Kris Versteeg should get a discount with moving companies by now.
The former two-time Blackhawks forward approached this latest trade deadline with an open mind because he knew it was damn likely he could be headed elsewhere again.
Sure enough, he was.
“When you stop getting traded is really the time I’m going to worry,” said Versteeg, now with the Los Angeles Kings. “It’s part of the game. But it’s exciting to come to another team that’s a contender. They’re a good team every year with great players, great guys and I’m just trying to help out.”
Versteeg has gotten used to moving around. Since coming to the NHL in 2007, Versteeg has played for the Blackhawks (twice), Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes and now the Kings, who will play the Blackhawks tonight at the United Center.
[SHOP: Gear up, Blackhawks fans]
The forward has always been cognizant of the business side of the league. Versteeg doesn’t sweat this stuff anymore. Still, he’s got other considerations now. He and his wife welcomed their first child last June, and they have another on the way. But Versteeg said his family handles it all well.
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“It’s exciting for them, too, to go around and visit new plays, kind of be touristy,” he said. “It’s maybe difficult at the start of the process when you have to move everyone out and have to find a home. Besides that it’s work as usual, and I think they’re happy with that.”
Versteeg is once again part of a contending team. The Kings have won seven of their last 10 games entering tonight and Versteeg isn’t surprised they’ve continued to have success year after year.
“You knew when you were playing the Kings that you had to keep your head up for 60 minutes, or someone was going to try to take it off for you. It’s a team that keeps you honest for an entire game. Now coming in and seeing it first hand, these guys finish every check, they keep other teams honest,” Versteeg said. “Just like every top team, they’re always hungry and determined to be better each game.”