Kings land Jack Johnson and Tverdovsky, deal Gleason and Belanger

(photo courtesy of: www.talkingproud.us)

Let me get it out of my system: losing Tim Gleason and Eric Belanger hurts. But the pain is easily offset by the acquisition of rights to the best blue chip D-man that the Kings had in years.

Here are the facts: the Kings acquired the rights to a stud defenseman Jack Johnson (N0. 3 overall pick in 2005 draft) and veteran D-man Oleg Tverdovsky for sophomore D-man Gleason and veteran center Belanger.

There are several reasons while this is a great move by Dean Lombardi. Not only does it provide LA with the first exciting D prospect in years to build defense around, but also generates some much needed impact right away. First of all, JJ is a stud. I have only caught a glimpse of how physical he plays, but by all acounts he's the real deal and the next coming of Scott Stevens. And I don't only mean the actual presence on the ice, I've seen the same mean look in his eyes ;).

Secondly, the Kings (including but not limited to Lombardi) have a great history of signing prospects out of the University of Michigan, where Johnson intends to stay for at least another year. The history of negotiations with the likes of Mike Cammalleri, Jeff Tambellini and Trevor Lewis makes me think snatching Johnson earlier than after his full four year at UoM is a good possibility.

Especially that JJ himself warms up to the idea as well:

"The L.A. Kings, the spotlight, the marketing there, I was thinking this was a great opportunity," said Johnson, a 19-year old sophomore. "I know some of the players out there, like Patrick O'Sullivan, Dustin Brown. I skated with Mathieu Garon last summer. I'm going to love it whenever I do get a chance to play in L.A."

While the Hurricanes making Johnson opt out of his "I wanna play for Wolverines" dream to move to Raleigh, NC (of all places) had been a difficult task in itself, his turning pro after two years in Michigan to be able to join his childhood hero, Rob Blake, in LA could balance the scales in favor of the Kings. Keep in mind that next year Blake will be in the final year of his contract. Tick tock...

Thirdly, what makes this transaction so sweet is the fact the Kings did not really unload anything of unretrievable value. A couple of weeks ago, when the rumor of 'Canes trying to unload the rights to Johnson first surfaced, the brainstorm on the leading Kings message boards had anyone from Lauri Tukonen, Anze Kopitar, Jonathan Bernier and a high draft pick as a price tag.

In reality, it all boiled down to Gleason and Belanger. Sure, "Timmah" is more than adequate defensman, projected to become No2 on an NHL club as soon as next season. He's a leader, potential team captain and amiable personality to be around (unless he's going bareknuckle with an opponent). Having said that, he's nowhere nearer Johnson in potential.

At the same time, moving Belanger (the deke, the faux hawk and all) rids the Kings of one-too-many centermen, paving way to having both Kopitar and left-winger O'Sullivan on the opening day roster. Taking in one player, Tverdovsky, (and rights to another), while shipping two also provides LA with invaluable roster slot. It means one veteran forward (Tom Kostopoulos, Jeff Cowan or George Parros) less needs to clear waivers to get to Manchester.

Fourthly, the ever-present cap issue. While the whole transaction money-wise was almost even (Tverdovsky makes 2.5 mln per year for the next two seasons, while both Gleason and Belanger amount to almost as much), the catch is in the CBA. Namely, the Kings can send the Russian veteran off to the AHL, pay his salary, and not take a cap hit. Given Oleg's recent struggle with the 'Canes (he hardly ever played during their Stanley Cup rider last year), there would be scarce league-wide interest in picking up his salary when he's passing through waivers.

All in all, the Kings' future got a great shot of adrenaline last Saturday. We were promised it was coming when Lombardi took the GM office back in April, 2006. Perhaps some of us did not believe until two days ago.

Now, if you excuse me, I gotta go find that new "Jack *bleeping* Johnson" avatar. Heck, on second thoughts, I might just go all the way and tattoo one on my shoulder. Yes, it's so exciting.