Report: Kings interested in trading for Sam Gagner
The Los Angeles Kings are interested in trading for Edmonton Oilers center Sam Gagner, according to Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada.
Friedman cites the Kings' third-worst power-play and Gagner's productivity with the man advantage (15 points last season) as to why the two would be a good match, with the biggest hurdle being Los Angeles' cap situation.
Gagner carries a hit of $4.8 million US and L.A. is looking to contend, not subtract. I'm not sure how much (if at all) Edmonton is willing to eat of this contract.
In terms of what Edmonton might want in return, Friedman says defenseman Jake Muzzin would be a likely target, but he'd be "stunned" if the Kings parted with the 24-year old. Apart from him, "L.A. only has five current defensemen locked up for next season and Matt Greene's injuries have complicated negotiations. Their best prospects aren't on the blue-line."
Gagner, also 24, has scored six goals and added 17 assists in 45 games for the Oilers this season.