The Los Angeles Kings have traded the rights to goaltender Ben Bishop to the Dallas Stars for a 2017 fourth round pick.
Mark Stepneski: The fourth round pick previously belonged to the Montreal Canadiens and was part of the Jordie Benn trade.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The 30-year old Bishop was a Vezina finalist in 2016. Bishop has battle groin issues.
The odds of the Stars signing Bishop are good. He could be looking for a five- or six-year deal.
The Stars already have Kari Lehtonen ($5.95 million next year) and Antti Niemi ($4.5 million) under contract for next year. They could keep Lehtonen and buy out Niemi.
“Ben has proven that he is one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL,” said Nill. “This offers us the opportunity to negotiate with him before the free agency period begins.”
Pierre LeBrun: The draft pick is not conditional.
Frank Seravalli: “No way Jim Nill could sell to his team on keeping goaltending status quo another yr. I believe that also to be true for #nhljets and #Flames”
Mike Heika: Guessing the Stars buy out Niemi and keep Lehtonen. Lehtonen will likely be better next year under a better defensive system.
John Shannon: In talks with the Kings, Bishop made it clear that he preferred certain teams, and said that he wanted to be in Dallas.
Jon Rosen: The Kings were talking with the Stars last week, but it took till today to get it done.
John Shannon: Was told that Bishop had a no-trade list and the Flames were on it.
Joe Smith: Nice with the Stars and Bishop once they figure out the rest of their goaltending situation. Bishop previously played in Dallas with the Texas Tornado before he went to college.
Bob McKenzie: The Flames were also in trade talks with the Kings before they moved him to Dallas.
Bob McKenzie: It’s believed that Bishop wanted to be traded to Dallas.
Sean Shapiro: Guessing it would take a deal in the $6 million per season range.
Sean Shapiro: GM Jim Nill on Bishop: “We think that he’s an upgrade in net for us and I’m hoping he’s a big part of our future moving forward.”
