- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Kings have already locked up Alec Martinez and Jake Muzzin. They are trying to get a deal done with Justin Williams, and will also have to deal with Kyle Clifford, Martin Jones, Tanner Pearson, Jarret Stoll and Tyler Toffoli. Anze Kopitar will be a UFA after next season, and the Kings can formally start talking contract after July 1st.Mike Richards play in the next few weeks could dictate his future. He’s averaged more points in the playoffs than in the regular season since he’s been with the Kings. He had 10 points last year in the playoffs while on the fourth line.
The Kings may not know Slava Voynov’s status until after the trade deadline.
Some think the Kings will target Andrej Sekera.
Doubtful that Eric Staal will be traded.
Sources threw cold water on the Wild’s interest in Cam Ward.
Penguins GM Jim Rutherford will wait it out for the next little bit until they are able to get Patric Hornqvist back in the lineup after the All-Star break: “Then I can see what is needed, if anything. Get a feel for it.”
A couple teams doubt the Penguins will trade Paul Martin despite some of the rumors.
Rurtherford on trading one of their young blueline prospects (Brian Dumoulin, Scott Harrington or Derrick Pouliot) – “because we know what we’ve got with them, and it’s hard to find,” Rutherford said. “I would prefer not to… If it makes the difference I would consider it, but if I don’t trade them, the Pittsburgh defence is set for a long time.”
Rumor of a Ryan O’Reilly for Keith Yandle deal makes sense for both teams.
