If I were to have a Kings player-popularity poll on this blog — which is actually an interesting idea, now that I think about it — I have to think that Wayne Simmonds would finish pretty high. It seems as though he might finish high on Terry Murray’s list as well.
Murray was asked today about Simmonds’ play, particularly against Detroit on Saturday, and his ascension to a first-line right-wing role in the absence of Justin Williams. Simmonds, much like new linemate Brad Richardson, isn’t be asked to do anything different than he did before. That’s just fine with Murray…
MURRAY: “He has shown a lot of good things. The board play, the dot-to-board play, has always been a big part of his game. That’s probably what attracted my attention to him at the start. His puck skills are good. He’s good great puck-protection skills. He can make plays pulling it off the boards, can see people in tight spaces, tight situations.
“Just on the other goal the other night, the first goal of the game, he’s the guy that probably set it up, just with a good stick, a stick on the puck. He ends up getting a pick on the pass from (Jonathan) Ericsson. He had the puck behind the net. He gets his stick on it and jumps on it and the puck goes to the net, and as a result it’s the first goal of the game for us. So he’s got a pretty well-rounded game for us. We’re using him on the PK, 4-on-4, and I don’t see where it would be too far down the road, he will get some power-play time. He’s developing the right way.”
Good thing Eklund mentioned Simmonds as a possible chip for Kovalchuk.
Now we know Simmonds will be with the Kings for a while.
[Reply]
Simmer is my fav
[Reply]
I’ve really been impressed with WS so far. He’s a guy that works hard every night and is learning a lot really fast. In the few games i’ve gotten to see on TV (only get to see the Kings when they play in western canada, or they play there), he’s been really good. Definitely has some good hands. Seems to be clicking with Kopi pretty well too.
[Reply]
He gets my vote! I’m really impressed with this kid.
[Reply]
is work ethic is great. Love having guys like him on the team
[Reply]
Rich – Where does WS stand contractually? I would love to see him locked up as a King for a long time.
[Reply]
Night Train is my hero!
[Reply]
Simmonds is great, but man that guy falls down a lot. He needs to spend the offseason eating and taking some skating lessons.
[Reply]
Rabidhockeyfan:
Simmonds is in the second year of his rookie contract and will make 585,000 before bonuses this season. He has one more year left at about the same price and then he is an RFA.
All Kings contract and salary numbers are below at this link
http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=LAK&season=0910
[Reply]
Jammers? you have to be talking about Moller, Simmonds does not “fall” down alot. Im not sure where that comment is coming from.
[Reply]
The best site for cap figures is http://www.capgeek.com. They actually have a dialy tracker of where all teams are currently on their cap hits.
[Reply]
the question is – why did it take so long for TM to realize this guy was 1st line material – heart -skill and talent – alot of people I know have been hammering for this for some time – he adds the sandpaper that you must have on a top line – that was a great win Sat in D town – really strong effort by all involved – now we cannot have a letdown against a very sorry leafs team – let RI go with colton orr – My favorite fighter by the way- always swings for the fences – love it – wished we signed him last yr – and plays some quality minutes also-
[Reply]
NHL Numbers is a good site as well. And Simmonds ain’t going anywhere any time soon. Especially not for Kovalchuk.
[Reply]
It says something to me that I read rumors about Johnson and/or Frolov in a package for Kovi and I didn’t mind it, but when I read mention of Simmer in a Kovi package and all of a sudden I was thinking “woah woah, let’s not get crazy here!”
He’ll never be our leading scorer, but he’s going to put up decent numbers through his career. But with Simmer, it’s the intangibles, the work ethic, the ability to create opportuniies where there were none before. You can’t teach that. You either have it or you don’t. Simmer definitely has it.
I’m not sure if I’d say he’s my favorite player on the team, but it would be a close one.
[Reply]
I made a bet with my brother if simmer gets traded for kovalchuk I’ll give him 10$.
[Reply]
Hey Rich; it’s coming up on one month – Any news on how Justin Williams’ recovery/rehab is going or is it just too early yet?
[Reply]
I think that Wayne is one of those guys who make the players around him play better. His energy is infectious.
[Reply]
I don’t think it’s taken too long for TM to realize Simonds’ value at all. This kid’s come so far so fast that it’s hard to forget that he wasn’t always this good.
Last season, he was not first-line material, but I think he showed hints that he could become a very effective second-liner with time. He did not start this season as an obvious candidate for anything higher than the third line, where he would certainly be very valuable. This season, he seems to be improving with every passing month. And by this time next season, I think he’ll be an even better player.
