Rumors and Notes: Kings, Hawks, Sobotka, Panthers and more
Aaron Ekblad and Marian Hossa
On the Los Angeles Kings …

Jon Rosen: Kings coach Darryl Sutter indicated that it’s too early to say if they will go with seven or eight defensemen.  A decision could come up next week.

On the Chicago Blackhawks …

Chris Hine: Marian Hossa said he thinks he’ll play in each of the final five seasons of his contract, but added that he evaluates on a yearly basis as to how his body feels and how well he thinks he can still play.

On Las Vegas …

Michael Traikos: Ralph Krueger on the vacant coaching position with the expansion Las Vegas team: “I’m very passionate about what I’m doing in Southhampton right now. It’s what I’m committed to.”

On Vladimir Sobotka

Aivis Kalnins: Vladimir Sobotka couldn’t get out of his KHL contract because the buyout window had closed and won’t open again until December.

On waivers …

Cap Friendly: Teams are allowed to put players on waivers starting today at noon, 12 days before the start of the regular season.

On the Florida Panthers …

George Richards: Aaron Ekblad said that his World Cup injury was whiplash and not a concussion.

George Richards: A concussion spotter pulled Nick Bjugstad from Tuesday’s game for further evaluation. He was deemed okay.

On the St. Louis Blues …

Jeremy Rutherford: Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said that Jaden Schwartz‘s injury is not serious, but they are going to hold him, and Robby Fabbri, out for a few days.

On the Washington Capitals …

Aivis Kalnins: Capitals goalie prospect Ilya Samsonov said that he’ll remain in the KHL until 2018.

On the Philadelphia Flyers …

Jordan Hall: Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas (wrist injury) is close to being 100 percent.

Philadelphia Flyers: Flyers defenseman Nick Schultz is out four to seven days with a lower-body injury.

On the Columbus Blue Jackets …

Rob Mixer: Dillon Heatherington will be out six weeks with a broken wrist.