With the Stanley Cup Final done and over with, it's time to quickly shift our attention to the NHL draft and free agency.
The Los Angeles Kings already made a massive move this summer, dealing Pierre-Luc Dubois just one season after acquiring him, there's no questions about if Rob Blake will utilize that newfound cap to go big game hunting.
In the most recent 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman mentioned there will be a few good teams people aren't expecting who will be in on Jake Guentzel.
"I had someone tell me there's a lot bubbling under the surface [with Guentzel]," said Friedman. "And that there are some really good teams that you wouldn't think could do it, that are wondering 'how could we do it.'
Friedman then talked about LA potentially being in on Guentzel.
"I wondered about Kings, they cleared up a little bit of cap room with Kuemper."
"What this guy's said is, there are some teams out there," continued Friedman. "That want to know if they can get Guentzel, because they want him, they're good teams. But it might mean they have to perform some surgery."
Obviously, these aren't strong, "the Kings are in on Guentzel" links, but it is interesting that Friedman brought them up.
The comment about needing "some surgery" also stands out for LA. They've already started that process with the Dubois and could continue it moving forward.
Obviously, it would require another trade or two and potentially a bridge deal for Quinton Byfield, but it isn't impossible with roughly $23 million in cap.
If Blake is comfortable letting Roy walk and bridging Byfield, they could make a deal for Guentzel work.
The question then becomes, should they?
Adding a player of Guentzel's quality is never a bad thing, but I'd steer clear if I'm Blake.
He's a better, and very different player than Dubois, but I'd have similar concerns about chasing Guentzel.
This team isn't a star winger away from being a Cup contender. They aren't one piece away from getting over the hump.
Giving close to double digits for Guentzel doesn't change much moving forward and would be a big risk for a player who will be 30 to start next season.
On the flip side, getting Guentzel to be a star next to Byfield could benefit him as he moves back to center.
It would just be a big risk with limited pay off.
Still, it would fit in with Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty's window and it appears the Kings are trying to go all-in with those two one last time.
This deal seems very unlikely still, but it would be in-line with Blake's recent Cup chasing even if that is ill-advised.
Whether the Kings bring in Guentzel or not, this will be a fun off-season for Kings fans.