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With Los Angeles Kings captain and top-line center Anze Kopitar retiring at the end of the season, there is going to be a giant gaping hole in the team's roster.

It seemed assumed that 23-year-old Quinton Byfield would be the eventual successor of Kopitar and blossom into the team's first-line center. However, to this point, the second-overall pick of the 2020 draft hasn't grown into the role like the organization probably hoped. 

Therefore, Kings GM Ken Holland may need to work the phones again this summer to find some help up the middle if they want to remain a playoff contender.

Byfield has 13 goals and 33 points in 60 games, which isn't the level of a first-liner. It seems sensible to find another middleman to support Byfield, like a first-line and second-line center tandem.

Here are four centers that the Kings can look to in the upcoming off-season, in no particular order.

Nick Schmaltz, Utah Mammoth

Nick Schmaltz is the only player on this list who will be a UFA at the end of the year. He's in the final year of a five-year contract that paid him $5.85 million per season. 

Schmaltz will likely require a significant raise in his new deal, as he is on pace for the best campaign of his 10-year career.

The 30-year-old has already reached a personal best with 24 goals this season, along with 35 assists and 59 points. With that production across 64 games for the Utah Mammoth, Schmaltz is on track to record 75 points, blowing his career-high 63 points from last year out of the water.

In January, there were reports about the Kings potentially pursuing Schmaltz in the off-season, and that makes plenty of sense for the organization.

Report: Kings Could Be After Nick Schmaltz If He Becomes A UFAThe Los Angeles Kings are preparing for the loss of Anze Kopitar when he retires at the end of the year. They'll need a little more than Quinton Byfield in their top six at center, and Utah Mammoth's Nick Schmaltz could come into play in the summer.

Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks

There have been some soft trade rumors regarding Elias Pettersson ahead of the passing of the NHL trade deadline. However, nothing has been done on that front. 

Part of the reason that Pettersson hasn't been moved by the Vancouver Canucks is likely because of his current contract. He's only in the second-year of an eight-year deal that pays him $11.6 million per season. 

Taking on the rest of Pettersson's contract isn't an easy task, especially when his recent play is considered. The 27-year-old has 13 goals and 38 points in 56 games. Not to mention, he finished with 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games last season, the worst totals of his NHL career.

While Pettersson hasn't been playing to what he's worth against the salary cap, the Canucks are reportedly not interested in retaining his salary. It's not surprising that that would be a deal-breaker for GMs across the NHL, including Holland.

Los Angeles Kings' List Of Rumored Trade Targets Ahead Of NHL Trade DeadlineWith the NHL trade deadline just days away, it's unknown how aggressive Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland will be on the trade front. Nonetheless, here is a list of players that have been linked to the Kings in trade rumors this season.

But in a perfect world, Vancouver's Pettersson would be a great candidate to be a top-six center on Los Angeles. Don't forget, though the Swede has struggled in the past couple of years, before that, he registered 89- and 102-point campaigns.

Maybe he just needs a change of scenery.

Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues

Robert Thomas was one of the stars who was reportedly available at the trade deadline this year. Ultimately, the St. Louis Blues did not move him, which is likely because the asking price was fairly high, and he also has a no-trade clause on his contract.

With that, he's in the third year of an eight-year deal, earning an average annual value of $8.125 million. That contract lasts until the end of the 2030-31 season.

There haven't been plenty of connections or strong rumors linking the Kings and Robert Thomas together. But there was a conversation where TSN's Darren Dreger said that Thomas could be a fit in Los Angeles.

Thomas, 26, has 15 goals and 40 points in 46 appearances this season. He's on a six-game point streak, recording 10 points in that span. Last year, he registered a career-high 81 points, made up of 21 goals and 60 assists.

Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers

Many expected the New York Rangers to trade away Vincent Trocheck at the passing trade deadline. However, Rangers GM Chris Drury couldn't find a deal that matched his or the player's preference.

