NHL Rumors: Dustin Brown's Availability Proves Kings Are Looking for Defenseman

The Los Angeles Kings are fading fast in the Western Conference, but that does not mean they won't be a factor in what happens at the trade deadline on February 27. Team captain Dustin Brown could be the next chip to fall, if the right deal is out there.

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Kings are shopping Brown, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are going to deal him. 

"I'm hearing Dustin Brown, the captain of the LA Kings, is very much in play and could be traded before the deadline," said McKenzie on Insider Trading.

He followed that up with a tweet about why the Kings would put their captain on the market. 

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Why trade Brown? IMO, LAK like Brown as "player," not as enthused about Brown as captain. IMO, only matter of time til Mike Richards gets C.

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On Thursday, the Kings made a big move with Columbus Blue Jackets, but it wasn't for the big fish, Rick Nash. 

Instead, they acquired the "other" goal scorer that the Blue Jackets have, Jeff Carter. He will fill a huge hole in the Kings offense that had to be plugged and is signed for 10 more years. 

They had to give up defenseman Jack Johnson and a conditional first-round pick. So even though the Kings offense looks a lot better today than it did 24 hours ago, they do have a hole that they have to find some way to plug. 

It remains to be seen exactly where the Kings will go with Brown, but their top priority has to be getting some defense back in return. 

Things are looking bright in Los Angeles, and it is going to be a busy weekend for general manager Dean Lombardi. 

Carter is going to be a difference-maker for the Kings. Moving Brown could be the deal that solidifies the future direction of this franchise.

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