To be honest, I was never rooting for Vegas to win at all (the opposite, actually), but I was stoked for Quick to win it again. Yeah, he sucked his last year with the Kings, which necessitated his trade to get another goalie and defenseman, but I still feel like he was done dirty by Blake and I was happy to see it rubbed in Blake's face. Martinez (and Amadio)? Don't care.
Yeah but we got a first round exit out of it!!!!!
Everyone's fandom is different. For me, there is only one optimal outcome since, by definition, it doesn't seem like there can be two optimal outcomes. Those two getting another ring is a "at least these guys I like got another ring" to try and feel better about the outcome: it just doesn't make me feel better at all since I loathe that Vegas fanbase.
For Quick though, it felt kind of lame since he didn't do much. Now we've got pictures of our guy skating around in a horrendous Vegas jersey hoisting the Cup.
I'm certain Lombardi verified the trade request. Maybe he denied it initially, but once the ball was rolling he said something to the effect that he wouldn't have done it if it was solely a hockey move. But since it was a personal reason for the player he didn't want anyone unhappy here, so his hands were tied. I read that as he was bemoaning any type of leverage in a deal.
He said it was for his kid's safety, but really, what pro hockey player can't find a safe spot and school to live in?
That was the Lubo trade. If I remember right, Lubo had just been extended with an NMC and Deano moved him the day before the new contract took effect? I’m not 100% on that.
Kings got Frasier + pick for Smyth.
It may have been denied at first but Smyth confirmed he requested a trade
At the time there was talk that he assumed he would be given a bigger leadership role and felt disrespected here as just one of the boys behind an extremely young captain. As with all things that could be BS, but at least its reasonable BS.
I'm pretty sure he wore an "A", but that could easily be true. It just seemed like he was making stuff up to get out as he certainly wasn't happy here. It worked out great for the Kings, obviously.
Smyth wanted his wife and kids back in Alberta. Why they could not be in Alberta with him in LA for 7 months is beyond me. Each to their own, was pissed that he put LA in a corner as he would only go to one team but also demanded a trade. For a while I remember Calgary was also in on him so I was hopeful LA would get something. But Smythe turned that down too. The situation was made worse by the Brule physical issue, and that made Edmonton look really bad. Luckily it all worked out really really well. Fraser solidified the fourth line, Smythe leaving gave cap room for Carter.
