Los Angeles Kings: Dean Lombardi Lands Penner in Monster Deal

It's been an interesting season for Kings fans with the ups, downs and everything in between.  Some guys have really stepped up, demonstrating what it means to be part of a great franchise.  Take a look at Loktionov and you will truly understand the great development process that Dean Lombardi has built within his organization. 

That being said about Loktionov, there is always room to improve your roster.  It was long rumored that Lombardi was after one of Edmonton's superstars in Hemsky or Penner.  People had a belief that Hemsky was Lombardi's first choice as, when healthy, he is one of the most dynamic players in the Western Conference.  On deadline day, it was reported that Steve Tambellini, the General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers, would not accept a deal for Hemsky from the Los Angeles Kings unless it contained Brayden Schenn.

After realizing that he wasn't going to be able to nab Hemsky for the price he wanted, Lombardi turned his attention to Dustin Penner.  Penner is one of the most interesting players in the entire league.  When he is on his game, there is nobody that is harder to take off the puck.  However, consistency has plagued Penner during his tenure in Edmonton. 

The realization that you have to give something up to get anything in this league hit many fans right in the face.  Lombardi was forced to part with Colten Teubert, a promising defensive prospect, a first round draft pick in the upcoming draft and a conditional pick.  The online world exploded with indications that he had overpaid, and that the team was in shambles because of it.  However, when you look at the prospect pool that Lombardi has built up, there was no harm is trading Teubert away.

First and foremost, fans have to look at what they are getting in return.  Dustin Penner brings some much needed size and skill to the top line of the Kings.  No offense to Marco Sturm, but he just wasn't going to fit the bill.  Dustin was a 30 goal scorer last season with the lowly Edmonton Oilers.  There is no reason to think that he can't put up those numbers with Anze Kopitar beside him.  Penner's size, skill and experience will help this young club take their game to the next level.

After examining what the Kings got in return, fans have to look at what they gave up.  This trade deadline indicated something to hockey writers and fans alike; teams just don't value low first round draft picks.  In the past, was a player like Kris Versteeg worth a first rounder and a third rounder?  Not a chance.  If everything goes as planned, the pick Los Angeles sent to Edmonton will fall somewhere in the 20 to 30 range at the draft.  Looking at the draft class, it's fair to say that, in all likelihood, the Kings didn't give up a lot. 

Next we have Colten Teubert.  Teubert was one of Lombardi's picks in the first round of the draft during his time in Los Angeles.  He has the size needed to play in the NHL and he is really smart with the puck.  Lombardi has called him 'similar to Matt Greene'.  There is no doubt that Teubert will see his time in the NHL soon, it just hasn't gone as planned for him in Southern California.  It became apparent that the Kings just weren't happy with the pace of his development.  That being said, Teubert should fit in really nicely with the young group in Edmonton.  That team needed defense more than anything and in Teubert they got a solid prospect who has the potential to be a strong number three guy on any team in the league.

Time has passed since the deadline and fans are wondering whether Lombardi did enough.  Penner is going to be a great addition, but should he have pushed harder for Hemsky?  Is Schenn really that important to this team right now?

Fans in Los Angeles are starting to get impatient and prospects don't bring you the Stanley Cup.  In my opinion, the Kings should have pushed harder for Hemsky.  The prospect pool is deep and this team has its sites set on the ultimate prize.  Let's just hope that Dean Lombardi didn't let us down once again.