No Talks Yet With Potvin

Since the Kings saved him from the NHL scrap heap in February 2001, Felix Potvin has done as much for his team as any other goaltender.

Only two -- Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils and the retired Dominik Hasek, formerly of the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings -- have more victories since Feb. 20, 2001, when Potvin made his first start for the Kings after being traded from the Vancouver Canucks for considerations.

Only four -- Brodeur, Hasek, Roman Cechmanek of the Philadelphia Flyers and Patrick Roy of the Colorado Avalanche -- have compiled lower goals-against averages.

None has played more minutes or posted more shutouts.

And yet, other than Coach Andy Murray, who has utilized Potvin as his starter in all but 15 of 126 regular-season games since the goaltender’s arrival, plus all 20 playoff games, the Kings seem reluctant to commit to Potvin. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent when his contract runs out at midnight June 30.

General Manager Dave Taylor has said he would like to sign Potvin, 31, to a multiyear deal, but no offer has been forthcoming.

“We just haven’t had any talks,” Taylor said Monday. “We’ve just been focused on the games.”

In September 2001, Potvin signed a one-year contract, plus a club option for this season. Last summer, rather than attempt to hammer out a longer deal, the Kings exercised their option. They’re paying their No. 1 goaltender $3.55 million this season, including performance bonuses earned last season.

“I’m not ruling out that maybe something is going to happen,” Potvin said. “But it’s not really something that’s bugging me.... It sure would be fun to stay here, but it’s out of my hands.”

Will the Kings sit down and talk contract with him at some point?

“I would think so,” Taylor said.