Kings home preseason schedule announced according to lakings.com. The Kings will play four games on "home" ice. The dates are:
Thursday, 19 September 2002 versus the San Jose Sharks -- Staples Center --
7:30pm
(ticket sale date TBA)
Sunday, 22 September 2002 versus the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim -- Bakersfield
-- 5:00pm
(tickets currently on sale)
Thursday, 26 September 2002 versus the Phoenix Coyotes -- Staples Center --
7:30pm
(ticket sale date TBA)
Saturday, 05 October 2002 versus the Colorado Avalanche -- MGM Grand Garden
Arena (Las Vegas) -- 7:30pm
(tickets cuurently on sale)
Kings annual developement camp opens Monday, 08 July at the Kings training facility, Healthsouth Training Center in El Segundo, Ca. Camp is open to the general public plus there will be three scrimmages on Saturday, 13 July, Wednesday, 17 July and Saturday, 20 July.
IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Stars signed
free agent defenseman Philippe Boucher to a four-year contract Tuesday.
Boucher, originally a first-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, played the last
eight seasons with the Los Angeles Kings.
"We are very pleased to add a defenseman of Philippe's talents,"
Stars general manager Doug Armstrong said in a statement Tuesday. "He will
add depth to our defensive corps and be a great addition for our hockey
club."
No other terms of the deal were disclosed.
Boucher, 29, had seven goals and 23 assists along with 94 penalty minutes in
80 games with Los Angeles last season. He set career highs in assists, points
and games played while tying his career-high in goals. During the 2002 playoffs,
Boucher appeared in five games, posting an assist.
"Philippe is a quality person and someone who will fit well in our
group," Dallas coach Dave Tippett said. "He is a well-rounded
defenseman who plays a strong physical game as well as a player who can move the
puck on the power play."
The 6-foot-2, 214-pound defenseman has appeared in 377 career NHL contests
recording 39 goals and 93 assists with 298 penalty minutes.
Buffalo made Boucher the 13th pick overall in 1991. He broke into the league
with the Sabres during the 1992-93 season. After appearing in parts of three
seasons with Buffalo from 1992-1995, he was traded to Los Angeles on Feb. 14,
1995.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Kings signed free-agent right wing Steve Heinze to a three-year, $6 million contract on Tuesday night.
Heinze, 31, played in 79 games last season for the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets, totaling 54 points -- including 27 goals -- and 46 penalty minutes. He also had seven points and 10 penalty minutes in 13 playoff games for the Sabres.
Heinze began the 2000-2001 season with Columbus after the first-year Blue Jackets selected him from Boston in the expansion draft.
The Sabres acquired Heinze from Columbus at the NHL trade deadline for a third-round choice in the entry draft last month.
source ESPN
Robitaille spurned Los Angeles' offer of one-year at a reduced salary to stay
with the Kings.
"I'm happy because I'm going to a team that's wants to win,"
Robitaille said of the deal that will pay him at least $9 million over the next
two years.
"The one thing I have left to do in my career is to win the Cup, and now
I'm going to a team that has that chance," he said.
The signing was announced the same day the Red Wings held a news conference to
introduce goalie Dominik Hasek, acquired from Buffalo on Saturday.
"That's why I'm the happiest, first they get the Dominator and then they
get me," Robitaille said.
Once Detroit general manager Ken Holland secured Hasek, he turned his attention
to the other end of the ice.
"Adding an offensive player to our team was a priority, and we feel we have
addressed that with this addition," he said. "We are absolutely
pleased to have agreed to terms with Luc."
Robitaille, who earned $3.5 million last season, was surprised that he is
leaving the Kings for the second time in his career.
"The Kings talked to me last Thursday, one year at a pay cut. I was
shocked," he said.
Detroit expressed interest in Robitaille on Sunday when clubs were first able to
negotiate with unrestricted free agents. The deal was hammered out on Monday.
The left wing played all 82 games for the Los Angeles Kings last season, scoring 37 goals and assisting on 51 others.
Robitaille was the Kings' second-leading scorer and led the club with 16
power-play goals.
In his 15-season career, Robitaille has three 50-goal seasons and has made eight
NHL All-Star appearances.
His first eight seasons were spent with the Kings, before he was traded to
Pittsburgh in 1994. After one year with the Penguins, Robitaille was dealt to
the New York Rangers. New York sent him back to the Kings in 1997.
Robitaille has 590 goals and 648 assists in 1,124 career games. In the playoffs,
he has 53 goals and 64 assists.
source ESPN
The surgical procedure was performed by Dr. Norman Zemel, hand specialist of
Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. Deadmarsh is expected to remain in a cast
for the next three weeks and a full recovery is expected.
Deadmarsh, 26, recorded six points (4-2=6) and four penalty minutes in 18
regular season games for the Kings this season after being acquired with
defenseman Aaron Miller, center Jared Aulin, a first-round choice in the 2001
NHL Entry Draft (David Steckel) and future considerations from the Colorado
Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Rob Blake and center Steve Reinprecht on
February 21, 2001.
The 6-0, 205-pound Deadmarsh, who is a native of Trail, British Columbia, also
played in all 13 Kings playoff games, recording six points (3-3=6) -- including
two game-winning goals (Game 5 in Detroit and the decisive Game 6, in overtime,
at STAPLES Center of the Kings' first round series versus the Red Wings).
In 471 career NHL games with the Kings and Colorado/Quebec Nordiques franchise,
Deadmarsh has 294 points (142-152=294) and 727 penalty minutes. In 39
games with Colorado this season prior to the trade, he had 26 points (13-13=26)
and 59 penalty minutes.
The Kings are scheduled to open their 2001-02 training camp on Wednesday,
September 12, at the HealthSouth Training Center in El Segundo.
Los Angeles' Felix Potvin outlasted Colorado's Patrick Roy and
the Kings forced a seventh game in their Western Conference semifinal series
with the Avalanche.
Glen Murray rifled a 50-foot slap shot past Roy 2:41 into the
second overtime Sunday night as the Kings beat the Avalanche 1-0, Potvin's
second consecutive shutout by the same score.
The Kings, who overcame an 0-2 deficit against Detroit to win
their first-round playoff series, can become the 17th team to overcome a 3-1
deficit to win a series -- including two comebacks from 3-0 -- with a win
Wednesday night in Denver.
The St. Louis Blues, who swept Dallas, await the winner.
Murray's goal on the 65th shot of the game ended a grueling
82:41 of superb goaltending by Roy, the NHL's all-time winningest goalie, and
Potvin, a Vancouver castoff acquired by Los Angeles in February.
Potvin, playing in his 34th consecutive game, stopped 33 shots
to earn his seventh career playoff shutout. He and Roy have two apiece through
the first six games of the series.
"This was just a great game to be a part of," Los
Angeles coach Andy Murray said. "There was tremendous goaltending on both
sides, a game 0-0 into the second overtime.
"There were scoring chances on both sides. Patrick was
outstanding, Felix was tremendous. I'm just glad we were the ones that got the
first goal."
The Kings coach predicted after Los Angeles fell behind 3-1 in
the series that they would win it if they could take Game 5 in Denver, which
they did, 1-0 on Friday.
