Storr Welcomes Acquisition of Potvin as a Boost to Himself as Well as Team

Jamie Storr could have sulked when he learned the Kings had acquired Felix Potvin from Vancouver Thursday for a draft pick dependent on Potvin’s performance and whether he re-signs. He briefly pondered the reasons and timing, but soon realized competition in net might help him and the team.

“He’ll be good,” said Storr, who made 21 saves Friday in the Kings’ 4-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild. “Growing up in Toronto, he was my hero, even though he’s only four years older than me. I had pictures of him and Patrick Roy up on my wall. . . .

“He had a great year last year and this year, his team is in playoff position, and there was a reason they re-signed him. It’s an unbelievable opportunity. A no-brainer. It will be great competition again.”

Potvin got his immigration papers Friday and flew to Chicago, where the Kings will play the Blackhawks Sunday. However, because the Kings couldn’t book any ice time today, his debut might be postponed.

Storr, who joked he had asked the club to get Buffalo’s Dominik Hasek, knows Potvin will take playing time from him and Stephane Fiset, whose sprained left knee will idle him several more weeks.

“Right now, it’s in my own hands,” Storr said. “If he does, I can kick myself. This trade does nothing but solidify the position. It pushes everyone. It also gets the notion out of anyone else’s head that the L.A. Kings are five points [now three] out [of the playoffs] and are going to start ditching salaries. You don’t trade for someone who can help you make the playoffs if you’re going to ditch salaries.

“I’m excited. No one should be satisfied with how things have been going. We win or lose as a team. The only thing each player could do is do his job and be accountable. All I can do is provide good goaltending. Felix can help that.”

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General Manager Dave Taylor said he’s considering other deals but goaltending was his priority. “With Steph hurt and Jamie up and down this season, we wanted to strengthen that position,” he said. “We’ll see how [Potvin] does. As far as other moves, anything is possible.”

He also said he hasn’t spoken to agent Ron Salcer recently about a contract for defenseman Rob Blake.

Blake said he has talked with Taylor, his former teammate, but has kept Salcer informed. “I don’t mind talking to him. I’ve known him a long time,” Blake said. “But there’s nothing really new.”

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Goalie Steve Passmore was assigned to Chicago of the International Hockey League. He was recalled on an emergency basis and didn’t have to clear waivers. . . . Defenseman Philippe Boucher was loaned to Manitoba of the IHL. . . . Center Bob Corkum cleared waivers but remained with the Kings. . . . Aki Berg was scratched when Jozef Stumpel returned after sitting out two games because of a strained hamstring.