[Reply]
I read somewhere that Justin Williams wont be back until late March
[Reply]
TM: and I don’t see where it would be too far down the road, he will get some power-play time
=========================================
I’m sorry, am I missing something? Does anyone really need to EARN a spot on the KINGS PP unit?
I mean, can anyone make it any worse?
I think they’d be better off to just role the lines normally during a PP.
[Reply]
This guy is a stud! top 6 forward potential. Watch out in the future, cuz once he gets some more meat on his bones (particularly his legs) he will be unstoppable along the boards and in tight spaces. Dare I dream…possible all star in future?
[Reply]
Wayne is the best. can’t wait to get the bobblehead on the 11th at the same time we show POS what he’s missing out on.
[Reply]
I wrote this in an earlier thread about that ‘Speculation’ with Simmonds and Kovy. I don’t want to type it again so…
**REPOST ALERT**
That being said, the speculation of Simmonds being in a deal for Kovi flat out angers me. I get why 100%. If that deal were ever to be done, I’d REALLY have to question the true direction of this team. It would make me change my ENTIRE mode of thinking after being a fan for 30 years about what is truly important to this franchise. Why is Simmonds SO important to me you ask?
We haven’t had a Heart & Soul guy like Simmonds since Lappy and Simmer has TONS more upside and talent than him. (Sorry Lappy, love ya but the truth just is.) I truly believe guys like Simmer make the players around him better through his play alone. Since Simmer has come, I’ve seen Parse, Richie & Moller step up their games and become important to this team. I’ve seen Frolov, Kopi, Zeus & Stoll ELEVATE their games when they play on the same line as him. His work ethic is infectious and he’s making a BIG impact on this team without even trying, because it’s NATURAL for him to be this way. THAT, IMHO, is a rarity in professional sports these days. In DL’s team model, Simmonds is just as important as Kopitar and if he moves Simmonds in any capacity, it would be completely hypocritical to the last 3.5 seasons of preaching character Dean has told us his goal is. It would be a miserable step backwards and completely affect the team in a negative way.
Some guys just are not expendable and Wayne Simmonds is hands down one of them. Not even a consideration. Hell, I was offended it was even mentioned! Yes, I’ve said anyone can be traded and it’s true. Some just shouldn’t be.
[Reply]
Wow! This is all new to me. I hope they’re all just rumors. The players I wouldn’t mind being traded for Kovalchuk are ones that the Thrashers wouldn’t be interested in I’m sure.
[Reply]
@Cynic…agree 1000%…(thats right I said one-THOUSAND) any trade where WS leaves the KINGS is a bad trade…
[Reply]
Brown’s the one who’s always falling down. But that’s just because he’s going 110% every shift.
[Reply]
The fact that KOVI might be just a rent-a-player concerns me. why would DL want to move integral parts of our team for him? You wouldn’t do that Deano?
[Reply]
make simmonds a king 4 life
[Reply]
Cynic:
I also agree with you big time. Especially the Lappy attitude. I said it last year about this time on Rich’s Daily News site. Want to get a vet to teach Simmonds how to play? Lappy hands down. Wayne will soon be a serious All-Star player in the NHL. Kovi can either chase the bucks, or look at playing with the likes of Donuts, Simmonds, Richie and Brownie throu his prime. It’s not our choice. It’s his. Play for pay, or play for Glory.
[Reply]
Not exactly who you’re watching, Jammers. Meat Train is probably the strongest King on his skates besides Frolov.
[Reply]
Jammers: He is lighter then most of the guys he mucks and bumps with. At least he gets into it…which challenges others on the team!
@Cynic: A “Re-post” both well timed and needed!
While not a superstar Simmonds is remarkable.
This player visibly improves each game, is a pleasure to watch and an asset to the club — he spurs those around him to another level.
At the start of the year he couldn’t bring pucks off the boards and bobbled passes. Look at him now. Who knows how good this man will be when he reaches his full potential?
If there must be a trade for goodness sake, don’t get rid of the raw, trainable talent. Perhaps a star will approach the Kings rather then the other way around.
[Reply]
Simmonds has moved up to No. 2 in my book behind Brown, who has been my favorite player, oh, about four years. Also, can’t believe The Hockey News designated Frolov the Kings’ most disappointing player the first half of the season.