"The bottom line is, we weren't supposed to be
here," Murray said. "We weren't supposed to be going back to Denver
for Game 7, but we are."
The Kings, Potvin and Glen Murray in particular, were thrilled
when Murray's shot bounced off Roy's right skate and into the net.
"Seeing it go over the line, it was like 'Wow, we're
going to Game 7,'"Glen Murray said. "Now it's do-or-die for both
teams."
Potvin, who ran his scoreless string to 164:28, said when he
saw the puck slip past Roy, "It was the feeling of relief, good to get it
over with."
Colorado coach Bob Hartley wasn't disappointed by his team's
effort, only the outcome.
"Whenever you go into overtime, you know that the last
shot is going to win it," he said. "They got the last shot. We had
plenty of chances to win. We played much better than Game 5, but they got the
last shot."
Los Angeles improved its overtime record to 4-0 in this year's
playoffs. The Kings have beaten the Red Wings and Avalanche twice each in the
extra session.
Colorado captain Joe Sakic was back from an injury and got off
five shots for Colorado, although he seemed to be favoring his bruised right
shoulder at times.
Sakic, the NHL's second-leading scorer during the regular
season with 118 points, was hurt early in Game 3 in Los Angeles.
source infobeat sports
source infobeat sports
source LA Kings press release
source LA Kings press release
source LA Kings press release
Robitaille will be making his eighth All-Star appearance while Blake will be
making his fourth. Television coverage of the All-Star Game, which takes
place on Feb. 4 in Denver, will be provided by ABC at 11:30 a.m. (PT).
Representatives for the World All-Star squad will be announced tomorrow.
Blake, 31, played in his first NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 22, 1994, at Madison
Square Garden in New York and was named as a starter for the first time last
year in Toronto. In 41 games this year, Blake has 42 points, including 14
goals, which lead all NHL defensemen. He ranks third on the Kings in
points and first in shots with 180. Earlier this season, Blake surpassed
Mark Hardy to become the Kings' all-time leader in games played by a defenseman
when he played in his 617th contest on Oct. 28 at Phoenix, and he recorded his
first career hat trick and a personal-best five points (3-2=5) on Dec. 14 versus
the New York Rangers.
Robitaille, 34, made his All-Star Game debut during the 1987-88 season when he
started for the Campbell Conference squad in St. Louis. He made his most
recent All-Star Game appearance in 1999 at Tampa. In 44 games this season,
he had 50 points (19-31=50), which is tied with Ziggy Palffy for the team lead.
Earlier this season, Robitaille recorded his 1,200th career point (Jan. 13), his
500th goal as a King (Dec. 16) and his 1,000th point as a King (Oct. 11).
He currently ranks 14th on the NHL's all-time goal scoring list with 572 goals.
The Kings and Laperriere had a scheduled arbitration
hearing on Thursday, August 3. "We`re very pleased to have Ian signed "
said Taylor. "He gives us a real gritty edge with his high-energy play."
Laperriere, 26, played in 79 games for the Kings last season, recording
22 points (9-13=22) and a team-leading 185 penalty minutes. Entering his sixth
season in Los Angeles, he has recorded 84 points (28-56) and 571 penalty minutes
in a Kings uniform. The 6-1, 197-pound native of Montreal, Quebec, has
123 points (45-78=123) and 796 penalty minutes in 399 career NHL games with the
Kings, New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues. Laperriere was originally selected
by the Blues in the seventh-round (158th overall) of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft.
Laperriere was acquired by the Kings from the Rangers with Mattias
Norstrom, Ray Ferraro, Nathan LaFayette and a fourth-round
choice (Sean Blanchard) in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft for Jari
Kurri, Marty McSorley and Shane Churla on March 14, 1996.
source LA Kings web page
Boucher, 27, was
scoreless in one game with the Kings last season, and in 11 games with the Long
Beach Ice Dogs of the International Hockey League, he recorded 11 points
(2-9=11) and eight penalty minutes. After undergoing surgery on his right foot
following the 1998-99 season, the 6-3, 221-pounder is from St. Apollinaire,
Quebec, underwent an additional surgery on the foot on Nov. 10, 1999.
Podollan, 25, played in one game with the Kings last season, registering one
point (0-1=1) and two penalty minutes, and in 70 regular season games with the
Lowell Lock Monsters of the American Hockey League he recorded a team-high 55
points and 29 goals. The Kings acquired the 6-1, 202-pounder from Vernon,
British Columbia, with a third-round draft choice (Cory Campbell) in the 1999
NHL Entry Draft on March 23, 1999, from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Yanic
Perreault. In 44 career NHL games with the Kings, Maple Leafs and Florida
Panthers, Podollan has six points (1-5=6) and 17 penalty minutes. Belanger,
22, recorded 40 points (15-25=40) and 20 penalty minutes in 65 games last season
with Lowell. The Kings originally selected the 6-0, 177-pounder from Sherbrooke,
Quebec, in the fourth-round (96th overall) in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.
source LA Kings web page
"Andreas is very mature coming from the Swedish Elite League," said
Taylor. "He is a strong, physical defenseman and we look forward to his
presence on our blue line."
Chosen by the Kings in the second round (54th overall) of last month's NHL
Entry Draft, Lilja, 25, recorded 19 points (8-11=19) and 88 penalty minutes in
49 games last season with Malmo of the Swedish Elite League. The 6-3, 215-pound
native of Helsingborg, Sweden, also played in six playoff games and recorded no
points and eight penalty minutes.
Brennan, 27, played in 67 games last season for the Lowell Lock Monsters of
the American Hockey League, where he registered 45 points (15-30=45) and 110
penalty minutes. The 6-2, 200-pounder also scored six points (1-5=6) in seven
playoff games with Lowell.
A third-round choice (46th overall) of the Quebec Nordiques in the 1991 NHL
Entry Draft, the Schenectady, New York-born Brennan was claimed by the Kings on
Sept. 27 in the 1999 Waiver Draft from the Nashville Predators. In 37 career NHL
games with the Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers, Brennan
has seven points (2-5=7) and 25 penalty minutes.
Selected by the Kings in the fourth round (118th overall) of last month's NHL
Entry Draft, Visnovsky, 23, was a member of last year's Bratislava championship
team in the Slovakian Elite League. In 52 regular season games with Bratislava,
the 5-10, 180-pounder from Topolcany, Slovakia, recorded 45 points (21-24=45)
and 38 penalty minutes, and he recorded eight points (3-5=8) and 16 penalty
minutes in eight playoff games. In addition, Visnovksy earned a silver medal
with the Slovakian National Team at the recently completed 2000 World
Championships in Russia.
Grimson, 35, played in 50 games for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim last season
and registered three points (1-2=3) and a club-high 116 penalty minutes. The
6-5, 241-pounder from Kamloops, British Columbia, has played in 627 career NHL
games with the Mighty Ducks, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red
Wings and the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, registering 32 points
(13-19=32) and 1802 penalty minutes.
"Stu certainly brings grit, toughness and character to our team,"
said Taylor. "He is a solid veteran and we are looking forward to his
presence in our lineup."
