Ken Holland will be the Los Angeles Kings next GM
Pierre LeBrun: The Los Angeles Kings and Ken Holland are finalizing a deal that would make him their next GM.
- Darren Dreger: There will be a press conference on Thursday to announce the hiring.
Rick Tocchet could have a new home soon
Darren Dreger: Rick Tocchet could have a new coaching gig soon. The Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, and Seattle Kraken are believed to be the top candidates. The Flyers are a good fit, and they want to be aggressive.
NHL Injury Notes: Heiskanen, Ekholm, and Stolarz
Some potential trade targets for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Throughout the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, they’re in need of centers and defensemen. At the AHL level, they have a bit of a weakness on the wing.
Michael Russo in The Athletic said that Minnesota Wild RFA center Marco Rossi could be available for trade. Rossi would be a nice fit for the Penguins with Evgeni Malkin likely retiring after next season.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas isn’t interested in UFAs on long-term deals, and trading for salary dumps would block some young players. Trading for RFAs and not offer sheeting them could be the route for Dubas. An offer sheet of $5 million-plus would cost a first and third.
Trading for Rossi could cost the Pens the New York Rangers first-round pick with lottery protection or one of their top veteran wingers.
The Buffalo Sabres have a few candidates in Ryan McLeod, JJ Peterka and Jiri Kulich.
Dallas Stars Mavrik Bourque hasn’t permanently found his spot on their roster. He’s an NHLer, but is he a center or a right winger. He’s been a healthy scratch in the playoffs. The Stars are cash-strapped for next season, and if they don’t trade him, he could be an offer sheet target.
NHL Rumors: Pittsburgh Penguins – Evgeny Malkin, Erik Karlsson, and a Rebuild?
Quick hits on some Penguins UFAs
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is the only notable pending UFA for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is replaceable with a more fitting, stay-at-home partner for Erik Karlsson.
Matt Nieto won’t be back. Joona Kappanen could be re-signed for depth, but he may be headed to the AHL. A roster spot with the Penguins wouldn’t be guaranteed for Boko Imama, so he may look elsewhere.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s new, and we’re just getting started. Rumor roundups and hot topics from around the league. We’re also posting some stuff on Instagram.