NHL Trade Rumors: 3 L.A. Kings the Chicago Blackhawks Could Take Back Home

The Chicago Blackhawks kick off a brief West Coast road trip with a visit to Los Angeles. The Blackhawks could wind up taking home one of their opponents tonight.

With GM Stan Bowman still presumably in the hunt for help, there is always the chance that a player who faces off with Chicago may be wearing an Indian head sweater by Monday's trade deadline. True, L.A. is competing for a playoff spot, but the addition of Jeff Carter this week may loosen their hold on a few forwards.

Bowman isn't likely to come up with the asking price to upgrade at the expense of a rival club, but the Kings have some talent that the 'Hawks could use heading into the push for the playoffs.

Here are three skaters who could possibly help the 'Hawks if Bowman could somehow convince a conference rival to deal with him.

1. Dustin Brown

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, Brown is being shopped.

The Kings' captain is a physical top-six forward who is signed for two years after this season at a cap hit of $3.175 million. This would be a huge move for Stan Bowman, who would have to give up real value (Brandon Saad?) to even get a call back.

The Blackhawks are not listed as players in this deal. However, he would be a longer-term investment at a manageable price tag.

Would a package of Michael Frolik, Saad and this summer's top pick draw away a physical two-way player for the next two-plus seasons?

2. Jarret Stoll

Stoll is a free agent following this season, and it doesn't appear that Bowman is interested in rentals. Still, he's a two-way center and the 'Hawks are currently hurting in that department with Jonathan Toews out this weekend and possibly longer.

Stoll doesn't give you a lot of scoring, but could play on special teams and maybe allow Dave Bolland to move up a line.

Obtaining Stoll improves Chicago's depth but takes it away from the Kings', so again Bowman would have to pony up for him.

3. Dustin Penner

Yes, I'm suggesting that the 'Hawks make a play for the guy who threw out his back sitting down to eat some pancakes. Stay with me.

Penner's deal is expiring this season and the remainder of his $4.25 cap hit could easily be handled by the 'Hawks. He is not in Los Angeles' future plans and has been sitting most nights, yet he is just 29 and has been a consistent 45-point scorer over the course of his career.

He's a big, physical forward who gets to the front of the net. Unlike Brown and Stoll, he likely won't command a lot in return to the Kings, for whom he has just 13 points in 44 games.

Penner might be had for a late-round pick and a defenseman prospect.

What Would It Take for Bowman to Collect a King?

In all honesty, the Kings aren't likely to deal with Bowman unless he floors them with picks and prospects.

The Kings could really use a defenseman after moving Jack Johnson to get Jeff Carter. Niklas Hjalmarsson, who might be a tempting piece to Los Angeles, is sitting in Chicago with concussion symptoms.

Perhaps Rockford prospects Ryan Stanton and Shawn Lalonde (above) could be included in a deal. Dylan Olsen isn't going anywhere.

Bowman probably doesn't have the inclination to part with the talent it would take to trade for Brown or Stoll. Penner is a possibility, though Los Angeles may overcharge a team they are currently competing with for a playoff spot.