Latest news with #Kings'
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Six NHL Free Agents Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland Should Pursue
Newly appointed Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland made it clear during his introductory press conference that while he's inheriting a strong 105-point team, he's not planning to stand pat. 'I don't want to screw it up,' Holland said on May 15. 'I want to add some pieces, make some trades.' With authority from ownership and a multi-year deal as GM and vice-president, Holland has the green light to make aggressive moves this off-season. Holland has long been known for his affinity for experienced players, proven leaders and reclamation projects. Above all, he just wants to win. With that in mind, here are six pending free agents he could pursue to push the Kings past the first round and into true Stanley Cup contention: Brock Boeser's time in Vancouver appears to be coming to an end. Despite a 40-goal season in 2023-24, reports are that both camps are separated on the term, and Boeser's camp wasn't pleased with GM Patrik Allvin's comments about his value at the trade deadline. Holland could seize the opportunity to add a high-upside right winger hungry for a fresh start and slot him into a top-six role in L.A. Adrian Kempe can play both wings, but the Kings' depth is at left wing, where they have Kevin Fiala, Warren Foegele and Andrei Kuzmenko if he re-signs. Alex Laferriere is a good young player with 42 points in 77 games this season, but he doesn't have the scoring upside Boeser does. Getting a proven high-end scorer works best for the Kings' competitive window. John Tavares may no longer be a top-line center, but his leadership and experience may be worth something on the open market. It wouldn't be surprising if Tavares re-signs with the Maple Leafs, but if Treliving lowballs their former captain, Holland could offer Tavares more cap hit and use him as a top-six winger or a middle-six center. In Los Angeles, Tavares would be part of a stronger leadership group that includes Cup champions Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. It wouldn't be up to Tavares to motivate a team like the Kings. The price has to be right here if he's to play in the middle, as the Kings have Anze Kopitar, Quinton Byfield and Phillip Danault already on their roster. Tavares still offers the intangibles Holland values: professionalism, accountability and the ability to set the tone for a dressing room. The Leafs' Mitch Marner will likely be the biggest target in free agency. While he said he loves Toronto, it should surprise no one if he hits the market after the way that team's season ended, the report he blocked a trade involving Mikko Rantanen and the constant scrutiny about his pending UFA status. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic said last Thursday he'd be surprised if the Kings don't try to sign Marner. He also said he'd be surprised if Los Angeles doesn't go after Connor McDavid if he doesn't re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers next summer, although that's not to say he won't sign a contract extension with his current team. Going after McDavid is the bigger story, but there's a sense that McDavid will re-sign with the Oilers after continuing to go far in the playoffs. Marner leaving Toronto is starting to feel like real life. He would slot in as the top right winger on the Kings and be an excellent set-up player for Kempe or Fiala. Three Potential Free-Agency Landing Spots For Mitch Marner In the wake of Toronto's second-round playoff loss to Florida, Mitch Marner's name has been all over the headlines. Brad Marchand's future in Florida is uncertain. He's fit in well, but as an aging pending UFA, the fact he left Boston means he might explore the market on July 1. There's no denying what he brings to the table: grit, playoff edge and an unrelenting desire to win. Holland has built successful teams around players like this in the past. If Marchand becomes available, he could be the exact emotional driver the Kings need to finally overcome a team like the Oilers in a playoff series. In an interview with the Players' Tribune in 2018, Marchand suggested that not every player who says 'winning is everything' really means it. said the following: 'Maybe it was my size, or just the way I was born, but I've always felt like you have to be willing to do anything – literally anything – in order to win,' he wrote. 'Even if that means being hated. Even if it means carrying around some baggage.' This is the kind of player the Kings need after being stuck in a first-round playoff rut for four years. Sam Bennett will likely draw significant interest if he hits the open market. Given the interest in his services, he might be foolish not to see at least what's being thrown his way. With his blend of speed, physicality and consistent playoff production, he's a perfect fit for a Kings team looking to get tougher and harder to play against. Bennett could easily become a fan favorite in L.A. and give the team a hard-nosed, second-line presence. Should the Kings let Tanner Jeannot and Kuzmenko leave, there would be a place for Bennett and salary cap room to make it work. Holland would have competition, especially