Connor McDavid is being floated as the potential centerpiece of a Los Angeles Kings blockbuster, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast released during the 2026 offseason. The Kings have kept their roster moves low‑key, but Friedman says the organization is deliberately preserving cap flexibility to pounce on a generational talent like McDavid if he becomes available.
Why are the Kings hoarding cap space?
Friedman described the Kings’ approach as a “maximum flexibility” plan, allowing General Manager Ken Holland to execute an “LA‑type move” when the market opens. By signing veterans such as Corey Perry, Mats Zuccarello and Erik Haula on modest deals, the club kept its cap headroom near $1.83 million. That figure leaves room for a high‑impact acquisition without breaching the salary‑floor constraints that bind many Western Conference teams.
How does Connor McDavid fit the picture?
McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers’ captain and the NHL’s top point‑producer, would represent a seismic shift for any franchise. Friedman suggested the Kings could target him if the Oilers decide to move on or if McDavid reaches unrestricted free agency. While no formal offer exists, the mere possibility signals that Los Angeles views McDavid as a franchise‑defining asset, comparable to the impact of a player like Auston Matthews.
What other pieces are the Kings adding while they wait?
In the meantime, the Kings have bolstered depth with Haula’s two‑year, $3.6 million‑per‑season contract. Haula, now on his eighth NHL roster, cited his childhood friend Joel Armia—now a Kings forward—as a key factor in his decision. The pair roomed together during the 2026 Winter Olympics, giving Haula a personal glimpse of life in Los Angeles before signing.
What could a McDavid deal look like?
If the Kings were to pursue McDavid, they would need to navigate a “dollar‑in, dollar‑out” scenario, meaning any incoming salary must be matched by outgoing contracts. The franchise could consider moving a veteran’s contract or leveraging a trade to free up additional space. While no numbers have been disclosed, a realistic McDavid contract would likely exceed $12 million annually, demanding creative cap gymnastics.
What does this mean for the Oilers and the league?
The speculation adds pressure on Edmonton, which has built its roster around McDavid’s elite playmaking. Should the Oilers entertain trade talks, the Kings would be positioned to act quickly, thanks to their preserved cap room. For the league, a move of this magnitude would reshape the Western Conference power balance and spark a new era of high‑profile free‑agency battles.
What’s next for the Kings?
Friedman noted the club still hopes to add a puck‑moving defenseman, but any such signing will be weighed against the overarching goal of staying cap‑flexible. As the 2026 offseason progresses, fans can expect the Kings to continue fine‑tuning their roster while keeping the door open for a McDavid‑style splash.
Bottom line: Connor McDavid is now part of the Los Angeles Kings’ strategic conversation, and if the Oilers ever part ways with him, LA could be ready to make a historic move.