Said Grimson, from his cottage in Northern Ontario, Canada: "I am
excited and eager to get things going. I'm looking forward to being a member of
an organization I have respected for a long period of time and one that I feel
is pointed forward in the right direction."
Originally selected by Calgary in the seventh round of the 1985 NHL Entry
Draft, Grimson has twice been to the NHL Stanley Cup Finals - in 1995 with
Detroit and 1992 with Chicago. He is expected to report to the Kings training
camp in September.
Karalahti, 25, made his Kings/NHL debut on Dec. 11, 1999, and in just 48
games led all Kings rookies in scoring with 16 points (6-10=16). Also, in 10
games with the Long Beach Ice Dogs, Karalahti, a 6-2, 210-pounder from Helsinki,
Finland, registered three points (0-3=3) and four penalty minutes.
Originally selected by the Kings in the sixth round (146th overall) in the
1993 NHL Entry Draft, Karalahti signed a one-year contract with the Kings on
June 21, 1999, after playing six seasons with IFK Helsinki of the Finnish Elite
League, where he registered 100 points (33-64=100) and 297 penalty minutes in
229 career games.
Johnson, 28, played in a career-high 76 games for the Kings last season and
registered 23 points (9-14=23) and 28 penalty minutes. The 6-2, 197-pounder from
St. Paul, Minnesota - who was acquired by the Kings on Feb. 27, 1996, from the
St. Louis Blues with Patrice Tardif, Roman Vopat and the Blues first-round
choice (Matt Zultek) in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft for Wayne Gretzky - has played
in 261 career games with the Kings and has 96 points (42-54=96) and 134 penalty
minutes.
In 325 career NHL games with the Kings and Blues, Johnson, who was originally
St. Louis' second-round choice (33rd overall) in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, has
117 points (53-64=117) and 170 penalty minutes.
Corkum, 32, played in 45 games with the Kings last season and registered 11
points (5-6=11) and 14 penalty minutes after signing with the club as an
unrestricted free agent on Dec. 28, 1999. A nine-year NHL veteran, the 6-0,
222-pound Corkum has 178 points (87-91=178) and 239 penalty minutes in 570
career games with the Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo
Sabres and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
A four-year letterman while at the University of Maine, Corkum was originally
drafted by the Sabres in the third round (47th overall) of the 1986 NHL Entry
Draft.
Murray, 27, scored a career-high 62 points (29-33=62) this season, third best
on the Kings behind Luc Robitaille and Ziggy Palffy. Murray's 29 goals equaled a
career best - he scored 29 goals during the 1997-98 season - and he recorded the
highest mark for any player in the NHL this year in the Hardest Shot event of
the FedEx/NHL Super Skills competition with a blast that registered 103.5 miles
per hour.
The 6-3, 225-pounder from Halifax, Nova Scotia, was acquired by the Kings
from the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 18, 1997, for Eddie Olczyk. In 514 regular
season NHL games with the Kings, Penguins and Boston Bruins, Murray has 261
points (133-128=261). With the Kings, Murray, who was originally selected by the
Bruins in the first round (18th overall) of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, has 161
points (79-82=161) in 231 regular season games.
Storr, 24, played in 42 games for the Kings this season and recorded 18 wins,
both career bests. Overall, Storr posted an 18-15-5 record, a 2.53
goals-against-average and a .908 save percentage, and with his Dec. 8 blanking
of the Atlanta Thrashers at STAPLES Center, Storr now needs only two shutouts to
tie Mario Lessard for fourth on the Kings all-time shutout list with nine.
The 6-2, 195-pounder from Brampton, Ontario, became the highest drafted
goaltender in club history when the Kings selected him in the first round
(seventh overall) in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. In 102 NHL regular season games -
all with the Kings - Storr is 45-37-10 with a 2.51 goals-against-average and a
.914 save percentage. He was also selected to the NHL All-Rookie Teams following
the 1997-98 and 1998-99 seasons.
source LA Kings press release
Passmore, 27, played in 24 games with the Blackhawks this season and compiled a 7-12-3 record
with a team-best 2.72 goals-against-average, and in two games with the Cleveland Lumberjacks
of the International Hockey League he recorded a shutout win and a shootout loss to go with
his 1.50 goals-against-average. In addition, the Chicago Chapter of the Professional Hockey
Writers Association nominated Passmore this past season for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
after he overcame a rare condition called environmental heavy metal poisoning which knocked him
out of professional hockey for nearly two years.
Originally Quebec's 10th choice (196th overall) in the 1992 NHL entry draft, Passmore was traded
by Quebec to the Edmonton Oilers on March 21, 1994, for Brad Wenka. Passmore signed with
Chicago as a free agent on July 8, 1999.
In 30 career NHL games with the Oilers and Blackhawks, the 5-9, 165-pound native of
Thunder Bay, Ontario, has compiled an 8-16-4 record with a 2.74 goals-against-average.
source LA Kings press release
An eight-year NHL veteran, Corkum, 32, has 167 points (82-85=167) and 225 penalty minutes in 525 career NHL games. The 6-0, 222-pound native of Salisbury, MA, played in 77 games last season with the Phoenix Coyotes and recorded 19 points (9-10=19) and 17 penalty minutes. In three seasons with the Coyotes from 1996-99, he played in 233 games and registered 60 points (30-30=60) and 85 penalty minutes.
Originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round (47th overall) of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, Corkum spent parts of three seasons with the Sabres before being claimed by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the 1993 NHL Expansion Draft. An original Duck, he spent two-plus seasons in Anaheim before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers on Feb. 6, 1996. Corkum finished the 1995-96 season with the Flyers before being claimed off waivers by Phoenix on Sept. 30, 1996.
source LA Kings press release
Stumpel, 27, is third on the Kings in scoring with 15 points in 15 games and leads the team with 13 assists. He had only 13 goals and 21 assists in 64 games last season after recording a career-high 79 points in 1997-98.
Robitaille will miss anywhere from two to six weeks with a fractured left foot.
Under rookie coach Andy Murray, Los Angeles has been one of the NHL's most pleasant surprises this season. The Kings are tied with San Jose for first place in the Pacific Division with a 9-3-3 record, their best start since 1980.
source Excite News
source Infobeat News Service
Smolinski had two goals and five assists as the Kings won all three games they played. He began the week with a goal and two assists in a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals last Tuesday. Thursday, Smolinski had a goal and an assist in a 5-3 victory over Pittsburgh and concluded the week with two assists in a 3-1 win at Chicago Saturday.
The Kings are off to a surprising 8-3-2 start and have posted the league's most improved record from last season when they were 4-6-3 after 13 games. Smolinski has four goals and eight assists.
Also considered for the award were Phoenix centers Jeremy Roenick and Travis Green and Toronto goaltender Curtis Joseph.
source Excite news
Robitaille edged San Jose Sharks right-winger Owen Nolan (five goals, three assists in eight games).
Robitaille scored the game-winner in a 3-2 victory over St. Louis on Oct. 4, scored again in a 4-2 loss to Florida on Oct. 6 and notched his 14th career hat trick in a 5-2 win in Tampa Bay on Oct. 7. He also had an assists against the Lightning.