In fairness to the Blueshirts, even though Trocheck would've fetched them a valuable return, there is no rush to move the veteran center as he has term left on his contract. 

After this season, Trocheck will have three more years left on his deal, earning $5.625 million against the salary cap.

It was made clear that Trocheck prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference if he were to get traded. So even if Holland wants to circle back on the 32-year-old in the summer, the chances of agreeing on a deal seem unlikely, especially with his 10-team no-trade clause beginning July 1.

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ST. LOUIS – Has the ink even dried yet on the paperwork that sent Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders on Friday?

Maybe. Maybe not, but no matter what, that reunion is already upon us.

Schenn, a staple for hockey in St. Louis and the St. Louis Blues the past nine seasons, who was in his third season as captain, makes his return to face his old club here on Tuesday when the suddenly hot Blues (25-29-9) host the Islanders (35-23-5) at 6:30 p.m. in a nationally televised game on TNT.

Perhaps it’s best that things played out this way, get it out of the way as quick as you can so the player doesn’t have to think about it looking down the road, but for the 34-year-old, down the road literally meant a few short days.

“I don’t even know how to describe it. Weird,” Schenn said Tuesday morning. “When you get traded, you don’t think it’s going to happen that fast with everything. Just coming in, a couple former teammates came over yesterday playing mini sticks with my kids, now you’re facing them tonight, but the reality is it’s going to be different for sure. I got a job to do and play those guys hard, talk to them after.”

On Tuesday, Schenn will be, for the first time, opposing someone in a Blues sweater since 2017. That’s a long time. But there’s a lot of reflection about where he was and where he is now.

“Where do I start with everything,” Schenn said. “Just first and foremost, it’s an incredible place to play. The organization, the people, my teammates, a lot of good friends. Not just from this team but from the whole time I’ve been here. The fans and the people in the community are extremely special. They’re always there to help you out, they’re always here to cheer you on. It was just a great place to play for nine and a half years.”

The Blues will give their former captain obviously a thunderous ovation. A Stanley Cup champion, a big reason why they won it, won’t be forgotten.

“I hope to get a good reception,” Schenn said. “Obviously that’s what every player hopes for anyways. The fans were so good to me when I was here. I tried to come in with my time here, play the right way. I’ve said it before, play for the guys who wore the jersey before me. It’s been a great organization with a long history with a lot of great players. You feel like you owe it to them to go out there and put in a solid effort every night you wore the Bluenote. I’ve had a lot of people in this organization and in the community that’s helped along the way.”

Blues coach Jim Montgomery knows it won’t be easy to see Schenn on the other side.

“It’s going to be hard, being honest,” Montgomery said. “Meant a lot what he did in his career here as a Blue. Won a Cup, incredible teammate, incredible person in our community. His family, awesome; his wife, his kids. And then for me personally, coming here, he was unbelievable to work with as a captain. The communication was always there. I always knew where his heart and head was and what he stood for. I can’t thank him enough for how much he helped me.

“I think he’s going to get a huge reception. And deservedly so. He earned it.”

Former teammate and Blues winger Dylan Holloway agreed.

“I can’t imagine his turnaround, but it’s going to be weird for us too,” Holloway said. “He’s such a big part of our locker room. He’s a huge presence, huge personality and ultimately a great captain, a great leader and great friend. It’s definitely going to be weird to see him and hopefully he gets the ovation he deserves. He’s done a lot for this organization, a lot for all of us.

“He meant a lot to me. Great captain, great leader. I think of him as a great friend too. A friend for life. He’s just such a good guy. We were definitely able to have some good (memories) together with the whole team. I can’t speak enough about his character.”

Blues center Robert Thomas said, “It’s going to be really weird obviously. I think it’s going to be more weird for him than us, but hopefully he gets an amazing ovation. He’s been such a true leader here, such a a big part of bringing the city the first Stanley Cup. I know the fans will really show the appreciation for him tonight.”

