change of scenery and normal NHL play could rejuvenate him. This trade fits the Dubas mold of acquiring young players who may need a change.