He concluded the week with a goal in a 2-2 tie at Washington on Oct. 9. Robitaille has scored in each of the Kings' five games this season and leads the league in scoring with seven goals and three assists.
source Slam! Sports
LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Kings reached an agreement with restricted free agent defenseman Mattias Norstrom Thursday night, less than 48 hours before their season opener in Nashville.
Norstrom of Sweden, one of the team's best defensemen, ended a holdout and signed a multiyear contract as the Kings prepared to kick off a seven-game road trip.
Norstrom, who played for the world team in the NHL All-Star game last winter, is the defense partner of Kings' versatile Rob Blake
Financial terms of Norstrom's contract were not announced. Before the signing, Norstrom and the Kings had been far apart on a proposed three-year agreement. He had sought $1.3 million for one year and the Kings countered with just over $1 million, but in the past week talks had reportedly centered on a four-year deal.
Norstrom will practice Friday with the Kings, and will be available Saturday night in Nashville. The Kings' home opener at the new Staples Center is Oct. 20 against Boston.
source ESPN
Kings sign free agent Podollan
I was quite surprised to see Glen arrive at Iceoplex, but that only meant one thing...he agreed to a contract with the Kings. After Glen went inside the locker room, Dave Taylor stepped outside and a group of fans confronted Taylor regarding Glen signing. Taylor stated that Glen Murray had signed Sunday morning.
Here is an official press release regarding Glen...
Kings re-sign Glen Murray
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) -- Restricted free-agent defenseman Aki Berg is returning to the Los Angeles Kings, having agreed to terms of a one-year contract with the NHL team.
Berg will earn $762,500 plus bonuses based on performance.
"Aki belongs in the National Hockey League and, more importantly, in Los Angeles," Kings general manager Dave Taylor said Thursday. "We are very pleased to have him back. He's a big, young, mobile defender, and we're excited to add him to our defensive corps."
Berg played in his native Finland last year after failing to reach an agreement with the Kings. In 48 games with TPS Turku, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder had eight goals and seven assists.
Berg had two goals and 21 assists in 164 games over three seasons with the Kings. He became the youngest player in team history when he made his NHL debut on Oct. 7, 1995 at 18 years, two months and nine days.
Berg, the third overall selection in the 1995 NHL draft, is expected to be on hand for the start of training camp Sunday.
Source AP published by the Los Angeles Times online edition 02 September 1999.
INGLEWOOD, CA. - The Los Angeles Kings have acquired
high-scoring right winger Zigmund Palffy, center Bryan Smolinski,
goaltender Marcel Cousineau and a 1999 fourth-round draft choice
from the New York Islanders in exchange for forwards Olli Jokinen
and Josh Green, defenseman Mathieu Biron and the Kings
first-round choice (eighth overall) in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Kings
Senior Vice President/General Manager Dave Taylor announced
today.
"We are absolutely thrilled with this deal. Ziggy Palffy is a proven NHL
scorer and a true gamebreaker," said Taylor. "The opportunity to
acquire a player of this caliber, at this stage of his young career, was
something we just couldn`t pass up. Ziggy`s a marquee player who
generates excitement each time he touches the puck. This is truly a
great day for the organization and for our fans."
Palffy, 27, led the Islanders last season in goals (22) and points (50)
despite playing in 50 games because of a contract dispute. A
three-time 40-goal scorer, Palffy tallied a career-high 48 goals in
1996-97 when he finished eighth in the National Hockey League in
scoring (90), fifth in goals (48), tied for fifth in shorthanded goals (four)
and third in balloting among right wings (behind Teemu Selanne and
Jaromir Jagr) for the NHL post-season All-Star team.
A native of Skalica, Slovakia, Palffy began last season in the midst of a
contract dispute and missed New York`s first 32 games before
agreeing to a new five-year contract on Dec. 17, 1998, when the
Islanders, coincidentally, were in Los Angeles to play the Kings. In
1997-98, Palffy followed up his stellar 1996-97 All-Star campaign fifth in
goals (45) and tied for fifth in the NHL in points (87). He also led the
NHL in power-play goals (17), was tied for third in power-play points
(35) and was seventh in shots (277) en route to making his second
All-Star team. Palffy also became just the fourth player in Islander
history (Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Pat LaFontaine) to score 40 or
more goals in three consecutive seasons, and was one of only five
players in the league (Peter Bondra, John LeClair, Selanne and
Keith Tkachuk) to score 40 goals in each of those last three seasons
(1995-98).
Originally selected by the Islanders in the second round (26th overall)
of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Palffy, a two-time NHL All-Star, made his
NHL debut during the 1993-94 season. He scored his first two NHL
goals on opening night of the 1994-95 season and then enjoyed his
breakthrough NHL season in 1995-96 when he led the Islanders in
goals (43), points (87), power play goals (17), game-winning goals (six)
and shots (257). The 5-10, 183-pound Palffy also tallied points in nine
straight games twice, and he had a seven-game goal-scoring streak.
In 331 career NHL games, all with the Islanders, Palffy has registered
331 points (168-163=331) and 173 penalty minutes. Since the 1995-96
season, only five NHL players (Leclair-195; Selanne-190; Jagr-188;
Bondra-181; Tkachuk-178) have scored more goals than Palffy.
Palffy also has significant international experience playing for Team
Slovakia in the 1998 Olympic Games in Nagano, and with the
Slovakian National Team at the World Championships and World Cup
Tournament in 1996. He also won a bronze medal in 1991 as a
member of the Czechoslovakian junior team in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, where he scored 13 points (7-6=13) in seven games.
He also represented Slovakia at this year`s World Hockey
Championships in Norway.
"Getting this deal done was a real team effort," said Taylor. "Our
owners have always been committed to this team, and they
demonstrated that by giving us the additional resources necessary to
pull off a deal of this magnitude."
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Smolinski, 27, has played in the NHL for the
Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins. In 82 games last
year with the Islanders, Smolinski`s second full season with the club,
he scored 40 points (16-24=40), which was third on the team behind
Palffy and Trevor Linden (47).
"Bryan was a key ingredient for us in this deal," said Taylor. "He has
consistently produced at the NHL level, and combined with Palffy, they
will give us a significant offensive boost."
Traded to the Islanders from Pittsburgh for Darius Kasparaitis and
Andreas Johansson on Nov. 17, 1996, Smolinski registered 139
points (57-82=139) in 227 games in New York. Originally selected in
the first-round (21st overall) by Boston in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft,
Smolinski played his first full NHL season in 1993-94 for Boston, where
he scored 51 points, including a career-high 31 goals. He was later
traded to Pittsburgh along with current Kings right winger Glen Murray
and a draft choice for Kevin Stevens and Shawn McEachern, both
former Kings.
In 1995-96, his lone season as a Penguin, Smolinski scored a
career-best 64 points (24-40=64). He also played in 18 playoff games
that year, scoring nine points (5-4=9) as the Penguins advanced to the
Eastern Conference Finals before losing to Florida in seven games. In
444 regular season NHL games, Smolinski has registered 289 points
(131-158=289) and 290 penalty minutes. In 40 career NHL playoff
games, he has recorded 20 points (11-9=20) and 20 penalty minutes.
