Report: Kings GM Blake not done trading

In case you missed it, the Los Angeles Kings and the Pittsburgh Penguins hooked up on a good old fashioned, one for one hockey trade earlier today. 

Heading to the Pens is snakebitten scorer Tanner Pearson, while the Kings get veteran speedster Carl Hagelin in return. 

The Penguins absorbed $250,000 of Hagelin’s salary in the deal, making it an even swap of salary. In effect, it’s a “change of scenery” deal for two struggling players on two struggling teams.

It’s no secret that the Kings have struggled this season, as they currently sit last place in the NHL. Suffice it to say, the Pearson trade isn’t where things end for the Kings and general manager Rob Blake. In fact, NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported earlier today that Blake is exploring multiple deals.

Check it out:

Sense I get is Kings aren’t done (might be done today), as GM Blake has been exploring multiple deals. Will be interesting to see how/if rest of team reacts before next domino drops

Specifically, Pagnotta goes on to identify defensemen Jake Muzzin and forward Tyler Toffoli as two players whom Blake has been shopping on the open market. 

Check out these quotes:

…The Kings had already discussed left wing Tanner Pearson and defenceman Jake Muzzin in trade talks with other clubs, most notably the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins. 

According to multiple sources close to the organization, the Kings are also exploring the market on right wing Tyler Toffoli, among others.

It’s unclear whom the Kings are specifically speaking with when it comes to Toffoli’s availability, but one league source told TFP last season the Kings had spoken to the Montreal Canadiens about him when they were inquiring about Max Pacioretty.

There is some belief trade talks with the Maple Leafs expand, perhaps to blockbuster status, and include Toffoli, while discussions with other clubs may get kicked into high-gear.

Interesting. No doubt about it that both Toffoli and Muzzin will generate interest on the trade market, but as with any trade it’ll come down to the return. Blake doesn’t seem too interested in a traditional, tear it down rebuild, but rather a quick retool in the hopes of getting his team back into playoff contention. No doubt the Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs would be interested in Muzzin, in particular. It remains to be seen whether or not Toffoli fits into those team’s plans though. Stay tuned.