Gagner talks “intensified,” per LeBrun; media reacts

Through reports by CBC’s Elliotte Friedman earlier in the week, LA Kings Insider noted that the Kings have been involved in trade discussions with the Edmonton Oilers surrounding center Sam Gagner. This news has been circulated thoroughly through multiple outlets today, with ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun reporting that “trade talks have intensified.” For ESPN Insiders, there is more here ($) on the NHL Rumors Blog.

On a radio hit with Sportsnet 960 in Calgary earlier this week, John Hoven of Mayor’s Manor did a thorough job of breaking down the Kings’ scoring challenges and the way Gagner would potentially be used in Los Angeles’ system. He notes that “you could probably look for Kyle Clifford and a draft pick to be going to Edmonton” in such a trade. Given that the Kings would need the Oilers to absorb some of Gagner’s salary to remain cap compliant, unless that draft pick is a high pick, likely a first rounder, it may require a larger package to land the 24-year-old with a high offensive ceiling.

Several interesting viewpoints have been shared on Twitter this morning:

Bob McKenzie, TSN:

Pierre LeBrun, ESPN.com:

 

Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal:

 

Dennis Bernstein, The Fourth Period:

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