The Los Angeles Kings are in the market for a new GM after parting ways on Monday with Rob Blake.
Still smarting from their fourth straight first-round elimination by the Edmonton Oilers, the Kings seek a different direction in the front office.
Whoever gets the job won't have to worry about finding a new coach. Team president Luc Robitaille said he expects Jim Hiller to remain their bench boss. Under Hiller's guidance, the Kings tied the franchise single-season records for wins (48) and points (105).
The new GM will have some roster issues to address.
Before Blake's departure, the Athletic's Eric Stephens indicated that tearing down the roster and rebuilding isn't an option with long-time veterans Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty under contract beyond this season. He also felt that tinkering around their core isn't a solution.
Stephens suggested the next GM initiate contract extension talks with Adrian Kempe. The 28-year-old forward is eligible for UFA status next summer. His $5.5 million average annual value has been a bargain for the Kings over the past three seasons, scoring 35-plus goals and exceeding 70 points twice.
Blake was working on a contract extension for pending UFA Vladislav Gavrikov. The shutdown defenseman is finishing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $5.875 million. It remains to be seen if he gets an extension with Blake's replacement.
What Does The Los Angeles Kings' Next GM Need To Address?
In the wake of the Los Angeles Kings’ fourth straight season of losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round, you knew something had to give in <a href="http://thn.com/la">the Kings</a>’ organization.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning are dealing with their third straight first-round playoff exit.
Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times observed that GM Julien BriseBois wasted little time squashing a rumor suggesting coach Jon Cooper might depart to the newly christened Utah Mammoth. During his end-of-season presser, BriseBois confirmed Cooper will return next season.
BriseBois admitted that top prospect Isaac Howard was unlikely to sign an entry-level contract with the Lightning. Winner of the 2025 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in US college hockey, the 21-year-old right winger can become a UFA next August.
BriseBois could keep trying to convince Howard to sign with the Lightning, but it's doubtful he'll let this situation drag on if the youngster insists on playing elsewhere.
Howard will attract plenty of interest if BriseBois peddles his rights this summer. Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now believes the youngster's offensive skills are exactly what the retooling Penguins need.
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