Prior to making his NHL debut, the 6-1, 202-pound Smolinski played
four years at Michigan State University where he was a broadcasting
major. At Michigan State, he led the Spartans (CCHA) in scoring as a
senior (31-37=68), was a First-Team All-League and All-America
selection, and was named his club`s Most Valuable Player and
Outstanding Offensive Player. As a junior, he helped lead Michigan
State to the Final Four in 1992.
Cousineau, 29, is a native of Delson, Quebec, and was originally
Boston`s third round selection (62nd overall) in the 1991 NHL Entry
Draft. He was signed by the Islanders as a free agent on July 14, 1998
- after playing in 15 NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs from
1996-98 - and in six games with the Islanders this year, he had a 0-4-0
record with a 2.87 goals-against-average. Also, in 53 games with
Lowell of the American Hockey League (AHL) this year, he posted a
26-17-7 record and a 2.75 goals-against-average. The 5-foot-9,
180-pound netminder catches left, and in 21 career NHL games, is
3-9-1 with a 3.08 goals-against-average.
Jokinen, 20, led all Kings rookies in scoring last season with 21 points
(9-12=21) in 66 games after beginning the season in Springfield (AHL).
Originally drafted by the Kings in the first round (third overall) of the
1997 NHL Entry Draft, Jokinen made his NHL debut during the 1997-98
season and played a total of eight games with the Kings without
registering a point. He spent the majority of the 1997-98 season in
Finland, playing with IFK Helsinki where he scored 39 points
(11-28=39) in 30 games. He also played for Finland in the 1997 World
Junior Championships and helped lead the team to a gold medal while
tying for the tournament lead in scoring with 10 points (4-6=10) in
seven games.
Green, 21, was the lone King rookie to make the Kings 1998-99
opening night roster. In 27 games this season with the Kings, he
scored four points (1-3=4), including his first career goal on Oct. 16,
1998, against Boston. Originally drafted by the Kings in the second
round (30th overall) in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, Green also played in
41 games with Springfield (AHL), where he scored 30 points
(15-15=30).
Biron, 19, was the Kings first choice (21st overall) in the 1998 NHL
Entry Draft. In 69 games with Shawinigan of the Quebec Major Junior
Hockey League this year, he had 45 points (13-32=45) and 116 penalty
minutes.
02 July 2001
Luc Robitaille Signs a 2 Year Contract with Detroit
DETROIT -- Luc Robitaille agreed to terms with the Detroit Red Wings on a two-year contract
Monday.
02 July 2001
Kings Resign Free Agent Mathieu Schneider
EL SEGUNDO, CA. - The Los Angeles Kings have resigned
unrestricted free agent defenseman Mathieu Schneider to a new three-year
contract, Kings Senior Vice President/General Manager Dave Taylor announced
today. Per club policy, terms and conditions of the agreement were not
announced.
Schneider, 32, played in 73 games for the Kings this past season, his first with
the club, and led all Kings defensemen in goals (16), assists (35) and points
(51). In addition, Schneider, a 5-10, 190-pound native of New York City,
led all Kings in scoring during the post season, as he recorded nine points (all
assists) in 13 playoff games.
Signed by the Kings as a free agent from the New York Rangers to a one-year
contract on August 13, 2000, Schneider finished the regular season tied for
fourth in the NHL for goals by a defenseman and tied for ninth in NHL scoring by
defensemen. He also led the Kings in game-tying goals with two, co-led the
Kings (with Mattias Norstrom) in blocked shots with 137, and led all Kings in
ice-time, averaging 25:51 minutes per game during the post-season and 23:04
during the regular season.
"We are excited to have Mathieu returning to the Kings and committing to
our organization on a long-term basis," said Taylor. "Mathieu
was our top defenseman last season, he upgraded our power play and was a major
contributor to our post-season success."
Said Schneider, from his off-season home in Manhattan Beach: "I am thrilled
to be back. The Kings were my first choice all along. We have a lot
to build off from last season's success, and I am looking forward to the next
couple of years here in Los Angeles."
Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round (44th overall)
in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, Schneider made his NHL debut with the Canadiens
during the 1989-90 season. In 781 career NHL games with the Kings,
Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders and Canadiens, Schneider, a
former NHL All-Star who was also a part of the Canadiens' 1993 Stanley Cup
Championship team, has 426 points (131-295=426) and 764 penalty minutes.
28 June 2001
Kings Resign Scott Thomas and Travis Scott
EL SEGUNDO, CA. - The Los Angeles Kings have resigned
restricted free agent right winger Scott Thomas to a one-year contract and
restricted free agent goaltender Travis Scott to a two-year contract, Kings
Senior Vice President/General Manager Dave Taylor announced today. Per
club policy, terms and conditions of the contracts were not announced.
Thomas, 31, played in 24 regular season games with the Kings this season and
recorded four points (3-1=4) and nine penalty minutes. In 12 playoff games
for the Kings, he recorded one goal - a power play goal on April 15 in Game 3 of
the Kings' first round series match up versus the Detroit Red Wings - which was
the first of three late third period goals by the Kings that helped them
overcome a 3-0 deficit en route to a 4-3 overtime victory.
Thomas, a 6-2, 200-pound native of Buffalo, began the 2000-01 season with the
Manitoba Moose of the International Hockey League, where in 22 regular season
games he recorded 23 points (9-14=23) and 21 penalty minutes. Following
the Kings post season run, Thomas, who was originally signed by the Kings as a
free agent on July 30, 1999, was reassigned to the Moose where he recorded three
points (1-2=3) in three playoff games.
Scott, 25, made his Kings/NHL debut this season on Nov. 28 at the New York
Rangers, where he allowed three goals in 25 minutes in his only game with the
Kings this year. The 6-2, 185-pounder from Toronto also played in 34
regular season games with the Lowell Lock Monsters of the American Hockey
League, where he posted a 16-15-1 record, two shutouts, and a 2.52
goals-against-average. In four playoff games with Lowell, Scott was 1-2
with a 2.01 goals-against-average. The Kings originally signed Scott to a
free agent contact on February 18, 2000.
28 June 2001
Adam Deadmarsh Undergoes Successful Surgery
EL SEGUNDO, CA. - Los Angeles Kings right winger Adam
Deadmarsh underwent successful surgery this morning on his left wrist to remove
scar tissue and a small bone chip, Kings Senior Vice President/General Manager
Dave Taylor announced today.
06 May 2001
Glen Murray Nets Game Winner in Double Overtime Forcing
Game 7
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Not only won't Los Angeles allow Colorado
to win, the comeback Kings refuse to give up a goal.
23 April 2001
Kings Defeat Wings in Overtime to Advance to Round 2
(AP) - Adam Deadmarsh killed the Red Wings again. Deadmarsh
scored on a rebound 4:48 into overtime as the Los Angeles Kings defeated Detroit
3-2 Monday night to clinch their first-round Western Conference playoff series
in six games. With their fourth straight win, the Kings won a series for the
first time since 1993, when they advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals. It was the
Wings' earliest elimination since 1994, when San Jose upset them in the first
round. Deadmarsh, so successful against Detroit with 26 points in 29 games
during his career, also forced OT with the tying goal at 10:17 of the third
period. On the game-winner Jozef Stumpel skated up the right side and fired a
shot at Chris Osgood, who made the save but had the puck bounce out to Deadmarsh
on the left side. The Kings will face Colorado next. The Red Wings again played
without captain Steve Yzerman.
