It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are almost into the month of June. However, there’s plenty to discuss on the hot stove front. Teams that are missing out on the Conference Finals are looking to improve their clubs. General managers aren’t resting with the NHL Draft and free agency coming soon. Today’s NHL rumours focuses on the Los Angeles Kings and a possible reunion with a Stanley Cup winner.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Los Angeles Kings Eyeing Forward for SoCal Return
Rumour: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said the Kings might look at bringing back Tyler Toffoli in the coming off-season.
Analysis: Toffoli ended up going to the Winnipeg Jets after being traded by the New Jersey Devils at the trade deadline. However, the Fourth Period revealed that a pair of former teams showed interest in bringing back the 32-year-old at the deadline. It was said both the Kings and Vancouver Canucks looked into getting Toffoli for the stretch drive.
Los Angeles originally drafted Toffoli in the second-round, 47th overall of the 2010 NHL Draft. He played for the team for parts of eight seasons before being sent to Vancouver at the 2020 NHL trade deadline.
Moving On
Pagnotta reported that Tofolli would not re-sign with the Jets in the coming off-season. He was acquired to give the Jets some scoring pop. However, Winnipeg was eliminated by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Scarborough, Ontario native registered 33 goals and 22 assists for 55 points in 79 games with the Devils and Jets this campaign.
Toffoli is an unrestricted free agent wrapping up a four-year, $17 million deal. However, it seems that Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is going to try and use that money in other areas. Toffoli has been traded three times since signing the deal with the Montreal Canadiens in the 2020 off-season.
Toffoli has accumulated 260 goals and 261 assists for 521 points for the Kings, Canucks, Devils, Jets, Calgary Flames and Canadiens. He was a Stanley Cup winner with Los Angeles. However, that title was back in 2014. He’s also won two IIHF World Championship gold medals in 2015 and 2023.
What’s the Deal?
One wonders what kind of deal the veteran will seek this off-season. The Fourth Period speculated that Toffoli is likely looking for another four-year deal. However, it’s unknown what general managers will be offering this July 1.
Teams could certainly use his scoring punch in the lineup. He’s been a consistent 20 and 30-goal scorer for a number of years in the league. Kings General Manger Rob Blake knows the pressure is on this season. Los Angeles has been a consistent playoff team, but has been thwarted by the Edmonton Oilers at every turn.
The Kings have a new bench boss after removing the interim tag from Jim Hiller. However, the team has expectations to get deep into the post-season. Blake is feeling the pressure despite being a Kings icon during his playing days.
A similar deal could be in the offering of around $4 million to $5 million. Veteran scorers like him are hard to come by and will be in demand this off-season.
What It Means
Both the Kings and Canucks want to be among the last four and beyond next season. A player like Toffoli could be useful in making that dream a reality.
Players like him don’t come cheap, but he could still be a good value. He’s won at the NHL and at the international level. Toffoli has scored 20 goals in 93 playoff games and played a large hand in the Kings 2014 Stanley Cup championship.
Both Toffoli and the Kings would love to re-visit old times. A reunion could be the path to making both things happen.
Main photo by: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
