March 3, 2010

Halpern Dealt to Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have acquired center Jeff Halpern, a former Princeton standout, from the Tampa Bay Lightning for forward Teddy Purcell and a third round selection in the 2010 NHL Draft, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi announced Wednesday. Halpern will wear No. 22 with the Kings.

Reaction: Terry Murray | Dean Lombardi

Halpern, 33, has recorded 17 points (9-8=17) and 27 penalty minutes in 55 games with the Lightning this season. The 5-11, 190-pound native of Potomac, Maryland has played 704 career games in the NHL (with Washington, Dallas and Tampa Bay), posting 314 points (131-183=314) and 542 penalty minutes. Halpern, who has also served as an alternate captain with the Lightning, has registered 12 points (6-6=12) and 23 penalty minutes in 24 career NHL postseason games.

The veteran centerman began his career with Washington in 1999-00 and spent six seasons with the Capitals (1999-00 through 2005-06). Halpern's career high in goals (21) came in 2000-01, while his career high in points (46) and assists (27) came in 2003-04. Halpern signed as a free agent with Dallas in 2006-07 and was traded by the Stars to Tampa Bay on February 26, 2008.

Internationally, Halpern has represented the United States at the 2008 World Championships, where he recorded one assist in three games before suffering an injury. He also skated for Team USA at the 2005 World Championships (one goal in seven games) and the 2004 World Cup.