Palffy Says His Return Is Unlikely

Ziggy Palffy broke a months-long silence on his contract negotiations, indicating in brief comments to a Slovakian television station that he probably would not return to the Kings.

Palffy, who became an unrestricted free agent Thursday, rejected numerous contract offers from the Kings, including a three-year, $19.5-million deal. The high-scoring right wing made $7 million last season.

“I am pretty sure I will not go back,” Palffy told TV Markiza.

King General Manager Dave Taylor declined to comment. The club has said that it hopes to bring Palffy back.

Several teams are said to be interested in Palffy, including Detroit, Ottawa, Chicago and the New York Rangers.

Palffy, 32, had 150 goals and 340 points in 311 career games with the Kings after he was acquired from the New York Islanders in June 1999.

-- Mike Bresnahan