But for Schenn, it was time to move on. He came to that realization when the Blues asked him for a second straight deadline if he’d waive his no-trade clause. Last year, it was still a full NTC. This year, it was a modified 15-team NTC.

“Last year, we had good momentum building into the playoffs,” Schenn said. “They asked me, obviously wasn't ready and made the playoffs and worked out in that regard.

“When you get asked two times in two years, the second makes your decision a lot easier, I would say. Not because I didn't love the organization and the city and everything else. They felt like they needed to go in a different direction and me and Justin Faulk were the guys out this year. That's just the reality of the business. No hard feelings. It's just kind of what you're faced with the business and where they're heading in their direction. I’m happy to be a part of this Islander organization. It’s been unbelievable for this short amount of time. The guys have been extremely welcoming. Everyone in the organization’s helped me out as much as they can. It’s not an easy transition moving midseason with three kids and everything else, but obviously the people around me made the transition as easy as possible.”

So when he steps on the ice Tuesday for keeps, just let the emotions go.

“There’s not much you can do,” Schenn said. “It’s been a crazy four days, five days. Not much sleep with everything that’s going on.”

- - -

Theo Lindstein will make his NHL debut against the Islanders.

The defenseman, who was recalled along with Otto Stenberg on Monday from Springfield of the American Hockey League, will become the third of three first-round picks by the Blues in 2023 to play in the NHL now, along with Stenberg and Dalibor Dvorsky.

“Unreal. I’m excited. It’s going to be fun,” Lindstein said. “I’ve got my family and it’s going to be fun.

“All of us were in that first round there and to have everyone here, it’s nice to have ‘Dvo.’ He speaks Swedish too. It’s good for me and for Otto too. It’s cool that we’re here together.”

Lindstein’s play in Springfield as of late had been really coming on, and Lindstein credits former Blues associate coach and current Thunderbirds coach Steve Ott for the transition.

Lindstein had six points (four goals, two assists) in 19 games since Ott replaced Steve Konowalchuk on Jan. 19.

“Since ‘Otter’ got down to Springfield, I feel like my game has been way better and I’ve been skating a lot more and getting used to the ice over here,” Lindstein said. “It took a couple games to get used to everything, but I feel good right now and ready to go tonight.

“Just play my game, use my skating more. Skate out from situations out on the ice and use my body more without the puck. That’s the thing we’ve been talking about and I’ve been feeling way better the last couple weeks.”

Lindstein will be paired with Colton Parayko, who returns after missing five games with back spasms.

“I think any time you get a talented young man like that ... I saw him this morning and talked to him about what a wonderful opportunity it is,” Montgomery said. “His smile and his eyes … he’s just so excited to play tonight. I think that energy’s going to be really good for us having to play in less than 48 hours after our last game coming back from two time zones.”

- - -

Blues Projected Lineup:

Dylan Holloway-Robert Thomas-Jimmy Snuggerud

Jonathan Drouin-Pavel Buchnevich-Otto Stenberg

Jake Neighbours-Dalibor Dvorsky-Jordan Kyrou

Alexey Toropchenko-Jack Finley-Pius Suter

Philip Broberg-Logan Mailloux

Theo Lindstein-Colton Parayko

Cam Fowler-Tyler Tucker

Joel Hofer will start in goal; Jordan Binnington will be the backup.

Healthy scratches include Jonatan Berggren, Nathan Walker, Oskar Sundqvist, Justin Holl and Matthew Kessel. The Blues report no injuries.

- - -

Islanders Projected Lineup:

Emil Heineman-Bo Horvat-Mathew Barzal

Calum Ritchie-Brayden Schenn-Ondrej Palat

Anders Lee-Jean-Gabriel Pageau-Simon Holmstrom

Anthony Duclair-Casey Cizikas-Marc Gatcomb

Matthew Schaefer-Ryan Pulock

Adam Pelech-Tony DeAngelo

Carson Soucy-Scott Mayfield

Ilya Sorokin will start in goal; David Rittich will be the backup.

