On the Los Angeles Kings …
Dennis Bernstein: (as of Friday night) The LA Kings were trying to trade for offensive help at the. They will check out the free agent market if they aren’t able to add scoring through trade.
Dennis Bernstein: The Kings had interest trading for Patrick Sharp at the deadline. would talk to Patrick Marleau as well.
Dennis Bernstein: After doing some investigating, in the Kings search for offense it wouldn’t be a surprise if they made a call to Joe Thornton‘s camp.
On Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton …
David Pagnotta: Several teams called Patrick Marleau’s camp today. He’ll be popular player leading up to the start of free agency.
David Pagnotta: Joe Thornton has been getting lots of calls today. He is still wanting a three-year deal. He’ll review each option/scenario accordingly.
On the San Jose Sharks …
Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Ilya Kovalchuk is reportedly still interested in returning to the NHL and has been linked to the Sharks in part because of head coach Pete DeBoer. DeBoer coached Kovalchuk in New Jersey.
“I loved Kovy in New Jersey,” DeBoer said. “We went to a Stanley Cup Final together. He was a huge piece for us there. I really enjoyed coaching him. I haven’t seen him in four or five years now. I’m sure there’s still a lot of game left there.”
DeBoer said at the draft that he had a good relationshiop with Kovalchuk.
DeBoer doesn’t know if Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau will be back with the Sharks next season.
“You think about it all the time,” DeBoer said. “They’re obviously important pieces in the history of the franchise, and in our group. I also understand the business side of this, and there’s always tough decisions to make. The way I approach these type of things is I’m going to go to Canada and relax, and Doug is going to make those decisions. I’m sure we’ll have a good group come training camp.”