Kings’ Sale Might Be Final Today

Wayne Gretzky looked at reporters, smiled, and posed a question of his own at King training camp Thursday.

“Who owns this team?” he asked, laughing.

Good question. It may be answered as early as today. Then again . . .

An announcement on the team’s sale had been planned for today, but, according to some insiders, negotiations hit a snag late Thursday afternoon. Others say the potential purchasers are simply waiting to reach maximum leverage.

Almost two months after a summit meeting in New York with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, a deal to sell the cash-starved Kings from Jeffrey Sudikoff and Joseph Cohen to an investment group led by Colorado billionaire Philip F. Anschutz and Southern California developer Edward P. Roski Jr. has not been struck.

Bettman was in Los Angeles to meet with the parties shortly before the opening of camp. There have been continued discussions. And entertainment giant MCA remains interested in buying the team.

Several players remain frustrated because the lack of cash has prevented the team from improving itself.

King Notes

Defenseman Philippe Boucher, who missed the first three days of camp because of a contract impasse, signed a one-year deal worth $412,000. He practiced Thursday. . . . In another move, the Kings invited goaltender John Blue to camp for a tryout. Blue, who lives in Huntington Beach, has been in Boston’s organization the last three years and practiced with some Kings this summer. . . . Goaltender Kelly Hrudey, who has a sprained left ankle, practiced for the first time in four days. Defenseman Jan Vopat bruised his right knee in a scrimmage.