As we approach the March 7th NHL trade deadline, the chatter surrounding Carolina Hurricane forward Mikko Rantanen continues to ramp up.

Drew Livingstone (@ProducerDrew_) on X Darren Dreger just said the most likely spot for Mikko Rantanen to end the season is.... Los Angeles. Wow

According to producer Drew Livingstone, formerly of Sportsnet, esteemed TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger sees Rantanen ending up a Los Angeles King when the Trade Deadline dust settles. While it remains to be seen how general manager Rob Blake could swing a blockbuster deal for the coveted Finnish forward, it is safe to assume that it wouldn’t come cheap. Players that offer a package of size, skill, and speed like Rantanen aren’t exactly a dime a dozen.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has also speculated on 32 Thoughts that a team like the Anaheim Ducks might be looking to make a splash by bringing in The Moose. Could the idea of a star like Rantanen landing with LA’s Freeway Faceoff Rivals spur Rob Blake to go all in?

It doesn’t really fit in with LA’s stated desire of adding a top-6 right-hand shot to the mix, but does it really matter that Rantanen is a left-hand shot? He is, after all, a two-time 100+ point season player who has recorded 249 power-play points in his career. His acquisition would completely transform the Kings’ moribund power play. And at just 28 years of age, Rantanen would rejuvenate an LA team that is still heavily reliant on aging Anze Kopitar (37) and Drew Doughty (35).

So, who would the Kings be willing to part with? Trade speculation has followed defenseman Jordan Spence even back to last season. His ability to cleanly exit the zone and quarterback the powerplay could be enticing if Carolina is looking to add youth and skill to its blueline. Is defenseman Brandt Clarke also on the Hurricane’s radar? 

The former 1st round pick leads LA blueliners with 25 points this season but seems to have found himself in coach Jim Hiller’s doghouse of late. Would the organization even be willing to part with center Quinton Byfield to bring Rantanen to LA? 

After the Dodgers’ signing of MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani and subsequent World Series victory and the Lakers’ blockbuster trade for Luca Donic, is it possible that Rob Blake might feel the Kings need to go big-game hunting, too?

Stay tuned!