Free Agent Todd Informs Kings He Won’t Be Back

Center Kevin Todd, who became an unrestricted free agent after the end of his contract with the Kings, has told club executives he won’t return. Todd, 28, had 16 goals and 43 points in 74 games last season. Primarily a defensive forward, he earned $450,000. He is being pursued by Pittsburgh, Washington and San Jose.

“The Kings showed some interest but there seemed to be a level at which they no longer wanted to talk,” Todd’s agent, Steve Bartlett, said Wednesday.

“Right now we’re leaning toward Pittsburgh,” Bartlett said. “As long as the big guy [Mario Lemieux] is playing, they have a pretty good chance to make the playoffs. They see Kevin as a guy who can come in and fill a defensive role and kick in some goals here and there.”

The Kings’ hopes of signing right wing Pat Verbeek ended when he signed a three-year deal with the Dallas Stars for $9.3 million.

The Mighty Ducks were also interested in Verbeek but not at that price.

“Some of the numbers thrown around, we’re not in the ballpark,” Duck General Manager Jack Ferreira said. “I don’t know how I could justify paying anyone more than Paul [Kariya, who earned $2.272 million last season] or Teemu [Selanne, who will earn $2.85 million next season].”

The Ducks also spoke with free-agent center Bernie Nicholls on Wednesday and expect to talk again before the end of the week.