The Los Angeles Kings are working to strengthen their roster following a significant injury to forward Kevin Fiala during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Despite rumors surrounding Patrik Laine’s potential move to California, the Kings have made it clear they are unlikely to pursue a trade for the Montreal Canadiens winger as the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6.
General manager Ken Holland and his staff recognize the importance of adding scoring depth but have decided not to move forward with acquiring Laine, according to Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period.
“As the Kings explore the market for a top-six forward, I can confirm they spoke with Montreal about Patrik Laine,”
Bernstein reported on X, formerly Twitter.
“However, there doesn’t seem to be a fit right now and Kings are now looking elsewhere.”
Background On Patrik Laine’s Situation With Montreal Canadiens
Earlier reports suggested Laine might be traded before the deadline, stemming from his absence in Canadiens games since October 16. Laine underwent core muscle surgery shortly after and was expected to be sidelined for 3-4 months. He is now beyond that timeline but may be ready to return around the trade deadline.
The 27-year-old Finnish forward has had a challenging season in Quebec, managing only 20 goals and 33 points across 52 games in the previous season and contributing just one assist in five games this year before his injury. These struggles have fueled speculation about his availability in the trade market.
Kings Shift Focus as Trade Deadline Nears
With a Laine deal unlikely, the Kings are actively pursuing other high-impact forwards to bolster their attack. The team acquired Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers on February 4, prior to the Olympic roster freeze, and continues to explore additional trade possibilities.
“The Kings acquired star left wing Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers on Feb. 4 prior to the Olympic roster freeze and have continued to look at additional options, even prior to Fiala’s season-ending injury,”
Bernstein noted.
Holland remains intent on at least one more addition before the deadline, though the exact target is unclear.
“It is unclear, at this time, whom the Kings are targeting, but Holland is looking to make at least one more addition by the March 6 trade deadline,”
Bernstein added.
The Kings currently have over $12.6 million in salary cap space, allowing flexibility to absorb sizable contracts if needed.
Team Performance and Trade Market Prospects
Los Angeles holds a 23-19-14 record nearing the end of the Olympic break, placing them just three points behind a Western Conference wildcard spot. While the defense and goaltending remain reliable, the team struggles offensively, averaging only 2.54 goals per game, the lowest in the NHL.
Several forwards are rumored as potential trade targets to improve the Kings’ scoring ability, including Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, Jonathan Marchessault of the Nashville Predators, Jake DeBrusk from the Vancouver Canucks, and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames. Adding one of these players could help the Kings enhance their offensive output and solidify their playoff chances.
Upcoming Challenges and Outlook
The Kings are set to return to play against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday as they continue to push toward securing a postseason berth for the fifth year in a row. Strengthening their forward group remains a priority to overcome scoring deficiencies, especially following Fiala’s injury.
Trade deadline update:
As the Kings explore the market for a top-six forward, I can confirm they spoke with Montreal about Patrik Laine. However, there doesn’t seem to be a fit right now and Kings are now looking elsewhere.
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) February 24, 2026
