NHL Trade Rumors: Kings acquire Ben Bishop from Lightning

The Los Angeles Kings have reportedly traded for Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop. 

Even with Jonathan Quick back in action, the Los Angeles Kings are taking no chances. They’ve been looking to trade for a goalie even with their starter healthy. With ground to make up in order to make the postseason, the Kings have acquired some goaltending insurance. They’ve reportedly traded for Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie.

The Kings are Eric Cernak, current backup goalie Peter Budaj and a pair of late-round picks.

This is a huge trade because of Quick’s return. Budaj has been very solid for the Kings this season, but general manager Dean Lombardi doesn’t like to take chances. With Quick’s health still a question mark, Los Angeles now has two legitimate starting goaltenders. Bishop is having a rough year, but he’s just a year removed from being a Vezina Trophy finalist. He gives some insurance for Quick in case he isn’t healthy. And it doesn’t sound like the Kings gave up too much to get him.

Meanwhile, the Lightning likely should have traded Bishop earlier, but this is still a very solid return for them. Budaj provides them with a backup goaltender and to be someone who can be exposed at the expansion draft. Getting a draft pick for him is nice as well. Andrei Vasilevskiy is having a rough season, but he gets more starts moving forward. This should be good for him, as he gets a head start for next season.

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Erik Cernak is a blue line prospect, drafted by the Kings in the second round of the 2015 draft. He gives Tampa Bay a top defenseman prospect. Cernak moves the puck very well, so he should be a nice fit for the Lightning.