Advertisement

Mair Happy to Be in L.A. After Trade From Toronto

Share

It took merely one practice with the Kings for Adam Mair to call his new team “we,” a mental switch that traded players are sometimes slow to make.

“I knew Toronto was going to make a deal for a defenseman. It made sense,” said Mair, acquired Tuesday from the Maple Leafs, with a second-round draft pick, for defenseman Aki Berg. “I was a little surprised it was me, but I’m happy to be here and get a great opportunity to play. . . .

“Once I heard about the trade, I started going through the papers to read about the Kings. It’s good to see Phoenix lost. It [a playoff spot] is within three points, within our own hands. It’s good to control your own destiny.”

Advertisement

Mair, who can play center or right wing, was among 10 players who skated Thursday at HealthSouth training center in El Segundo. Coach Andy Murray plans to watch Mair today before deciding whether to play him Saturday against the San Jose Sharks.

Procedurally, Mair was recalled from Lowell of the American Hockey League and Marko Tuomainen was assigned to Lowell.

*

Felix Potvin, who has started 11 consecutive games, was given the day off. “I feel fine,” he said. “I had time to rest and I’ll go back at it [today].”

His victory Wednesday was his 200th, a milestone he appreciated. “It’s fun to get at this level, but it took a little longer than I thought,” he said. “I just want to try to keep going.”

Stephane Fiset, third on the depth chart behind Potvin and Jamie Storr, has accepted that he probably won’t play again this season.

“Right now, it’s important to win some games. Our goal is to make the playoffs, no matter who is in the net,” he said. “For sure, I want to be in the net. That’s natural. But I wasn’t even supposed to be back [from a knee injury] this season and I’m back, and that’s a plus.

Advertisement

“I’m happy to be back on the ice with the guys, having fun. I want to find my technique and get my conditioning back so I can be ready next season. If they call on me, I’m going to be ready and try my best. If they don’t, I’m not going to complain. We’ve got a great goalie and he’s playing unbelievable.”

*

Former King owner Bruce McNall was transferred last week from a federal prison to a halfway house in Hollywood and has gotten a job, a friend of his said. McNall is closely monitored and must account for his whereabouts.

Advertisement