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A 1-for-1 swap between the LA Kings and the Edmonton Oilers could solve issues for both clubs at the NHL trade deadline.
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the LA Kings are weighing tweaks that could make the difference between a long playoff run and an early summer.
For the Kings, the conversation has grown louder after the loss of Kevin Fiala. Fiala was an unfortunate casualty at the 2026 Winter Olympics. As such, his absence left a noticeable hole in the Kings’ lineup, not just on the power play, but in the club’s top-line scoring.
With that in mind, the LA Kings should at least kick the tires on Andrew Mangiapane of the Edmonton Oilers. A potential 1-for-1 swap involving former Oiler Warren Foegele could make sense for both sides.
It’s worth noting that the cap hits are comparable, the roles are similar, and sometimes a simple hockey trade, no draft picks, no salary gymnastics, is exactly what two playoff hopefuls need.
LA Kings Could Find Depth Offense in Mangiapane
The LA Kings have built their identity around structure, depth and responsible two-way play. But Fiala’s injury exposed how thin the margin for the LA Kings can be amid the loss of a top-line forward. The Kings’ top six suddenly looks vulnerable, even with the addition of Artemi Panarin.
That’s where Mangiapane fits. He’s not a flashy, highlight-reel player every night, but he has a nose for the net and plays with an edge. A change of scenery can do wonders for guys looking for a reset. Mangiapane has shown in the past he can produce 20-plus goals in a season when given steady minutes and power-play looks. On an LA Kings team that prides itself on puck possession and cycling down low, his quick release and willingness to drive the slot could translate into timely goals.
From a cap standpoint, the deal is clean. With similar cap hits, the LA Kings wouldn’t need to shuffle major pieces to make the math work. That matters at this time of year, when flexibility is limited and every dollar counts. The move would be less about swinging for the fences and more about stabilizing the lineup, adding a reliable bat in the middle of the order, so to speak.
Familiarity Could Help the Oilers
On the flip side, the Oilers would be bringing back a player who knows the room and understands the market. Foegele previously spent time in Edmonton and carved out a role as a hardworking, north-south winger who can chip in offensively while handling defensive responsibilities.
For a team with championship aspirations, familiarity has value. There’s no adjustment period to the spotlight or the expectations that come with playing alongside elite talent. Foegele’s straight-line game could complement Edmonton’s high-skill core, and sometimes that balance is exactly what a top-heavy lineup needs in April and May.
For the LA Kings, the calculus is simple: replace some of the offense lost with Fiala’s injury without mortgaging the future. Mangiapane wouldn’t be asked to carry the team, just to contribute consistently and perhaps rediscover a scoring touch in a new system.
Trade deadline season often produces complicated, multi-asset deals. But every now and then, the smartest move is the straightforward one. If the LA Kings want to stay in the thick of the Western Conference race, this is the kind of low-risk, potentially rewarding swap worth exploring.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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