Early look at 5 players the LA Kings could trade at trade deadline

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.