As the Los Angeles Kings head toward the 2025-26 season, hoping to finally make a deep playoff run, there is some belief they will be willing to spend big if they're in a position to do so by the 2026 Trade Deadline. Recently, they were linked to a strong [https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25243726-5-nhl-trade-landing-spots-rasmus-andersson-amid-rumors] defender who could bolster their blue line. Rasmus Andersson, who is 28 years old, has had his name tossed around in trade speculation over the past couple of seasons. Last season, the Calgary Flames defender scored 11 goals and added 20 assists for 31 points through 81 games. Throughout his career, he has scored 47 goals and added 184 assists for 231 points through 536 games, which comes out to a 0.43 points-per-game average. While they were only considered an honourable mention when compared to the other destinations in the article, it is important to note that the Kings were mentioned as a potential fit, because it makes perfect sense. ANDERSSON COULD BE SAVING GRACE AFTER ROUGH OFFSEASON The Kings had one of the most interesting summers compared to their peers this offseason, with some questionable signings that have led to the defensive depth being in question heading into the 2025-26 season. After signing Cody Ceci [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/cody-ceci-signs-four-year-18m-deal-with-kings/] and Brian Dumoulin to counter the loss of Vladislav Gavrikov, who decided to join the New York Rangers, the Kings don't have the most trustworthy depth on their blue line. Adding someone like Andersson, who has proven to be valuable at both ends with the Flames, could be a strong addition. He had a bit of a slower season defensively, but he is still a solid player back there and could benefit from a change of scenery. Andersson has a $4,550,000 cap hit, which is very affordable for the Kings. A trade likely costs them a first-round pick and a prospect at bare minimum, but to stabilize their defensive depth, it's worth it. If Ceci and Dumoulin fail and aren't quite up to standard and are costing the Kings, pushing for a player like Andersson could be the problem solver. He is in the final season of his current deal, which was a six-year contract, and he is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA). The Kings shouldn't have an issue re-signing Andersson either, especially if they look like a contending team for the next few seasons. Stay tuned in with [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/players/kings-darcy-kuemper-ranked-top-10-goaltender-on-ea-sports-nhl-26] your Los Angeles Kings here at The [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/players/kings-2025-26-player-preview-alex-laferriere]Hockey News, as the 2025-26 season inches closer.
