The Kings have signed Tanner Pearson to a $2.8 million / 2 year deal.
Pearson, 22, is still five seasons from unrestricted free agency.
Pearson has played in only 42 games this season due to a left fibula injury. He has 12 goals and 4 assists in 2014-15.
“The Mayor” John Hoven reports the Kings are closing in on a trade for Hurricanes D Andrej Sekera.
BREAKING NEWS: LA Kings are finalizing a deal for dman Andrej Sekera from Carolina Hurricanes. Looks like 1sr rd + prospect (not Forbort)
— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL) February 25, 2015
5:09 PM: Elliotte Friedman confirms.
5:25 PM: Friedman says the prospect in the deal is Roland McKeown.
5:28 PM: Friedman says the pick is conditional. If L.A. misses the playoffs, the Canes will get their 2016 1st round pick, and L.A. will keep their 2015 1st.
According to Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington, the Capitals could be interested in acquiring a second-line center at the trade deadline.
Gormley lists Antoine Vermette, Mike Santorelli, and even Mike Richards, who’s currently playing in the AHL, as possibilities.
Vermette is a UFA at the end of the season and will be a costly rental as Phoenix is reportedly seeking a high draft pick and prospect; Santorelli could be had for less, but is a better fit playing on a third line; Mike Richards is a stretch landing anywhere unless the Kings are willing to pick up a sizable portion of his contract.
Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reports that the Red Wings and the Kings are keeping an eye on the Leafs’ RD Cody Franson.
In addition to the Kings, sounds like the Red Wings are keeping a close eye on Maple Leafs D Cody Franson.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 30, 2015
With the Leafs sitting outside the playoff picture, it seems a certainty that he’s moved before the March 2nd trade deadline if the Leafs don’t get his signature on a contract extension.
According to Elliotte Friedman, Mike Richards has been placed on waivers by the Kings.
Hearing Mike Richards of LA is on waivers today. Wow.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 26, 2015
It’s unlikely that Richards will be claimed, as he has five more seasons after this one on his contract at a cap-hit of $5.75 million. Richards turns 30 in a couple of weeks.
Acquired from Philadelphia for Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds on the same 2011 day that the Flyers sent Jeff Carter to Columbus, Richards has seen his point production steadily drop since the time of the trade.
The Mayor John Hoven reports that the Kings were working on multiple trade options for Richards over the weekend, but the final one fell through last night.
According to discussion by Elliotte Friedman and The Fourth Period, the Toronto Maple Leafs are actively pursuing a trade involving Mike Richards. Dion Phaneuf seems like the most probable candidate to be traded, but the Leafs are also entertaining offers on Nazem Kadri, James Reimer, Jake Gardiner, Cody Franson, and Joffrey Lupul.
The team is also interested in obtaining Jordan Eberle and Ryan O’Reilly, and any trade involving those players will likely contain Phaneuf. However, it is unknown if he is willing to wave his limited no-trade clause.
If the Leafs continue to struggle, which is likely, a trade will occur soon.
Image from Leech44 via WIkimedia Commons
From a HNIC segment last night with Elliotte Friedman and Damien Cox:
Cox reports that the Leafs aren’t looking to add pieces to improve the team’s chances at this season’s playoffs any longer. They are, however, looking to sign Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli, two players UFA-eligible after this season.
He also notes that while general manager Dave Nonis’ future is foggy at this point, president Brendan Shanahan isn’t a candidate to take over that role.
Cox notes that the Leaf player that teams ask about most is Morgan Rielly. Elliotte Friedman speculates (and he’s clear this is speculation), if the Leafs and Kings would consider a trade involving the large contracts of Dion Phaneuf and Mike Richards.
Friedman says that the Nashville Predators may have some interest in Chris Stewart of the Sabres. He mentions that the Flames have been linked to Stewart for some time. Stewart has been in trade rumors virtually since the moment the Sabres acquired him in the Ryan Miller deal last season.
Friedman says the Canucks and steady RD Chris Tanev are expected to begin serious contract talks this week. Tanev will be a RFA this summer.
From January 15th’s edition of TSN’s Insider Trading:
Darren Dreger reports that Blues goalie Martin Brodeur will take some time to evaluate his options, two of which include returning to be the Blues’ number three goaltender behind Brian Elliott and Jake Allen and accepting a front office job with the Blues.
Pierre Lebrun reports the message coming from the Coyotes is clear: they are going to blow things up. He says Antoine Vermette will be dealt, Keith Yandle will likely be dealt, if not now then in the summer. He also suggests they are open for business on defenseman Zbynek Michalek.
Darren Dreger reports that Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is after a third line right wing and is willing to trade a defenseman to get it, once Jacob Trouba and others get healthy.
Pierre Lebrun reports that the Los Angeles Kings have had talks with both the Jets and the Leafs, seeing if there is someone who might take on Mike Richards and his mega-contract. SPOILERS: There isn’t.
Lebrun reports that the Canucks are looking for a top-six forward, but aren’t interested in a rental. He also notes that sooner is better for the Canucks, as the trade deadline might be too late.
Lebrun also says that Marc Methot, with a new agent handling his file, will take another crack at contract negotiations with the Senators. Failing an extension, it seems inevitable that the Sens will move him at the deadline.