LA Kings: Top five Stanley Cup-contention trades
By Ryan Cowley
LA Kings Trade Patrick O’Sullivan for Justin Williams
It was the 2009 Trade Deadline.
Leading up to this day, I, in addition to countless fans, thought that Patrick O’Sullivan would be a key figure in the LA Kings’ return to playoff contention. This, however, would not be the case.
Lombardi and the Kings traded O’Sullivan to the Carolina Hurricanes. In exchange, though, the Kings would acquire a proven playoff performer and someone who, even after nearly six years removed from the franchise, remains one of the most popular Kings of all-time.
While he may not have ever competed for the NHL’s scoring title, Justin Williams elevated his game when it mattered most — first in Philadelphia and then in Carolina. In fact, that 2006 Stanley Cup Final that the aforementioned Stoll and Greene were a part of, their Oilers fell short to Williams and the Hurricanes. Williams even notched 31 goals and a career-high 76 points that season.
Not only would Justin Williams help the Kings win two Stanley Cups, but he would strengthen his Mr. Game 7 moniker but stepping up his game in three deciding games in the 2014 playoffs — followed by scoring the OT-winner in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Whether or not he makes the Hockey Hall of Fame or even gets his No. 14 raised to the rafters of STAPLES Center, Justin Williams will forever go down as one of the greatest Kings of all-time.
That has been no easy feat, but it has been very much deserved.