Los Angeles Kings: Who Could Be the Top Left Winger For This Team?

The Los Angeles Kings are poised to make a run at Lord Stanley's cup during the playoffs this year.  They have the size, the speed and the scoring touch to make it all come together. 

If there is any concern to the mass of Kings' fans out there, it has to be the lack of a first line left winger.  Ilya Kovalchuk was that guy over the summer.  Everyone had him pegged to wear number 17 for the black, purple and silver. 

Now, with the Los Angeles Kings in a little bit of a tailspin, rumours are starting to heat up.  In this slideshow I will cover ten possible trade pick-ups for the Kings.  I would like to clarify that these are not necessarily rumors, they are just players that I think could fit in with the Kings.

I hope that you enjoy this slideshow.

Follow me on Twitter: @michaelstuart93

Zach Parise

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 23: Zach Parise #9 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the Buffalo Sabres on October 23, 2010 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Sabres defeated the Devils 6-1. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The Upside:

If you read one of my earlier articles on Parise, you would know that I think he could be a perfect fit with the Los Angeles Kings.  He has speed, skill and most importantly, heart.  The potential is sky high as I think that if he were to line up beside Kopitar, we would have a 50-goal scorer on our hands.  I can see the chemistry already. 

The Downside:

Parise is one of the premier young players in the game right now.  Having said that, you don't have to look far to notice what young players can do to a team's cap situation (Chicago).  If the Kings were to make a move for the injured Parise, they would have to account for him taking up a large chunk of cap room for years to come.  With names like Doughty and Johnson around, does that seem possible?

Nikita Filatov

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Nikita Filatov #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on November 19, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Upside:

Filatov has all of the talent in the world.  He is still young and ready to be developed into a great NHL player by a great coach.  Scott Arniel is hoping to be that coach.  Since Filatov was drafted in 2008, he hasn't really managed to stick in the National Hockey League.  There is no doubting that he would slot nicely in with Kopitar and Williams/Brown.  He would add more youth to a Kings team that is already full of it.  The possibility of stardom for Filatov is great if he were to venture into Los Angeles.

The Downside:

When you think about this kid, what comes to mind?  For me, it's his lack of playing time in the NHL.  He has played over in Russia and hasn't really managed to stick with a weak Blue Jackets club.  I think the biggest thing the Kings would have to worry about here would be his heart.  Does he want to be a National Hockey Leaguer for life, or is Russia an option?  No organization wants to see a star depart for Russia. 

Marc Savard

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - MAY 07: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins celebrates a goal with Marc Savard #91 against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at the Wachovia Center on May 7, 20

The Upside:

I don't think that there is anything Savard wants more than to win the Stanley Cup.  Boston's got a good shot at it this year.  With their cap woes, can they afford to hold on to Savard?  Savard has been on the Kings' rumor mill for months.  His name became synonymous with Los Angeles trade rumors over the summer. 

Savard has all of the playmaking skills needed to turn the top line into one of the most productive in the league.  No longer would he be forced to play second line center as Jarret Stoll has really stepped up.  The opportunity to play in Los Angeles must be appealing to Marc and his family.

The Downside:

Savard has a big cap hit and a history of concussions.  If I'm Dean Lombardi, or any General Manager for that matter, that combination worries me.  Another concern would be that Savard is not a natural centerman.  Perhaps he would feel uncomfortable playing on the wing with a dominant center like Anze Kopitar. 

Dustin Penner

Dale MacMillan/Getty Images

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 17: Dustin Penner #27 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Chicago Black Hawks on November 17, 2010 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)

The Upside:

Everyone knows that the Kings have seen a lot of Penner in his relatively young National Hockey League career.  From his early days in Anaheim, to present day in Edmonton, Dustin has always been a player with tremendous size and skill.  Why wouldn't the Kings want this guy?  He would open up so much ice for smaller players like Williams.  Not only that, defenses from around the league would have to worry about him just as much as they worry about Kopitar. 

Size is a huge factor in today's game and Penner isn't lacking it at all.  Players like Penner don't come around everyday, just ask Kevin Lowe.  When you have the chance to grab one of these guys, you do it. 

The Downside:

Playing in a Canadian market, Penner is very used to pressure.  Unfortunately, he hasn't always lived up to the pressure put on him.  A lot of people in Edmonton will tell you he hasn't always given the Oilers 100% on the ice.  Is that really the kind of player that Dean Lombardi is going to want influencing his young kids?  Probably not.

Alexander Semin

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 24: Alexander Semin #28 of Russia moves the puck against Canada during the ice hockey men's quarter final game between Russia and Canada on day 13 of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics at Canada Hockey Place on February 24, 2010

The Upside:

Make no mistake, the Capitals would love to have this guy clicking along beside Alexander Ovechkin and Backstrom.  The problem is, Semin is going to want big money in the contract he will be signing prior to next season.  There aren't many teams that can afford to take on the monstrous salary that Semin is going to command. 

