Report: Kings shopping for mid-level scoring winger after Phaneuf deal
The Los Angeles Kings made a huge splash Tuesday by acquiring Dion Phaneuf to shore up the back end, but it appears they're also seeking help up front, as TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports that they're shopping for a mid-level scoring winger.
Luckily for general manager Rob Blake, there is no shortage of such players on the market. Evander Kane and Rick Nash are the two most notable names rumored to be on the move, but players like Michael Grabner, Thomas Vanek, and Patrick Maroon could all be available as rentals.
The Kings are tied for 16th in goals per game, and after Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Tyler Toffoli, their forward production seriously tails off. The type of addition they're seeking, plus the impending return of Jeff Carter from injured reserve, would make Los Angeles a scary springtime opponent.
The club currently sits one point out of a playoff spot, but a ticket to the dance appears to be all the Kings need. They won the Stanley Cup in 2012 as the Western Conference's 8-seed, then lifted the trophy again two years later as a sixth seed.