NHL Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Kings Must Win Rick Nash Sweepstakes

The Los Angeles Kings need the scoring punch that Rick Nash would bring. It will cost a steep price for the prize of the trade market, but the rewards for the Kings justifies it. 

Nash is 27 years old and at the top of his game. He is a dynamic playmaker with 19 goals and 21 assists this season. That offense would be a welcomed sight to the Kings.

They realize this as much as anyone, and they are definitely interested in Nash. Dennis Bernstein of thefourthperiod.com reports on their interest. 

"

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

—Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) Feb. 20, 2012"

This is a steep price to pay, but well worth it. 

Why they must make this move

The Kings currently have 65 points, which ties them for eighth in the Western Conference. That is not good enough for a restless fanbase.

They have made into the playoffs the last two years, but have been bounced in the first round both times.

In effort to better this team, they shook up their roster by trading for Mike Richards. That move was supposed to bolster their offense, but it is not working. The Kings have scored a measly 124 goals this season, the lowest total in the NHL. 

They have a championship-caliber defense. They just need some semblance of an offense to make them a legitimate threat, and Nash would help with that. 

This makes him worth the price.