The Los Angeles Kings have had an excellent February with a 5-0-1 record and big wins over the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights. They have seen a big increase in scoring with an average of 4.17 goals per game, a bump from 2.76 goals per game prior to February.
The big question for the Kings at this point is whether or not the recent improvements should change their approach to the NHL Trade Deadline, which is March 7th. After a disappointing January, it felt like the Kings would have to do something if they wanted to advance past the first round of the NHL Playoffs for the first time in roughly a decade.
Los Angeles Kings should make some trades but don't need to be overly aggressive
What February has proven for the Kings is that the current roster can compete, and compete with some of the top teams in the NHL. A big win over the Golden Knights showed just that, as they have now won two out of three matchups this season with the team leading the Pacific Division.
The focus for the Kings over the next week or so will be to not overpay in any trades or have to make a trade out of desperation. However, a trade can help the Kings balance out their roster as it currently is constructed.
The issue is that they have too many right defensemen that warrant minutes and not enough spots to give minutes to everyone. Drew Doughty returned at the end of January and with Vladislav Gavrikov, Jordan Spence, and Brandt Clarke the Kings now have four players for realistically only three spots.
The good news is that after the break, all four have been active because the Kings do keep seven defensemen active. However, Clarke has played under 10 minutes in each of those games and certainly has the talent to warrant more ice time.
Meanwhile, on offense the majority of the players shoot left-handed, and adding a right-handed goal scorer could help bring some balance to that part of the roster.
At the end of January, it seemed clear that the Los Angeles Kings would absolutely have to make some trades to improve the roster. One month later, the need isn't as great and the Los Angeles Kings find themselves in a position where they can be a little more patient and not as desperate.
Last season, the Los Angeles Kings were quiet at the NHL Trade Deadline with no moves. However, two seasons ago they made a big splash by trading goalie Jonathan Quick which brought Vladislav Gavrikov to Los Angeles. Rob Blake has shown he is not afraid to make a deal but at this point, it has to be clear that it will improve the roster, and those trades may be tough to find.