Kings Quick Leaves a Team Legend

The Los Angeles Kings made a move no one expected Tuesday night.

They sent Jonathan Quick along with a first and third round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Joonas Korpisalo and Vladislav Gavrikov.

Ending Quick's 16 season career in Los Angeles.

In that time, he's the franchises all-time leader in games played for a goalie, wins and save percentage amongst goalies with at least 82 starts.

He was also a crucial piece on the two Stanley Cup winning teams in 2012 and 2014.

And it is in those years Quick cemented his legacy.

In the Kings' legendary 2012 run. Quick stole the show en route to a Conn Smythe victory. 

It was one of, if not the, most dominant playoff runs by a goalie.

His .946 save percentage in 2012 is still the best of any goalie with more than 10 games played in a playoff. His goals-against-average of 1.41 is third amongst goalies with more than 10 games and he added an impressive three shutouts. 

He was the foundation that 2012 team was built upon. And he did not disappoint. 

Players have since raved about the confidence Quick gave him in those years. About how confident they felt in making plays because they knew Quick would bail them out.

That's a quality you can't measure, but it is invaluable. 

In 2013-14 Quick didn't repeat his heroics from 2012, but was still elite.

With a .934 save percentage and 1.86 goals against average. He was still the foundation of the team.

Quick continued to be solid even as the team around him faltered too. 

Outside of this season, he had just two seasons with below a .900 save percentage. The 2018-19 and the shortened 2020-21 season, where he was just shy at .898. 

He also put together a late career renaissance last season. Posting a .910 save percentage and 3.4 goals saved above expected, as the Kings defied expectation and returned to the playoffs.

This season has been a nightmare for Quick. 

He's been one of the worst goalies in the league statistically and goaltending has been a massive problem for this Kings team. 

But this won't change Quick's status as a franchise legend. It won't tarnish his legacy.

His jersey will hang in the rafters, he'll be honored with an amazing ceremony and might even get something like a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena.

The reality of the business that is hockey has taken over here. 

It's okay for fans to be emotional. Upset or sad, but life will go one. 

Quick is, and will forever be engraved in Kings history. A legend that will never be forgotten.