"Kings left wing Ryan Smyth, among the most productive players on a low-scoring team last season, wants to be traded back to the Edmonton Oilers and the Kings have tried to oblige him.

A person with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to comment publicly confirmed that Smyth, citing his family's best interests and preference for the city where he began his career, had his agent talk to Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi about a trade. Lombardi discussed scenarios with the Oilers but talks have dragged.

Lombardi confirmed he had spoken to Smyth. "But I would like to keep those discussions private," Lombardi said Monday.

Smyth's agent, Don Meehan, did not respond to several emails.

Smyth, 35, has a year left on his contract at a salary of $4.5 million but a salary cap hit of $6.25 million. He ranked third on the Kings last season with 23 goals and fourth in points with 47 and scored a team-leading nine power-play goals in 82 games."