Why wouldn't the Kings want this guy?  He has one of the most underrated shots in the game.  It must be hard for him as he is always overshadowed by Ovechkin.  Semin is immensely talented.  I can't say that there is a better pure dangler in the game.  This guy is just incredible.  What's really special about him is his ability to take over a game with his skills.  Not many players in the league can do that.

The Downside:

The Washington Capitals have entered into this season as a Stanley Cup favorite.  That's all fine and dandy until you remember that the Caps were cup favorites last year too.  In the playoffs, Semin has had a terrible time making things happen.  He hasn't scored and he hasn't been dominant.  It's quite unfortunate to see such a talented player disappear in the playoffs.  May that scare Dean Lombardi away?

Cory Stillman

Abelimages/Getty Images

TORONTO - OCTOBER 26: Cory Stillman #61 of the Florida Panthers takes a faceoff during game action against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre October 26, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Leafs won 3-1. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

 The Upside:

Cory Stillman is one of the great guys in this league.  I think that the most appealing thing about Cory's game is the leadership aspect that he would bring to the Kings.  Plus, it's not like he is a guy who just floats around out there.  He is one of the hardest working players in the league.  I really like the way he plays.  He has eight points this season and is on the plus side of the ledger despite playing on a terrible Florida team. 

The Downside:

While I mentioned that his experience and veteran status could be a good thing for the Kings, Cory's age could catch up to him if he started having to deal with the grind of the Western Conference's schedule.  I'm not sure that it's such a good idea to bring in an older player who hasn't played in the West for a while. 

Jarome Iginla

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 21: Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Detroit Red Wings during their NHL game at Joe Louis Arena on November 21, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan.(Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

The Upside:

While Iginla isn't a natural left winger, I have no doubt in my mind that he would be a wonderful fit with Anze Kopitar.  He is a veteran, but he isn't over the hill.  Iginla is the power forward that the Kings desperately need.  I would call him a better Dustin Penner.  He has the size and skill necessary to open up some ice for the smaller Kings. 

Iginla has more heart than just about anyone in the league.  The situation in Calgary isn't ideal right now.  If you read my article about Iginla and the Kings, you will find more of my opinion on this matter.

The Downside:

There isn't a single bad factor with Iginla if you are talking about his play.  The only minor factor in a trade would be his salary.  Though, in my opinion, he is worth every penny.

Brad Richards

Harry How/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center on November 11, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Upside:

I don't think that there is a more underrated centerman in the league.  He shoots, skates and passes like a true master of the game.  There are so many endearing qualities in Richards' game that it would take up too much space here.  He is one guy who would make the Kings an instant contender, as I have read on many websites.  The rumors on this guy are out there as the Dallas situation isn't looking very good right now. 

The Downside:

As I move down this list, it's becoming harder and harder to come up with names.  I fully realize that the chances of this happening (and any of these happening) is slim to none.  Would the Dallas Stars be willing to give up Richards to a division rival?  Probably not.  Also, anyone who picks up Richards this year had better be ready to cash out during the summer.

Ryan Clowe

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

DETROIT - MAY 4: Ryane Clowe #29 of the San Jose Sharks skates back to the bench as Tomas Holmstrom #96 of the Detroit Red Wings is congratulated by his teammates after scoring during the first period in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals d

The Upside:

What do the Sharks lack?  Defense.  What do the Kings have?  Defense.  What do the Kings lack?  Another solid left winger.  What do the Sharks have?  A solid left winger. 

I'm sure you get the point.  The rumors about Clowe circulated all summer with the Toronto Maple Leafs as the number one suitor.  However, is he not the perfect player for the Kings to obtain?  He has size, skill and leadership abilities.  He has the ability to make the players around him better and I would honestly love to see him in a Kings' jersey one day.

The Downside:

Now I know that the Sharks are probably the Kings' number one divisional rival, and I know that this trade will NEVER happen.  However, isn't it nice to dream.  The real downside to acquiring Clowe would be watching what you have to give up.  Wouldn't you hate to see Jack Johnson in a Sharks' uniform?  I would.

Marco Sturm

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON - MAY 01: Marco Sturm #16 of the Boston Bruins lies on the ice after a hit in the first period agianst the Philadelphia Flyers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 1, 2010 in

The Upside:

Sturm could end up being one of the Bruins' cap casualties.  The Bruins' problems could end up being the Kings' good fortune.  I've already said enough about the Bruins in the slide regarding Marc Savard.  This slide is all about Sturm.

Sturm is a true veteran of this league.  He has seen anything and everything.  He can score 20 goals for your team and he isn't going to hurt you defensively.  Another one of the key advantages with Sturm would be that he has played in the West.  I don't think that many people realize just how much tougher the Western Conference is.  It's another league to be quite honest.  With travel and physical play, the West's style of hockey is something to witness.

The Downside:

The only real downside here is that Sturm is currently injured.  We don't know when he is going to be back and we really don't know what kind of shape he is going to come back in.  My other concern with Sturm would be his age.  It's not that he's ancient or anything, but he is aging.