Veterans know they are staying
Most of the Kings woke up in their own beds Wednesday, pulled out of their own driveways and parked in their familiar stalls at the team’s El Segundo practice facility.
A day earlier, that was no guarantee.
The league’s trade deadline arrived Tuesday with uncertainty swirling among a few veteran players. In the end, only one major transaction unfolded in Los Angeles -- defenseman Brad Stuart was sent to the Detroit Red Wings for two draft picks.
“I don’t think anybody was worried about being traded other than a few of us older guys,” said 37-year-old forward Scott Thornton. “It’s different. You’re aware it might happen, so you talk to your kids, you let them know, so they’re not shocked if it does happen.”
Tom Preissing, a 29-year-old defenseman, said he hasn’t noticed a sense of calm surrounding his teammates, but added, “It might be a little easier to focus now because we know we’re going to be here a while longer.”
Stuart’s presence will be missed.
He was fourth on the team in ice time, averaging 21 minutes 13 seconds, though his minus-16 rating equaled the worst on the Kings.
“It’s a good opportunity for him, he’s going to be in the playoffs and in a major hunt to win a Cup,” defenseman Jack Johnson said.
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TONIGHT
at Edmonton, 6 PST
Site -- Rexall Place.
Radio -- 1260 (delay, 7).
Records -- Kings 26-34-4, Oilers 29-30-5.
Record vs. Oilers -- 2-0-1.
Update -- Kings Coach Marc Crawford said forwards Ladislav Nagy (neck) and Derek Armstrong (knee) and goalie Jason LaBarbera (groin) would not make the four-game trip.
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Go beyond the scoreboard
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