Feb 3, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Keaton Ellerby (4) and Buffalo Sabres center Steve Ott (9) during play at the First Niagara Center. Panthers beat the Sabres 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

With that, the Kings went out and acquired defenseman Keaton Ellerby from the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 5th-round draft choice. The move should immediately help the Kings in terms of depth but we’ll see how the newest King does on the ice.

A native of Strathmore, Alberta, Ellerby was drafted 10th overall by the Panthers in 2007 and in two full seasons with them, the 24-year-old blueliner has recorded two goals and 15 assists in 94 games. Through nine games this season, however, Ellerby has yet to record a point but does have 36 penalty minutes to his record this year.

While you’d be hard-pressed to find his name on the scoresheet, Ellerby uses his 6’4, 220-pound from to his advantage and is an intimidating force on the ice, much like Matt Greene is who the Kings are really hoping to replace for the next few weeks at least.

Since Ellerby wore #4 in Florida, it’s anyone’s guess as to which number he will be sporting in Los Angeles given that Rob Blake‘s old numbers is unofficially off-limits.

With all that said, I’d like to welcome Keaton Ellerby to the Los Angeles Kings and wish him all the best with his new club.