NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Could Use the Los Angeles Kings' Dustin Penner

Dustin Penner looks like he should be a dominant power forward.

He has played a key postseason role with the 2007 Anaheim Ducks and the 2012 Los Angeles Kings, both of whom won the Stanley Cup championship.

Penner, 30, is a 6'4" and 242-pound left wing. With his size and strength, Penner looks like he should be a dominant power forward. He has the size and strength to anchor a position in front of the net and cause havoc for opposing goalies.

He also has the size and power to assert himself physically in any confrontation.

Despite having the prerequisites, Penner has not played to his potential in recent years. He scored seven regular-season goals for the Kings last year and has just one this year. He has been a frequent healthy scratch for Daryl Sutter's team.

According to Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada, the Kings would like to move Penner (through Sportsnet.ca).

There are only a few teams that would probably consider trading for him, since he has not been dependable.

However, he scored 11 points during the Kings Stanley Cup run last spring, and he had two game-winning goals. He had eight points during the Ducks 2007 championship run and another pair of game winners.

Penner would have some value to a team that could use a forward with size and strength, who has shown he can make a difference in the postseason.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators could be interested Dustin Penner, if they can keep up their current hot play and remain in the Eastern Conference playoff mix.

No team has been devastated like the Senators by injuries. Jason Spezza (back), Milan Michalek (lower body), Erik Karlsson (Achilles) and Craig Anderson (sprained ankle) are all sidelined, but the Senators continue to win. The Senators have reeled off five straight wins heading into their Feb. 28 road game at Boston.

If the Senators can continue to win, a big man like Penner could help them in the postseason.

However, if the bottom falls out because of the injuries, general manager Bryan Murray would be in the sell mode and would not have a need for a big-time gamble like Penner to add to the roster.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are hungry to get back to the postseason.

General manager Jim Rutherford's team has not made the playoffs since the 2008-09 season.

Bringing Jordan Staal into the fold last summer has helped position the Hurricanes into prime position in the Southeast Division, but they have to do more.

Bringing in a big body like Penner can give the Panthers more presence in the offensive zone.

Rutherford's hope would be that Penner would be invigorated by a new environment, and that he could make the team more difficult to defend in the offensive zone.

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have been one of the biggest surprises in the NHL this season, and general manager Marc Bergevin and head coach Michel Therrien deserve credit for getting the team turned around.

The Canadiens are competing for first place in the Eastern Conference. Whether they hold on to that position or not, they are a likely playoff team this year.

The Canadiens depend on defensive proficiency and quickness in the offensive zone.

The Canadiens, however, lack size and strength. They can get pushed around by bigger and stronger teams as they are currently constituted.

A motivated Penner could make Les Glorieux far more formidable in the postseason than they look now.

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings have not fallen off the face of the earth, after the retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom.

While they lost the face of their franchise, it's clear that the Red Wings are still a skilled team, capable of putting together some sensational efforts.

However, they may not have the size or net presence that would help them to become a more competitive team. They are in the playoff fight, but a bigger player like Penner, who could position himself in front of the net like former Red Wing Tomas Holmstrom (retired), might go a long way to making the Red Wings a much more dangerous team.

Nashville Predators

This would be a bit of a reach for a team that relies on consistency, hustle and overall intelligent play in three zones.

However, the hard working and hustling Predators are still in the playoff mix, despite the huge loss of defenseman Ryan Suter during the offseason. But the Predators may need some help if they are going to get there.

Particularly on the offensive end. The Predators have a difficult time scoring goals, despite their 5-4 overtime win over the Dallas Stars Feb. 25.

Normally, the Preds struggle to score more than two goals in any game. A big body like Penner stationed in front of the net could give the Predators more offensive options.

It might take a leap of faith for general manager David Poile and coach Barry Trotz to acquire Penner, but it could be a decent short-term solution.