NHL Rumors: LA Kings Coaching Search, Utah Mammoth Offseason and Evgeni Malkin’s Future

Los Angeles Kings Conducting Coaching Search

The Los Angeles Kings’ General Manager, Ken Holland, has stated his intention to interview candidates for the head coaching position this week. Interim coach D.J. Smith is among those being considered for the role.

Utah Mammoth Offseason Priorities

The Utah Mammoth are looking ahead to the offseason with an estimated salary cap space of $14.3 million and several draft picks in 2026. The team has multiple pending unrestricted free agents, including Ian Cole, Alexander Kerfoot, Kevin Rooney, Kevin Stenlund, Vitek Vanecek, and Kailer Yamamoto. The Mammoth will aim to secure veteran depth players on team-friendly contracts. Additionally, they may look to integrate promising young talents like Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers, both 19, who could make the jump to the NHL and contribute offensively. Iginla achieved 41 goals and 90 points in the WHL, while Desnoyers recorded 78 points in 45 games.

Evgeni Malkin Open to Playing Elsewhere if Penguins Move On

Evgeni Malkin has expressed his desire to remain with the Pittsburgh Penguins and retire as a member of the team. However, he acknowledges that the decision is not solely his to make. When questioned about the possibility of playing for another NHL team if the Penguins do not re-sign him, Malkin confirmed his willingness to do so. He is scheduled to meet with GM Kyle Dubas, with further discussions planned with Malkin’s agent, JP Barry. Malkin’s goal is to play at least one more NHL season and he is not considering a return to the KHL in Russia. Despite the uncertainty with Pittsburgh, he hopes another NHL team will offer him an opportunity. Malkin demonstrated he still possesses significant skill this past season, recording 19 goals and 61 points in 59 games, adapting to a move from center to wing as the season progressed.

English Translation and Paraphrasing:

Los Angeles Kings to Embark on Coaching Search

Los Angeles Kings General Manager Ken Holland has announced that he will be speaking with individuals this week regarding the team’s head coaching vacancy. Interim coach D.J. Smith is considered a candidate for the permanent role.

Key Offseason Considerations for the Utah Mammoth

The Utah Mammoth’s offseason strategy will focus on key areas. They are projected to have approximately $14.3 million in salary cap space and possess several draft picks in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The team faces decisions regarding several pending unrestricted free agents, including Ian Cole, Alexander Kerfoot, Kevin Rooney, Kevin Stenlund, Vitek Vanecek, and Kailer Yamamoto. The Mammoth will need to find experienced depth players who are willing to sign on team-friendly contracts. There’s also potential for the inclusion of more youthful talent if top prospects Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers are deemed ready for the NHL. Both players are 19 years old and offer offensive upside. Iginla posted impressive numbers with 41 goals and 90 points in the WHL, while Desnoyers contributed 78 points in 45 games.

Evgeni Malkin Willing to Play for Another Team if Not Retained by Pittsburgh Penguins

Evgeni Malkin has consistently expressed his desire to remain with the Pittsburgh Penguins and conclude his career there. However, he recognizes that this decision involves more than just his wishes. When asked if he would consider playing for another NHL team should the Penguins opt not to re-sign him, Malkin responded affirmatively. He was scheduled to discuss his situation with GM Kyle Dubas on Friday, with further discussions anticipated between Dubas and Malkin’s agent, JP Barry. Malkin aims to play at least one more season in the NHL and is not contemplating a return to the KHL in Russia. He stated that if Pittsburgh is not an option, he hopes another NHL team will offer him a contract. Malkin proved this season that he still possesses a high level of play, accumulating 19 goals and 61 points in 59 games, and adapted to playing on the wing as the season progressed.