The Los Angeles Kings won’t be taking part in the 24-team playoffs this summer, so it’s time to get healthy and prepare for 2020-21. With that in mind, the team announced that Jeff Carter underwent surgery on June 4 to repair a core muscle injury. Carter is expected to be fully recovered for the next season.
Carter could very well be 36 when the next season starts and the front-loaded nature of his contract means he won’t be making very much (relatively speaking) when he does get back on the ice. With two years left on his deal but only $4MM in salary, he would be a potential option to trade out of Los Angeles in order to free up some playing time for some of their young talent. Carter does not have a no-trade clause in his deal, though there have been rumors in the past that he may decide to simply retire if sent to a destination he did not approve of.
- Reports surfaced recently that New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin had restarted preliminary talks with his KHL team on a potential new contract, though absolutely nothing was decided at that point. Today, Darren Dreger of TSN reports that Sorokin has changed his North American representation, hiring Dan Milstein of Gold Star Hockey as his new agent. Interestingly enough, Kirill Kaprizov, another high-profile KHL prospect (and teammate of Sorokin with CSKA Moscow) hoping to come to North America, recently parted ways with Milstein.
- Noel Hoefenmayer has added another trophy to his cabinet after being named the CHL Defenseman of the Year today. The Arizona Coyotes draft pick led all OHL defensemen in scoring with 82 points in 56 games for the Ottawa 67’s. Unfortunately, Hoefenmayer never signed with the Coyotes and instead had to settle for an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies a few months ago.
not a normal day here without an article mentioning Kirill
Gavin, does your calendar say April 1? “Unfortunately, Hoefenmayer never signed with the Coyotes …” ;-) He’s probably happier with the outcome, even though it’s with the Marlies. At least as a potential up-and-coming offensive-minded D-man, he might have a better path to the NHL, as long as his defensive game improves. Da Leafs definitely need guys that can defend well, along with being sound and smart puck-movers. And, with regards to Carter, thanks to some enlightenment from a CBJ fan, Carter may not have many desirable destinations, if his reputation is, in fact, preceding him. The Kings may be stuck with him for those two years, or be tempted to buy him out. Carter’s saga isn’t must-see TV or Radio, but it’ll be interesting to see Hoefenmayer’s development in the coming years.