On the Los Angeles Kings…
Curtis Zupke of the L.A. Times: Rob Blake constantly is working the phones while exploring draft options. Contrary to last night, Gabe Vilardi expects to crack the lineup this year or next and will likely not be traded.
The Kings are kicking the tires on Ilya Kovalchuk, Jeff Skinner, and even Phil Kessel.
That said, the Kings picking at 20 should net a player they can work with.
“I think there’s good depth to the draft,” said Mark Yannetti, the Kings’ director of amateur scouting. “I think from picks, maybe 19-20, right where we are, we’re right at that cutoff. the picks from right around 20 to 50, or even 20 to 60, are very, very close. Maybe closer this year than any year I can remember in the past.”
This represents a telling quote. Furthermore, the Kings have an extra $4.5 million to play with due to the increased cap. Los Angeles will be aggressive. The dilemma lies in the fact that teams know this is out in the open. That increases any price of a transaction.
John Hoven of The Mayor’s Manor notes the abundantly clear need Los Angeles has for a top-line winger.
This is not a “We’d like to get one” situation, it’s more like a “We’re prepared to do just about anything to get one, it has to happen” scenario. Something is coming in the weeks ahead.
Again, Rob Blake senses the urgency. Rumors floating around the past few days suggest something will occur.
Will Wayne Simmonds be traded?
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Daily News: Ron Hextall deciding on trading Wayne Simmonds or not could come down to the return. Hextall wants a first-round pick and prospect in return. Will he get that?
The injury makes some other general managers pause. It takes a player time to recover and more than most understand. This is a player that can score 30 goals and perform well on the man advantage among other facets.
If a deal comes together, then so be it. However, the chances of a trade occurring appear to be low.
