LA Kings Initiate Coaching Search
The Los Angeles Kings’ General Manager, Ken Holland, indicated that he will be interviewing candidates for the head coaching position this week. Interim coach D.J. Smith remains a candidate for the role.
Utah Mammoth’s Offseason Priorities
The Utah Mammoth are preparing for their offseason with a projected cap space of $14.3 million and several draft picks in 2026. The team faces decisions on pending unrestricted free agents including Ian Cole, Alexander Kerfoot, Kevin Rooney, Kevin Stenlund, Vitek Vanecek, and Kailer Yamamoto. They will aim to secure veteran depth players on team-friendly contracts. Additionally, the Mammoth could integrate younger talent if top prospects Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers are ready for the NHL. Both 19-year-olds offer offensive potential, with Iginla scoring 41 goals and 90 points in the WHL, and Desnoyers accumulating 78 points in 45 games.
Evgeni Malkin Open to Playing for Another NHL Team
Evgeni Malkin has expressed his desire to remain with the Pittsburgh Penguins and retire as a Penguin. However, he has also stated that if the Penguins do not wish to re-sign him, he is open to playing for another NHL team. Malkin is scheduled to discuss his future with GM Kyle Dubas, with further talks planned between Dubas and Malkin’s agent, JP Barry. Malkin is committed to playing at least one more NHL season and is not considering a return to the KHL. Despite his age, Malkin demonstrated he still possesses significant skill, recording 19 goals and 61 points in 59 games this past season, transitioning from center to wing as the season progressed.
English Translation:
LA Kings Initiate Coaching Search
Los Angeles Kings General Manager Ken Holland stated that he will be speaking with other individuals this week regarding the Kings’ head coaching position. Interim coach D.J. Smith is considered a candidate.
Utah Mammoth’s Offseason Priorities
Key offseason considerations for the Utah Mammoth are being examined. Projected cap space stands at $14.3 million, with 2026 draft picks including their 1st, two 3rd rounders (one from CAR), two 4th rounders, two 5th rounders (one from CHI), and a 7th round pick. The Mammoth have pending UFAs in Ian Cole, Alexander Kerfoot, Kevin Rooney, Kevin Stenlund, Vitek Vanecek, and Kailer Yamamoto. The team will need to find veteran depth players on team-friendly contracts. They could also inject more youth if top prospects Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers are ready to make the jump to the NHL. Both are 19 and bring offense. Iginla had 41 goals and 90 points in the WHL, and Desnoyers had 78 points in 45 games.
Evgeni Malkin Open to Playing for Another NHL Team
Evgeni Malkin has repeatedly stated his desire to return to the Pittsburgh Penguins and retire as a Penguin, but his future with the team is not solely his decision. When asked if he would play for another team if the Penguins do not wish to re-sign him, Malkin responded with a “Yes.” Malkin was scheduled to speak with GM Kyle Dubas on Friday, and further discussions will take place between Dubas and Malkin’s agent, JP Barry. He is determined to play one more season in the NHL. Malkin commented, “I want to play in the NHL for sure, but I know it’s not easy for Kyle. Maybe he wants new blood here. I understand it’s a business. I understand he wants maybe a new team, see new faces here. For me, I want to play one more year in the NHL. I’m not looking (to go) back to KHL, play in Russia. But if not Pittsburgh, I hope some (NHL) team.” Malkin proved this season that he still possesses considerable game, notching 19 goals and 61 points in 59 games. He shifted from center to wing as the season progressed.