Although the Kings likely will make changes prior to the trade deadline, preparing for the 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series against the Colorado Avalanche at Falcon Stadium on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; NBC, SN360, TVAS2, AFN|sports2) has provided a welcome distraction.
"Obviously I'm still here, so I'm here just trying to enjoy the moment," Kings forward Tyler Toffoli, who can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, said on Friday. "If something happens, then that's what it is. I'm here to have some fun and be with the guys and just enjoy it and get a win [Saturday]."
Toffoli, 27, has 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) in 57 games this season. Defenseman Alec Martinez, 32, who could also be traded, has one year remaining on his contract. Martinez has eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 40 games. The Kings (20-33-5) are last in the Western Conference.
"The whole League is a little bit on edge, but, in our case, it's clear what we're trying to do as an organization," Kings coach Todd McLellan said. "There are some individuals that are truly affected by it. Their names have been on lists and talked about for months now. It gets a little tiring and becomes more stressful for a lot of people. But this event is a real good thing for us right now at this time of year."