On the Los Angeles Kings …
Jon Rose of the LA Kings Insider: The LA Kings have spoken with San Jose Sharks free agent center Joe Thornton according to multiple sources. Thornton has played with Kings GM Rob Blake and Kings Senior Advisor to the GM Mike O’Connell was the GM in Boston when Thornton was there. Thornton has remained close with Glen Murray who works with the Kings player development.
The Kings haven’t made an offer and they may not be able to fit Thornton’s cap hit in and fulfill their other needs.
John Hoven: GM Rob Blake’s sales pitch may be working. Thornton could be leaning toward the Kings multi-year offer while the Sharks are still stuck on a one-year deal.
Dennis Bernstein: Think that Thornton will take his time making a decision and will review multiple offers that come in.
Dennis Bernstein: If the Kings were to trade Jake Muzzin or Alec Martinez for a winger, they wouldn’t go into the season with Paul LaDue, Kevin Gravel, Derek Forbort and Oscar Fantenberg as four of their top six defensemen.
Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider: LA Kings Insider has learned that the Kings will be signing free agent goalie prospect Cal Petersen. Petersen forgo his final college season and opted to not sign with the Sabres. Once Petersen told Notre Dame he was leaving early, he had 30 days to sign with the Sabres before becoming an unrestricted free agent, which he obviously didn’t do.
Jon Rosen: The Petersen deal is not official yet but it’s believed they’ve agreed to terms. Think they they can’t make it official until July 1st.
Dennis Bernstein: Can see an opportunity for Petersen to backup Jonathan Quick if he can outplay Jack Campbell in camp. Jeff Zatkoff is coming a poor season and is on an expiring contract.