February 28, 2024 | 4:46pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
KINGS INTERESTED IN TOFFOLI REUNION
Tyler Toffoli, forward
As the Los Angeles Kings evaluate their options around the trade market for a scoring winger, GM Rob Blake appears to have interest in a familiar face.
As TFP reported on Tuesday, Blake started exploring the league after forward Adrian Kempe went down with an injury on Monday and had an MRI on Tuesday to properly assess the extent of his injury. If Kempe is out for the rest of the regular-season, the Kings plan on using his $5.5 million cap hit to add a scorer up front.
TFP’s David Pagnotta reported on Wednesday that one player the Kings have shown interest in is former King and current New Jersey Devils right wing Tyler Toffoli.
Toffoli, 31, is in the final year of a four-year, $17 million contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1. He does not own any no-trade protection as part of his deal.
The Devils currently sit five points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and are also hoping to sign Toffoli to an extension. Failing that, and any traction towards a post-season seed, New Jersey GM Tom Fitzgerald could entertain the possibility of moving Toffoli.
#NJDevils sit 5 points back of a playoff spot in the East. Their next few games will factor into what they do with RW Tyler Toffoli, who’s in an expiring deal. IF they entertain inquiries, could an LA reunion be in the cards? Word is #GoKingsGo has expressed interest.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 28, 2024
For now, the Devils know the Kings could be an option if they decide to move the veteran winger.
Toffoli spent almost eight full seasons with the Kings from 2012-13 through part of the 2019-20 season before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks. He won the Stanley Cup with Los Angeles in 2014.