On the Los Angeles Kings …
- Darren Dreger: The Kings are inching closer to acquiring Justin Schultz and Teddy Purcell. Have been told that it’s unlikely a roster player is heading to Edmonton
- Darren Dreger: The Kings are still mulling over Teddy Purcell and Justin Schultz. They are in no rush and could wait until Monday, if at all.
- Pierre LeBrun: Think that the Kings are still interested in Teddy Purcell, but wonder if they are watching the Mikkel Boedker situation.
- Dennis Bernstein: The Kings need a defenseman that coach Darryl Sutter trusts. Best available for the Kings are Dan Hamhuis and then Kris Russell.
- Jon Rosen: Haven’t heard that there has been any interest in Kris Russell. Things can change, but haven’t heard his name come up.
- The Fourth Period: The Kings are still looking to add a top-six forward and a top-four defenseman.They remain talking to the Oilers about Teddy Purcell and Justin Schultz. The Kings remain interested in Mikkel Boedker, Jamie McGinn, Jiri Hudler and Kris Russell.They’ve kicked tires on Loui Eriksson, but sources saying the Bruins and Eriksson will be spending the weekend trying to work out a deal.
The Kings have also kicked tires on Dan Hamhuis.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: The Kings don’t have a first round pick and may be reluctant to move their second.
“We have a window of I think five years, probably, if you look at our core with Kopitar, Doughty, Quick and Carter, so it’s about adding the right piece,” Blake said. “Cap-wise, we’re obviously tight against it going forward, but we have a little wiggle room this year so it’ll have to be a UFA. But I don’t think Dean is willing to move high-end picks anymore. We don’t have a first this year and we do have to restock a little in the minors. Dean has been real conscious the last few weeks of looking at our drafts picks, the ones that have turned out and the ones we have moved. I know he’s a little cautious.”
Blake on their need add to their backend.
“I think we could look to improve the bottom-end of our defense and it might not be as costly,” Blake said. “Our top three with Doughty, Muzzin and Martinez, they’re solid, but the bottom end we might be able to fill with a veteran that can help us in situations.
“It’ll be interesting. Dean does his job very well. He talks to everybody and looks at everything. I’m sure he’ll have something.”