(El Segundo) The Los Angeles Kings have traded goaltender Cal Petersen to Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League.
Petersen’s name went on waivers Wednesday after he allowed four goals on 16 relief shots to Jonathan Quick in the Kings’ 9-8 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken. He was ignored by the other 31 NHL teams.
The decision is surprising since Petersen was considered Quick’s successor. Petersen is in the first year of a three-year, $15 million contract, while Quick is in his final year of contract.
General manager Rob Blake said the goal was to give Petersen time to find his bearings in the American Hockey League.
Only one goalie has a lower save percentage than Petersen (.868) this season and that is Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (.864).
Petersen is 5-3-2 in 10 games and has a 3.75 goals-against average. He is in his third full season with the Kings and fifth overall.
Last season, Petersen flourished, going 20-14-2 with a 2.89 GAA and .895 save percentage. He had helped the Kings make the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
Head coach Todd McLellan said the move was not just in reaction to the game against the Kraken, but a change that team management had been considering for a few weeks. He also believes it can serve as a slap in the face to everyone on the team.
“Can this serve as a message to the team? I hope so because we are all somewhat responsible for this situation, ”said McLellan.
Heading into Thursday’s games, the Kings were third in the Pacific Division, but had won just two of their last eight games.