LA KINGS OUTSIDER 2.0

The last stop of Jarome Iginla’s illustrious Hall of Fame career in Los Angeles was brief.  When GM Dean Lombardi acquired the 39-year-old Iginla towards the end of the 2016-17 season; it was clear that his best days were behind him.  The Kings were in desperate need of an offensive spark trying to claw their way into the 8th seed.  Iggy registered a respectable six goals and three assists in his 19 games with the Kings.  The romantic in me of course wanted a Ray Bourque-esque ending with Iggy receiving the Cup handoff from newly appointed Captain Anze Kopitar.   Unfortunately, the Kings failed to make the postseason.  The Kings gold anniversary was a complete letdown and the Kings were mathematically eliminated with four games remaining in the regular season.   I always thought keeping Iggy one more season in a mentor role could have done some players on that roster some good (Oh!  Hey there Tyler!).   It’...

Phaneuf:"If Wayne Gretzky can get traded..." Leave it to Brian Burke to captivate the hockey world once again with not one but two deals.  Just like he did in Anaheim; Burkie is putting his stamp on the Maple Leafs with another blockbuster.  Check out TSN's recap of both deals .  Darren Dreger was the first to tweet the Phaneuf deal. Per Dreger Phaneuf, Sjostrom and Auley to Toronto for Hagman, Stajan, Mayers and white!! The Leafs also added J.S. Giguere who is reunited with Burke, Beauchmin, and goaltending coach Francois Allaire.  Unfortunately, Phaneuf doesn't play center and won't be able to help Phil Kessel much.  The Leafs just traded three of their top six forwards.  The Flames add scoring depth and cap relief but is that really the best return they could get for Phaneuf?  I think THN's Ryan Kennedy agrees with me. Per Kennedy Calgary gave up the best player in this deal, not to mention a prospect in Aulie who was very strong at the world jun...