Los Angeles Kings legend Jonathon Quick has been traded in a stunning move in the National Hockey League, despite nearing retirement with the franchise.
Quick was drafted by the Kings all the way back in 2005, and has remained with the franchise ever since while winning two Stanley Cup's along the way. But despite being in the final year of a 10-year contract with the Kings, he's been traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The trade sees goaltender Joonas Korpisalo and defenceman Vladislav Gavrikov move to the Kings in exchange for Quick and a first-round draft pick. Quick is reportedly extremely unhappy with the move, as he was tipped to retire at the Kings, as a one-team man.
Sport in the modern day can be ruthless, and most professional athletes are very much aware that it is now a business. That's transactional, as sometimes players prioritise their own best interests, while some teams make decisions that may not be welcomed by their stars.
And this is certainly one of them, as the Kings have parted ways with their long-term goaltender in exchange for two new players, and also a future draft pick. Quick made 712 NHL appearances while at the Kings, and was already in the final year of his current deal.
The Kings tweeted out to thank Quick for his service, saying: "On the biggest stages, under the brightest lights, you performed like no other. The ultimate team-mate, the fiercest competitor, a legacy that will never diminish. Thank you Jonathon."
Quick did have ambitions to play on after this season, and it's not known if the Kings would have offered him a new deal. However, his time has been cut short, and he's now set to see out his 16th season at the Blue Jackets.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, to say that Quick is unhappy about the move is an "understatement" as it came out of the blue. To make matters worse, the news broke before the Kings faced the Winnipeg Jets - with Quick travelling alongside his team-mates.
The Kings beat the Jets 6-5 after overtime, in what was a stunning game over in Winnipeg. But even with the win it was clear to see that the Kings reaction was muted, as Quick is a huge figure in the dressing room and loved inside the franchise.
But for the Kings, the deal does make sense, even though it has caused some outrage amongst fans. One fan took to Twitter and wrote: "Jonathan Quick was the best goaltender in LA Kings history, won multiple Stanley Cups, Olympian, was loyal for 16 years, and his reward is getting shipped off to Columbus."
It's a seemingly brutal end to a wonderful career in Los Angeles, but Quick will still be renowned as a legend regardless. Quick has seen his playing time limited in recent years, and may have a chance to play at the Blue Jackets.