02 April 2001
Felix Potvin Named NHL Player of the Week
NEW YORK (April 2, 2001) -- Los Angeles Kings goaltender Felix
Potvin has been named NHL Player of the Week for the period of Monday, March 26
through Sunday, April 1. Potvin recorded three shutouts in four games,
posting a 2-1-1 record, a 0.73 goals-against average and a .967 save percentage.
The Kings, 36-28-12-2 in 78 games, are one point out of a playoff spot in the
Western Conference playoff race with one week remaining in the regular season.
Potvin edged Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek (3-0-0, 0.67 GAA, .972 save
%, two shutouts), Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Jaromir Jagr (5-4-9 in three
games, +6 rating), Penguins center Mario Lemieux (3-6-9 in three games, +6
rating) and New Jersey Devils right wing Alexander Mogilny (6-1-7 in three
games, +2 rating) to capture his fifth career Player of the Week award. He
last received the honor in March, 1998 as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Potvin opened the week in a home-and-home series against the San Jose Sharks,
posting a shutout in a 0-0 tie on March 26 (15 saves) and turning away 26 shots
in a 3-2 road loss on March 27. He recorded consecutive shutouts in a 3-0
victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets (27 saves) on March 29 and a 4-0 victory
over the Colorado Avalanche (19 saves) on March 31.
Playing in his 10th NHL season, the 29-year-old native of Anjou, Quebec has
posted a 25-21-7 record in 54 games, a 2.67 GAA, a .897 save % and six shutouts.
Potvin was traded to Los Angeles on Feb. 15 from the Vancouver Canucks in
exchange for future considerations. Since his acquisition, the Kings have
posted a 12-4-4-1 record.
22 March 2001
Prospect Jared Aulin Selected to Complete Colorado
Trade
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have selected center Jared
Aulin from the Colorado Avalanche to complete the Feb. 21 Kings-Avalanche
multi-player trade, Kings Senior Vice President/ General Manager Dave Taylor
announced today.
Aulin, 19, has played in 69 games this season for the Kamloops Blazers of the
Western Hockey League (WHL), where he has a team-high 107 points (fourth in WHL
scoring), including 31 goals and a team-leading 76 assists. Aulin, a 6-0,
185-pound native of Calgary, was originally selected by Colorado in the second
round (47th round) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, and he also serves as the
Blazers' captain.
"We are pleased to have him in our organization," said Taylor of Aulin,
who is expected to complete this season with Kamloops. "Jared is
highly-skilled and very creative. He is a top prospect."
From 1998-2000, Aulin played in 112 regular season games (24-57=81) and 17
playoff games (1-4=5) with the Blazers. He finished the 1999-2000
campaign fifth in team scoring despite missing significant time due to a series
of injuries. Last season, Aulin represented the Western Conference at the
2000 WHL All-Star Game and he also participated in the 2000 NHL/CHL Top
Prospects Game.
On Feb. 21, the Kings acquired right winger Adam Deadmarsh, defenseman Aaron
Miller, Colorado's first choice in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, a prospect to be
named later (Aulin) and future considerations for defenseman Rob Blake and
center Steve Reinprecht.
13 March 2001
Aki Berg Traded to Toronto for Adam Mair and 2001 Draft
Pick
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have acquired center Adam
Mair and a second round draft choice in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft from the
Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Aki Berg, Kings Senior Vice
President/General Manager Dave Taylor announced today.
Mair, 22, has spent the entire 2000-01 season with the St. John's Maple Leafs,
Toronto's AHL affiliate, where in 47 games he is fourth on that club with 45
points (18-27=45) and 69 penalty minutes. Originally selected by Toronto
in the fourth round (84th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Mair, a 6-2,
195-pound native of Hamilton, Ontario, made his NHL debut last season, where in
eight games he recorded one point (1-0=1) and six penalty minutes. Mair
also played in five NHL Playoff games last season with Toronto and recorded
eight penalty minutes.
"He is a young, aggressive forward who will bring grit and physical play to
our organization," said Taylor of Mair, who won the February segment of the
AHL's Molson Cup after registering 17 points (8-9=17) in just 13 games.
"Also, in acquiring the second round draft choice, we now have five
selections in the first three rounds of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft."
The Kings currently hold their first, second and third-round choices, plus
Colorado's first round selection and Toronto's second round draft choice.
Berg, 23, played in 47 games for the Kings this season and recorded four points
(0-4=4) and 43 penalty minutes. Originally selected by the Kings in the
first round (third overall) in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, the 6-3, 220-pound
Berg, a native of Turku, Finland, has played 281 career NHL games - all with the
Kings - and has recorded 43 points (5-38=43) and 202 penalty minutes.
"Aki has been with our organization for more than six years," said
Taylor. "We appreciate his efforts and we wish him the best of
luck."
28 February 2001
Goalie Steve Passmore Traded to Chicago for 2001 Draft
Pick
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have acquired an eighth
round draft choice in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft from the Chicago Blackhawks in
exchange for goaltender Steve Passmore, Kings Senior Vice President/General
Manager Dave Taylor announced today.
Passmore, 28, was acquired by the Kings from the Blackhawks on May 1, 2000, for
a fourth round selection in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. In 14 games with the
Kings this season, the 5-9, 165-pound native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, recorded a
3-8-1 record and a 3.09 goals-against-average (GAA).
Passmore has also played this season for the Lowell Lock Monsters of the
American Hockey League (6 games played; 2-4-0 record; and a 4.32 GAA) and the
Chicago Wolves of the International Hockey League (7 games played; 2-2-2 record;
and a 3.88 GAA). Passmore last played for the Kings on Feb. 14 at Dallas
before being assigned by the Kings to the Wolves on Feb. 17.
21 February 2001
Rob Blake Traded to the Colorado Avalanche in a Multi-Player
Deal
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have traded
defenseman Rob Blake and center Steve Reinprecht to the Colorado Avalanche in
exchange for right wing Adam Deadmarsh, defenseman Aaron Miller, Colorado's
first choice in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, a prospect to be determined at a later
date and future considerations, Kings Senior Vice President/General Manager Dave
Taylor announced late this evening.
"While we are disappointed to see Rob Blake leave the Los Angeles Kings, we
are extremely pleased with the players, prospects and future draft choices which
we were able to acquire in this transaction," said Taylor, who is currently
with the Kings in Calgary. "Once we came to the conclusion that Rob
would not re-sign with the Kings, our focus shifted to making a deal for Rob
that best ensured the Kings current and future success."
Blake, 31, had played his entire 12-year NHL career with the Kings after the
club selected him in the fourth round (70th overall) of the 1988 NHL Entry
Draft. He made his NHL debut on March 27, 1990, and was named the club's
captain prior to the start of the 1996-97 season. In 54 games this season,
Blake has registered 49 points (17-32=49) and 69 penalty minutes. In 662
career regular season games, all with the Kings, Blake has recorded 429 points
(138-291=429) and 1,051 penalty minutes, while in 57 career post-season games
Blake has 24 points (8-16=24) and 96 penalty minutes.
