As Meetings Open, Taylor Says No Deal Imminent

Dave Taylor, the Kings’ vice president and general manager, said the team was not close to any trades but suggested that anything can happen at the NHL general managers’ meetings, which begin today at Palm Springs.

Among hot topics at the meetings will be the future of some upcoming unrestricted free agents. Chief among them is Calgary winger Theo Fleury.

“He would probably be rented,” said Buffalo General Manager Darcy Regier, whose team has expressed interest in Fleury, as have several others, including the Kings, who are said to be among the front-runners.

The “rented” designation is because Fleury has said he intends to test the free-agent market this summer.

The trade deadline is March 23.

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After scoring twice against Dallas on Wednesday, the Kings’ Luc Robitaille was tied for the league lead with 27 goals. Since then, Philadelphia’s John LeClair has scored four goals in two games to take the lead with 31.

Tonight

at Philadelphia

4:30 PST

* Site--First Union Center.

* Radio--KRLA (1110).

* Records--Kings 17-27-4, Flyers 26-10-11.

* Record vs. Flyers (1997-98)--1-0-1.

* Update--Rod Brind’Amour was hammered into the boards Thursday and wore a flak jacket Saturday. Despite wincing in pain, he extended his consecutive-games streak to a league-high 449.