King Candidates Include Goring, Robinson, King

The Kings are now focusing on three candidates for their coaching vacancy--Dave King, former Calgary coach; Larry Robinson, New Jersey Devil assistant, and Butch Goring, Denver Grizzly coach.

King General Manager Sam McMaster said Thursday that he has contacted Robinson and might interview him here at the NHL’s entry draft. Robinson already has interviewed with at least one other team, the Calgary Flames, over the weekend.

McMaster was “very impressed” with King and Goring, and the two candidates are expected to have a second interview with King co-owner Joe Cohen.

Others who have interviewed for the job are King assistant John Perpich and Phoenix Roadrunner Coach Rob Laird. McMaster said there are a couple of other possibilities on the “back burner,” including former Quebec general manager and coach Pierre Page.

Additionally, the team has offered termination contracts to forwards Pat Conacher, Kevin Todd, Gary Shuchuk, Rob Brown and defenseman Arto Blomsten. These players--all entering their option year--are free to negotiate with any other team immediately.