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TSN reports that the Colorado Avalanche have traded winger Ryan Smyth to the Los Angeles Kings for defensemen Kyle Quincey and Tom Preissing, plus a fifth-round pick.
It’s been long rumored the Kings would be trying to secure a high-scoring forward. However, I’m not sure this is the answer. Smyth carries a $6 million-plus salary cap hit and scored just 26 goals last season and 14 the year before. I’ve enjoyed watching him play for a long time, but I wouldn’t expect him to provide much of a boost to the Kings’ offense. However, I would gladly eat my words to see him recapture the touch he showed from his Oilers years.
What does everybody else think of this deal?
TSN’s Scott Cullin has a really interesting, if lengthy, piece that looks individually at more than 40 of the NHL transactions that have taken place so far this summer. Great read. Check it out by clicking here.
Jonas Gustavsson met with Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke in Stockholm, but no decision has been made by the Swedish goalie. According to the article linked here, the earliest Gustavsson will decide is July 4, but the situation may take up to a week.
Of the four teams pursuing the man nicknamed “Monster,” Colorado is likely out after getting two goaltenders under contract this week. That just leaves Toronto, plus the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars as suitors.
Mixed reports coming out of Minnesota. This one says the Wild may pursue center Saku Koivu, uniting him with his brother, Mikko. While this report, while mentioning the Saku Koivu, possibility, says the Wild might be done signing free agents. What do you think?