Healthy scratches include Maxim Shabanov, Kyle MacLean and Adam Boqvist. Kyle Palmieri (ACL), Alexander Romanov (upper body) and Semyon Varlamov (knee) are out.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

ST. LOUIS – Has the ink even dried yet on the paperwork that sent Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders on Friday?

Maybe. Maybe not, but no matter what, that reunion is already upon us.

Schenn, a staple for hockey in St. Louis and the St. Louis Blues the past nine seasons, who was in his third season as captain, makes his return to face his old club here on Tuesday when the suddenly hot Blues (25-29-9) host the Islanders (35-23-5) at 6:30 p.m. in a nationally televised game on TNT.

Perhaps it’s best that things played out this way, get it out of the way as quick as you can so the player doesn’t have to think about it looking down the road, but for the 34-year-old, down the road literally meant a few short days.

“I don’t even know how to describe it. Weird,” Schenn said Tuesday morning. “When you get traded, you don’t think it’s going to happen that fast with everything. Just coming in, a couple former teammates came over yesterday playing mini sticks with my kids, now you’re facing them tonight, but the reality is it’s going to be different for sure. I got a job to do and play those guys hard, talk to them after.”

On Tuesday, Schenn will be, for the first time, opposing someone in a Blues sweater since 2017. That’s a long time. But there’s a lot of reflection about where he was and where he is now.

“Where do I start with everything,” Schenn said. “Just first and foremost, it’s an incredible place to play. The organization, the people, my teammates, a lot of good friends. Not just from this team but from the whole time I’ve been here. The fans and the people in the community are extremely special. They’re always there to help you out, they’re always here to cheer you on. It was just a great place to play for nine and a half years.”

The Blues will give their former captain obviously a thunderous ovation. A Stanley Cup champion, a big reason why they won it, won’t be forgotten.

“I hope to get a good reception,” Schenn said. “Obviously that’s what every player hopes for anyways. The fans were so good to me when I was here. I tried to come in with my time here, play the right way. I’ve said it before, play for the guys who wore the jersey before me. It’s been a great organization with a long history with a lot of great players. You feel like you owe it to them to go out there and put in a solid effort every night you wore the Bluenote. I’ve had a lot of people in this organization and in the community that’s helped along the way.”

Blues coach Jim Montgomery knows it won’t be easy to see Schenn on the other side.

“It’s going to be hard, being honest,” Montgomery said. “Meant a lot what he did in his career here as a Blue. Won a Cup, incredible teammate, incredible person in our community. His family, awesome; his wife, his kids. And then for me personally, coming here, he was unbelievable to work with as a captain. The communication was always there. I always knew where his heart and head was and what he stood for. I can’t thank him enough for how much he helped me.

“I think he’s going to get a huge reception. And deservedly so. He earned it.”

Former teammate and Blues winger Dylan Holloway agreed.

“I can’t imagine his turnaround, but it’s going to be weird for us too,” Holloway said. “He’s such a big part of our locker room. He’s a huge presence, huge personality and ultimately a great captain, a great leader and great friend. It’s definitely going to be weird to see him and hopefully he gets the ovation he deserves. He’s done a lot for this organization, a lot for all of us.

“He meant a lot to me. Great captain, great leader. I think of him as a great friend too. A friend for life. He’s just such a good guy. We were definitely able to have some good (memories) together with the whole team. I can’t speak enough about his character.”

Blues center Robert Thomas said, “It’s going to be really weird obviously. I think it’s going to be more weird for him than us, but hopefully he gets an amazing ovation. He’s been such a true leader here, such a a big part of bringing the city the first Stanley Cup. I know the fans will really show the appreciation for him tonight.”

But for Schenn, it was time to move on. He came to that realization when the Blues asked him for a second straight deadline if he’d waive his no-trade clause. Last year, it was still a full NTC. This year, it was a modified 15-team NTC.

