Could the Kings target Canucks forward Elias Pettersson as a replacement for sidelined forward Kevin Fiala? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KINGS COULD SEEK A REPLACEMENT FOR SIDELINED KEVIN FIALA

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kevin Baxter reports winger Kevin Fiala’s season-ending injury could force Kings general manager Ken Holland to pursue additional deals before the March 6 trade deadline.

Fiala, 29, is the Kings’ third-leading scorer this season with 40 points in 56 games. He suffered a fracture to his lower left leg while playing for Switzerland in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala (NHL Images).

Kings president Luc Robitaille believes his club will have to adjust to Fiala’s absence. He believes general manager Ken Holland is “pounding the phone right now.”

Earlier this month, the Kings acquired superstar winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers to bolster their offence. Losing Fiala could have Holland seeking another scoring forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fiala has a $7.875 million average annual value. The Kings have a projected $15.7 million in trade deadline salary-cap space. They don’t have to put Fiala on long-term injury reserve unless they’re taking on significant salary in a blockbuster, multi-player move.

MORE SPECULATION OVER THE CANUCKS PLANS FOR THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports trade speculation continues to dog the Vancouver Canucks as their players resume practice for the return of NHL action following the 2026 Olympic Men’s hockey tournament.

The Los Angeles Kings are expected to scour the trade market in search of a replacement for the sidelined Kevin Fiala. Kuzma believes their recent acquisition of Panarin and long-time center Anze Kopitar’s looming retirement have them in “go-for-it” mode.

They could have an interest in Elias Pettersson. They have the cap space to absorb his $11.6 million contract. The 27-year-old center would be reunited with former Canucks linemate Andrei Kuzmenko.

Pettersson carries a full no-movement clause. However, Kuzma thinks a move to Los Angeles might pique his interest, especially since his wife lived there for 13 years. However, the Canucks would want a center in return, and the Kings aren’t parting with Quinton Byfield.

Kuzma noted that the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, and Chicago Blackhawks could use a No. 2 center. However, the best returns they could offer are prospects and draft picks, which won’t provide an immediate solution for the Canucks at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Pettersson could be a move that occurs in the offseason if teams are willing to part with a promising young center.

Kuzma also suggested that forwards Teddy Blueger and Conor Garland could be moved by the trade deadline. They seem more likely to go than Pettersson at this stage.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance recently suggested some distressed trade targets for the Canucks. Those would be underperforming players on rival clubs that might respond well to a change of scenery.

Dayal and Drance suggested Los Angeles Kings forward Warren Foegele, Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Strome, and Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton as potential candidates. They also included wingers Andrew Mangiapane of the Edmonton Oilers and Oliver Bjorkstrand of the Tampa Bay Lightning on their list.

They also examined some prospects from rival clubs that could help accelerate the Canucks rebuild. Options could include Conor Geekie of the Lightning, Jiri Kulich of the Buffalo Sabres, and Ivan Miroshnichenko of the Washington Capitals.