|
Sam Gagner Rumors Pick Up as Kings Close in on Final Game Before Sochi |
|
|
|
|
|
The LA Kings are up against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight for the final game before the Olympic break, a hot Columbus Blue Jackets I might add.
Despite being an important contest for the team tonight all the talk seems to be circling around supposed trade talks with the Edmonton Oilers over center Sam Gagner.
And the Mayor did in fact tweet out some veiled Gagner hints over the weekend, and dropped his name in the interviews posted here in this tweet.
There are varying reports that the Kings are involving a defenseman in the deal also or possibly another winger aside from the aforementioned Clifford.
Rumors change direction quickly though so take it with a grain of salt.
Sam Gagner, 24, has been seemingly squeezed out of a loaded top-six in Edmonton this year. His cap hit doesn't help the situation either, as the former 6th overall pick is making $4.8 million a season through 2015-16. Gagner has already played a staggering 7 seasons in the NHL despite being so young. Here is a look at his career states courtesy of Hockey Reference
The latest news now is that the Kings are also talking with NYI regarding Andrew MacDonald. If the deal for Gagner involves a defenseman going to the Oil it only makes sense that a deal for a Dman would follow suit.
At this point Darren Dreger has reported that the Oilers are in control of the trade and will take their time making a decision. Perhaps it is a bargaining tactic by MacT to get other teams involved who are interested in Gagner. Who knows.
Meanwhile, here comes Columbus. The now seventh seed in the East Columbus. With a train wreck start to the season the Blue Jackets have found new life behind young talents like Cam Atkinson, Ryan Johansen, Boone Jenner, and Ryan Murray. The last time two teams met in Ohio the Kings were treated to a 5-3 loss. Columbus is an upstart team with a lot of promise, it should be a good game to watch and hopefully the Kings can come out with a little bit of life and energy after a two day break from the last game. Monday saw the Blackhawks come to town, and despite the Kings breaking out of the offensive slump with three goals, the Blackhawks potted five to extend the Kings current form to 1-8-1 in their last 10.
No doubt the Kings need a victory right now to leave for the Olympic break on a positive note. Regardless of the outcome tonight this is definitely a much needed hiatus for a team that looks gassed both mentally and physically.
More to come on the trade front as it happens.
Follow me on twitter for news and notes about the Kings and the NHL
++++I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR SPONSORS! If you, or anyone you know would be interested in sponsoring our blog here at HockeyBuzz then send me a PM!+++++
Los Angeles Kings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»