Quick, 26, has one-year remaining on his contract and cannot officially sign an extension until July 1.
"Given the way he's come up, I think we are certainly willing to look at term; that would be the preference," Lombardi said. "Whenever you look at long-term, your two concerns are obviously injury, but more important character and commitment. The way John came up the ladder, and he's such a natural competitor, I think it gives us the leeway to look at term.
"The one thing I do sense is I do think that both sides want to get something done, and that goes without saying. A lot of times, these deals don't come together, because people aren't ready to make deals. . . I think in this case, I get the sense that we have a chance to get something done here before next season."
Quick has an annual salary cap hit of $1.8 million, though he's scheduled to make $1.7 million next season. He'll undoubtedly see his salary climb over the $5 million mark and likely inch closer to the $6 million range.
Meanwhile, Lombardi seemed noncommittal on re-signing left wing Dustin Penner, who can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
Lombardi and Kings head coach Darryl Sutter plan to meet with Penner later this week, though it seems the veteran forward will be testing the waters next week.
