Juuse Saros almost moved to the Kings during the season

The goaltending situation in Los Angeles is not over yet.

Just as the club was emerging from its rebuild faster than anticipated, Joonas Korpisalo was acquired by the Kings at the last trade deadline. Jonathan Quick, meanwhile, moved to the Golden Knights against his will.

Korpisalo, who becomes a free agent this summer, did well in the regular season before completely falling apart in the playoffs. It’s not certain he’ll be back in LA next year.

Cal Petersen, who played 40 games in the AHL after signing a $5 million per season contract, was traded to the Flyers today.

The Kings’ only goaltender under contract as of today is Pheonix Copley.

David Pagnotta (The Fourth Period) revealed on his Twitter account that the Kings had discussed the possibility of acquiring Juuse Saros from the Predators earlier this season. This was before they got their hands on Korpisalo, and such a deal would have netted the Preds several first-round picks and several prospects.

The Kings/Predators had discussed a trade involving goalie Juuse Saros during the season, prior to LA landing Korpisalo/Gavrikov. A package involved multiple 1sts/prospects. I’m curious if LA revisits these talks this month or if that ship has sailed.

– David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 7, 2023

Although the reason for the aborted talks is unknown, Pagnotta expressed curiosity as to whether the Kings might revisit this scenario in the off-season.

Saros, who has been excellent under the circumstances for Nashville, also earns $5 million a year until 2025, i.e. the next two seasons.

By trading Niederreiter, Granlund, Ekholm and Jeannot, the Preds had truly respected their seller status. And with the anticipated emergence of Yaroslav Askarov, the team could have afforded to lose 28-year-old Saros for a good return. That’s still the case, even if Askarov’s first NHL game wasn’t a rosy one against the Habs.

Connor Hellebuyck could also be an option for the Kings, who will earn $6.16 million a year in 2023-2024.

In a gust

– Whew, the air quality.

We’re getting closer to first pitch here at Yankee Stadium and the air quality is real bad. It’s ominous. Smells like smoke.

Meanwhile, Triple-A SWB just postponed their game due to poor air quality… pic.twitter.com/UZMoAvpYTL

– Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) June 6, 2023

– Read more.

Ethan Gauthier made his first NHL evaluation camp appearance with the Flyers and Daniel Brière.

Brière had a perfect nickname for Denis Gauthier’s son in another era.

Nice story between a handsome prospect and a GM. https://t.co/W4u8AcTNjj

– J-F Chaumont (@JFChaumontJDM) June 6, 2023

– Transaction at the Remparts.