Kings acquire Dempsey from Blackhawks

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

TSN.ca Staff

3/2/2004

The Los Angeles Kings have acquired defenseman Nathan Dempsey from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and future considerations.

Dempsey, 29, had played in 58 games for the Blackhawks this season and recorded 25 points (8-17=25) and 30 penalty minutes, a career-high. Dempsey was leading all Blackhawks in average ice time (23:47 per game) and he also led all Blackhawks blueliners in shots with 155. In addition, he was second
among all Chicago defensemen in goals, assists, points and games played, as
well as power play goals (two).

"Nathan fits in well with our current group of defensemen," said Kings Senior Vice President/General Manager Dave Taylor. "He is mobile and he moves the puck well. He has a good, all-around game, and we like that he has played in all situations with Chicago this season."

Last season with Chicago, Dempsey's first full NHL campaign, he set career highs in goals (five), assists (23), points (28), penalty minutes (26) and games played (67).

[Yeti]

Earth shattering move...

Except for the Gonchar trade, I think it will be a rather quiet week.

[HFTO]

Were probably going to see more activity in the next few days,I somehow get the feeling Bo won't do anything until after the weekend games or even on the final day.If he does I hope he doesn't miss out on anything.
HFTO

[Deleted]

Yeti said:

Earth shattering move...

You sure it's not the after-effect of that can of beans you ate?

[HFTO]

Did somebody want a buzz.....well I guess we got it alot earlier than we expected.
HFTO

[Skilly]

Nathan Dempsey is a class act. He is well spoken and above all he is the exact opposite of a locker room disturbance.

After suffering through a decade of hockey purgaory (stuck in the Maple Leaf minor system) it is good to see him in the NHL and succeeding. He was by far my favourite St. John's Maple Leaf of all-time and I was going to name my first born after him (but it was a girl!).

My only regret, is that he finish his St. John's Maple Leaf career 8 points shy of breaking Yanic Perreault's record.