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Despite previous reports that Boston Bruin forward Marco Sturm had been traded to the Los Angeles Kings for a conditional draft pick, Sturm remains in Boston as Bruin, continuing his rehabilitation for reconstructive knee surgery… for now at least.

Just two days after celebrating his five-year anniversary with the Bruins, whom he joined as part of the blockbuster Joe Thornton trade with the San Jose Sharks, Sturm went around the B’s locker room to say his goodbyes, believing that he had been traded. While he had spoken with Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli about waiving his no-trade clause, specifically to be traded to Los Angeles, no deal had ever been in place and talk of such a trade is now dead according to some news outlets.

The deal makes sense for both sides: the Bruins are against the salary cap and would be unable to carry Sturm’s $3.5 million hit; for their part, the Kings need an experienced wing to add depth to an injury-riddled line-up, something the fastest German on ice would easily provide. However, neither camp has been willing to comment on the probability of a trade.

“Marco is part of our hockey team right now. I’m going to treat him the same way. He’s a Boston Bruin,” Bruins head coach Claude Julien said.

Sturm, who is still hoping to be playing hockey by the middle of the month, was shocked by his discussion with Chiarelli, but not upset.

“It was a big shock for all of us, my family, too. I didn’t really see that coming. I know there’s a lot of rumors out there, but still, it was hard to take. I absolutely love it here. I’ve had a great five years here, so it’s hard. But I also understand the business and sometimes things are not going the way you want it. I’ve just got to look [out] for me now, look for my future.’’

Chiarelli and Sturm, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, reportedly discussed other teams in addition to the Kings, but have refused to reveal other possible destinations for Sturm. It’s understood by both sides, however, that a deal with either be executed shortly, or other major changes to the Bruins roster will have to take place. The Bruins had made their preference clear and Sturm seems to be onboard, for the final time, at least.

Tags: Boston Bruins, Bruins, Joe Thornton, Los Angeles Kings, Marco Sturm, Peter Chiarelli, Trade