The NHL / Chris Baker : Kings Get Tiger Williams in Trade

The Kings acquired left wing Dave (Tiger) Williams, the all-time National Hockey League leader in penalty minutes, from the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday for future considerations just before the NHL trading deadline.

Williams, 31, has 3,157 penalty minutes in his 11 NHL seasons.

Williams arrived in Los Angeles Tuesday night and was expected to make his debut in tonight’s game against the Hartford Whalers at the Forum.

“We basically got him for his contract,” King General Manager Rogie Vachon said. “We can certainly use his muscle. He keeps players honest. I think he’s got a lot of respect around the league.

“He has a history of playing well in the playoffs. We feel he’s going to help us. Hopefully, he’ll give us a little edge.”

Williams is in the first year of a two-year contract worth a reported $150,000 to $170,000.

Williams was traded from Vancouver to Detroit last summer for Rob McClanahan. The Red Wings sent Williams to the minors Feb. 19.

He had 3 goals, 8 assists and 163 penalty minutes in 55 games for Detroit this season. He had 5 goals, 2 assists and 4 penalty minutes for Adirondack. Williams has 195 goals and 222assists in his career.

In other trades, the Hartford Whalers sent former Olympic star David Jensen to the Washington Capitals for goalie Peter Sidorkiewicz and center David Evason.

Washington also sent minor-league center Jim McGeough to Pittsburgh for center Mark Taylor.

And, the Capitals also signed former New York Ranger center and left wing Mikko Leinonen.

The Vancouver Canucks acquired Glen Cochrane from the Philadelphia Flyers for a third-round draft pick.

There are reports that the Vancouver Canucks, the only team in pro sports with their own jet, may be selling it.

The Canucks purchased the Boeing 727 jet 18 months ago from US Air for $2 million. It was refitted to carry 40 passengers and painted in the team colors.

The jet was recently in Miami to be serviced, however, and a Vancouver radio station reported that it may be sold to a Miami businessman.

“I don’t think fans realize what the costs are to run a club in the playoffs. Last year we spent $300,000 for planes and hotels in the playoffs. The Coliseum rent is 15%. And the NHL takes $75,000 a game to put into the overall playoff (prize) pool. Winning the Stanley Cup is not a financial windfall.

“The financial reality is that it costs a lot of money. We have a lot of emphasis on bonuses on our team and I’m not complaining. But I also spent $100,000 on Stanley Cup rings last year. It’s not a gift.”

Earlier this season, rookie center Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins said that Penguin Coach Bob Berry had been outcoached in a loss to Quebec.

Lemieux recently suggested that the Penguins should call up an enforcer to protect him.

Is Lemieux making a big impression with his suggestions?

“He should stick to playing,” General Manager Eddie Johnson told USA Today.