The Hockey News: Headlines: Dallas Stars acquire Lauri Tukonen from L.A. Kings for Richard Clune

Dallas Stars acquire Lauri Tukonen from L.A. Kings for Richard Clune

2008-07-21 20:40:00

DALLAS - The Dallas Stars acquired right wing Lauri Tukonen from the Los Angeles Kings for left wing Richard Clune on Monday.

Tukonen was Los Angeles' first-round selection, No. 11 overall, in the 2004 draft. He has skated in five career NHL games with the Kings. Tukonen, 21, spent last season with Manchester of the AHL and had nine goals and 26 assists in 62 games. He also played in one game with the Kings.

Clune, 21, was Dallas' third-round selection, No. 71 overall, in the 2005 draft. He split last season between the AHL Iowa Stars and the ECHL Idaho Steelheads.

In 38 games with Iowa, he posted three goals and five assists and 137 penalty minutes.

COMMENTS (8)

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Flake Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:46)

The Kings didn't necessarily need Tukonen and I didn't like him very much, but as a diehard Kings fan I'm having alot of trouble trying to figure out what GM Dean Lombardi is doing. If anyone knows his plans, please enlighten me...

Josiah Hunter Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:36)

I'm not sure about this trade. Clune was a high-scoring winger in junior, but his AHL stats spell Krys Barch the 2nd. Tukonen's status among prospects has been everything from next-Alexander-Frolov to next-Pavel-Vorobiev. I doubt that T could become a force in Dallas, but he may become a contributor.

KingsFan4Life Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:35)

It's too bad the Kings didn't give Tukonen another year, but he hasn't improved in the minors over the last 3 years. With the depth the Kings have at RW (Purcell, Moller & Simmonds), Tukonen was expendable. With the luck the Kings have, Tukonen will probably become an unstoppable force in Dallas

Kjetil Aasland Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:34)

Maybe that will serve as a reminder to let european prospects develop at home until they're ready, instead of putting them in the AHL where historically they don't. How many european players have you seen make an impact in the NHL after 2-3 seasons in the AHL? I can't think of a single one.

game_misconduct Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:32)

Tuk was a stiff. No motivation, no heart. The last thing you need to have around young kids. I am sure he was offered to every team. T, with very few takers. There is not a lot of demand for this kind of player. Maybe Dallas will get the older Finns to work him over, but it is difficult to grow a heart at 21.