LAKings.com chatted with left wing Ryan Smyth after the Kings acquired the all-star power forward from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defensemen Kyle Quincey and Tom Preissing and a fifth-round draft selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

LAKings.com: You had a no trade clause. Can you talk about waving that once you heard a deal had been struck with the Kings?

Smyth: Everything was handled very well and professionally. Colorado and LA had the conversation, and my agent approached me. Colorado said they had an offer on the table, and they asked if I would think about it with my wife. We talked it over and got back to Don. The process went from there and we are very excited.

LAKings.com: You have spent the bulk of your career in the western conference. What do you know about the Kings in particular?

Smyth: That was a part of the process between myself and Colorado. They said they were going to re-build and they were given a green light to get rid of some salary. I just wanted the opportunity to go and play with some good young players. I wanted a chance to make a run.

LAKings.com: Do you have any memories of playing in or against L.A. that really stick out in my mind?

Smyth: My first game was at the Forum in Inglewood. My first NHL shift was against Wayne Gretzky. Overall, I have seemed to play well in LA. I look to continue that now. It is a great transition for my family and myself, and I just want to be a piece of the puzzle. I want to contribute to the winning side. I look forward to getting settled in as a family.

LAKings.com: For those hockey fans here who do not know your exact style of play, how do you describe it?

Smyth: I don’t get the unbelievable-looking goals. I get the so-called greasy goals, the ones around the goal crease area. I pay the price in front of the net and I battle hard for the team. I drive the net pretty hard. Over the years, that has been one of my strengths. I look to continue that as I move forward with my new team.