The Kings come out of the All-Star break with an eight-game, 15-day swing through the EastCoast beginning today in Philadelphia.
In another season, their record through this stretch might make or break the season.
With the team buried in last in the NHL, wins and losses have become secondary.
The key to this season will be what happens behind the scenes over the next 29 days.
General manager Dean Lombardi will decide who to deal, who to keep and what the Kings can get to build for the future before the Feb. 26 trade deadline.
Rob Blake, the Kings' all-time leader in games played for a defenseman, is the biggest bargaining chip. He's 38 years old and in the final year of a two-year contract. But he's also a likely Hall of Famer and a veteran with playoff experience that could put a contender over the top. Blake has a no-trade clause, so he will have control over his destination, but he has said he would consider waiving his right if Lombardi asked.
Kings ready to play deal or no deal (Daily News) 
