There are multiple positional needs that the Los Angeles Kings and general manager Ken Holland must work to address this offseason.
With this summer's free-agent class lacking impact talent at several positions, the trade market could become one of the Kings' best avenues for improving the roster.
Multiple different teams could potentially be viable hypothetical trade partners for the Kings and Holland in the front office this offseason.
Elliotte Friedman reported on June 11 on the FAN Hockey Show that both the Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights are content with being quieter on the rumor mill this upcoming offseason.
Here are two possible trade targets from the Hurricanes that the Kings could pursue to address positional needs on the block this upcoming offseason.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C
There is still some untapped potential in the skill set and talent that Kotkaniemi brings to the table. He hasn't found a permanent home yet with the Hurricanes or early in his career in the league with the Montreal Canadiens.
The former third overall pick of the Canadiens in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft did show some promise of breaking through with the Hurricanes in his second season in Carolina. Kotkaniemi scored a career-high 18 goals, and 25 assists, good for a career-best 43 total points in the 2022-23 season with the Hurricanes.
If the Kings believe a change of scenery could help unlock more consistency from Kotkaniemi, he could represent an intriguing buy-low option at a position of need.
Alexander Nikishin, D
Alexander Nikishin is one of the most intriguing young defensemen in the Hurricanes organization and would immediately draw significant interest if Carolina ever made him available on the trade market. His combination of size, skating ability, and offensive upside could make him an ideal long-term fit for a Kings team looking to continue building its young core.
I'd have to believe that the trade rumors surrounding Nikishin would have to return a massive deal to the Hurricanes to get him to the Kings in this hypothetical scenario.
The 24-year-old defenseman is viewed as a potential top-four blueliner and could give the Kings another young building block alongside Brandt Clarke as the organization continues shaping its future core.
Nikishin's early success at the NHL level has only increased his value around the league. Any team interested in acquiring him would likely need to make a significant offer, which is why a trade remains a long shot despite his obvious appeal.
Nikishin could immediately become one of the best and most potent left-handed shots that the Kings have on the blue line on defense this upcoming season if the front office were to hypothetically acquire him on the block from Carolina this offseason.
Whether Carolina ultimately makes any significant moves remains to be seen, but Friedman's comments suggest the Hurricanes are a team worth monitoring this offseason. If trade discussions intensify around the league, Kotkaniemi and Nikishin are two players who could make sense for a Kings team looking to strengthen both its present and future.
