Kings shouldn’t be looking to trade for Panarin
John Hoven: Can’t see the Los Angeles Kings being interested in trading for Artemi Panarin. The Kings have a greater need for a center over a winger. If there were interested in Panarin, July 1st is when to make that move. Don’t give up the assets and it may take the team out of the running for a top-five pick.
Kovalchuk willing to waive his NMC … Islanders interested?
Dennis Bernstein: Los Angeles Kings forward Ilya Kovalchuk appears willing to waive his no-movement clause.
Have been told that the New York Islanders have talked about how he might be able to fit in.
Not sure how those talks progressed.
Andy Graziano: If the Kings would retain 35 percent of Kovalchuk’s salary it would put it at just over $4 million.
The Islanders could offer the Kings the Calgary Flames second round pick.
Not sure if GM Lou Lamoriello would want to go back down the Kovalchuk route again though.
Islanders could use scoring help
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Bob McKenzie on NBCSN said that with the New York Islanders in first place in the Metro Division, GM Lou Lamoriello will likely be looking to bring in some extra scoring help.
“So I would suggest that all things being equal, Lou’s going to be in the market for a little goal scoring help. I don’t think he’ll blow his brains out to get it. But I certainly think he’ll try to improve his hockey team, because you don’t always get opportunities like this. And Lou’s in the business of trying to win Cups.
“As I said before – and I’m not making Lou old, by any stretch. But he’s 76 years old and he’s got an opportunity here to contend for a Cup this year. I can’t imagine he wouldn’t want to take it and embrace it.”