Write On Sports LLC - "On the Kings Landing Bluechip Prospect Jack Johnson " by Marcin Hartman

On the Kings Landing Bluechip Prospect Jack Johnson

2006-10-05 10:01:06 | By: Marcin Hartman

While it hurts to see the Los Angeles Kings lose Tim Gleason and Eric Belanger just before the start of the season, the pain is still easily offset by the acquisition of rights to the best bluechip D-man that the Kings have had in years: Jack Johnson.

In case you missed it, here are the facts: on September 29, the Kings acquired the rights to Jack Johnson (No. 3 overall pick in 2005 draft) and veteran D-man Oleg Tverdovsky from the Carolina Hurricanes for sophomore defenceman Gleason and veteran center Belanger.

There are several reasons while this is potentially a great move by Dean Lombardi. Not only does it provide LA with the first exciting D prospect in years to build defense around in the near future, but also generates some much needed positive impact right away. First of all, JJ is a stud. I have only caught a glimpse of his physical play, but by all accounts he seems to be 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 previous pro-deal negotiations with the likes of Mike Cammalleri, Jeff Tambellini and Trevor Lewis makes me think snatching Johnson before the end of his full four years at UoM is a good possibility. The Kings hold exclusive rights to Johnson until August 15 after his final year in college (he is a sophomore this year). Even though JJ indicated, while he was the property of the Hurricanes, that he wanted to stay a student for four full years, he seems to have changed his mind after the trade. Here is what he had to say in a recent LA Times article:

"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."

Moreover, turning pro after just two years in Michigan, Johnson will be able to join his childhood hero, Rob Blake, in LA. It seems pretty timely that Blake’s contract is up in two years.

Thirdly, what makes this transaction so sweet is the fact that the Kings did not really unload anything of irretrievable 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 defenceman, projected to become No. 2 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 the 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 veteran forwards Tom Kostopoulos and Jeff Cowan start the season in Los Angeles and only one of them has to be sent down as soon as Alyn McCauley is back from the injury.

Fourthly, the ever-present cap issue. While the whole transaction money-wise was almost even (Tverdovsky makes $2.5 million per year for the next two seasons, while both Gleason and Belanger amount to almost as much), the catch is in the CBA. Namely, if needed, 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 ride last year), there would be scarce league interest in picking up his salary when he's passing through waivers.

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