"We have deep appreciation for everything Rob Blake has done for the Kings
organization. He is a class act and we will certainly miss him," said
Kings President Tim Leiweke. "But it became evident to us that Rob,
who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, was intent on exercising
that option at the end of the season, and I think Dave has done a great job in
acquiring talent that will help us now and in the future."
Deadmarsh, 25, is currently in his seventh NHL season and has 26 points
(13-13=26) and 59 penalty minutes in 39 games with Colorado. The 6-0,
205-pounder was originally Quebec/Colorado's second choice (14th overall) in the
1993 NHL Entry Draft, and he has scored at least 20 goals in four of his six NHL
seasons. During the 1996-97 season, he led the Avalanche with 33 goals and
established career-high marks in goals and points (33-27=60). A member of
the Avalanche's 1996 Stanley Cup Championship team, Deadmarsh is a veteran of 88
NHL playoff games and has 57 points (22-35=57) and 94 penalty minutes in six
playoff appearances with the Avalanche. A native of Trail, British
Columbia, Deadmarsh holds dual citizenship and represented the United States in
the 1996 World Cup and the 1998 Olympics. In 453 career NHL games, he has
288 points (138-150=288) and 723 penalty minutes.
Miller, 29, is currently third in scoring among Avalanche defensemen with 13
points (4-9=13) in 56 games. He ranks second among Colorado blueliners
with a +19 rating and also has 29 penalty minutes. The 6-4, 200-pound
native of Buffalo, New York, was originally drafted by the New York Rangers in
the fifth round (88th overall) of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. In 310 career
NHL games with the Avalanche/Nordiques, Miller has 63 points (17-46=63) and 179
penalty minutes. In 60 playoff games, he has 11 points (3-8=11) and 34
penalty minutes.
"We were able to obtain two players who can step into our lineup now and
have a definite impact. Aaron Miller is a strong, gritty defenseman who
will help provide us with the defensive stability we need and Adam Deadmarsh
provides us with a unique combination of toughness, grit and offensive ability
that our club has been seeking," said Taylor. "Both Aaron and
Adam have significant playoff experience and we look to them to provide
leadership and the drive we need to make a run for the playoffs this year.
They will certainly be key core players for our club. In addition, we have
obtained Colorado's first round pick in 2001 and our choice from a group of
Colorado prospects, both of which we feel will help us succeed in the
future."
Blake, a 6-4, 227-pound native of Simcoe, Ontario, is the Kings' all-time leader
in a number of categories, including: points by defensemen with 429 points (10th
overall); goals by defensemen with 138 goals; assists by defensemen with 291
assists; and games played by defensemen with 662 (6th overall). He has
also led all Kings blueliners in scoring six times, has been named the club's
"Most Valuable Player" twice and has been named the club's "Best
Defenseman" six times. Following the 1997-98 season, Blake captured
the James Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman.
Reinprecht, 24, has played in 59 games for the Kings this season and has 29
points (12-17=29) and 12 penalty minutes. The 6-0, 190-pound native of
Edmonton, Alberta, was signed by the Kings as a free agent on March 31, 2000.
In 60 career NHL games with the Kings, Reinprecht has 29 points (12-17=29) and
12 penalty minutes.
"Rob Blake has been a tremendous player for the Los Angeles Kings as well
as a true ambassador for the sport in Los Angeles," said Taylor.
"We wish Rob the all the best in Colorado. We also wish Steve
Reinprecht all the best in what promises to be a strong NHL career. He is
a determined and hard-working young man and we know he will see success."
15 February 2001
Felix Potvin Acquired From Vancouver
EL SEGUNDO - The Los Angeles Kings have acquired goaltender
Felix Potvin from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for future considerations,
Kings Senior Vice President/General Manager Dave Taylor announced today.
"We feel this acquisition will bring some stability to our goaltending and
give us some momentum as we continue to strive to make the playoffs," said
Taylor. "Felix Potvin is a proven NHL goaltender with a great deal of
playoff experience and that can only help our team in the future."
Potvin, 29, has played in 35 games with the Canucks this season and has a
14-17-3 record with a 3.08 goals-against average and one shutout. Acquired
by the Canucks (along with a second and third round draft choice in the 2000 NHL
Entry Draft) back on Dec. 19, 1999 from the New York Islanders in exchange for
forwards Bill Muckalt, Dave Scatchard and goaltender Kevin Weekes, Potvin
compiled a 26-30-10 record with a 2.84 goals-against average and a .906 save
percentage in 69 games with Vancouver.
Originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round (31st overall)
of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, Potvin spent six-plus seasons in Toronto, posting a
160-149-49 record with a 2.88 goals-against average and .908 save percentage.
He was traded to the New York Islanders back on January 9, 1999 in exchange for
defenseman Bryan Berard and a 1999 sixth-round draft choice.
Potvin currently ranks third all-time among Maple Leafs' goaltenders in wins
(160) and games played (369). A veteran of 52 playoff games with the Maple
Leafs, Potvin has 25-27 record in the post-season with a 2.85 goals-against
average and five shutouts. In 1994, he became the third goaltender in NHL
history to post three consecutive shutouts in one playoff series when he
backstopped the Maple Leafs to three straight 1-0 victories over the Chicago
Blackhawks. He also led the Maple Leafs to the Campbell Conference Finals
in back-to-back seasons in 1993 and 1994, and his 25 playoff victories are the
third-most in Maple Leaf history.
In 1992-93, Potvin was both a Calder Trophy and Vezina Trophy candidate as he
led the NHL in goals-against average (2.50), was second in the NHL in save
percentage (.910) and posted a 25-15-7 record in 48 games. His finest NHL
season came in 1993-94 when he tied the Maple Leafs record for wins with a
34-22-9 record and a 2.89 goals-against average.
In 436 career NHL games with the Maple Leafs, Islanders and Canucks, the 6-1,
190-pound native of Anjou, Quebec has a 179-183-60 record with a 2.96
goals-against average and .905 save percentage. He will wear no. 39.
17 January 2001
Ziggy Palffy Named to the World All-Star Team
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Kings right winger Ziggy Palffy was selected to
play for the World All-Star squad at the 2001 NHL All-Star Game, it was
announced today by the National Hockey League. Palffy will be making his
third NHL All-Star appearance and his first with the Kings, though he did not
play in the 1997 Game due to a shoulder injury. He played in his first
All-Star Game in 1998 at Vancouver while a member of the New York Islanders.
Television coverage of the 2001 NHL All-Star Game, which takes place on Feb. 4
in Denver, will be provided by ABC at 11:30 a.m. (PT). Kings veterans Rob
Blake and Luc Robitaille were named to the North American squad on Tuesday.
