Kings and Canes deal
The Los Angeles Kings grabbed Oleg Tverdovsky and the 3rd overall pick in the 2005 entry draft Jack Johnson for Eric Belanger and former first round pick Tim Gleason.
The move seems like a perfect deal for the Kings who now own the rights to Johnson (who has made it clear that he plans to remain in college and win an NCAA title before signing a pro contract) while the Canes get a journeyman and a young defenseman.
It’s difficult to ignore the potential that a defenseman like Jack Johnson holds and many are touting this as a steal for the Kings, as GM Dean Lombardi is stockpiling the talent for the near future. The hurdle is now to sign Johnson once he feels he’s ready for it…until then, we’ll never know if this deal was a good one or the worst move the Canes have ever made. Something that Kings GM’s have been accused of many times in the past.
My 2006-2007 NHL predictions: Final Playoff Standings
Eastern Conference Predictions:
15: New York Islanders
14: Pittsburgh Penguins
13: Washington Capitals
12: Florida Panthers
11: Toronto Maple Leafs
10: Montreal Canadiens
9: Atlanta Thrashers
8: Philadelphia Flyers
7: Boston Bruins
6: New York Rangers
5: Carolina Hurricanes
4: Ottawa Senators
3: Tampa Bay Lightning (Southeast Division Champs)
2: New Jersey Devils (Atlantic Division Champs)
1: Buffalo Sabres (Northeast Division Champs)
Western Conference Predictions:
15: Chicago Blackhawks
14: St. Louis Blues
13: Columbus Blue Jackets
12: Phoenix Coyotes
11: Edmonton Oilers
10: Los Angeles Kings
9: Detroit Red Wings
8: Minnesota Wild
7: Colorado Avalanche
6: Dallas Stars
5: Anaheim Ducks
4: Calgary Flames
3: Nashville Predators (Central Division Champs)
2: Vancouver Canucks (Northwest Division Champs)
1: San Jose Sharks (Pacific Division Champs)
