Most veteran Kings players passed off Tuesday's trade of Jaroslav Modry to the Philadelphia Flyers as part of the business of hockey.
But fellow defenseman Jack Johnson admitted he was disappointed to see Modry go. The rookie had been paired with the 36-year-old Modry most of the season.
"He was a great partner for me," Johnson said about Modry. "I really learned a lot from him. I admired his patience with the puck. He was always calm and never panicked. I think that was able to rub off a little bit on me when I played with him."
Johnson played alongside Modry to start the season, then paired with Rob Blake before returning to Modry after Blake suffered a fracture in his lower left leg.
Johnson could be losing all his mentors. Blake also could be moved by next Tuesday's trade deadline.
For now, Johnson will pair with Tom Preissing. Peter Harrold, called up from minor-league affiliate Manchester of the American Hockey League to take Modry's place on the roster, will play with Lubomir Visnovksy.
The trade of Modry is just the first of what is expected to be an active week for the Kings and general manager Dean Lombardi.
Kings defenseman Johnson sad Modry is gone - LA Daily News
Kings defenseman Johnson sad Modry is gone (Daily News) 
