The NHL Trade Deadline is less than 24 hours away, and the Los Angeles Kings are finding themselves in an interesting spot. At the end of February, the Kings looked like they could challenge the Vegas Golden Knights and make a run at a division title.
However, since a 5-2 victory over the Golden Knights, they have lost five straight, including two losses to the St. Louis Blues and a loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. The question is does this recent losing streak change their approach to the trade deadline or what they might be able to do? Let's take a look at some recent rumors and decide if we are buying or selling them.
Buy or Sell latest Los Angeles Kings trade rumors ahead of NHL Trade Deadline
Los Angeles Kings have made Brandt Clarke available in a trade
According to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects, the Los Angeles Kings have reportedly made Brandt Clarke available ahead of the trade deadline. Clarke is a former first round pick and is only in his second season as a full-time player in the NHL.
Speaking to some people around the league, I think it's fair to say that Brandt Clarke is actively available
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) March 5, 2025
Internal discussions have teams wondering if he'll be able to reach his ceiling or end up as a PP specialist
LA shouldn't be in a rush though. Another year of control…
He started the year off really well and still leads all Kings' defensemen in points. However, he has been a healthy scratch in four games since Drew Doughty made his season debut.
Buy or Sell: Buy
I am absolutely buying the Los Angeles Kings have made Brandt Clarke available however I don't believe they are going to want to give him away. He did return to the lineup on Wednesday night against the Blues and should be considered a big part of their future moving forward.
With that said, he should generate plenty of interest in the trade market and if the Kings get the value they want, he could be traded.
Los Angeles Kings interested in trading for Mikko Rantanen
The big trade of the season was last month when the Colorado Avalanche sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes. He is set to be a free agent after the season and the Hurricanes thought they might have a good chance of reaching a new contract before the trade deadline.
That hasn't been the case and the Hurricanes have seemingly been making calls to see what they might be able to get for him. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Hurricanes have been exploring the market, and he mentioned three teams in particular that have been of interest, with the Los Angeles Kings being one of them.
Buy or Sell: Buy the interest, Sell the ability to get a trade done
The Los Angeles Kings certainly should be interested in acquiring Mikko Rantanen, especially if they are confident they can work out an extension. If they don't believe they can get a new contract signed, the trade becomes a little trickier because they shouldn't offer as much in a trade.
In that scenario, would it be enough for the Hurricanes to make the trade, or should they stick with Rantanen and make a run at a Stanley Cup? It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Vladislav Gavrikov close to contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings
One of the biggest free agents the Los Angeles Kings have after this season is defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. The former Columbus Blue Jacket has been excellent this season for the Kings and it makes sense that Los Angeles would want to keep him.
Recently, Russell Morgan with Hockey Royalty spoke with Gavrikov and wrote that he thought a new deal might be close.
"From all indications, after my conversation with Vlad, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a new deal announced soon."
Buy or Sell: Buy
It wouldn't be surprising if the Los Angeles Kings push to get a deal done before the trade deadline because it can help determine what they might do with the rest of the position. If they are confident they can keep Gavrikov long-term, it makes it easier to trade Clarke or even Jordan Spence.
However, without a extension it creates some uncertainty about the position and the Los Angeles Kings may be hesistant to trade away their depth.