While Eric Lindros continues to skate by himself waiting for a trade from the Philadelphia Flyers, the team Lindros waits to be traded to, the Toronto Maple Leafs, appears to have its sights set on another high-profile potential free agent.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Rob Blake said last week it was all but certain he would be dealt after contract talks broke down between Kings general manager Dave Taylor and Ron Salcer, Blake's agent.

"It's just not going to get done," Blake said. "We've been talking the past few days, and it's not close. The trade is going to happen now, not later. They have to get something for me."

Blake, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, rejected the Kings' offer of a three-year deal worth around $7.5-million per season.

"We have to wait and see if L.A. really wants to trade him," said Bill Watters, assistant to Leafs president Ken Dryden. "Rob Blake can't decide this for them. But if he's available, then, obviously, we're interested."

Blake, the Norris Trophy winner in 1998, has been with the Kings his entire 11-year career. He is in the final year of a contract that is paying him $5.267-million. The captain has 30 points in 31 games this season with nine goals and is minus-3.

BLUE JACKETS: Almost halfway through his team's first season, Doug MacLean likes what he sees.

"Our major goal was for the fans, when they're leaving a game, to say, "That was a great win tonight,' or to say, "That was a tough game, but boy, did they compete,' " the general manager said. "For the most part, I think our fans have left feeling that way."

At the Christmas break, Columbus is 11-20-3-2 for 27 points. The Blue Jackets tied the record for expansion teams with a four-game winning streak and have beaten Stanley Cup contenders San Jose, Washington, Colorado and Dallas.

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