Norstrom’s Offer Rejected by Team

Defenseman Mattias Norstrom has caved in, but not far enough for the Kings.

Norstrom offered to sign a one-year contract worth $1.3 million--down from the $1.7-million-a-year average he had sought on a three-year deal--but the Kings have rejected the offer, much to the consternation of their captain and Norstrom’s defense partner, Rob Blake.

“What kind of business is this?” Blake said Sunday. “Is it business to win or to keep salaries down? For what he does for this team, he’s got to be signed. He’s not asking for too much. For what he does, he’s underpriced.”

The Kings have offered a three-year, $3.65-million contract, or a one-year deal worth $1.045 million, or the equivalent of his qualifying offer, made in July.

“It’s very disappointing,” said Norstrom. “I looked around the league last night, and there’s not a second defenseman making that [$1.3 million]. I think they’re still regarding me as the second defenseman, but they want to pay me like a third or fourth defenseman. Maybe even a sixth.”

Talks so far have been between the Kings and Norstrom’s agent, but that is due to change. Dave Taylor, the Kings’ senior vice president and general manager, has asked to speak with Norstrom directly. Norstrom welcomes the conversation, player to former player.

“I’ve got to respect that if they say I’m not in their plans,” Norstrom said. “If that’s the case, maybe it’s time to move on. I’ve had three great years here.”

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The Kings cut 10 players Sunday, sending defensemen Sean Blanchard, Peter Hogan and David MacIsaac, centers Dave Hymovitz and Donald MacLean and right wing Greg Phillips to Lowell of the AHL; sending goalies Marcel Cousineau and Mike O’Neill and defenseman Jan Nemecek to Long Beach of the IHL and sending center Justin Papineau back to junior hockey.

The Kings have 34 players remaining on their roster.