Gaborik and Kings are close to a deal.

[CaptHowdy00]

Rumblings: Blackhawks, Ducks leading the pack for Kesler; Gaborik, Kings deal close - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN

The very last item in the article.

 

[oxnardkingsfan]

It's hard to believe the Blackhawks have the cap room to sign Kesler.

Ox

 

[Deader2818]

It's hard to believe the Blackhawks have the cap room to sign Kesler.

Ox

Kesler would have to be a trade so they will have to make other moves or giving up some roster players to the Canucks. They have around 4.6 mil in cap space right now but have some RFAs to sign. Towes and Kane are also going to be UFAs after this season so they have to lock them both up.

Might not matter though because ive been hearing they are offering Sharp for Kesler and also Spezza if Kesler doesn't work out so that would free up the cap space.

I can't believe Hossa has 8 years left on his deal and hes already 35 lol. I think he will be hit with the cap recapture if he retires early too.

 

[oxnardkingsfan]

Whoops, thanks for the correction Deader. I was thinking Kesler was a free agent.

Ox

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Whoops, thanks for the correction Deader. I was thinking Kesler was a free agent.

Ox

Chicago or Pittsburgh only. Pittsburgh is interesting, you would think going from one overrated team to another wouldn't be high on his list and he would actually like to accomplish some winning in his career in the playoffs.

Chicago seems like more a natural fit to me based on what type of center Kesler is but they would have to move someone in order to make that happen and as Deader said, Sharp is the guy I have heard. He was actually their 2C when they won the Cup last year.

If it were me, I'd make space elsewhere because guys like Sharp - 34 goals, leadership, big goals - aren't easy to find. His contract is a bit of an issue, but these are guys you hold on to when April and May rolls around although he had a poor showing this year.

 

[Deader2818]

Handzues was their 2nd 2C when they won the cup last year. Played a lot with Kane.

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Handzues was their 2nd 2C when they won the cup last year. Played a lot with Kane.

In the playoffs. Changes happen, Carter started the season as a wing and ended it as the 2C, Sharp anchored their second line almost all season long.

 

[Deader2818]

In the playoffs. Changes happen, Carter started the season as a wing and ended it as the 2C, Sharp anchored their second line almost all season long.

Yeah I know but thats why they made the move for Handzues because Sharp isn't a very good center. They put Kane there too hoping it would work. They have had 2C problems the last few years. When they made that trade Handzues went with Kane from the trade through the playoffs.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Yeah I know but thats why they made the move for Handzues because Sharp isn't a very good center. They put Kane there too hoping it would work. They have had 2C problems the last few years. When they made that trade Handzues went with Kane from the trade through the playoffs.

I agree, that 2C slot has been a thorn in their side for some time now. The Kings are extremely fortunate to have 4 good centers, that depth opens up so much in other positions.

Apparently the Ducks and Hawks are in on Kesler now too, should be interesting to see what happens. His fate determines Spezza's somewhat.

 

[Psych3man]

I told all my Hawk buddies, "PLEASE panic and trade Sharp". That would be stupid--they are loaded with talent and one bad bounce from another Cup. They should hold steady, get a midrange 2C and crank from there. But, I hope they do something stupid.

 

[Deader2818]

You know its crazy looking around on cap geek to see how many players have NMC or NTC and then you look at the Kings roster and no one has one lol.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

You know its crazy looking around on cap geek to see how many players have NMC or NTC and then you look at the Kings roster and no one has one lol.

I'm pretty sure that is a Kings philosophy, it's a trade off of sorts - Dumbo will pay you, and pay you well but in return you give that up in case flexibility is needed. This is the only reason why I am not more hell bent than I already am on Brown's retarded contract - if he shits the bed badly he can be moved. It'll be tough, but not impossible.

Last Kings player I recall having any type of NMC was Handzus and he left 4 years ago. Part of that also has to do with the CBA, NMCs only cover what would be the UFA years for players. Since a lot of the Kings' roster is young and they weren't really privy to one.

Kopitar's deal for example (7 years/47.6 million) could have carried a NMC for the last two years only on the deal since he would have been eligible for GIII UFA status for the first time after the 2014-15 season.

 

[Deader2818]

All signings pointing to a Gabroik deal today unless something major happens.

 

[Deader2818]

I feel like once Gaborik is signed and Mitchell either re-signs or leaves and King is signed the Kings will then focus on getting an extension done with at least Williams and Martinez and perhaps Stoll.

Maybe even lock up a few other RFAs for next season like Clifford, Toffoli, Pearson, Muzzin but since they are RFAs no real rush in doing so like with Williams, Martinez, Stoll.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

All signings pointing to a Gabroik deal today unless something major happens.

That's what I'm seeing too. My guess initially was 2 years/$9 million, but if they are going 3 years I will say 3 years/$16.5 million ($5.5 million).

 

[Deader2818]

Im thinking its 3 because it will take him to 35.

 

[Deader2818]

Wow, we were both way off. 7 years.

 

[DOD0083]

LA KIngs Insider, Jon Rosen, reporting 7 year deal for Gaborik.......

 

[Deader2818]

Jon RosenVerified account ‏@lakingsinsider

Kings, Gaborik agree on a seven-year contract extension.