Early look at 5 players the LA Kings could trade at trade deadline
The Los Angeles Kings are not only hoping to reach the playoffs for the fourth straight time this season but get past the first round, something they haven't done since they won the Stanley Cup in 2014. However, in a tough Western Conference the Kings might struggle and if it looks like playoffs are a long-shot, they could be sellers at the trade deadline.
With that in mind, these are five players in particular that the Los Angeles Kings could make available at the trade deadline.
Phillip Danault
The first player is one that the Los Angeles Kings probably wouldn't want to trade but might bring the biggest return of likely players who are available. Phillip Danault is at the halfway point of a six-year deal he signed as a free agent prior to the 2021-22 season with the Kings.
Over the past three seasons, Danault has been as consistent as they come with around 50 points each season (he did have only 47 this past year) along with roughly 20 goals and 30 assists. For any teams looking for a center on their second or third line, Danault would be a perfect fit and generate plenty of interest.
Vladislav Gavrikov
Vladislav Gavrikov joined the Los Angeles Kings during the 2022-23 season as part of the Jonathan Quick trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Gavrikov would sign a two-year extension after that season and is now entering the final year of his contract.
Gavrikov has been solid in his 97 games over the past season and a half with the Kings. He once again should be a key part of this defense and more than likely will find himself on the second line.
The question the Kings are going to have to answer prior to the trade deadline is if they want to sign him to another contract extension or will let him leave in free agency. If they don't believe a deal can be done, it might make sense to move him before the trade deadline to get some kind of return.
Tanner Jeannot
The next player is one who hasn't even taken the ice yet for the Los Angeles Kings as they traded for him this offseason. The Kings worked out a deal for Tanner Jeannot with the Tampa Bay Lightning for two picks, including a 2025 second-round pick.
This is the second time in two years that Jeannot has been traded as the Nashville Predators traded him during the 2022-23 season to the Lightning. Jeannot struggled during his time with the Lightning with only eight goals in 75 games.
The Kings are hoping that he can look more like the player that he did during the 2021-22 season when he had 24 goals but Jeannot is entering the final year of his contract. If he does bounce back, he should have plenty of interest in free agency and once again it is a question if they match.
If they don't believe it is likely to get an extension done, it would make sense for them to try and recoup at least a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. In terms of Jeannot, it is important to note that he does a no-trade clause that includes 16 teams so trade discussions might be a little more difficult.
Andreas Englund
Andreas Englund signed a two-year contract last offseason and is entering the final season of that deal. He would play in every game last season with an average time on ice of 13:13 and took notable steps forward towards being a full-time NHL player.
He is a player that likely wouldn't bring much in terms of return but if the Kings are struggling, they will want to open up space for some younger players. By moving Englund at the deadline, this would achieve that along with getting at least something in return before he would leave in free agency.
David Rittich
The final player is an interesting name because David Rittich was playing incredible hockey down the stretch last season for the Kings. He would go 4-2 over his final six starts with a save percentage of .940 and allowing only 10 goals.
The Kings would trade for Darcy Kuemper this offseason but it wouldn't be a huge surprise if David Rittich ended up the starter if Kuemper can't improve off his performance last season with the Washington Capitals.
Rittich signed a one-year deal this offseason and if he is playing well, as a starter or a backup, there should be plenty of interest near the trade deadline for a talented goaltender. A trade of Rittich would also open the door for the Kings to call up Erik Portillo, who looks to be the goalie of the future for this franchise.
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