Hiller traded to LA

St-Pete's Gazette

Chocking news in Tampa Bay, GM St-Pierre pulled the trigger, and traded their #1 goalie - Jonas Hiller

After a stellar year in Tampa Bay, Jonas Hiller was traded to LA tonight for picks and prospects.  GM St-Pierre pulled the trigger after trying to re-sign the veteran goalie but fail to do so after three attemps. 

" It's always hard to see a top goalie, like Jonas, leave your team.  He brought us to our first division banner, and also in the second round of the playoff.  After he denied the third offer, he selected some teams to be traded too and LA was the best fit for him"  GM St-Pierre told the press conference.

Tampa Bay finish first in the SouthEast Division, and also second in the Eastern Conference

" We were please with the performance he did for the team, but after refusing all the offers given to him, tension rised pretty high on the ice when our youth showed up and performed like superstars.  Neuvirth and Scrivens showed the management team and coaches what they were here to see and Hiller couldn't keep up with the pressure"  Coach Capuano told TSN.

Neuvirth and Scrivens were aquired at the beginning of the new season and were highly rated by management to perform at a high level this year.

" To be honest, I was dissapointed when Hiller refused to re-sign with the team.  I was getting frustrated each and everyday passing by knowing he didn't want to play for us.  After seeing him on the ice, and performing at a low level in front of all the youngsters.  I knew it was time to let him loose." GM St-Pierre told the media.

The Bolts got in return, two top prospects - Leipsic & Kosmachuk, rated to be in the NHL this year, or the latest next year.  And got also a 1st and 3rd draft picks in Year 4 in Hiller's trade.

The Tampa Bay lightning and Management would like to congrats the LA Kings for their new addition to the team - Jonas Hiller

John Lu  -  TSN