For those who are still interested, I’ve been able to piece together most of what went on from the Kings’ side of the Kovalchuk situation.
The essential reason that a trade didn’t get done, and never really got close — and basically why I found information so hard to come by in recent days — is that the Kings and Thrashers never really moved beyond the initial sticking point. When I first addressed about the subject, around 10 days ago, I wrote the following: “The issue, for the Kings and other teams, is going to be the willingness to give up players currently on the NHL roster. Atlanta isn’t necessarily looking for a prospects-and-picks rebuild, a la Dean Lombardi. They have franchise viability issues, and they need to keep their NHL team looking reasonably strong.”
That remained the sticking point. In the end, the Kings simply didn’t want to take players out of their locker room for a rental. Atlanta sniffed around Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmonds, at least one of whom would have had to have been the center of a trade package. Atlanta wanted NHL players. The Kings offered prospects. There wasn’t going to be a fit unless one side budged, and neither did. In the end, I think Don Waddell did pretty good for himself under the circumstances, getting two NHL players, a prospect and a first-round pick for a rental player, albeit a fantastic one.
When it came down to it, Lombardi simply didn’t want to break up the locker room, especially for a player who might walk in three months anyway. There’s still, of course, the option that Kovalchuk could sign during the summer, presuming he intends to keep playing in the NHL. It’s been a fascinating story, and it’s definitely not done yet.
Thank you, Rich, for the info.
I wouldn’t want to give up any of those players either.
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Thanks Rich
Appreciate all the work you do.
Dean is GOD, He knows what he is doing.
THIS TEAM IS AWESOME
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Thanks for the info Rich,
Do you know if the Kings are still shopping for a sniper(Whitney)? I wouldnt be surprised if DL just closed the book on trades with the recent surge of energy and wins the team has put up.
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Thanks Rich.
So happy Dean stuck with it!
July 1 should be interesting.
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Hey Rich,
I have a hunch who the Kings are trying to trade for. Are you ready? Here goes people, this may sound crazy, but i ahve a feeling DL is going to pick up Edmontons top scorer Dustin Penner. He has a big contract, but DL wants to shore up the lower lines. By adding Penner (22g 23a) to the 3rd line with Handzus and Frolov, you have a rediculously big and strong puck possesion line.
ANYBODY DARE CALL ME CRAZY? Im telling you all…start spreading the word, Dustin Penner will be a King for the draft picks/prospects DL is willing to trade.
Richardson-Kopitar-Simmonds
Smyth-Stoll-Brown
Penner-Handzus-Frolov
4th line
think about the top 3 line depth
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I really do like the non-move by DL. Our boys are on an 8 game winning streak right now…why risk breaking up that chemistry right now in the midst of that even if it were to bring in a Kovalchuk? We are playing great right now and I would not want to move anyone out of the roster at the moment. DL is looking to make our team better right now and I would not be surprised to see him bring in a scoring forward and maybe another solid D-man for a prospect or pick or both before the deadline on March 3. And I believe that Lou Lamoriello said that he was not focusing on extending him, so it’s looking like Kovalchuk will just be a rental. If he doesn’t decide to bolt to the KHL next season for the money and become a free agent then I believe the Kings have a real good shot at signing him in the off season, especially if they do well in the playoffs. Why wouldn’t he want to come to L.A.? We will have the cap space, he would be playing with the next up and coming team with tons of talent already in the lineup and down in the farm system, he would have a chance to win a cup with us if we keep playing the way we are and keep improving, and I heard that his wife loves it out here. Sounds like a perfect fit to me, but again lets not get too far ahead of ourselves. He is a Devil for now, but we will see where he ends up in the off-season. It should be fun though! Go Kings!
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This goes to show that DL is a man of sound mind that doesn’t take his eye off the prize. He had plethra of roster players and prospets that he could have just thrown at atlanta to get Kovi. The Kings are deep in goal and other position players that are untested at the NHL level and would have been easy extras to make the trade fly but instead he understands the time and patients it takes to build a winner. Cudo’s DL for sticking to your guns and your instincts and most of all sticking with this core of hard working players that have developed a never say die chemestry. I think chemestry estends way beyond the ice, through the coaching staff and all the way to the front office. You refused to let the team down, you did your part, I think you will be rewarded for your insight. Go Kings!
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And Williams will be back in that top line role hopefully by playoffs.
