TThe Los Angeles Kings have had a mind-boggling month. From the acquisition of superstar Artemi Panarin to Kevin Fiala’s season-ending injury, the Kings have experienced both tragedy and triumph in February.
A recent report from The Province might mean more optimism for LA, though. In a recent article, writer Ben Kuzma posited the idea of acquiring Vancouver Canucks superstar Elias Pettersson.
Their interest in Elias Pettersson increased with the Swede’s two-goal game Saturday for Sweden in the Olympics,” Kuzma began. “Plus, the Kings have $15 million in cap space. And winger Andrei Kuzmenko thrived with the Canucks in 2022-23 with a 39-goal season while mostly aligned with Pettersson, who put up 102 points.”
Pettersson has 13 goals and 21 assists for 34 points in 49 games with the Canucks this season. His $11.6M salary cap hit goes through the 2031-2032 season.
Kings, Canucks Need Perfect Scenario
Still, a lot needs to go right for a Kings-Canucks trade to manifest itself.
“Pettersson, 27, must first waive his no-movement clause, but a change of scenery and not being front-page news in laid-back Los Angeles might pique his interest in a trade. His wife also lived there for 13 years,” Kuzma said.
The Kings currently possess a pick in every round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. In addition, they own a second round pick from the Phillip Danault trade as well as an additional sixth round pick from the Jordan Spence trade.
“The problem is the return,” Kuzma added. The Canucks need a centre and the Kings aren’t deep at that position and aren’t giving up Quinton Byfield, 23, whose had a pair of 20-goal seasons. And even getting a 2026 first round and a pair of second-rounders from the Kings doesn’t solve the pivot problem.”
Should the Kings hope to acquire Pettersson, they’ll need more than just draft picks to make it possible. Still, if there’s a team that can do it, the Kings are the likeliest candidate. With Fiala’s injury, they are one of just five teams capable of taking on Pettersson’s contract without moving salary.
Kings Face Competition in Pettersson Sweepstakes
Having said that, the Kings have some competition on the Pettersson front. The Detroit Red Wings, per Kuzma, also have interest in the Swedish star.
“The Detroit Red Wings need a No. 2 centre behind Dylan Larkin,” Kuzma mused. “[They] could dangle pivot Nate Danielson, 21, the ninth-overall pick in the 2023 draft in a trade package. It should also include at least a first-round pick coming this way. But, again, that doesn’t solve the centre slot concern, especially with Filip Chytil and Marco Rossi injured.”
Like the Kings, the Red Wings aren’t capable of filling the need on the second line. Still, if the Canucks want to trade Pettersson, the solution likely won’t come from a team in need of a center.
Kings Making Final Push Before Deadline
The 2026 NHL trade deadline begins on March 6th. The Kings currently sit three points out of a playoff spot in the Pacific division. Should they add Pettersson to their roster, they’ll need to make a push past the Anaheim Ducks or Seattle Kraken in order to qualify for the playoffs.
The Kings return to NHL ice on February 25th against the Vegas Golden Knights.
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