It's pretty safe to say that as long as Jonathan Quick remains in Los Angeles, Martin Jones simply isn't going to get a chance at a starting gig for the Kings.
Considering Quick is one of the best goalies in the NHL, it seems unlikely he'll be headed out of town anytime soon. Thus, if Jones is ever going to show the league just what he's really capable of on a full-time basis, he'll have to do it with another franchise outside of LA.
According to the latest report, that may very well be on the verge of happening.
"LA's Martin Jones remains a prime trade target on the goalie market. Moving him east sounds like preferred option for Kings brass," TSN NHL Insider Darren Dreger reported Wednesday.
While the big names on the NHL goalie trade market to this point have been the Rangers Cam Talbot and the Canucks Eddie Lack, it seems Jones could soon join them as some of the most talked about backups in the league.
Jones, 25, appeared in 15 games for the Kings in place of Quick last season. In that time he amassed a 2.25 goals against average and a.906 save percentage. In 19 games of work the year prior, Jones had a 1.81 goals against average and a .934 save percentage.
As with any young goalie, Jones' real abilities are hard to gauge in short stints playing behind a high-quality seasoned veteran. Still, it sounds like he's ready for his shot at a starting gig.
"Some contract uncertainty is fuelling LA's interest in considering Jones trade. In addition, he feels ready to be a number one," Dreger tweeted.
With Jones a restricted free agent after next season and needing a new contract, perhaps Lombardi thinks shipping him elsewhere is the best play for the franchise. Unfortunately for Lombardi, it sounds like it's currently a "buyer's market" on goalies at the moment.
"The crowded crease isn't only an issue for the Senators. And, that's why the goalie market is difficult to gauge right now," writes Bruce Garrioch of The Ottawa Sun. "Senators GM Bryan Murray isn't the only one trying to move a netminder before this weekend's NHL entry draft in Fort Lauderdale. The Rangers are listening to offers on Cam Talbot while the Canucks are trying to see what they can get for backup Eddie Lack. The Kings aren't shopping Martin Jones but are listening."
If Lombardi isn't sold on trading Jones, it's doubtful that a market which may not yield top value will sway him further.
While Quick has proven mostly durable during his career, if Lombardi can't recoup significant compensation for Jones, he should simply hold onto him and revisit the issue closer to the NHL trade deadline or next offseason.
