Kings and Hurricanes after Nylander
The Fourth Period: With contract talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and William Nylander at an apparent standstill, teams calling about Nylander’s availability have increased.
Around twelve teams have called the Maple Leafs including the Los Angeles Kings and Carolina Hurricanes. Multiple sources have the Kings and Hurricanes have shown the most interest.
One source on Friday said that Kings may consider a package involving defenseman Jake Muzzin and left winger Tanner Pearson. More pieces may be involved. Muzzin has a year left at $4 million and Pearson has two years left at $3.75 million.
Another source has said that Hurricanes may be the frontrunners for Nylander, and any deal would likely have to include defenseman Brett Pesce. In the offseason, the Hurricanes and Leafs had spoken about Justin Faulk, but the Leafs should more interest in Pesce
Two different sources have said that Hurricanes have spoken to Nylander’s agent, with one source saying he believes they talked about a contract.
It is also believed that the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes have discussed an even bigger deal involving multiple pieces.
The LA Kings have been looking at trade options to help their team, with Pearson’s name coming up talks.
Roster changes could be coming next for the Kings
Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: The Los Angeles Kings have struggled to score this season with only two players recording at least 10 points – Drew Doughty and Ilya Kovalchuk. Anze Kopitar only have six points, Tanner Pearson has one, and Adrian Kempe only two.
“We’re evaluating these players just as much as we were the staff,” Blake said. “That evaluation continues from this point on, for sure.”
The Kings will be without goaltender Jonathan Quick and could see a roster change mid-season or at the trade deadline.