The Kings came up empty on July 1, but GM Dean Lombardi was actively trying to improve his team's roster, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Lombardi told the paper that the Kings, and two other teams, had obtained Hossa's exclusive negotiating rights from the Red Wings before July 1. Had the Kings managed to sign Hossa, they would have owed Detroit compensation.
The Kings appeared to be close to signing Hossa, but the superstar winger opted to join the Blackhawks and signed a 12-year deal with Chicago.
Hossa wasn't the only player the Kings were after. Sources told TFP yesterday the Kings pitched offers to Marian Gaborik and Martin Havlat, while the Daily News claims Mike Knuble was also on Los Angeles' wish list.
Havlat signed with the Minnesota Wild, Knuble joined the Washington Capitals, and Gaborik found a new home with the New York Rangers.
Lombardi told the Daily News the Kings were only prepared to offer Gaborik a three-year deal.
The Kings, meanwhile, have reportedly shifted their focus to free agent forwards Nik Antropov, Alex Tanguay and Alex Kovalev.
Newspaper:
Los Angeles Daily News
