With the lengthy injury to Kevin Fiala and the acquisition of superstar Artemi Panarin, the Los Angeles Kings are not backing down with the NHL’s trade deadline approaching.
The latest reports from The Fourth Period and Dennis Bernstein reveal that Kings GM Ken Holland has contacted the Montreal Canadiens regarding the status of right winger Patrik Laine.
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“As the Kings explore the market for a top-six forward, I can confirm they spoke with Montreal about Patrik Laine,” Bernstein said on X.
It’s no surprise that Holland is dabbling in the trade market to look for more scoring help. Kings left winger Fiala has been ruled out for the remainder of the NHL’s regular season following a serious leg injury he suffered during the Olympics. His absence will be a massive blow to the Kings offensively.
With that, Los Angeles continues to look to find someone who can fill in the hole on the flanks.
While it seems clear that Holland is looking for even more help in the scoring department, it appears that he won’t further pursue Laine after the initial inquiry.
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“There doesn’t seem to be a fit right now and Kings are now looking elsewhere,” Bernstein reported.
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Laine, the second-overall pick in the 2016 draft, is known for his scoring touch and heavy shot. However, the 27-year-old has been on the wrong side of luck in terms of health and injuries.
He’s only made five appearances this season for the Canadiens and hasn’t played a game since Oct. 16. Laine has been sidelined for the past four months after receiving core muscle surgery.
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In addition to Laine’s health and inconsistencies over the past few years, there are other aspects that have driven the Kings’ brass into another direction.
Bernstein said that Los Angeles may be looking for more of a play driver or facilitator rather than a finisher like Laine is. He also pointed out that finding a center is likely the main focus for the organization going into the March 6 trade deadline.
The Kings have over $12.41 million to work with in current salary cap space, according to puckpedia.com. They also have several respectable prospects, as well as three first-round picks and four second-rounders in the next three drafts.
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