February 25, 2024 | 10:44am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

WILL KINGS LOOK TO ADD SCORING?

Kings GM Rob Blake

The Los Angeles Kings were dealt a couple of tough blows this week when it was revealed that winger Viktor Arvidsson had returned to LTIR and defenceman Mikey Anderson would be out week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

With the trade deadline 12 days away, the Kings must determine if the injuries to Arvidsson and Anderson will keep them out for the balance of the regular-season. If that’s the case, it could give GM Rob Blake flexibility under the salary cap to add to his roster.

While the Kings rank third in the NHL in goals-against per game, they are 16th in goals-for per game. Arvidsson provided an extra spark to the lineup, something Blake could look to acquire by deadline day.

Several forwards are up for grabs and listed on the TFP Trade Watch List, including San Jose’s Anthony Duclair, Ottawa’s Vladimir Tarasenko and potentially Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel.

Speculation has also begun to swirl around the Kings’ connection to Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros, whom they heavily pursued two seasons ago, but Blake is not believed to be interest in exploring his goaltending options until the off-season. That could change if the Predators approach Los Angeles with an enticing offer.

Meanwhile, Kings interim head coach Jim Hiller indicated that young blueliner Jacob Moverare will join the team on its upcoming roadtrip.