Penguins may not be willing to meet Kings asking price
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Elliotte recently linked the Los Angeles Kings defensman Jake Muzzin to the Pittsburgh Penguins. A source familiar with the Kings said that they are looking for high draft picks for Muzzin, something that could take the Penguins out of the running.
As of last week, it doesn’t sound like the Penguins are close to trade or are aggressively trying to make one.
To trade or not to trade Toffoli
Lisa Dillman and Josh Cooper of The Athletic: Los Angeles Kings forward Tyler Toffoli has struggled this season – only five goals through 35 games.
Case to trade Tyler Toffoli
Cooper: He carries a $4.6 million cap hit through next season and is only a few seasons removed from scoring 30 goals. His shooting percentage is half of his career average but he is getting his chances. The Kings have hoped that he’d be part of their long-term core, but he could be someone that would bring back the biggest return for them.
Dillman: He may be dependant on others for success. Jeff Carter has also struggled this season. Toffoli is the forward that would likely net them the most return. He’s only 26 and still in his prime. His 200-foot game also appears to be missing. In 2014-15 he scored five shorthanded goals – he hasn’t scored one since October 2015.
Case not to trade Tyler Toffoli
Cooper: The Kings need young players for their rebuild. His confidence may not be there but he’s still getting his chances. Toffoli is a proven scorer and they shouldn’t give up on him yet.
Dillman: If the trade offers for him aren’t great, there is no point of moving him. The trade value of him and others who have struggled has diminished. He may have netted a first-round pick when he was scoring, but that may not be the case now.
The Edmonton Oilers are a team that might be interested in Toffoli. Toffoli had success with Milan Lucic. Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi hasn’t worked out as much as the Oilers had been hoping and they may be nearing the point of possibly trading him. He may be at the point where a change of scenery would be beneficial.