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:
To be clear, I can’t assure you Clifford + a pick or prospect for Gagner + EDM retaining $ is guaranteed to happen but it’s being discussed.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 6, 2014
Pierre LeBrun, ESPN.com:
Hearings talks have intensified over past few days between Edmonton and LA Kings over Sam Gagner… Whether it gets done or not, not sure…
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) February 6, 2014
Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal:
Oilers have long been intriqued by kyle clifford but I’d rather have dwight king in package if they are talking to LA re Gagner.#Oilers
— Jim Matheson (@NHLbyMatty) February 6, 2014
Keep coming back to Dwight King in any package for Gagner. Look, MacT isn’t giving away a 24 yr old with 450 NHL gms.#Oilers
— Jim Matheson (@NHLbyMatty) February 6, 2014
I remain a big Gagner fan. Closing in on 300 pts and only 24, and 450 plus gms.#Oilers
— Jim Matheson (@NHLbyMatty) February 6, 2014
Dennis Bernstein, The Fourth Period:
Hearing #Oilers asked about #LAKings Linden Vey in prospective Sam Gagner swap but Vey unlikely to be moved in this deal
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) February 6, 2014
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