“Last year, we had good momentum building into the playoffs,” Schenn said. “They asked me, obviously wasn't ready and made the playoffs and worked out in that regard.

“When you get asked two times in two years, the second makes your decision a lot easier, I would say. Not because I didn't love the organization and the city and everything else. They felt like they needed to go in a different direction and me and Justin Faulk were the guys out this year. That's just the reality of the business. No hard feelings. It's just kind of what you're faced with the business and where they're heading in their direction. I’m happy to be a part of this Islander organization. It’s been unbelievable for this short amount of time. The guys have been extremely welcoming. Everyone in the organization’s helped me out as much as they can. It’s not an easy transition moving midseason with three kids and everything else, but obviously the people around me made the transition as easy as possible.”

So when he steps on the ice Tuesday for keeps, just let the emotions go.

“There’s not much you can do,” Schenn said. “It’s been a crazy four days, five days. Not much sleep with everything that’s going on.”

- - -

Theo Lindstein will make his NHL debut against the Islanders.

The defenseman, who was recalled along with Otto Stenberg on Monday from Springfield of the American Hockey League, will become the third of three first-round picks by the Blues in 2023 to play in the NHL now, along with Stenberg and Dalibor Dvorsky.

“Unreal. I’m excited. It’s going to be fun,” Lindstein said. “I’ve got my family and it’s going to be fun.

“All of us were in that first round there and to have everyone here, it’s nice to have ‘Dvo.’ He speaks Swedish too. It’s good for me and for Otto too. It’s cool that we’re here together.”

Lindstein’s play in Springfield as of late had been really coming on, and Lindstein credits former Blues associate coach and current Thunderbirds coach Steve Ott for the transition.

Lindstein had six points (four goals, two assists) in 19 games since Ott replaced Steve Konowalchuk on Jan. 19.

“Since ‘Otter’ got down to Springfield, I feel like my game has been way better and I’ve been skating a lot more and getting used to the ice over here,” Lindstein said. “It took a couple games to get used to everything, but I feel good right now and ready to go tonight.

“Just play my game, use my skating more. Skate out from situations out on the ice and use my body more without the puck. That’s the thing we’ve been talking about and I’ve been feeling way better the last couple weeks.”

Lindstein will be paired with Colton Parayko, who returns after missing five games with back spasms.

“I think any time you get a talented young man like that ... I saw him this morning and talked to him about what a wonderful opportunity it is,” Montgomery said. “His smile and his eyes … he’s just so excited to play tonight. I think that energy’s going to be really good for us having to play in less than 48 hours after our last game coming back from two time zones.”

- - -

Blues Projected Lineup:

Dylan Holloway-Robert Thomas-Jimmy Snuggerud

Jonathan Drouin-Pavel Buchnevich-Otto Stenberg

Jake Neighbours-Dalibor Dvorsky-Jordan Kyrou

Alexey Toropchenko-Jack Finley-Pius Suter

Philip Broberg-Logan Mailloux

Theo Lindstein-Colton Parayko

Cam Fowler-Tyler Tucker

Joel Hofer will start in goal; Jordan Binnington will be the backup.

Healthy scratches include Jonatan Berggren, Nathan Walker, Oskar Sundqvist, Justin Holl and Matthew Kessel. The Blues report no injuries.

- - -

Islanders Projected Lineup:

Emil Heineman-Bo Horvat-Mathew Barzal

Calum Ritchie-Brayden Schenn-Ondrej Palat

Anders Lee-Jean-Gabriel Pageau-Simon Holmstrom

Anthony Duclair-Casey Cizikas-Marc Gatcomb

Matthew Schaefer-Ryan Pulock

Adam Pelech-Tony DeAngelo

Carson Soucy-Scott Mayfield

Ilya Sorokin will start in goal; David Rittich will be the backup.

Healthy scratches include Maxim Shabanov, Kyle MacLean and Adam Boqvist. Kyle Palmieri (ACL), Alexander Romanov (upper body) and Semyon Varlamov (knee) are out.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.