Goaltender Erik Ersberg, who lost the backup job to Jonathan Bernier in training camp, has been released by the Kings. Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider has the details:
Erik Ersberg has cleared waivers and the Kings are in the process of terminating his contract, which will allow him to join a KHL team. The Kings were able to terminate the contract because Ersberg left the team (Manchester) without permission.
Ersberg left the Manchester Monarchs without permission earlier this week, presumably to join the Kontinental Hockey League in Europe. With the Monarchs, Ersberg played two games this season, and was 1-1 with a 2.02 goals against average. He had 50 saves and a .926 save percentage. In three seasons with the Kings, Ersberg was 18-19 in 53 games in goal, with a 2.55 goals against average and a .910 save percentage.
Quisp from Jewels From The Crown weighs in on the Ersberg situation:
Wonder why he wasn't "loaned" a la Juraj Mikus and Johan Fransson. I'm betting it's just a techincality and it saves the Kings money that way. Good luck, Iceberg. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have Drew Doughty.
To replace Ersberg, the Monarchs recalled goaltender Martin Jones from the ECHL's Ontario Reign, the club announced Friday.
For more Kings news and information, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Jewels From The Crown.