Today we learned the real reason why Martin Jones was recalled by the Manchester Monarchs: Erik Ersberg wanted out.

Coming off three seasons in the NHL, Ersberg probably didn’t want to spend this season in the American Hockey League, which led to him being placed on unconditional waivers today by the Kings. Rich Hammond reports on LAKingsInsider.com that Erbserg is expected to join a KHL team; the 28-year-old Swede has never played in the KHL.

We’ll know more at 9 a.m. tomorrow, once the 24-hour waiver period has ended, but don’t be surprised if this is the last the Kings (or their minor-league affiliates) have seen of Ersberg.

What does this mean for the Reign?

By trading for Beau Erickson on Thursday, the Reign got a reliable second goaltender with prior experience in both the AHL and ECHL. Assuming injuries aren’t a factor, how long the Reign need Erickson will depend on how long Manchester needs Jones – which probably won’t be long.

Kings assistant general manager Ron Hextall, the GM of the Monarchs, said recently that he wanted Jones to have a season in the ECHL and have a veteran in Manchester to serve as the Kings’ “third goalie.” Former Reign goalie Jeff Zatkoff, who is entering his third professional season and has never been a full-time starter at the AHL level, is the Monarchs’ other goalie.

Stay tuned to this one.