NHL Trade Rumors: Why Los Angeles Kings Must Acquire Rick Nash

And now, it's time for the "Rick Nash's Crazy Trade Rumor" game, where we decide where Nash should go, what teams should give up for him and which rumors just don't make any sense.

Today, we'll be discussing the Los Angeles Kings, who may be the ideal trade partner for the Columbus Blue Jackets for two reasons. First, the Kings absolutely need to add scoring and second, they seem willing to trade some of their young assets to get this deal done.

"

Hearing Kings offer expanded to Jonathan Bernier Jack Johnson Andrei Loktionov plus for Rick Nash

— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) February 20, 2012"

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun thinks the Kings and their assets will be players in the Nash sweepstakes as well.

"

The Kings have some pretty attractive assets, including young goalie Jonathan Bernier and blueliner Jack Johnson. More importantly, there’s incredible pressure on Lombardi to find a fix for his goal-starved team, which remains last in the NHL in offense. If he strikes out on Nash, Jeff Carter could be the consolation prize.

"

The Kings can afford to give a little on defense—they are pretty solid at the position behind Johnson. They can afford to give up Bernier because Jonathan Quick is having an excellent season.

And they could desperately use the offense Nash would bring them. The Kings are last in the NHL in goals scored this season with a paltry 120. General manager Dean Lombardi is plenty aware of the need to add scoring.

Despite their offensive woes, they are still in the playoff hunt as they are currently tied with the Calgary Flames with 65 points for the eighth spot in the West.

Now is the time to go all in for a player like Nash. The Kings are one of the few teams who have both the need and enough assets they likely feel comfortable giving up.

If Nash is willing to relocate to Los Angeles, the Kings need to pull the trigger on a deal. The perfect storm has descended upon them and Nash is the lightning bolt that just might jolt their offense awake.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets have the perfect amount of foam at the top.