[Reply]
Plus he can throw dogs, have you guys ever seen him fight? I would rather fight R.I. the W.S.
[Reply]
I agree with Cynics post 100% the only thing he left out was we need to sign this kid long term ASAP. Give up draft picks, but never consider trading Simmonds he has a motor never stops and is always redlining. The type of HEART this kid plays with is not easily found, and it is more rare than a NHL sniper.
Off the subject for those that can’t afford NHL Center Ice the NHL Network will be reboadcasting the Tuesday Kings at Toronto game at 4 am ET or 1 am PT the night of the game.
[Reply]
Kovalchuk is a 40-45 goals per season. He’s like to 5 or 6 best players in the WHOLE NHL
I love wayne simmonds a lot and would hate to have to trade him but with Schenn, Moller, Cliford, Parse, Richardson, Cliche, Lokitionov the kings have depth
I think the Kings would have to think about it if ATL would let them try and work a contract out first
[Reply]
Steve…
teams are not allowed to even talk to KOVIS agent until a trade is done. We cant trade a player like WS unless we know he would re-sign with us at the end of the year IMHO
[Reply]
Steve…
Simmonds brings an intangible to the team. By example he motivates his team mates to a higher level. Its quite amazing.
[Reply]
My .02,
Simmonds is like our Draper or Maltby, these are the guys that are clutch and play a huge role come playoff time.
[Reply]
Kovalchuk’s contract demands are a non-starter for me. From what I’ve read, he’s rejected the Thrashers offers around 9 mil per season. Players making that much should transcend the team to Stanley Cup contender by themselves. He’s an amazing player and appears to be a character guy. But last I checked he hasn’t sniffed the playoffs.
Even if we don’t give up a lot of current NHL players for him, we would lose a lot of cap space. It would cost us a great deal of depth. I would certainly be intrigued if the Kings made the move, but I would rather Lombardi look elsewhere to improve the team.
[Reply]
I love me some Wayne Simmonds! Heart and soul of the Kings right now.
[Reply]
Wayne Simmonds became one of my favorite players at the beginning of last season, and has since grown to be my very favorite player in the NHL. I bought his sweater at opening night this season, and wear it during every game whether I am at the game or in my living room. He’s not only a great player, but a damn good kid with a big heart. If someone asked me to pick any person in the world to meet or hang out with, it would be Wayne. Thanks for the work, Rich.
[Reply]
im actually gettin a little over the kovalchuk stuff. obvioulsly, i’m gonna crap my shorts the moment i find out we got him, but if it doesn’t happen, i actually think i’ll be ok. the initial shock of him becoming a hab, a hawk, a leaf or he re-signs with the thrashers and he’s not a king, will be disappointing, i’m sure. but the bigger picture is this roster, this organization, and the direction its going. because its not just a playoff streak that everyone is looking to end, its the culture that this club is establishing for itself. and if thats with kovalchuk, or its without him, dean lombardi is doing this on his terms and with what he established in san jose and what he has shown so far here in la, king fans are going to be riding this wave for a long time.
i think people are just setting themselves up for a disappointment if the IK deal doesnt go our way. even if we’re the favorite amongest the talking heads to land him (say we’re, at best, a 35% chance), there is ALOT of room for this to not happen.
wayne simmonds is a beast, and will be my favorite king for a long, long time.
[Reply]
Let’s see, trade WS for Kovalchuk?
Kovi is a great talent, but would be contrary to DL stated philosophy. Bringing Kovalchuk contract to the Kings would create terrible problems in the future, when it time to sign our young stars as they become RFAs (and some UFAs). Kovi’s asking price is around $10M to sign a contract. Or maybe $2.5M on a rental basis, pro rata against the rest of the season.
Why would the Kings rent a player for $2.5M. Based on one of the previously cited websites Kovi currently makes about $6.4M annually. So maybe $2.5 is not a bad price for the stretch drive to the playoffs. But this year, with this Kings team, can he delivery the Holy Grail? More importantly, who do hold out to Alanta (that they will accept) to help pay the rent?
Signing Kovi to a long term contract at $10M per, will create ‘Salary envy’ when its time for Kings to sign many of their young stars when they become RFAs in the next year or two. Our young Kings will begin to measure themselves agianst the ‘Kovi’s Contract’, and our young Kings are good. In fact, measured against Kovi’s $10M they will feel justified asking for $5M or $6M, when their ‘NHL value’ is probably closer to $3.5M. Perceptions created by a false benchmark.
