Jonathan Quick reveals shock over trade from Kings

The Los Angeles Kings pulled off one of the most stunning trades this week ahead of the National Hockey League Trade Deadline, sending franchise legend goaltender Jonathan Quick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a move that almost nobody saw coming. The Jackets then pivoted and dealt Quick to the Vegas Golden Knights. 

The reaction was swift and immediate from Kings fans, almost all of whom expressed disappointment and even anger in how Quick was treated by the team for whom he competed for a decade and a half, helping to win two Stanley Cup titles and becoming one of the greatest American born goaltenders of all time.

But for Quick, it's a chance for a new start.

“There’s a ton of emotions, obviously, considering how much time my family and I spent there,” Quick said. “At the end of the day, they made the decision that was best for their team.”

“It’s still a shock when you get the call,” he said. “You have so many things going through your mind.”

Quick also expressed gratitude to Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who immediately flipped Quick from the basement dwelling Blue Jackets to the contending Golden Knights. 

“I can’t thank Jarmo enough for the way he handled things,” Quick said. “He was totally professional and I really appreciate it.”

There are already several people within the Golden Knights organization that Quick is familiar with, which helped make the transition to Sin City a bit easier. 

“They’ve been very welcoming,” Quick said. “It definitely helps to see some familiar faces — Marty (Martinez), Nabber (McNabb), Hutty (Ben Hutton), Ammo (Michael Amadio) and (coach) John Stevens. I just want to fit in and help these guys as much as I can.”

“It’s genuine excitement,” Quick continued. “It’s a great group of guys and I already feel comfortable. You want to win your division, you want to win in a playoff series and ultimately win 16 games. I hope to be able to help them any way I can.”