LA Kings Trade Rumors: On Serious Hunt For Forward Help

It appears that the pending status of Los Angeles Kings injured star winger Adrian Kempe has sent the team into a bit of a panic mode. After suffering an upper body injury on Monday night, their leading point-getter has left the team's road trip and flown back to LA for a date on Wednesday with the MRI machine. And the Kings are now burning up the phone lines looking for help.

Given Kempe’s shaky status, the Kings appear to suddenly be a team to watch in the market for high-end forwards.

Word travels fast. #GoKingsGo GM Rob Blake has been working the lines today, doing his due diligence. If Kempe is out for the regular-season, Kings plan on using his cap space to add. https://t.co/aVAG8Ym1P3

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 28, 2024

As noted by insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Kings GM Rob Blake has started his search. If Kempe's injury will knock him out for the rest of the season, he'll go on long-term injured reserve and the Kings will be able to use his $5.5 million cap hit to acquire some big-time help on the trade market.

Kempe has 19 goals and 51 points in 57 games this season with a plus-minus rating of +7. He's coming off of a career-high 41 goals last year.

Fellow wingers Viktor Arvidsson and Carl Grundstrom are also on LTIR.

The Kings currently own the top Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, tied with the Nashville Predators, but with two games in hand. They are also just two points back of the Edmonton Oilers for third spot in the Pacific Division.

Expect the Kings to be one of the most active teams now in the forward market as the trade deadline is just 10 days away.

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports