NHL Rumors: Kings, Sabres and Trade Talk
Milan Lucic against the Anaheim Ducks

On the Los Angeles Kings …

John Hoven: Multiple sources saying not much has changed with regards to Milan Lucic – LA Kings contract talks. The Kings are still holding firm on three years maximum at $6 million.

Jon Rosen: Hearing that contract talks between Lucic and the Kings have picked up again, though nothing is imminent. Talks are described as “ongoing.”

On the Buffalo Sabres …

Aivis Kalnins: Hearing that Zemgus Girgensons is considering a KHL deal with Dinamo Riga.

John Vogl: Girgensons is in Buffalo working out. The KHL can be a good bargaining chip for RFAs.

On the trade rumors front …

Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Bob McKenzie on TSN 1040 on what he is hearing on the rumor front. McKenzie notes that there are a lot of teams looking at making significant moves.

“Just kind of going through here… I mean, Anaheim has got a lot to deal with, even aside from the new coach. They’ve got to sign Lindholm and Vatanen on the blueline. They’ve got a decision to make on their goaltending with Gibson and Andersen. I just can’t see how they sign everybody, so I think there’s going to be a goaltender on the move there. I think there’s going to be defensemen on the move there.”

The Bruins and Avalanche would like to add a defenseman. The Hurricanes would like to a add a forward.

The Avs could be looking at Jacob Trouba. Could Tyson Barrie or Matt Duchene be available?

The Red Wings want to trade Pavel Datsyuk‘s contract and may have include Tomas Jurco or Teemu Pulkkinen to move him. If they can create the room, and if he becomes available, the Wings could be a player on Steven Stamkos.

The Panthers have moved some cap space to re-sign Vincent Trochek and others, but they are also looking to make some other moves.

The Coyotes could look to move their first round draft picks for some immediate help. They will make a pitch for the first overall pick, but they may not make a ‘serious pitch.’

The Maple Leafs could move some of their young assets for more NHL ready players.