Early this offseason, we're already hearing various rumors and reports concerning the Los Angeles Kings on the trade market and the coaching carousel that could impact the direction of the franchise going into the future.
The trade market seems to be particularly energized this offseason, with the potential of a weak unrestricted free agent class delivering some big-time trades this summer to fill needs for various teams around the league.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic recently mentioned the Kings as one of several logical teams that would likely show interest if Hischier ever became available. The other teams that are reportedly rumored to be interested in Hischier on the trade block if he becomes available from the Devils this offseason are the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens.
Nico Hischier's two-way game would be an ideal fit for the Los Angeles Kings after Anze Kopitar's retirement
LeBrun also reported that New Jersey is attempting to work toward a contract extension with Hischier this offseason. If extension talks between the Devils and Hischier stall, teams like the Kings could emerge as logical trade suitors.
The possibility that Hischier could hit the trade block this offseason would make for a big national headline this summer.
The Kings need to find a first-line center to add talent and depth in the middle of the lineup this offseason. This team definitely needs to find a long-term solution at the center position in the near future.
With center captain Anze Kopitar now retired, the Los Angeles Kings continue searching for long-term stability at the center position. Few centers around the league replicate the type of two-way impact Kopitar brought to Los Angeles as closely as Hischier.
One intriguing name recently connected to the rumor mill is Devils captain Hischier, who would immediately become one of the NHL’s most coveted trade targets if New Jersey seriously explored moving him. He would provide exactly the type of two-way center Los Angeles needs moving forward.
Hischier’s two-way reliability, leadership, and ability to handle difficult matchups make him the exact type of center the Kings could target as they attempt to remain contenders in the West following Kopitar’s retirement.
Any potential trade package for Hischier would almost certainly require significant draft capital and multiple premium assets from Los Angeles.
A trade between Los Angeles and New Jersey still appears unlikely at this stage. But the fact remains that Hischier could represent the exact type of impact player at the center position that the Kings and Holland in the front office should aggressively pursue on the trade block to help the team navigate the post-Kopitar era without falling out of contention in the Western Conference.
Even if a trade ultimately never materializes, Hischier represents the exact type of top-line two-way center the Kings should prioritize as they navigate the post-Kopitar era.
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