Milan Lucic, Kings unable to bridge gap in contract talks

Milan Lucic is headed to free agency, the hulking winger from the Los Angeles Kings told ESPN via text message Wednesday afternoon.

Kings general manager Dean Lombardi also confirmed the news via text message, adding that he has given permission to the Lucic camp to immediately solicit offers from other teams, even before the NHL's unrestricted free-agent speaking window opens Saturday.

Lucic, 28, becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1. He had hoped to re-sign with the Kings but both sides were unable to bridge the gap in talks, the Kings challenged by their limited salary-cap space.

The Kings acquired Lucic a year ago from the Boston Bruins.

There will no shortage of interest for Lucic on the market as his unique skill set, a combination of brawn and skill, is tough to find in today's NHL.