Potvin, Kings Hope to Reach Multiyear Agreement Soon

Felix Potvin, whose inspired goaltending pushed the Kings to the brink of the Western Conference finals last spring, hopes to sign a multiyear contract with the team before training camp opens Sept. 12 in El Segundo, even though he would be eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer if he signed a one-year deal.

Potvin, 30, had been languishing with the Vancouver Canucks but resurrected his career after being traded to the Kings on Feb. 15.

He was 13-5-5 with a 1.96 goals-against average and four shutouts in 23 regular-season games with the Kings and 7-6 with a 2.44 GAA in the playoffs, including consecutive shutouts against the Colorado Avalanche in Games 5 and 6 of the Western Conference semifinals.

“He enjoyed it there,” said Jay Fee, Potvin’s agent. “He’s anxious to get the contract resolved so he can move his family there and set up school for his kids. Obviously, the last 36 games he played was quite a ride.”

Fee said he expects to receive a contract proposal from the Kings “any day now” and “we’ll get the ball rolling when that arrives and hopefully have Felix ready for training camp.”

General Manager Dave Taylor said the Kings also are interested in a multiyear agreement.

“If we could do a two-year deal, or two and an option that both sides could live with, we’d like to do that with Felix,” Taylor said. “He played well for us down the stretch and in the playoffs.”

Center Bryan Smolinski and defenseman Aaron Miller are scheduled for arbitration hearings in Toronto--Miller on Friday and Smolinski on Tuesday--which may delay a King proposal to Potvin.

Smolinski, two years from unrestricted free agency, also filed for arbitration last summer but signed a one-year, $1.7-million deal before the hearing.

“This year, we’re going in--so far,” said Smolinski’s agent, Pat Brisson, adding that he and the Kings have had recent discussions and may continue negotiating in Toronto before the hearing.

Miller’s agent, Lewis Gross, said that he does not anticipate reaching an agreement with the Kings before Friday’s hearing.

Unlike baseball, the arbitrator can choose a figure between the team’s offer and the player’s request. The arbitrator usually rules within 48 hours of the hearing.