if Marner leaves Toronto and the Maple Leafs pursue Bennett. But with a projected $21.7 million in cap space and 21 of 23 roster spots already filled for next season, Holland can try hard to win any sweepstakes. Holland signed Connor Brown in Edmonton, and after a bounce-back season with the Oilers, the speedy forward potentially priced himself out of the team's plans. This isn't because the Oilers don't want Brown. They must prioritize Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard, who will be ridiculously expensive to re-sign over the next year. For the Kings, Brown could be an affordable addition who brings speed, penalty-killing ability and a reliable work ethic. If Holland wants to steal a piece from a Pacific Division rival without breaking the bank, Brown is a natural fit. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Vladislav Gavrikov faces uncertain future as Kings new GM Ken Holland takes charge: Report
Vladislav Gavrikov faces uncertain future as Kings new GM Ken Holland takes charge: Report (Image Source: Getty Images) Kings' future is in doubt as he is marching towards free agency on July 1. The rugged Russian defenseman is poised to sign a significant new contract, and new general manager Ken Holland has to decide if he wants to retain him. With Rob Blake absent and Holland now running the show, the Kings are starting a new era. But retaining Gavrikov, one of their most consistent players, could be one of Holland's largest challenges this offseason. Ken Holland must make crucial Vladislav Gavrikov decision big pay increase The Los Angeles Kings are undergoing transformation. General manager Rob Blake, who preceded him, was ousted after a string of failed playoff campaigns particularly against the Edmonton Oilers. Ken Holland is now in charge, and one of his first big assignments is deciding what to do with defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. Vladislav Gavrikov joined the Kings from the Columbus Blue Jackets and emerged as a valuable contributor to the team. The 29-year-old defenseman last year registered five goals and 25 assists for 30 points. More importantly, he was a steady presence at defense and was instrumental in defending his own team's zone. Re-signing Vladislav Gavrikov is a priority, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports. But it will cost them. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Her body cannot endure this level of pain; please help her. Donate For Health Learn More Undo Vladislav Gavrikov makes $5.875 million annually now, but his next deal may cost more than $7 million per year. That would be quite a raise and the Kings must determine whether they can afford it. Also Read: As The Los Angeles Kings Set The Early Tone In The 2025 NHL Playoffs, Connor McDavid And Leon Draisaitl Remain Under Pressure A long-term deal could keep Vladislav Gavrikov and Jordan Spence together One reason the Kings would prefer to keep Vladislav Gavrikov is that he is paired with young defenseman Jordan Spence. The two have formed a solid twosome on the blue line, and Spence is a promising young star in the making. He's signed for the 2026–27 season, and Holland would like to maintain the twosome so that he can build a solid defensive foundation in the future. Pagnotta believes the Kings might give Gavrikov a five- to seven-year contract. A lengthy deal would provide the team with stability, but the financial burden may be the issue. Holland is new to his position and most probably will want to make sound financial decisions, not necessarily large ones. Still, letting Vladislav Gavrikov walk could weaken the Kings' defense and hurt their playoff chances. Whether Holland agrees to a big raise or finds a different solution, Gavrikov's future will be one of the team's most important decisions this offseason. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
QG to face IU in HBL PSLX qualifier
The action of the HBL Pakistan Super League season 10 (PSL10) resumes at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium as it is set to host playoffs of the league commencing from Wednesday, 21 May. The top-placed Quetta Gladiators will take on second placed Islamabad United in the Qualifier. The first ball will be bowled at 7.30pm, with toss taking place at 7pm. The Eliminator 1 will be played between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on Thursday, 22 May, with the match starting at 7.30pm. Eliminator 2 will be played between the losing side of the Qualifier and winning side of the Eliminator 1, scheduled on Friday, 23 May, followed by the final of the marquee event on Sunday, 25 May. Defending champions Islamabad United's Sahibzada Farhan is leading the batting charts and currently holds the Hanif Mohammad Cap, with 394 runs from 10 matches, including one century and two half-centuries. Kings' James Vince occupies second spot, having accumulated 374 runs from 10 outings, including one century and three half-centuries. Qalandars' southpaw Fakhar Zaman has scored 369 runs, including four half-centuries. In the bowling charts, Kings' Mohammad Abbas Afridi has bagged 17 wickets and holds the Fazal Mahmood Cap. Gladiators' Abrar Ahmed, United's Jason Holder, and Kings' Hasan Ali have taken 15 wickets each. It is worth mentioning here