How will the Kings replace the sidelined Drew Doughty on their blueline? What’s the latest on Flyers goalie Alexei Kolosov? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman wondered how the Los Angeles Kings will replace sidelined Drew Doughty. The 34-year-old defenseman requires surgery to repair a broken ankle and is listed as month-to-month.
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (NHL Images).
Friedman pondered which right-handed defensemen remain available in the free-agent market, mentioning Justin Schultz and Kevin Shattenkirk. He also suggested a rearguard could become available via waivers.
The Kings could also promote Kyle Burroughs, Brandt Clarke or Jordan Spence as Doughty’s replacement. Friedman doubts they’ll move Clarke because they added Joel Edmundson to pair with him.
THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens also examined the Kings’ options to replace Doughty.
Stephens thinks it’ll have to be a collective effort by the Kings blueline to offset Doughty’s absence. He noted they already planned to lean more on Clarke and Spence this season. He Stephens also suggested Tyson Barrie, Shattenkirk, or Schultz as external free-agent options if Doughty is out long-term.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have over $1.7 million in cap space to put toward adding a defenseman via waivers, trade, or free agency. They could also exceed the cap by placing Doughty and his $11 million annual cap hit on long-term injury reserve to address that issue.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Kings address this situation. They could look to within but it wouldn’t be surprising if they also opt for an affordable veteran addition.
RG.ORG: Sergey Demidov cites a source claiming Alexei Kolosov returned to North America to personally meet with Philadelphia Flyers management to terminate his NHL contract.
The source said the 22-year-old netminder’s goal is to negotiate the termination of his contract and return to KHL club Dinamo Minsk, where his salary has been reserved for this season. He doesn’t want to play in North America, but the KHL won’t allow him to play for Dinamo while under an NHL contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kolosov participated in the Flyers’ practice on Friday. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes he might get into one of their four remaining preseason games and could start this season with their AHL affiliate. The goalie also has a European assignment clause and could return to the KHL if he hasn’t played in the NHL by a certain date.