As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Kings are considering adjustments that could make the difference between a long playoff run and early summer.

For the Kings, that buzz became even louder after the loss of Kevin Fiala. Fiala was an unfortunate victim of the 2026 Winter Olympics. As such, his absence left a noticeable hole in the Kings’ lineup, not only on the power play but also in scoring for the club’s top line.

With that in mind, the LA Kings at least Kick the tires on Andrew Mangiapane Edmonton Oilers player. A potential one-for-one exchange for former oilman Warren Voegele could make sense for both sides.

It’s worth noting that the cap hits are similar, the roles are similar, and sometimes a simple hockey trade, no draft picks, no salary gymnastics is exactly what the two playoff hopefuls need.

LA Kings could find depth attack in Mangiapane

The LA Kings have built an identity around structure, depth, and responsible two-way play. But Fiala’s injury exposed just how thin the margin is for the Los Angeles Kings, who are missing their top-line forward. Even with the addition of Artemi Panarin, the Kings’ top six suddenly looks vulnerable.

Mangiapane is perfect for that. He’s not a player who puts on flashy highlights every night, but he has a nose for the net and plays with an edge. Changing your mood can be great for men looking to reset. Mangiapane has proven in the past that given consistent minutes and power play looks, he can produce 20 or more goals in a season. On an LA Kings team that prides itself on puck possession and cycling down low, his quick release and willingness to drive through the slot could lead to timely goals.

From a cap perspective, this deal is clean. With similar cap hits, the LA Kings won’t have to shuffle major pieces to make the math work. This is important at a time when flexibility is limited and every penny counts. Rather than swinging for the fences, this move will be more about stabilizing the lineup by adding a reliable hitter to the middle of the batting order, so to speak.

Familiarity could help oil traders

Conversely, the Oilers will bring back a player who knows the field and understands the market. Vogele previously spent time in Edmonton, establishing himself as a hard-working north-south winger who can handle defensive duties while also contributing on offense.

Familiarity is valuable for teams looking to win championships. There is no adjustment period to the spotlight and expectations that come with playing alongside elite talent. Voegele’s straight game could complement Edmonton’s high-skilled core, and in some cases, that balance is exactly what a top-heavy lineup needs in April and May.

For the LA Kings, the math is simple. They can replace some of the offense lost to Fiala’s injury without mortgaging their future. Mangiapane will not be asked to lead the team, but simply to contribute consistently and perhaps rediscover his scoring ability in a new system.

The trade deadline season often results in complex multi-asset trades. But sometimes the wisest action is the simple one. If the LA Kings want to remain in contention for the Western Conference, this is a low-risk, potentially rewarding trade worth considering.

Nestor Kikstan Our experienced NHL analysts and baseball writers focus on covering each league’s clubs with news, analysis, and insight. A native of Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s unique experience and background have allowed him to bring a different perspective to the entire sports world. Nestor’s love of baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. Learn more about Nestor Kikstan