Kovalchuk in NYI is an interesting proposition tbh. I think he might look good in the Islanders system and on a line with a center like Barzal.

Islanders would have to move money though. How about the Kings take back Andrew Ladd ($5.5 million for 3 more years), Kieffer Bellows and a 2nd or 3rd round pick? Islanders will swallow his entire contract (minus the bonus preferably)

Not saying the Islanders would or should do that, but I'm interested if you think the Kings would be interested

The Kings don't need the cap space. They're perfectly content to eat the cap space themselves. If they don't find someone to take him before the summer, they'll just buy him out and eat his full cap hit like the Hurricanes did with Patrick Marleau last summer. They'd obviously prefer to move his contract if possible, but they're not going to give up assets or take back longer term dead space to move him.

Kings wouldn't be interested in taking back Ladd (or any long-term dead space contracts) unless there's a 1st round pick or a grade A prospect coming back.

No chance Simmonds signs with LA. He wants to win now

If no playoff teams are interested in him then he'll want decent term and decent money. He liked being in LA.

Montreal rejects. Unless we are exchanging players, no point in giving up a pick for what we already have.

Kings don't need a player like Simmonds now, too many younger kids that need to play instead.