Miller Still Discussing Deal

Aaron Miller said Monday that he and the Kings were “relatively close” to agreement on a new contract, but added that several sticking points need to be ironed out. If they’re not, he added, he probably will be traded before the deadline March 11.

“[Negotiating] never has been easy for me,” said Miller, who is being paid $1.7 million this season in the last year of a two-year, $3.3-million contract he won in arbitration.

“In 10 years, it’s been arbitrations and last-minute signings.

“I wouldn’t think this would be any different. It will come probably to the midnight hour, but hopefully it works out because I think it’s a great organization, it’s a fantastic place to live and I like our team.”

The 31-year-old defenseman, the most coveted of five Kings eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, has been the subject of trade rumors for weeks.

He and the Kings have been in talks on and off all season.

“There are just a lot of different little things that need to be worked out, and I don’t know if they will be,” he said. “It’s more for my agent and Dave [Taylor, the Kings’ general manager] to talk about and worry about. I’ve got to go out there and play hockey and try to earn what I’m asking for.”

Miller is believed to be seeking a contract similar to the four-year, $14.5-million deal signed by teammate Mattias Norstrom in September.

Asked if he expected to be traded if a deal cannot be struck in the next two weeks, Miller said, “I would think so.... You don’t want to lose a guy for nothing.”

Taylor declined comment.

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TONIGHT

at Pittsburgh, 4:30 PST

Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Mellon Arena.

Radio -- KSPN (710).

Records -- Kings 26-28-4-4, Penguins 25-28-4-5.

Record vs. Penguins -- 1-0.

Update -- Mathieu Schneider’s overtime goal gave the Kings a 3-2 victory over the Penguins on Dec. 14 at Staples Center.