Ray Whitney...Done Deal?

The Wizard to Hollywood?

First off, this 'rumor' is courtesy of Hockeybuzz contributor Matthew Barry.  The majority of that website is pure garbage so I'd be skeptical, at best.  But since I think Whitney is on the Kings' radar anyways, I figured I'd throw in my two cents.

Per Barry

Whitney was supposed to be a King by this past weekend. He had apparently waived his no-trade clause.

Ray Whitney is quickly becoming a hot commodity among those teams looking to bolster their offense at the deadline.  For those teams that can't afford Kovalchuk's price tag; Whitney comes at very affordable $3.550 million cap hit.  Many are speculating that Whitney's intentions are to re-sign with Carolina following the season so he's purely a rental.

I watched the Canes/Oilers game today and Whitney aka 'The Wizard' would help any teams top two-lines and power play.  At 37, Whitney is still a highly productive player.  His 41 points (16G, 25A) would make him the Kings' third-highest scorer.

Darren Dreger lists Whitney as the #2 available player likely to be dealt before the trade deadline. 

At Whitney's affordable cap-hit, almost every playoff team could look to add him.  As good a player as Whitney is; I would hate to see the Kings get into a bidding war and overpay for his services.

***UPDATE***
Bob McKenzie is confirming that the Kings and Canes have been in contact regarding 'The Wizard.'  Negotiations got serious enough for Canes GM Jim Rutherford to allow the Kings to contact Whitney's agent, J.P. Barry about an extension.

Per McKenzie

Sources say Whitney was looking for a three-year deal from the Kings in exchange to waive his NTC to go to Los Angeles. The Kings apparently balked. A one year deal might be workable for L.A. but three? No chance.

He also speculates that Whitney's request was simply his way of telling the Kings he has no interest in playing there.

It's believed the Kings were prepared to part with a draft pick (not a first-rounder but perhaps a second) and a prospect (the best guess is that it's one of  Regina Pat defenceman Colten Teubert or Manchester Monarch Viacheslav Voinov), which is apparently the only solid offer the Canes have received so far for Whitney.

That's quite a package for a 37-year old winger but considering he's not costing us any player off the current roster'; it's not a bad acquisition.  I can't see any team willing to give up that type of package for him though.  We'll see who wins out: Whitney or the Canes.  Stay tuned.