Mar 27, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) reacts on the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Kings won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
In a shocking turn of events it was announced earlier today that Los Angeles Kings forward and team captain Dustin Brown will ask to be traded at the conclusion of the season.
“I have spent my entire career in Los Angeles and I feel like it is time for a change of scenery, that is why I will be asking Dean for a trade at the end of the season,” said Brown. ” No matter the outcome, we could win the Stanley Cup or exit first round, I want out of L.A.”
Brown has apparently been on the market a couple of times recently in his career, most notably in 2012 when Dean Lombardi was shopping Brown at the trade deadline. Brown quieted his critics when he went out the next day and recorded a hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks. He went on later that season to record 20 points in 20 games during the post season, leading the Kings to their first ever Stanley Cup Championship.
However that performance is a thing of the past and several slumps in his production between now and then have overshadowed his play that quieted those trade talks in 2012. Brown currently has 26 points in 73-games played this season. With six game left before the playoffs Brown may set a new career low if he can not break the 28-point mark before the regular season ends.
Lombardi is reluctant but willing to give Brown what he wants when the time comes. “I mean I have tried to trade him in the past but never pulled the trigger,” said Lombardi. “His play this season sure isn’t going to make this easier on me when the time comes. I don’t want to see him go but if that’s what Dustin wants that’s what he’ll get.”
We will keep you guys posted as this story develops and more comes out from both Brown and the King’s front office.
***UPDATE*** April Fools! Come one guys, he’s our captain, our bread and butter do you think he would ever ask for a trade?