As I reported a few days ago the LA Kings and forward Patrick O’Sullivan are on the verge of finalizing a long term contract. Negotiations have been difficult for the Kings front office.
O’Sullivan was seeking $4 million per season on a short term deal and $5 million per season on a long term deal. O’Sullivan’s demands have come down a bit and the two sides have bridged the gap. The Kings are believed to have two offers on the table. Three year deal worth close to $11.4 million and a four year deal worth close to $16.5 million.

The LA Kings have had an interest in Daryl Sydor for some time.Rich Hammond of Insidesocal.com speculated on his blog that the Kings remain interested in Sydor but like I’ve been saying for a while Shero wants to go into training camp with Sydor on his roster and go from there.
Shero wants to see what he has first before adding or subtracting players. If the Kings are still in the market for an veteran defenseman in early October, this could be a possibility but expect to see Daryl Sydor in camp.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were among a few teams to inquire about Bruins forward Phil Kessel this summer.
Reports of the Tampa Bay Lightning having an interest in Mats Sundin are starting to gain some steam. Sundin to Tampa Bay is a major longshot but Lightning management have made it known to J.P. Barry the agent for Mats Sundin to keep them in mind if Sundin decides to return to during the regular season.
The Lightning are up against the cap and could free some cap space with Jeff Halpren’s injury. The team has also been gauging trade interest for Michel Ouellet and Jussi Jokinen. Right now it appears Toronto and Montreal are getting the most consideration from Sundin
Nashville has recently inquired about Jussi Jokinen.
Among the teams showing interested in Ouellet are the Vancouver Canucks.
The St.Louis Dispatch reports left winger Paul Kariya is looking to rebound from a lackluster 2007-2008 campaign.
Was Brendan Shanahan recently meeting with Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby in New York? check out my latest “Quick Hits segment” for the latest insight.
photo courtesy of Dan4thNicholas