Main Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Quick was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets for less time than it takes a bus to get from Ohio to Las Vegas. Now, the veteran netminder once again finds himself in the Pacific division. However, for the first time in his career, it will be on a different team.
Jonathan Quick was Traded to Vegas
The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired Quick in their Vladislav Gavrikov / Joonas Korpisalo deal yesterday. Quick’s shock at the news – including the flight back to Los Angeles – made headlines, but couldn’t have been a surprise. The Kings needed to make room, and his numbers haven’t been great for a team with ambitions.
Still, it was a surprise for many given his position in Kings’ history. Now he has the opportunity to be part of another team reaching the Stanley Cup – even if he’s not the starter.
The Vegas Golden Knights are looking at Quick as some insurance for their own playoff run. He’ll be behind Adin Hill in the lineup for now. Original starter Logan Thompson isn’t anywhere close to coming back, though the team hopes he’ll be ready for the playoffs. Laurent Brossoit was placed onto injured reserve on Monday to make room for replacement Michael Hutchinson – and now Quick.
Hutchinson has been moved out to Columbus along with their 2025 seventh-round pick in return for Jonathan Quick.
What Happens Next
This afternoon is the official trade deadline, BUT we’re going out on a limb and saying these two goalies stay where they are for now. The Blue Jackets are retaining 50% of Quick’s salary, which was probably necessary for the speedy turnaround. That’s $2.9 million for Hutchinson and a seventh-round lottery ticket.
This lets Columbus leave Daniil Tarasov in the AHL to cook while Hutchinson backs up starter Elvis Merzlikins. This season is pretty much waiting for the next to start, and there’s no need to drop a rookie goalie into that.
Vegas also gets their seasoned backup to spell Hill off in case of another injury between the pipes.
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