that The United, fourth in the standings before the last league-stage match, registered a massive total of 251/5 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a record-equalling 153-run opening partnership between Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan. Hales remained the top-scorer for the United with a 35-ball 88, studded with six fours and eight sixes, while Farhan made 73 off 41 deliveries with the help of nine fours and three sixes. Skipper Shadab Khan gave a late push to their total with a quickfire 42-run cameo. The United then needed to restrict the Kings to 203 or less to surpass them in terms of Net Run Rate and finish second in the standings. They eventually booked the 2020 champions to 172 in 18.2 overs to set up Qualifier clash against leaders Quetta Gladiators, which is scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. Disappointed Warner Karachi Kings captain David Warner acknowledged falling short in all three departments in the high-stakes clash. Reflecting on the defeat, Warner termed it a tough pill to swallow but emphasised that their focus remains on winning the next three matches to clinch the title. He vowed to regroup in the next two days and to make a strong comeback. "We can let this one go and focus on winning the remaining three games to secure the silverware. We have a couple of days to regroup, and we must bounce back stronger," said Warner. Warner reiterated that they were aiming to chase down the 252-run target to secure the victory instead of amassing the 204-run mark, which would have allowed them to remain second in the standings, and admitted their failure in all three departments resulted in the defeat. The target was big, but we were confident about chasing it. We aimed to show intent in the first six overs, and our priority was to win the game. We did well until around the 8th or 9th over, but then it slipped out of our hands. Our performance fell short in all three departmentsbatting, fielding, and bowling."
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
PSL 10: playoff battles begin tomorrow
The action of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will resume at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, which is set to host the playoffs of the league commencing from Wednesday, 21 May. The top-placed Quetta Gladiators will take on second-placed Islamabad United in the Qualifier. The first ball will be bowled at 7.30 pm, with the toss taking place at 7 pm. Eliminator 1 will be played between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on Thursday, 22 May, with the match starting at 7.30 pm. Eliminator 2 will be played between the losing side of the Qualifier and the winning side of Eliminator 1, scheduled for Friday, 23 May, followed by the final of the marquee event on Sunday, 25 May. PSL 10: Islamabad overpower Karachi to secure second spot Defending champions Islamabad United's Sahibzada Farhan is leading the batting charts and currently holds the Hanif Mohammad Cap, with 394 runs from 10 matches, including one century and two half-centuries. Kings' James Vince occupies the second spot, having accumulated 374 runs from 10 outings, including one century and three half-centuries. Qalandars' southpaw Fakhar Zaman has scored 369 runs, including four half-centuries. PSL 10: Lahore's dominant show knocks Peshawar out of contention In the bowling charts, Kings' Mohammad Abbas Afridi has bagged 17 wickets and holds the Fazal Mahmood Cap. Gladiators' Abrar Ahmed, United's Jason Holder, and Kings' Hasan Ali have taken 15 wickets each. Tickets update: The fans who have bought tickets for Eliminators 1, 2 and the Final can use them as per the new announced dates of the respective matches, while fans can purchase Qualifier tickets from and TCS Express Centres.
NZ Herald
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
New Zealand musician Kings shares emotional moment he sang for dying fan in hospital
A year or two later, Kings received a call from the boy's family. '[They said], 'Hey, that kid who wanted you to come, he's dying, he's got cancer.' And I was just like, 'Holy s***,'' Kings recalled. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kings (@kingsmusicnz) Wanting to honour the young fan's final wish, Kings flew to Christchurch to see him. 'I didn't realise how dire the situation actually was. He was on his deathbed, in a hospital bed.' Led to the room by the family, Kings performed one of his songs at his fan's side. In a moment that's stuck with him ever since, the boy passed away as the musician was singing. 'I was weeping. The family was like, 'You've crossed him to the other side', 'Thank you so much'.' The experience changed Kings' understanding of his music's impact on others. 'That was the first time I ever thought, 'Oh, I'm way bigger than I thought in terms of what a song is to someone, to what it was to me',' he said. 'Holy s***, music is so much bigger than I ever thought it was.' Kings is best-known for his 2016 song Don't Worry Bout' It, which spent 33 weeks at the top of the New Zealand charts and remains the longest-running number one single in the country. The track was also the best-selling single in 2016 from a local artist and has since accumulated more than 26 million streams on Spotify.
