Redemption For Dean Lombardi: LA Kings Acquire Ryan Smyth

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

After sitting at the station, watching the unrestricted free agent train pass him by on July 1 and then signing veteran free agent defenseman Rob Scuderi on July 2, which did nothing to fill the gaping hole the Kings had on left wing, Los Angeles Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi earned at least a bit of redemption on July 3 when he acquired left wing Ryan Smyth from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defensemen Kyle Quincey and Tom Preissing and a fifth round pick in the 2010 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

The trade is contingent upon the results of physical examinations of the players involved in the deal.

Last season, Smyth scored 26 goals and added 33 assists for 59 points in 77 games. He led the Avalanche in assists and was second on the team in goals. He was also tied for the team lead in power play goals (10) and game-winning goals (3). He also led the team withi 257 shots.

In fourteen NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders and the Avalanche, Smyth has scored 310 goals and has added 350 assists for 660 points with 733 penalty minutes in 920 regular season games. In 81 playoff games, the 6-1, 190-pound native of Banff, Alberta has scored 25 goals and has contributed 27 assists for 52 points with 82 penalty minutes.

Smyth, who was selected by the Oilers in the first round (sixth overall) of the 1994 National Hockey League Entry Draft, had his best season in 2000-01 with the Oilers when he scored 31 goals and added 39 assists for 70 points in 82 regular season games (for more details on Smyth’s NHL career, see “Kings Get All-Star Forward Smyth”).

The Kings had to give up some talent to get Smyth with the 23-year-old Quincey, who had a rather eye-opening debut season in the NHL after the Kings claimed him off of waivers from the Detroit Red Wings on October 13, 2009, going to Colorado.

Nevertheless, in the end, this was a deal that Lombardi not only had to make, but he also had the assets available to do it.

One look at the depth he has built on his blue line, from the Kings roster down to the minors and even junior hockey—mostly through the draft, explains why Lombardi was able to deal Quincey.

But back to that hole on left wing...

Indeed, after sitting on the unrestricted free agent sidelines on July 1 and then signing Scuderi the next day, the Kings still needed a top six left winger and the outcry was loud and clear from both the fans and media.

And for those of you who have read my story, “July 1 Was The Time For Dean Lombardi To Gamble,” yes, I am writing this piece while looking at a mirror.

Yes, give Lombardi credit. He stuck to his plan by going after a player he believes is the right guy.

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