The Kings have started the wholesale transition, first coming to a large multi-player deal with the Atlanta Thrashers, the deal breaks down as Boyd Gordon, Scott Thornton, Mike Rathje, Nathan Perrot, Van 3rd, Atl 3rd, Atl 5th, and 200k coming to town in exchange for UFA to be's Bryan Smolinski, Pierre Turgeon, and Keith Carney.
"This deal allows us to pick up a few veterans that are signed past this season in Rathje and Thornton, and who can contribute to our squad this season, although we've made it clear to both, they will likely be dealt. The key for us in the deal was acquiring Boyd Gordon, as a great young defensive player, he's a guy we think this organization can build around. The smattering of picks we think makes this a great deal for the organization." Team Consultant Bryce Shuck said in a press release.
The second deal saw the Kings ship Eric Daze to interstate rival San Jose, coming back to the Kings organization is promising winger Bill Thomas and the Jackets 6th round pick. "Bill is a guy we like and think fits the mold of young players on the cusp of being NHL regulars, we wish Eric the best but this is likely his only season in the league, and at that salary the risk doesn't match the reward."
Rumours are swirling within the complex that Tomas holmstrom will likely be dealt by the end of the night
LA has shipped out Tim Connolly to Toronto in return for Robbie Schremp. Connolly's uncertainty health wise made this an easy trade for the Kings organization. To land a top prospect like Schremp will provide the team with some sorely needed scoring for the future, and someone the organization can hopefully build around.
