With the Olympic roster freeze lifting soon, GMs across the league huddle over mock trade boards, eyeing top targets like Dawson Mercer and Dougie Hamilton from a restless New Jersey Devils squad desperate to jolt their locker room. Edmonton's pivot to defense has names like Connor Murphy and Justin Faulk circling their radar, while Los Angeles scouts replacements for the injured Kevin Fiala, whispering about a Stamkos reunion.

The Kings face a nightmare scenario after Kevin Fiala's season-ending leg injury at the Olympics leaves a gaping hole in their top-six scoring. General manager Ken Holland, fresh off landing Artemi Panarin, now eyes a blockbuster replacement with over $15 million in cap space burning a hole in his pocket. Whispers from Nashville point to a certain $32 million forward as the perfect fit, but prying him loose means convincing a Predators GM who's dug in his heels so far.

Kevin Fiala pours his heart out in an Instagram message after surgery repairs fractures in his left lower leg from that nasty Olympic tangle with Tom Wilson. The Kings' third-leading scorer, who was producing at a point-per-game clip before the break, now faces missing the rest of the regular season, leaving LA scrambling in the wild-card hunt. With the trade deadline looming, GM Ken Holland has some tough calls ahead as the Kings cling to playoff hopes three points out.

Kevin Fiala collides with Tom Wilson and pays the price, sidelined for the NHL regular season's stretch run. The Olympian laments his first Games turning sour in a moment that stings both personally and for his club. Wilson's physicality leaves ripple effects back in the league, testing depth charts as playoffs loom.

Kevin Fiala's season-ending blow opens the door for Toronto and Los Angeles to dance as deadline partners, per league whispers. Leafs brass hunts scoring punch while Kings seek defensive depth in return talks. This pairing heats up fast as both camps weigh playoff odds without shaking up the core.

Los Angeles confirms the nightmare scenario as Kevin Fiala shuts down for the rest of the season, with full injury disclosure hitting Kings beat writers hard. Front offices buzz quietly about roster holes this creates deep into a playoff push. GMs around the league already pencil in trade calls to Rob Blake as LA recalibrates without their speedy sniper.