NHL Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Kings and 2 Others That Are One Player Away

We have come to the point in the season where the smallest of tweaks could mean a world of difference. 

The trade deadline looms, with the Stanley Cup push to follow immediately after. Teams with high hopes are now entertaining a bevy of trade offers and pickups that could make them deeper and stronger into the playoffs. 

There are only a few teams that are actually just one player away from really threatening to take the coveted prize home at the end of the season, and here they are. 

1. Los Angeles Kings

The hottest name on the market right now is Columbus Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash. ESPN's Craig Custance reports that the LA Kings could be in the market for Nash, and may have the pieces Columbus needs. (Link may be hidden behind a pay wall.)

The best part is that the Kings need a player who can get the offense rolling since LA is stagnant on the offensive side of the ice. Custance writes: 

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The Kings currently average 2.10 goals per game, which is No. 30 overall in the NHL. The good news is that they're allowing only 2.07 goals per game, which is No. 3 overall...So it's no surprise that Lombardi is exploring every option to try to find a way to add a player who can help his team get to that magical three-goal mark a little more often.

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It's important to note that despite their issues with consistently finding the back of the net, the Kings are second in their division, just three points shy of the pacesetter San Jose Sharks.

Nash would be the missing piece to make the Kings a true force in the West. 

2. St. Louis Blues

The latest rumor to hit the Blues is that of New York Islanders' P.A. Parenteau potentially coming to St. Louis. Rob Vollman of Hockey Prospectus thinks he would be the perfect fit in St. Louis. (Link may be hidden behind a pay wall.)

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Despite the recent assertion by ESPN.com's Scott Burnside that P.A. Parenteau belongs in Long Island, he could prove to be the ideal addition to the Blues right now. The unrestricted free agent is fifth in the league with 37 assists...other options could include Tampa Bay's playoff specialist, Teddy Purcell, or tiny David Desharnais of the Montreal Canadiens.

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The Blues are on the cusp, and there is no shortage of solutions out there right now. 

3. New York Rangers

We come to one of the best teams in the league, but one that still needs to add some depth to its power play. The Rangers need a gritty veteran who can shoulder some of the load in the postseason. 

ESPN's Timo Seppa has the answer to help out captain Ryan Callahan. (Link may be hidden behind pay wall.)

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Shane Doan is the player that Callahan should wish to be in 10 years. The 35-year-old Coyotes' captain is in the top 25 with 145 hits...Though not quite the power-play specialist that teammate Ray Whitney has been...Doan is no slouch, either, having averaged 10-plus power-play goals per season since the lockout. Doan could help the Rangers on many levels and just might be the missing piece to a championship squad.

 

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This is the final push, and we are only a few days away from the trade deadline that will bring all of the madness to a halt. 

This leaves a small window for the powerful to get deeper, for what should be a long playoff haul. Injuries and mental breakdowns have to be taken into account as contenders make sure not to leave any stone unturned. 

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