Kings Rumors: Los Angeles Could Be In The Trade Market For A Centre

The Los Angeles Kings could be eyeing the trade market for a fourth-line center as they continue to assess their roster ahead of the 2024-25 season, according to The Fourth Period. 

With the center position described as "in flux," GM Rob Blake may explore external options to solidify the team’s depth down the middle. 

The current internal candidates, including Trevor Lewis, Alex Turcotte, and Akil Thomas, are being evaluated in training camp, but there are questions about whether any of them will offer the reliability the Kings need.

Brandt Clarke’s first NHL goal pic.twitter.com/GHxMUqzpmf https://t.co/kgcV1Am6wJ

— Toxic Kings Fan (@fialafallo) September 3, 2024

Cap space is tight, with the Kings having just over $1.27 million available, but flexibility could be found by sending waiver-exempt players like Turcotte or defenseman Brandt Clarke to the AHL if necessary. 

This would allow the team more room to make a move if Blake opts to pursue a trade. 

The injury to forward Arthur Kaliyev, who will miss at least three months due to a fractured clavicle, further complicates things and could add some urgency to the situation.

Injury update, per Jim Hiller.@LAKings forward Arthur Kaliyev suffered a fractured clavicle on Day 2 of camp and will be out indefinitely.

— Zach Dooley (@DooleyLAK) September 22, 2024

It remains unclear whether the Kings will wait for one of their internal options to emerge or take a more aggressive approach by targeting a center on the trade market before the regular season begins.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images