According to LA Kings Insider Rich Hammond, Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Jonathan Quick has undergone a 'minor' back operation for an inflammatory cyst and disc fragment. He's expected to be able to return "sometime around" the start of training camp.
The 26-year-old standout who led the Kings to qualify for the playoffs in the first place, recently signed a 10-year contract with the team. Los Angeles still has yet to deal backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier who requested a trade after Quick's recent signing. It's likely they'll still trade him, but Bernier will probably be sticking around through the start of camp in case anything causes a delay in Quick's recovery.
Luongo, Schneider, or both?
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Over the offseason, the Canucks gave backup goaltender Cory Schneider a three-year, 12 million contract, showing the team is looking for Schneider to make the backup-to-starter transition. There have been multiple reports of Luongo looking at teams such as the Panthers and Blackhawks, but GM Mike Gillis has said it shouldn't be a big surprise if Luongo at least starts the season in Vancouver. If that's the case, the Canucks would be paying the most money in the league on goaltending at 9.3 million.
Anaheim needs to get back in the game
Los Angeles stole the show last season in Southern California hockey, and now the Ducks need to quickly figure out how to improve during the 2012-13 season. The performances of Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf will play a huge role in how their season plays out.
Getzlaf went from finishing the 2010-11 campaign with a plus-14 rating, to completing 2011-12 at minus-11, recording 11 goals and 46 assists in 82 games played. That resulted in a 5.9 shooting percentage, the lowest of his NHL career (he was at 16.2 the year before).
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Perry went from recording 50 goals and 48 assists in 2010-11, to 37 and 23 this past season. His former plus-9 rating dropped to a minus-7, and his shooting average dropped by 3.8 as well. These two need to get back on their game for the Ducks to have a shot at a successful season.
Red Wings need defense
According to MLive.com, the Red Wings are reportedly talking to the Flames about acquiring veteran defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. Since former Detroit captain Niklas Lidstrom retired and Brad Stuart was traded to the Sharks, the Wings have needed a strong defender. And since Calgary's payroll skyrocketed after signing Dennis Wideman to a five-year, 26.25 million deal, this could be a strong option for Detroit.