March 1st, 2017

The Kings beat the trade deadline on Wednesday by acquiring Colorado Avalanche Right Wing Jerome Iginla.  In exchange, the Kings sent the Avalanche a conditional 4th round draft pick in 2018. Colorado will also retain 50% of Iginla’s remaining salary this season.  If the Kings make the playoffs and re-sign Iginla, who will be an unrestricted free agent, they convey the draft pick.

In order to create salary cap space for Iginla, the Kings also traded forward Dwight King to Montreal for a conditional 4th round pick in 2018.  That pick will be conveyed to the Kings if Dwight King re-signs with the Canadians.

Iginla is likely a future Hall of Famer, but is in the twilight of his career at 39-years old.  He has just 8 goals and 18 points in 61 games this season.  However, the Kings are hoping that his skill can help ignite the teams struggling offense, especially while playing on a line with Anze Kopitar.

The Kings are also hoping that a reunion with Coach Darryl Sutter will jump start Iginla.  Back in 2004, Iginla and Sutter led the Calgary Flames to the Stanley Cup Final.

Iginla was optimistic about the Kings chances, and happy about joining them.  “I think they’re a very competitive bunch. I think they play really hard,” he said. “They have a knack for, once they get down into the nitty-gritty, the big games, they find ways to be successful.

The Kings return home to play the Maple Leafs on Thursday.  It’s their first game of a seven game home stand.