The Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators are out of the playoffs and looking to build a winning culture. What does that mean for some of their players in the rumor mill?
With the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs underway, the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators are picking up the pieces following their first-round exits. There's already considerable speculation about their off-season plans.
The Athletic's Eric Stephens was critical of Kings GM Rob Blake's stewardship of the club. He pointed to his acquisition and signing of center Pierre-Luc Dubois last summer among several questionable moves that left the club with little salary cap flexibility to bolster their roster by the trade deadline.
The Hockey News' Austin Stanovich also said the Kings must rediscover a winning culture 10 years since they won a playoff round and the Stanley Cup.
Stephens believed the Kings would continue facing mediocrity unless a change in management took place. However, Blake's meeting with the media on Monday prompted Stanovich to conclude there won't be any front-office changes anytime soon.
Speaking of the underachieving Dubois, Stephens wondered if the Kings might attempt to buy out the remaining seven years of his contract or trade him. Blake, however, shot down that notion.
THN's Spencer Lazary suggested the Kings bite the bullet and trade Dubois to the Montreal Canadiens, believing the 25-year-old center won't be happy until he's suiting up with his hometown team. Meanwhile, THN's Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet's Jeff Marek suggesting the Kings ship Dubois to the Washington Capitals for goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
A trade is possible before Dubois' no-movement clause kicks in on July 1. However, it seems more likely that he'll be staying put.
Turning to the Predators, sorting out their goaltending is among the issues facing GM Barry Trotz.
Starting goalie Juuse Saros has a year remaining on his contract. The 29-year-old frequently surfaced in the rumor mill before the March trade deadline. With promising goalie Yaroslav Askarov waiting in the wings, speculation over Saros' future has carried over into the off-season.
Trotz can open contract extension talks with Saros on July 1. However, ESPN.com's Ryan S. Clark suggested Saros and Askarov share the crease next season, with the latter taking over the starter's job in 2025-26. Meanwhile, The Athletic's Joe Rexrode proposed trading Saros and his $5-million cap hit and use the savings to bring in some help for stars Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg.
THN's Rob Couch said the Predators are looking for more serial winners on the team, which are veterans with a winning resume who can help build a winning culture of their own.