The Los Angeles Kings have traded one of their top defenseman, Jack Johnson, to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the unhappy forward Jeff Carter. The Kings are in a desperate need of a top scorer and by acquiring Carter who played with current King Mike Richards in Philadelphia, the Kings hope their chemistry will result in goals.
I think it’s a good trade for both teams. I understand that many Kings fans are angry with the trade but it seems to me that Johnson was not very happy to be playing in LA despite his contract extension. I think it started to go south a few years ago when Kings GM Dean Lombardi had very negative comments about Johnson’s alma mater, Michigan, and said Johnson was ”awful as a hockey player” when he played there. I become more convinced of his discomfort with the Kings when I read Johnson’s comments about the trade.
“I’m excited by this. I’m excited to go a team that wants me and to play in a great sports city. “I want to be part of the solution there. I know they’ve had some bad breaks and some tough seasons, but it’s going to be great when it turns around. Really, I don’t think there is anything sweeter in sports than being part of a team when they get it turned around.”
One of the Kings strengths in their youth system are their young defesneman which made Johnson expendable. The Kings have called up Slava Voynov to take Johnson’s spot.
Carter has been unhappy ever since he was traded from the Flyers to the Blue Jackets but he’s proven that he can find the back of the net. He’s scored as many as 46 goals in a season and a fresh start for the 27 year old is just what he needs.
You can read the Dean Lombardi conference-call here.
NHL Los Angeles Kings – Home Jersey design iPhone 4 / 4S Snap-On Case
LA Kings – Jack Johnson (photo by Dimur)
I hate this so much. Doughty should of gone.
It’s not that easy. Drew has a huge contract which limits trade partners
Uhhhhh Doughty had been scoring the only goals for the Kings lately & his position is DEFENSE. Also not to mention he is the only creative player on the team w/ the puck & has the skill to actually stickhandle it past the blue line & once again his position is DEFENSE. Btw he’s a pretty good defensive player too.
Nuff said…….
Agree 100%