What to expect from Marco Sturm in LA

Marco Sturm is a 12 year NHL veteran, who until today, played for two teams his entire career.  Although he has never hit 30 goals in his career, Sturm carved a career with his speed and quick shot, scoring more than 27 goals three separate times.

After tearing his ACL before pre-season, the veteran re-injured his wounds on the team’s trip to Prague– one that not only strained an ACL but shattered the confidence of incumbent starter Tuukka Rask.  He probably should not have been travelling with the team but as a member of the organization for five years he deserved a vacation.

Carrying a cap hit north of 3 million, the Bruins decided his price tag was too steep to carry and dealt him out west to a team who desperately needs a boost. Since Marc Savard is now on the books, the team had a choice to either keep Sturm on the roster when he got healthy or face worse options like sending Tyler Seguin back to Juniors.

One has to think that if the Kings were that desperate they would have to use the veteran on the top two forward lines.  In fact the team has used everyone on the team as their top line left wing from Brad Richardson to Dwight King to Wayne Simmonds— clearly nothing is working.

Using Sturm on that top line would not shock me.  If their current configuration with Justin Williams on the top line also works then Sturm could slot into his spot on the second line.  Regardless of the bargain basement price the team paid for the winger, he won’t be on their third line; that line actually has been working.

Last season, Sturm played the majority of the time on the top two lines and he really has never been a third line player.  The Kings know that, which is why they acquired him.  The Bruins know that, which is why he was traded and had value over Michael Ryder or Blake Wheeler.  Like the player or not for his non-flashiness, he is established.

Clearly I am not encouraging you to drop an actual player for Sturm but he deserves a look in deeper leagues and that is what you should expect: deeper league value.