LAK - CLB

[Kings GM]

To CLB : Mattias Ohlund (83) + LA 1st 2013

To LAK : Steve Mason (74)

Accepted.

I think i really need a better goalie than Cory Schneider to win a Stanley Cup, Steve Mason will give me this chance. Ohlund still very good, but his getting older and i was planning to find a #1 goalie with my first 2013.

[Virtual Jarmo]

Columbus accepts. I wasn't winning with Mason so who knows if I'll win without him. Based on the other trades that I have coming, I'm going to be getting a new starting goaltender and Ohlund is a trade replacement with high CON and pretty good leadership.

This deal makes sense for me in a lot of ways and especially when the big picture comes together. I hate to help a Western Conference foe, but I'm focusing on the re-tooling of my roster and I think this is a good move in the right direction. It also gives me a later 1st next year to either use as trade currency or keep and look to get a solid, young player.

[GoJetsGo]

This trade has been approved.

Our discussion (Ryan and I) of this deal focused on the similarities between this deal and the recent SJ/WPG swap. Backstrom may be a better playoff goalie than Mason, but his effective time in San Jose will be limited to a few seasons. Hugo set out to improve his goaltending situation this offseason. His other transactions make it clear as to why Ohlund was available.

Mason seems to fit those requirements and is still young enough to be LA's goalie of the future. Perhaps the change of EHM scenery alters his fortunes in the playoffs. Because of Mason's youth we agreed that CBJ's return should be more weighty than WPG's. Therefore, it is fairly clear, Ohlund > Boyes and to be determined between Martinez and the selection.

[Virtual Jarmo]

Entered.