If you thought the Los Angeles Kings were done collecting former Edmonton Oilers, think again. Reports indicate that Kings General Manager Ken Holland is actively “kicking tires” on Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane.
This isn’t just a random inquiry; it is a calculated move from a GM who trusts the players he knows. Holland, who managed the Oilers from 2019 to 2024, has already brought Warren Foegele and Corey Perry to Los Angeles. Now, with the NHL trade deadline looming and the Kings looking to add grit for a deep run, Kane—a 34-year-old pending UFA—looks like the next piece of the puzzle.
Here is why this trade rumor has legs and what it means for the Kings’ playoff hopes.
The “Old Boys Club” Factor in Los Angeles
As an analyst who has covered Ken Holland’s moves for years, from his dynasty days in Detroit to his tenure in Edmonton, one thing is abundantly clear: Holland values familiarity above almost everything else.
In the high-pressure environment of the NHL, GMs often revert to their comfort zones. For Holland, that comfort zone is players who have gone to war for him before. We are seeing a distinct pattern emerge in Los Angeles. The acquisition of Foegele and Perry wasn’t an accident; it was an attempt to instill a specific culture that Holland helped cultivate in Alberta. Adding Evander Kane to that mix would essentially solidify the Kings as “Edmonton South.”
But beyond the nepotism narrative, you have to look at the on-ice fit. The Los Angeles Kings have historically been a heavy, grinding team. They play a style that wears opponents down over a seven-game series. While Kane carries baggage—he always has—his style of play is tailor-made for Kings hockey. He hits, he fights, he goes to the dirty areas, and he can still put the puck in the net.
Analyzing the Risk and Reward
At 34 years old, Kane isn’t the future of the franchise, but Holland knows that. This is a rental play. Kane is UFA-eligible on July 1, meaning the long-term risk for Los Angeles is minimal. The Canucks, likely looking to get assets for an expiring contract, would be willing dance partners.
The biggest hurdle is Kane’s 16-team no-trade list. However, history tells us that players rarely block trades to contenders, especially when the GM is the guy who gave them a second (or third) chance in the league. Holland brought Kane to Edmonton during a tumultuous time in Kane’s career; that loyalty likely buys Holland a lot of goodwill. If Holland picks up the phone, I expect Kane to waive that clause to join Foegele and Perry for a shot at the playoffs.
From a hockey standpoint, a line featuring Kane’s physicality alongside the Kings’ structural defensive responsibility is a nightmare for opponents. If the price is right—likely a mid-round pick or a B-level prospect—this is a classic Ken Holland deadline splash that could pay massive dividends when the checking gets tight in April.
Latest Los Angeles Kings News & Fantasy Pool
Stay ahead of the game with the absolute latest breaking news regarding the Los Angeles Kings and their playoff push. Do you think you know more than the experts? Prove it. Join our Fantasy Hockey Pool today for a chance to win cash prizes and exclusive gear.
Wondering how to watch the Kings game on TV today? Check our daily broadcast schedule on our website to ensure you never miss a shift. Make sure to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks for real-time updates, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter below for insider info delivered straight to your inbox.
The post Why Ken Holland’s Obsession With Former Oilers Could Land Evander Kane in LA appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
