Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2015 20:44:24 GMT
The Los Angeles Kings made it known to other teams that Jeff Carter was available, and in the end they stuck to their guns and got the return they wanted.
The Kings shipped the 30-year-old centre to the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday night during the first round of the GHL draft. In return, they got a first round pick, 21st overall, and veteran grinder Joe Vitale.
"It took a while to get the deal we wanted," said Kings GM Josh Lewis. "We had talks with a few teams. We were only going to trade him for good picks or a top defenceman."
Carter had 26 goals and 61 points this season with LA.
With the selection, the Kings took Finnish centre Roope Hintz, who had 62 points in 60 games with Ilves Tampere this season.
"Once it became clear Phoenix was willing to part with the pick, and Hintz was still on the board, we worked quickly to make a deal. We expected him to go in the top 15," said Lewis.
"The two biggest things with Roope is he has a cannon of a shot and he hits hard. He's going to be a great two-way player for us in our top six, possibly on the first line. He also has great hands, which you can't always say of someone who's 6-foot-3."
Asked why the Kings took a forward when they don't have many good defencemen in the system, Lewis said they considered two rearguards with the pick but felt Hintz was the better bet.
"Roope was the best player available in our opinion, and just as importantly he's a safe pick."
Vitale, 29, was included in the deal so the Coyotes wouldn't have too many forwards. He suited up in all 82 games this season, but managed only four points in a fourth-line role.
"It remains to be seen whether we'll trade him or keep him around as an extra forward. It depends on what other moves we make this summer."
Meanwhile, the Kings also dealt 24-year-old defenceman Brayden McNabb to the Dallas Stars for their third round pick in this draft, 73rd overall.
McNabb had a strong year with Manchester (AHL), with eight goals and 41 points. However, it was unlikely there would be room for him in LA next season.
"Him and Colin Miller are both ready for the NHL. We only have room for one of them and Colin is more the kind of d-man we prefer."
The Kings shipped the 30-year-old centre to the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday night during the first round of the GHL draft. In return, they got a first round pick, 21st overall, and veteran grinder Joe Vitale.
"It took a while to get the deal we wanted," said Kings GM Josh Lewis. "We had talks with a few teams. We were only going to trade him for good picks or a top defenceman."
Carter had 26 goals and 61 points this season with LA.
With the selection, the Kings took Finnish centre Roope Hintz, who had 62 points in 60 games with Ilves Tampere this season.
"Once it became clear Phoenix was willing to part with the pick, and Hintz was still on the board, we worked quickly to make a deal. We expected him to go in the top 15," said Lewis.
"The two biggest things with Roope is he has a cannon of a shot and he hits hard. He's going to be a great two-way player for us in our top six, possibly on the first line. He also has great hands, which you can't always say of someone who's 6-foot-3."
Asked why the Kings took a forward when they don't have many good defencemen in the system, Lewis said they considered two rearguards with the pick but felt Hintz was the better bet.
"Roope was the best player available in our opinion, and just as importantly he's a safe pick."
Vitale, 29, was included in the deal so the Coyotes wouldn't have too many forwards. He suited up in all 82 games this season, but managed only four points in a fourth-line role.
"It remains to be seen whether we'll trade him or keep him around as an extra forward. It depends on what other moves we make this summer."
Meanwhile, the Kings also dealt 24-year-old defenceman Brayden McNabb to the Dallas Stars for their third round pick in this draft, 73rd overall.
McNabb had a strong year with Manchester (AHL), with eight goals and 41 points. However, it was unlikely there would be room for him in LA next season.
"Him and Colin Miller are both ready for the NHL. We only have room for one of them and Colin is more the kind of d-man we prefer."
i'll be doing it all on friday as its teh only day off I have at the moment. Sorry, we are down people and its long late shifts at teh moment. 