Dec 31, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Kings rookie goalie Martin Jones (31) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Martin Jones’ time in the NHL has come to an end, he was assigned to Manchester yesterday after going 8-3-0, and recording three shutouts on the way to a 1.41 goals against average and a .950 save percentage in his first stint in the NHL. Jonathan Quick’s return to the line-up two nights ago, and a healthy Ben Scrivens prompted Jones’ move back to the AHL.

However, Jones did more than just set a few records in his time with the big club. He gave the Kings, their management, their fans and the entire NHL a news flash that he is ready for consistent time in the NHL.

When Quick was activated Dean Lombardi had to free up a roster spot in order to dress Quick. The fact that Lombardi decided to ship out Dan Carcillo for a seventh round draft pick, which is basically nothing, in order to free up that spot rather than just send Jones back to the minors has to say something.

Now with Jones back in Manchester the Kings will likely call up a youngster to fill the vacant roster spot. Which will leave Scrivens and Quick with the big boys and a hopeful Jones knocking and waiting at the door for his next shot at the NHL.

This opportunity should come sooner rather than later.

Jones is at a point in his career where he needs to keep playing, so this move had to be made. You cant have him sitting behind two guys and stall his development. But now the Kings should look to make a move that gets him back in a Kings sweater.

Lombardi should look to move Scrivens and make room for Jones with the big boys. Since coming to the Kings Scrivens has been great. In his time with the Kings he has posted a 7-5-4 record with a .931 save percentage and a 1.97 goals against average. He filled in great in Quick’s absence but he was upstaged by Jones.

Scrivens’ trade value may be at a high that wont be reached again because of his recent performance. So why not look at what the Kings can get in return from a team that is struggling in the crease? Scrivens is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of this season so it would be best to get something in return for him now rather than just say good bye and get nothing at all come summer.

All in all Jones needs to get back in the NHL and Scrivens’ time in Los Angeles would have to get cut short in order for that to happen.