Reports: It has been discussed that the LA Kings might make a trade with the New York Rangers in order to get  Forward who is…..

The majority of the Los Angeles Kings’ summer work has already been completed, but they could definitely benefit from adding another top-six winger before next season. Although it is quite unlikely, a young player on the team could make a significant leap and become that winger in the starting lineup. The Kings might try their luck with a different young player, preferably one from outside the organization who could use a fresh start. Reportedly, the New York Rangers have been ‘dangling’ the prospect of trading promising forward Kaapo Kakko, but the return has left them unsatisfied.

The Rangers are willing to let go of Kakko, the former second-overall choice whom they signed to a $2.4 million, one-year contract with in August. Although he hasn’t yet matured into the top-six power forward the Kings envisioned when drafting him, he does have some intriguing potential. Although Kakko’s left-handedness is a disadvantage, Rob Blake should still consider him. His maturity as a defensive player aligns with Los Angeles’s mentality and would undoubtedly win Jim Hiller over.

Kakko has shown glimpses of being a top-six forward in the past, and there is certainly a lot of talent. However, chances have been few in New York. In Los Angeles, where he is likely to be offered one of the top six roles, Kakko has a great chance of scoring big. Any of Los Angeles’s expected line combinations could benefit from his presence. The pairing of Kakko would be perfect for any of these players: Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala, Phil Danault and Trevor Moore. Where things get tricky for the Kings is with the price. A lot will depend on Quinton Byfield’s future contract, but they aren’t flush with cash and don’t have many tradeable assets.

The name Arthur Kaliyev immediately pops into my head, but he doesn’t seem to be getting any league-wide attention.  Alex Turcotte is a name that could be fun to play with. In 2019, a deal centered on Turcotte’s night interest in New York was based on three picks following Kakko. Having a versatile and hardworking forward on your roster, particularly one with a low cap charge, is always a plus. Although it would be expensive (Turcotte plus), it may serve as a foundation for Los Angeles.

Kakko might be the missing element for the Kings’ offensive game if they sign him and give him a chance to play in the top six.