Inside the NHL
*Despite growing friction with management, the Los Angeles Kings won’t just give away Alexander Frolov but he’s a problem they would like to get rid of.
If Frolov is going to be dealt in the next couple weeks, it’s going to be to the Carolina Hurricanes, sources tell me.
Kings GM Dean Lombardi and Jim Rutherford are close friends and have dealt with each other on a number of occasions over the past couple seasons.
Carolina has been very active in trade talks and have targeted Frolov. Rutherford has been given the “OK” to add more salary if needed and ownership is not ready to give up on the season.
But, if this deal doesn’t go down by the end of the month or early December, it will likely be off the table. The Canes are looking to add Frolov for an immediate fix.
The Kings are seeking an NHL-ready player in return along with a draft pick or mid tier prospect. It’s unclear how many other teams are expressing serious interest in Frolov. It has been reported that the Oilers have interest.
Carolina has been scouting Pittsburgh and LA in recent weeks.
Canucks shutdown Gaborik
*The Vancouver Canucks gave the rest of the league a blueprint on how to shutdown Marian Gaborik Tuesday night; “Shadow Him”. That’s exactly what defenseman Willie Mitchell and the Canucks did. They didn’t give Gaborik any space and the Rangers only managed one goal as the Canucks beat the Rangers 4-1
Team USA Olympic Buzz
*Prior to the season, I felt Lightning winger Ryan Malone was a lock to make Team USA and he has only helped his cause this season. Malone is a Brian Burke type of player and netted his 9th goal of the season Tuesday night.
* I’m told Rob Scuderi is not under strong consideration to make Team USA but former teammate Brooks Orpik remains very much in the mix.
I’ve been getting some emails from fans about the prospect of Alex Goligoski being a darkhorse but I’m hearing he is not under consideration and management has already picked their top 6 with Orpik and a few others in the mix for the final two spots.
Bissonnette making his presence felt in Phoenix
Phoenix Coyotes forward Paul Bissonnette has been playing very well for Phoenix and as expected has been taking on all of the heavyweights in his way.