On the Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks …
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Decision time is getting closer for teams with big name pending UFAs. LeBrun thinks the Jets will take another run at re-signing Dustin Byfuglien.
- One of the teams that would be a potential fit for Dustin Byfuglien is the LA Kings. The Kings don’t have a first round pick this year, something that is usually involved in high price rental players. The Kings do have some players in their organization that would interest the Jets.
- The Canucks will try to remain competitive while continuing to get younger. The Sedin’s are fully on board with managements plan.
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Pierre LeBrun on TSN 1260 on Dustin Byfuglien and the LA Kings.
“Well, because I think from the sources I’ve spoken to that the Kings have already indicated their interest in him to the Jets, first of all.
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“But adding a natural top-4 rightie there would put everyone back in the right box, I think. And frankly, would put them right there – right there – with Chicago as the top two teams in the West heading into the playoffs.
“Now, easier said than done. First of all, Kings are right at the cap. So for them to absorb Byfuglien’s cap number, even this late in the year, there would have to be guys going back. And how do the Jets feel about that. The Kings don’t have a first round pick. And maybe that’s the death knell for them.
“But I think what the Kings would try to do is make a package more enticing with younger players they have in the organization. They’re one of the best drafting teams in the league.
The Kings wouldn’t be alone in their interest for Byfuglien.
“I think the Dallas Stars would be in that group as well. I think that Dallas wants a top defenseman – another top defenseman – and I think that they would definitely look into it.
“But who knows how long that list of teams would be because I would argue that if the Jets can’t re-sign Byfuglien in Winnipeg and he goes on the market, he might be the No. 1 sought-after rental in this year’s trade deadline because of his unique talent set. I mean, it’s good enough just to be one of the better right-handed defensemen in the league – that’s impressive enough. But on top of that, his physical acumen and offensive star power – I mean, he’s got the kind of package that very few defensemen in the league have.”
