NHL Trade Scenarios: 6 Potential Deals That Make Sense for the Los Angeles Kings

The next NHL season is still a couple months away but that leaves writers like me with plenty of time to come of with speculations and predictions. 

Dean Lombardi and the rest of the Los Angeles Kings have been really busy this off-season.  The team acquired all-star Mike Richards and signed another former Flyer, Simon Gagne.

That being said, there is always room for improvement.  You can bet that Dean Lombardi would love to add a top end right winger to take some of the burden off Justin Williams and Dustin Brown.  While those two guys are talented, they can't be expected to carry the entire team. 

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Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers

To Edmonton:

Viatcheslav Voynov
Kyle Clifford

To Los Angeles:

Ales Hemsky

When I wrote an article about Ales Hemsky coming to the Kings, an Oiler fan messaged me saying that the Kings should offer Voynov and Clifford for Hemsky.

After thinking about it, I realized that this deal really made sense for the Kings.  Hemsky's name has been linked to the Kings for a long time and he really could be a good fit.

Looking at the Kings' defense, does Voynov really fit in?  I don't think so.  To me, Clifford is a bigger loss. 

Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils

To New Jersey:

Jonathan Bernier
Viatcheslav Voynov
2012 1st Round Draft Pick

To Los Angeles:

Zach Parise

Okay, I'll admit that I had trouble coming up with a package that would be fair compensation for an all-star like Parise.  That being said, the Devils could find themselves in a situation where they are forced to deal Parise. 

You can bet that the Devils will want to deal Parise to the West.  Why not Los Angeles? 

The Devils are going to need a goaltender once Martin Brodeur retires and Jon Bernier could be that guy.  With Quick in Los Angeles, there really isn't any room for Bernier to be a number one guy.

Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs

To Toronto:

Dustin Brown
Kyle Clifford

To Los Angeles:

Colby Armstrong
Cody Franson

I'm going a little bit off the board with this one.  Everyone knows that the Toronto Maple Leafs, and more specifically Brian Burke, are in love with Dustin Brown.  He was an American Olympian and plays the kind of game Burke loves.

Armstrong is a good player who can score if he's in the right situation.  I really like the game he plays.  Cody Franson is underrated and could really help the Kings blue line as Matt Greene, Willie Mitchell and Rob Scuderi all age.

Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals

To Washington:

Viatcheslav Voynov
Justin Williams
2012 2nd Round Draft Pick

To Los Angeles:

Alexander Semin
2012 2nd Round Draft Pick

This probably isn't fair value for the Washington Capitals but in reality they might face a situation in which they have to trade Alex Semin.

Can they really have three of the highest paid players in the league on their team in Backstrom, Ovechkin and Semin?  I don't think so. 

Semin is another name that has been floating around the rumor mill over the years and he could find himself in Los Angeles if everything falls into place.

Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues

To St. Louis:

Justin Williams
2012 2nd Round Draft Pick
2013 2nd Round Draft Pick

To Los Angeles:

David Backes

The sole purpose of this deal would be to bulk up on the right wing.  There is no doubt that Backes could do wonders for the Kings.  He is a great player.

The Kings would have to give up a lot to get him.  If I were doing this deal, I would ensure that these assets were future assets and not present ones.  This deal would put the Kings in a position to win right now. 

Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning

To Tampa Bay:

Drew Doughty
Dustin Brown

To Los Angeles:

Steven Stamkos
Eric Brewer

Don't shoot me!  As a Kings fan, I would NEVER want this deal to go down.  The Kings can't afford to lose Doughty. 

The reason I bring this up is that there is a chance that neither Stamkos nor Doughty will agree to terms with his current club.  In that case, there is a high chance that a trade would occur.

Please Dean, sign Doughty!