Dancing in the Reign: Oil Refinery, And How Fine It Is
When I claimed Anze Kopitar‘s numbers symbolized the desperate need for a deadline addition, this was the solution I was looking for. The Los Angeles Kings may not have deemed the most impressive team at the trade deadline, but the lone deal they struck can be argued as such. When you’re breaking down the transactions that took place throughout the NHL this past week, it’s quite difficult to find one sexier than what Dean Lombardi executed yesterday. The Kings acquired Edmonton Oilers‘ forward Dustin Penner, and the price at which – very favorable. For Penner, the Kings dealt defensive prospect Colten Teubert, who will join the Oklahoma City Barons, Edmonton’s American Hockey League affiliate. Teubert was the 13th overall selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, the Kings’ second overall pick behind Drew Doughty. For the Kings to gain a proven asset, it was no secret they were going to have to cut ties with a talented prospect. They did so, and targeted a position heavily saturated with skill throughout the organization – the defense. The Oilers also received the Kings’ 2011 1st round draft pick, as well as a conditional draft selection in 2012. Surrendering two draft selections is a cost the Kings can afford for the first time since Dean Lombardi’s inception as General Manager in 2006.
Colten Teubert is amidst his first full season of professional hockey. Teubert pursued his development after the draft splitting time with the Regina Pats of the WHL and the Ontario Reign of the ECHL. As far as his status with the Kings organization, Teubert was ingrained in one of the most impressive defensive assemblies in hockey. He was already staring at a stalwart blue-line set in Los Angeles, and his counterparts with the Manchester Monarchs mapped a long road to Teubert’s NHL career. He was alongside blue-line prospects Jake Muzzin, Vyacheslav Voynov, and Thomas Hickey. In 39 games with the Manchester Monarchs this season, Teubert recorded 2 goals and 8 assists for 10 points. He beholds a pure defensive skill-set, and folks in Edmonton are already comparing him to a lanky Matt Greene. The Oilers have added a very promising asset to the club’s bright future. In Teubert, the Kings certainly parted ways with talent, but Dean Lombardi‘s success in building through the draft justifies the farewell.
The addition of Dustin Penner to the Kings’ lineup is exceptional. The pursuit of a top-six forward has been an issue for almost two years now. The extended hunt for a first-line left-winger has finally been put to rest, now supplying a proven forward to play alongside Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. A first-line of Penner-Kopitar-Brown has the capabilities of being lethal, lethal I tell you. Penner brings a physical presence that equates to Dustin Brown‘s, an unseemingly soft scoring touch for his 6’4″, 245 lb stature, and a dominant aptitude for positioning in front of the net. He will undoubtedly be implemented into the powerplay, providing another reliable fixture in the crease alongside Ryan Smyth. Penner has played in 62 games this season, tallying 21 goals and 18 assists for 39 points. His surroundings in Los Angeles are an immediate improvement to those in Edmonton, which provides more upside to the deal. His potential with the Kings is outrageously attractive, and he will certainly help in ensuring to expand on the capabilities this offense beholds.
*Photo Credits:
Dustin Penner – Edmonton Oilers, Away Primary: Canadian Press/Larry MacDougal
Colten Teubert – Los Angeles Kings, Draft Hat: Ottawa Citizen/Wayne Cuddington
Dustin Penner – Edmonton Oilers, Away Primary: Getty Images/Jeff Gross