In 37 games this year, Palffy, 28, leads the Kings in goals with 22 and is tied
with Robitaille in points with 52. Palffy also leads the Kings in
plus-minus (+14), game-winning goals (four), power play goals (nine - tied with
Robitaille) and he is second in shooting percentage (19.5%). He missed
eight games after suffering a strained right hamstring on Dec. 16, and at the
time of the injury Palffy was the NHL's second leading scorer with 46 points,
including 21 goals which tied him for the NHL lead with Theo Fleury of the New
York Rangers.
16 January 2001
Luc Robitaille and Rob Blake Named to the North American
All-Star Team
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Kings captain/defenseman Rob Blake
and left winger Luc Robitaille were selected to play for the North American
All-Star squad at the 2001 NHL All-Star Game, it was announced today by the
National Hockey League.
01 August 2000
Kings Sign Ian Laperriere
EL SEGUNDO, CA. - The Los Angeles
Kings have agreed to terms on a multi-year contract with restricted free agent
center Ian Laperriere, Kings Senior Vice President/General Manager
Dave Taylor announced tonight. As per club policy, terms of the agreement
were not announced.
01 August 2000
Kings Sign Philippe Boucher, Jason Podollan and Eric Belanger
EL SEGUNDO, CA. - The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with defenseman Philippe
Boucher and centers Jason Podollan and Eric Belanger, Kings
Senior Vice President/General Manager Dave Taylor announced today. Per
club policy, terms of the agreements were not announced.
14 July 2000
Kings Sign Andreas Lilja
EL SEGUNDO, CA. - The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a contract
with defenseman Andreas Lilja, Kings Senior Vice President/General Manager Dave
Taylor announced today. Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not
announced.
14 July 2000
Kings Sign Rich Brennan and Lubomir Visnovsky
EL SEGUNDO, CA. - The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on contracts
with defensemen Rich Brennan and Lubomir Visnovsky, Kings Senior Vice
President/General Manager Dave Taylor announced today. Per club policy, terms of
the agreements were not announced.
06 July 2000
Kings Sign Free Agent Stu Grimson to a One Year
Contract
EL SEGUNDO, CA. - The Los Angeles Kings have signed unrestricted free agent
left winger Stu Grimson to a one-year contract, Senior Vice President and
General Manager Dave Taylor announced today. Per club policy, terms and
conditions of the contract were not announced.
05 July 2000
Kings Sign Jere Karalahti to a Multi-Year Contract
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed restricted free agent
defenseman Jere Karalahti to a multi-year contract, Senior Vice President and
General Manager Dave Taylor announced today. Per club policy, terms and
conditions of the contract were not announced.
29 June 2000
Kings Sign Craig Johnson to a Multi-Year Contract
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed restricted free agent left
winger Craig Johnson to a multi-year contract, Senior Vice President and General
Manager Dave Taylor announced today. Per club policy, terms and conditions of
the contract were not announced.
28 June 2000
Kings Exercise Contract Option on Bob Corkum
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have exercised the team contract option
on center Bob Corkum, Senior Vice President and General Manager Dave Taylor
announced today. Per club policy, terms and conditions of the contract were not
announced.
24 May 2000
Kings Exercise Contract Options on Glen Murray and
Jamie Storr
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have exercised the team contract options
on right winger Glen Murray and goaltender Jamie Storr, Kings Senior Vice
President/General Manager Dave Taylor announced today. Per club policy, terms
and conditions of the contracts were not announced.
01 May 2000
Kings Acquire Goaltender Steve Passmore From Chicago
LOS ANGELES
- The Los Angeles Kings have acquired goaltender Steve Passmore
from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a fourth round draft choice, Kings Senior
Vice President/General Manager Dave Taylor announced today.
28 December 1999
Kings sign Unrestricted Free Agent Bob Corkum
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have reached an agreement on a new contract with unrestricted free agent center Bob Corkum, Kings Senior Vice President/General Manager Dave Taylor announced today. As per club policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.
08 November 1999
Kings' Stumpel To Undergo Surgery, Out 8-10 Weeks
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Already without leading scorer Luc Robitaille, the Los Angeles Kings learned Saturday that center Jozef Stumpel needs surgery to repair a hernia and will be sidelined eight to 10 weeks.
Stumpel, who missed 17 games last season with hip, ankle and knee injuries, will undergo abdominal surgery Monday. After experiencing pain over the past few games, he underwent an MRI Thursday that revealed a tear in his abdominal wall. Dr. Craig Smith, who did a similar procedure on Robitaille during the 1997-98 season, will perform Stumpel's surgery.
06 November 1999
Kings' Robitaille sidelined with broken foot
(AP) - Luc Robitaille, who leads the Los Angeles Kings with 10 goals in 15 games this season, will be sidelined for 2-to-6 weeks with a broken left foot. Robitaille was hurt when hit in the foot by a puck on Oct. 28 against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Staples
Center. X-rays were negative, but persistent pain continued and Robitaille underwent an MRI exam Thursday that revealed the fracture. Robitaille, a left wing, will be fitted for a cast and be on crutches before beginning his rehabilitation, the Kings
said Friday. Robitaille and Ziggy Palffy each have 16 points to lead the surprising Kings to a 9-3-3 record -- their best start in seven years. Robitaille, 33, led the Kings with 39 goals, 25 assists, seven power-play goals and 292 shots last season. He has played in seven All-Star games.
01 November 1999
Bryan Smolinski named NHL Player of the Week
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Los Angeles Kings center Bryan Smolinski, acquired along with Zigmund Palffy from the New York Islanders last June, Monday was named NHL Player of the Week. Smolinski becomes the second member of the Kings to win the award, joining left wing Luc Robitaille, who earned the honor in the first week of the season.
12 October 1999
Luc Robitaille named NHL Player of the Week
NEW YORK (CP) -- Los Angeles Kings left-winger Luc Robitaille is the NHL's first player of the week in the 1999-2000 season, collecting six goals and two assists in four road games. His efforts helped the Kings post a 2-1-1 record in the first full week of the regular season.
01 October 1999
Mattias Norstrom agrees to contract in time for the season opener
17 September 1999
(AP) - The Los Angeles Kings agreed to contract terms Friday with restricted free agent Jason Podollan on Friday. The 23-year-old right wing played in 10 games with the Kings last season, with no goals and no assists and five penalty minutes. He played eight
games with the IHL's Long Beach Ice Dogs, with three goals, five assists and two penalty minutes. Podollan also played four games for the Toronto Maple Leafs and 67 games with St. John's of the AHL, with 41 goals and 26 assists last season.
Glen Murray signing autographs for fans at Kings training camp at Iceoplex on Sunday, 9/5.
(AP) - The Los Angeles Kings re-signed right wing Glen Murray on Sunday. Terms were not disclosed. Murray, 26, missed 19 games after tearing a ligament in his right knee in a game against the Colorado Avalanche in January. He finished the season with 16 goals and 31 points in 61 games. Murray had a career-high 29 goals and 60 points with the Kings during the 1997-98 season. The Halifax, Nova Scotia, native started his career with the Boston Bruins in 1991. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1995, and acquired by the Kings for Ed Olczyk in 1997. Murray has 104
goals and 199 points in his eight-year career.
It's (h)AKI Time Again in LA
Press release from the LA Kings official web page
June 1999
updated 06 July 2002
