On the Los Angles Kings …
Curtis Zupke of the Los Angeles Times: Kings GM Rob Blake won’t make a move for the sake of making a move. They’ve struggled of late but they won’t let that influence their trade deadline strategy. Blake said he’s not actively working the phones.
“I don’t think it’s any different conversations than you have at any other time of the year,” Blake said. “Obviously, with the deadline a month away, more conversations may take place. I don’t think it’s winning or losing that’s going to create that .”
The Kings initially thought they could use another top-four defenseman, but lately, it looks like they could also use some offense. Jeff Carter is about a month away from returning and it might take him some time to get back going.
The Kings have about $3.7 million in projected cap space and they may need to hold on to their draft pick to continuing building their prospect base.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: (mailbag) Believe that Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha are untouchables. Andreas Athanasiou could be another. Would listen to trade offers on anyone else, but there won’t be much interest beyond pending unrestricted free agent Mike Green and maybe the goaltenders.
Not sure there will be much trade interest in defensemen Xavier Oulette.
Jimmy Howard will be 34-years old in March and has another year left on his deal at $5.3 million.
Though Petr Mrazek has played well of late, he’s struggled the past two years. He’s a pending restricted free agent with a $4 million salary cap hit. The Red Wings won’t offer him a qualifying offer and he’d be a UFA after that. The New York Islanders might take a look at Mrazek. thinks they should keep playing Mrazek, and if he continues to play well, they might be able to get a decent return for him.