Smyth. Dealing with long-term injuries to both Paul Stastny and captain Joe Sakic, the Avalanche struggled as a team and finished last in the Western Conference. Los Angeles Kings (2009–2011) With the Avalanche in the midst of a rebuilding process, Smyth was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on July 3, 2009, in exchange for Kyle Quincey, Tom Preissing and a fifth round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. During his Kings debut on October 3, 2009, he assisted on the team's first goal of the season by Anže Kopitar. The Kings, however, lost the game 6–3 to the Phoenix Coyotes. His first goal with the Kings came five days later, scoring against Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding in a 6–3 win. Playing regularly on a line with Jarret Stoll and Dustin Brown, he recorded 22 goals and 53 points over 67 games, ranking fourth in team scoring. Joining a team on a markedly different trajectory than Colorado, the Kings were an improving club. Smyth's efforts helped them qualify for the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Playing the third-seeded Vancouver Canucks in the first round, they were defeated in six games. A month into the 2010–11 season, Smyth played his 1,000th career NHL game on November 6, 2010. His teammates acknowledged the accomplishment by wearing mullet wigs during their morning skate, alluding to Smyth's distinctive hair style. The Kings won the game 4–1 over the Nashville Predators, with Smyth scoring a goal in the second period. Playing in a full 82 games, Smyth finished the season with 23 goals and 47 points. The Kings qualified for the playoffs with the seventh seed and were eliminated in the first round by the San Jose Sharks. During the off-season, it was reported that Smyth had informed Kings management he would prefer to play the last year of his contract with the Oilers. Return to the Oilers (2011–2014) On June 24, 2011, the day of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, it was reported that the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings had come to an agreement that Smyth would go to Edmonton in return for Gilbert Brulé and a fourth round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Upon salary cap and injury concerns, the trade never went through due to the Kings' plan to buy-out Brulé's contract; however, the NHL prohibits team from buying out injured players.