Los Angeles Kings Trade Deadline Paradox

In recent years, the Los Angeles Kings haven't made much of a splash on deadline day.

The fact that the Kings can still sniff the playoffs this year is a victory onto itself.

In years previous, the Kings were notorious for providing veteran depth in exchange for draft picks.

This year may prove the same.

After a February road trip where the Kings posted four consecutive victories (Sens, Caps, Devils, Islanders), Los Angeles found themselves right in the middle of the playoff hunt, and coincidentally turned the organization into "buyers" heading towards the deadline.

Since that road trip, the Kings have lost three-straight games at home and six of their last eight. Dean Lombardi now finds his organization four points out of eighth, as well as four points out of 15th. It appears as if the New York Islanders will have the best shot at drafting Jonathan Tavares, so you wont see the Kings purposely tanking for a chance to grab him.

Los Angeles has amassed a great wealth of prospects since the 'Lombardi Re-Build" and could offer up a few packages to teams looking to dump salary or make a run at the Stanley Cup. It has been made evident that their "core" players (Brown, Kopitar, Johnson, Doughty) are untouchable.

But with a potential logjam at a few positions, the Kings could address immediate needs for as early as next year.

Since the emergence of Jonathan Quick, the Kings minor league starter Jonathan Bernier could be up for grabs. Bernier has been compared to Patrick Roy, but is experiencing some set-back thus far in the AHL.

After having a sub-par World Junior Championship, both Thomas Hickey and Colten Teubert could find themselves expendable. Both players have won gold with team Canada, and still have a few years before contending for a spot on the big team.

Alexander Frolov and Kyle Calder are both players who have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and may receive some attention from playoff bound teams. But don't look for Lombardi to move these players without receiving an NHL-ready player in return.

The "Gaborik Hold-out" looks like an interesting scenario. With Marian opting for season-ending hip-surgery, Minnesota becomes desperate to move him before he hits free agency this summer. The Kings could offer up a package of prospects (possibly returning Patrick O'Sullivan to the team which drafted him) in return for Gaborik's services (providing he signs an extension).

Another strategy for Lombardi would be to do nothing. Similar to his lack of activity this past offseason. Perhaps this group of youngsters are progressing enough that next year's playoffs hopes are legitimate.

Perhaps the learning curve is about to peak. Perhaps the youth movement is upon us. Perhaps the Kings are ready.

Stay tuned!