Talking LA Kings trade rumors with goalie Jonathan Bernier

Bernier at practice today (photo: D. Sheehan)

As we wrote about earlier today, trading goalie Jonathan Bernier is a risky proposition for the LA Kings when you consider that starter Jonathan Quick can be a walk-away free agent in less than 18 months.

However, he remains one of the key assets likely to move in any big deal that GM Dean Lombardi may swing for a top line sniper. So, after practice today, we spoke about what it's like to continually hear your name in trade speculation at this time of year...

"I just can't control anything," Bernier began. "So, I've been going day by day and that's what I've been doing all year. It's in management's control and if Dean finds that he wants to trade me, then he'll trade me."

When Bernier checked in with MayorsManor over the summer he talked about wanting to play in LA, but realizing that he might have to leave to reach his ultimate goal of being a starter in the NHL. And that's the same dilemma he's facing at the moment.

"I'm a competitive guy and I want to play as much as possible. Right now, I don't have the playing time that I'd wish (for)," Bernier said. "But, Quickie's been outstanding this year and that's the way it goes, I guess. But, I would like to play more. If it's here, then it's here. If it's somewhere else, it's somewhere else."

Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings

In less than two weeks, most fans will turn their attention back to the action on the ice. For now, it seems all everybody wants to talk about are trade rumors. Who's leaving, who's staying, what would it cost to get this guy or that guy?

Here's a quick recap of the five things in play for the Kings at the moment:

- One of the most valuable assets the Kings have to bargain with is Jonathan Bernier. He's a young goalie, former first round pick and (in limited action) appears to be everything you can build a franchise around. However, trading him away is also one of the riskiest moves GM Dean Lombardi can make. Jonathan Quick is an unrestricted free agent next summer (July 2013) and he's an east coast guy. Would he rather play for a team closer to home? Also, his career numbers are almost identical to Nashville's Pekka Rinne - who recently signed a seven year deal for $7-million per. Can the Kings afford to pay him that much? Trading Bernier now increases Quick's leverage in negotiations down the road and exposes the Kings if he was to walk away in a year.  Even so, as risky as it is, he's likely moving if Lombardi can land a sniper in a return. Any deal like that though would need to include other players because, with as talented as Bernier may be, he's still only played 43 games in the NHL. And you're not getting a top line forward straight up for a guy with 'potential.'

- If Bernier was to leave in a trade, expect the Kings to get a veteran back-up in return (either via that same deal or a separate one). It's highly unlikely you'll see either Manchester goalie as Quick's understudy come playoff time.

POLL: Who was the King of the Week (Feb 6-12)?

For the past few years we've run a 'Player of the Month' poll here on MayorsManor. Now, through the remainder of the season, we'll be publishing a poll for the 'King of the Week.' I'm scheduled to appear each Monday on the brand new All the Kings Men podcast, where we'll discuss the top Kings' performances from the prior week and narrow the field to three.

You can listen to this week's episode at this link.

As you'll hear, we're then looking for you to weigh in on who deserves the crown - so to speak.

The list of nominees for the week of February 6-12 are:

Jonathan Quick... record of 2-1-1 with a 1.89 goals-against average and .921 save percentage - also was the 2nd star vs Lightning and Islanders

Jordan Nolan... first NHL goal, in his second NHL game, was a game winner vs the Stars (also had five hits and was third star of the night) - plus, two hits and one takeaway vs. Islanders

Justin Williams... three points on the week - including one goal, one assist, plus-1 vs Stars



Poll ends Wednesday, February 15th at 8pm PST.

The Mayor
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VIDEO: Get to know Jordan Nolan - video highights from Manchester

It isn't very often when a 22-year old rookie is the best player on the ice during his first two NHL games. Yet, Jordan Nolan might be able to lay claim to such a statement after his performances in New York and Dallas over the weekend.

A seventh round draft pick by the Kings back at the 2009 NHL Draft, Nolan made quite the impression with his physical play and goal scoring ability.  A 6-foot-3 forward, he's always been a bit of a work-in-progress.  However, it was obvious at training camp in September that he had taken giant steps forward in his development and that solid play extended into his season in Manchester, where he had nine goals and 13 assists - not to mention his 119 penalty minutes - in 40 games played.

The Kings Vision team have pulled together a brief highlight reel, check out what he can do with his stick, as well as his fists...

To see a similar video package on Dwight King, click here.

For the MayorsManor article on Nolan and King being promoted from the AHL, click here.

The Mayor
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VIDEO: Get to know Dwight King - highlights from Manchester

Were you impressed with the two players called up by the Kings this weekend?

Dwight King was doing his second tour of duty in the NHL, after a brief six-game stay last season. He wasn't much of a factor in the game on Saturday, however he surly made his presence known yesterday - scoring a goal and making several nice plays.

The guys over at Kings Vision have pulled together a brief highlight reel from his time in Manchester, where he had 11 goals and 18 assists in 50 games this season. Take a look...

To see a similar video package on Jordan Nolan, click here.

For the MayorsManor article on Nolan and King being promoted from the AHL, click here.

The Mayor
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AUDIO: Justin Williams praises rookies Nolan and King after 4-2 win

The Kings entered today's third period with a 2-1 advantage. Then, Dallas tied it, but rookie Jordan Nolan helped LA regain the lead with his first NHL goal. In the final minute of play, Justin Williams put the puck in the Stars' empty net, icing a 4-2 win. After the game, here's what he had to say...



Earlier, we published post-game audio from coach Darryl Sutter (click here to listen) and Nolan talked about his big night here.

The Mayor
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AUDIO: Kings' Jordan Nolan on his game winning goal today

Kings' rookie Jordan Nolan had a strong game yesterday vs. the Islanders and was out to impress again today, including picking up his first NHL goal - which stood as the game winner. Back in the locker room, here's what he had to say after the game...



We've already published post-game audio from coach Darryl Sutter, click here to listen.

Also, be sure to check out what Justin Williams had to say - including plenty of praise for Nolan and Dwight King - listen here.

The Mayor
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AUDIO: LA Kings coach Darryl Sutter after 4-2 win vs Stars

After the LA Kings big 4-2 win in Dallas today, coach Darryl Sutter had plenty to say - and even offered up several new three-word Sutterisms. For example, when talking about recent call-ups Jordan Nolan and Dwight King he said 'Suck it up' and 'They were fresh.' Take a listen...



Still to come, post-game locker room audio with Nolan and Justin Williams.

The Mayor
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VIDEO: Jonathan Quick on the Kings 2-1 OT loss in NY

Kings' goalie Jonathan Quick tried to remain positive after the team's 2-1 overtime loss to the Islanders earlier today. Here's what he had to say back in the locker room...

Thoughts from coach Darryl Sutter and team captain Dustin Brown are up on the homepage right now.

The Mayor
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VIDEO: Kings Dustin Brown on team's 2-1 OT loss to the Isles

Kings captain Dustin Brown was obviously disappointed with his team's performance today vs. the Islanders. After, he spoke with the media - including sharing thoughts on goalie Jonathan Quick and rookie Jordan Nolan.

Post-game thoughts from coach Darryl Sutter and Quick are up on the homepage.

The Mayor
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