Kings Acquire Forward Smyth From Avalanche In Exchange For Two Defensemen

July 4, 2009 1:01 p.m. EST

The Los Angeles Kings offensive play should be improved next season with Friday's acquisition of forward Ryan Smyth from the Colorado Avalanche.

The 'Lanche received two defensemen, Kyle Quincey and Tom Preissing, along with a fifth-round pick in 2010, for Smyth.

Smyth is tough and talented, coming off a 26-goal, 33-assist season in which he averaged just over 20 minutes of ice time per contest.

Smyth, in the middle of a five-year, $31.25 million contract, has 310 goals and 350 assists in 920 career games.

He will add some needed scoring punch and grit to a Kings team who need help in both areas.

Smyth was also a -15, however, on a team that allowed a bundle of goals last season.

The Kings are pleased to add a veteran of Smyth's ilk.

"Ryan is the type of player who fits with our team," Kings general manager Dean Lombardi said in a statement. "He fills an important need as he is a competitive, gritty scoring left winger, and he fits with the overall identity we continue to build here."

Colorado, meanwhile, was happy to take steps to shore up its defense.

"We are pleased to be adding two quality NHL defensemen," Avalanche general manager Greg Sherman said in a statement. "Kyle and Tom are both versatile players who can contribute at both ends. They will add defensive depth to our lineup."