In a development that should surprise no one, left wing Marco Sturm was traded to the L.A. Kings for future considerations. With the signing, the Kings now have the NHL's leading scorer from Germany AND Slovenia. Think the Kings can pry away Thomas Vanek, the NHL's leading scorer from Austria, from the Sabres? Eastern Bloc Line anyone?

Considering this almost happened last week, I can't say that this is a mind-blowing signing. Sure, we got him for cheap, and Lord knows what "future considerations" will head Boston's way. Could it be a prospect? A draft pick? A Chipotle burrito? Your guess is as good as mine.

All I do know is he's coming off two serious knee injuries. People are clamoring to see if he can fill that top line LW spot. But I'm a little more wary. It took him a while for Justin Williams to settle in and become the team's MVP this season. Sturm has the talent, now he just needs to get healthy.

According to ESPNBoston.com, L.A. really, REALLY wanted Sturm.

The Kings are approximately $6 million under the salary cap -- more than enough to absorb the rest of Sturm's $3.5 million salary this season. Chiarelli said he could have held onto Sturm longer, but the team saves more cap money this way and that made the deal more attractive.

"They got him for cheap, and they wanted to do it now. There's a lot of considerations," Chiarelli said. "In fairness to Marco, it allows him to begin his journey -- so to speak -- in another place."

Strum's signing just adds to the Kings' already impressive depth, and should pay dividends when he returns to the ice. Emphasis on "return." Get well soon, Marco. The whole season is riding on your shoulders. No pressure... (I am, of course kidding. A little.)



Here's Sturm's most famous goal, against the Canadians in the 2008 NHL Playoffs.



And here's the lovely Heidi Androl, who interviewed Sturm about his Olympic experiences in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics with Germany.

Required reading:

TSN.ca: Bruins trade Sturm to Kings for futures, pending physical

ESPNBoston.com: Marco Sturm traded to Kings

LAKings.com: Sturm heading to L.A.