Will All Be Fine in 2009? Things Are Looking Up in LA LA Land

(Ryan Smyth Trade was announced after article was published. I am so excited to announce the addition of Captain Canada to the Kings lineup) As a fan of the Los Angeles Kings for over 20 years, I must say I haven't been this excited for the puck to drop in quite some time.  I have watched this team from it's high point ('93 Cup Run) to it's low point (man, there have been too many), but this year I feel the winds of change in the air.  Since being hired over three years ago as President and General Manager, Dean Lombardi has made it clear he intends to follow a blueprint to build from within using the draft and developing prospects instead of relying on "quick fix" solutions.  He has organized a team around him in the front office to deliver on this plan, and is hopefully now putting the finishing touches in place on the ice to help make this dream a reality in bringing respectability and excitment back to the failing franchise In missing the playoffs ... (link)