From a salary stand point, the Detroit model is the ‘Gold Standard’. Their best players make just under $8M and everyone else is measured against the $8M and the salary cap. Hossa, asking $10M from other teams took Lindstrom’s salary (in hopes of winning The Cup, the fates have not been kind to Hossa – so far).
In the era of Salary Cap, in the sport that demands team work, work ethic and strength of character, a sensible Team salary structue over time is mandator when installing a winning tradition. Using draft choices teams attempts to secure the best young ‘Minor’ league talent available and let them develope. The maturation of these young players to NHL entry level contracts allows is what allows the Star players to earn larger contracts. The Salary Cap means that on average the 23 players on the roster average about $2.75 annually. A $10M annual contract wouldn’t leave enough to compensate fairly other players.
I don’t believe I wrote all of that. I mean like Simmer, wouldn’t want to loose him to pay the rent.
Oh, and if $10M annually is going rate for the best hockey player, it would be worth it, for GRETZKY in his prime.
No let down against the Leafs. Work hard, everythine else will take care of itself.
Go Kings!!
[Reply]
for the record, still looking for a viewing party in the IE or in OC for the leaf game, if anyone knows of a place having the game!!!!!!!
[Reply]
If I would have read instead of written, I would have just agreed with Joel, Ziggy33, Scot and Jayhay. WS should almost be untouchable at his current develope, potential and future contract negotiations.
Keep up the intensity, don’t under estimate the opponent and earn the two points.
Go Kings!!
[Reply]
Bingram you should apply to be DL assistant. I will endorse you
[Reply]
Interesting posts which follow up my immediate thoughts on Reading the Simmer rumour. I said this to my hockey buddy over here…..Simmer should not be traded because you look at where he is now and where is development curve is trending plus you add in his intangibles and you know before he calls it a career he wins a Cup, probably more than one. Same with DD. Born winners and leaders. If Im DL and I recognise that I keep em both locked up tight and make sure those Cups come to LA
Does anyone feel the same level of confidence over Kovi winning a Cup? Even with his 40 plus goals a season. That level of talent at the price it demands will always dilute the team around it in today’s NHL so bringing the intangibles is key. Crosby has talent and intangibles. Maybe Ovies. Does Kovy.
I will take a bet right now Simmer wins more Cups in his career than Kovy, wherever they both end up. For ms that is shy Simmer stays a King for a career
[Reply]
Nice post Cynic
Simmer quickly became my favorite player last year.
I like guys who hustle and give 110% every shift.
To trade a guy like him, would really make me question DL’s committment to building this team the right way.
I don’t buy the rumor for a second.
DL’s too smart a hockey guy to do that. Sather would do it, but not DL.
[Reply]
@jammers… that was hilarious. especially last year simmonds would fall down like 8 times a shift…he’s getting better though
Side note:
we pay half a mill for Quick and 3 million for Randy Jones? We live in a messed up world.
(yes i know we were strapped for a “proven” NHL defensman at the time of the signing)…but still
[Reply]
I’d only think about Simmer being part of a deal IF the kings could work a deal out with his agent prior to trade. I know Waddle is saying he won’t let that happen but you never know. That could just be talk. I know he didn’t for Hossa but he really didn’t get that great of a return for him either.
As far as him turning down ATL’s contract offer…it’s a case of him simply not wanting to be there. They could offer him 100 million and he’d turn it down. He wants LA and I think LA wants him.
And…I’m not buying salary envy. You think Brown is envious of Kopi because he makes a few more million? NO…winning creates happiness and as long as everyone pulls their weight then what someone makes shouldn’t cause an issue. (there are some selfish players out there who do care about $$ more then anything like Cammy…DL will weed those guys out)
Simmonds does bring a lot and has a high celling and great attitude. He most definately brings a lot to the table…but so does Kovalchuk. You think he doesn’t make the players on his team better? Come on!
With that said…I love Simmonds and I know how good he could/will be. I’d do everything I could if I were DL not to trade him but LA needs a real star and Ilya in my opinion is that.
[Reply]
PS…I’d be happy with Whittney and Walin in a smaller deal if the kings won’t have to give up too much…
[Reply]
To say it simply: SEE CYNIC’S POST.
[Reply]
JPUCK
We didn’t sign Jones. We picked him up off re-entry waivers which means we only have to pay half of his 2.75 mil contract, Philly pays the other. He is a UFA next year. Big difference
[Reply]