On the Los Angeles Kings …
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Milan Lucic is loving LA. His family is adjusting to LA as well. Lucic will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, and he’d like to stay.
“I feel like I’m in a good place mentally and I just want to stay there.”
Contract extension talks haven’t really started yet.
“I hope it’s here, just because of how great everything has gone and good the transition has gone,” said Lucic, who is fourth in team scoring with 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points through 45 games. “I truly, truly deep down in my heart hope that I do get to remain a King after this season. Obviously, there haven’t really been any talks yet. They’ve had a lot on their plate with the Kopitar contract, but we’ll just wait and see what it’s going to look like moving forward. I would love nothing more than to remain a King.”
The Kings would like to re-sign him, but they’ll have to watch the salary cap. Kings GM Dean Lombardi said in an email that he’s already met with their cap specialist Jeff Solomon to see where they sit.
- Alessandro SereRosso: Kings prospect Alexander Dergachyov said that he’s not negotiating a contract with the Kings yet.
On the Boston Bruins …
- Boston Bruins: Bruins GM Don Sweeny on NESN: “We’ve been in discussions with Loui and the first priority will be to try and get him signed.” … “Obviously he’s a player that’s entering a UFA market. He’s trying to gauge what they may be & we’re trying to do the same” … “All along, we value Loui as a player, we love what he brings to our hockey club & we’d like to be able to keep him.” … “If doesn’t take shape… obviously have to do due diligence & explore whether or not we can continue to improve our team”
On the Anaheim Ducks …
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The depth on the Anaheim Ducks blueline has led to speculation that they could trade a defenseman for some scoring help.