Williams-Kopitar-Simmonds
Smyth-Stoll-Brown
Penner-Handzus-Frolov
Richardson-Moller-Segal
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Contreras79…I do like that idea alot! You have a point that would give us alot of depth and he is a big, strong, and pretty fast forward with good hands, I just hope he could learn to play a little bit better defensively, but we will see what DL will do because he does have a huge contract to pick up and God knows how much Edmonton would want in return, I just hope we wouldn’t have to give away guys like Loktionov or Kozun or Bernier, but DL has been brilliant I trust his decisions. Go Kings!
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Great job rich. Fun game tonight. Is it a player respect thing that no one hit selanne? It seemed like scuderi and other defensemen didnt really check him with full contact. Not like the had to have intent to create injury, but it seemed like nobody really stepped into him all night.
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Good non-trade by Lombardi. I think he keeps stuffing the pipe with prospects through this draft. Next year he can afford to overpay & throw some away for a rental player.
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79- I dont know anythng about Penners contract status at this moment but I love the sound of that pickup. Knowing edmontons trade deadline history when it comes to fire sales I think we could get him for cheap maybe a prospect and a draft choice. I would even throw teddy in.
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I don’t think Edmonton’s going to give Penner up for prospects or picks. I mean, it’s not like he’s fallen off his game. Plus, why would Edmonton trade a productive young player who’s under contract until 2013?
I think we should see if Ray Whitney will take a two-year extension to waive his NTC. Three is a big risk, one is easy, and two is a decent middle ground (so long as it’s not for that much more than he’s worth).
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79- I think youre dreaming about Williams. I don’t expect him back before next season. He won’t be game ready til mid may or june
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I think the call by DL was the correct one.
Who needs Kovy anyways, this is Los Anzeles!
Doughty’s hip check on Bobby was brilliant, Kopitar schooled Hiller. Feelin’ good right now.
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Just say no to Kovalchuk…
He’s one of my favorite players as an individual but he will be way too expensive this summer. Remember when Drury and Gomez where the hottest commodities on the market? Kings fans were excited about possibly adding a “name” player but New York gobbled them up, overpaying in the process? That worked out great for them didn’t it? We have come this far without adding a big name free agent. There is no reason we need to now. DL can add depth and upgrade through trades and the draft (if it is even necessary, as the team as it is currently constituted will get better on its own).
If you like Kovi by a ticket to a Ducks games when he comes to town and watch him crush them or get Center Ice. Keep him off the Kings.
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Kovalchuck is a great player; one of the best in the league. And while it would have been great to get him, it is hard to believe that it is even better not getting him. Who would have said that at the beginning of the season without being drunk? The guys in the locker room deserved to be rewarded by being kept together. They have earned it through out the course of this season. Thank you DL for sticking with your plan and with your commitment to building a team that will not only have depth and character, but is being built to rise to the level of the elite teams. It’s good being a King fan right now.
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Thanks for the heads up Rich.
I’m so pleased Dean did’nt give in on this trade, the teams ticking along nicely. Wait until July 1st.
Go Kings!!
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Here is a switch. I’m gonna highjack a trade thread and talk about TM.
TM seems so rock steady consistant in his message to the team. He doesn’t go overboard with loses (we have lost this year haven’t we, been so long?
) Gives credit where credit is due.
I find myself wanting to be critical of TM when he puts Purcell and/or Ivanons into the line up, but I look at how young our team is and our record and how can you complain?
TM is doing his job and doing it well. Playing Quick so much is questionable, but Quick seems to be pretty consistant even with a lot of games in a short span.
Been a King’s fan since their first year. I’ve seen King teams with better players, but I’ve never seen a better TEAM.
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Thanks Rich! It puts closure on the trade saga. Part II will be coming soon. But who cares right now. We have a Cup to win this year!
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who needs kovi-well done dean not breaking up this team and it’s chemistry !!!
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ppl say we have cap space. we won’t when we resign drew and simmer. you can’t always get what you want. and kovi won’t be getting any checks from us. have fun in the khl. kinda outta nowhere but have any of u guys seen the numbers ziggy has put up in his European league?
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I never commented on the trade rumors involving Kovi and the Kings because IMHO it was never going to happen . DL is too smart to fall for a rental deal with no assurance for a long term contract . having said that , im sure some of you are thinking its easy for me to say after the fact . I agree with the feelings of not giving up roster players on this team . You gotta dance with the one who brung ya . Kings arent done looking and i think any of the vetrans on the list will fit the bill . NJ was a suprise to me b/c of the style of play , but they need something to get them going again after a less than stellar record as of late .
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It was a good fit in NJ. They are just about ready to go into rebuilding mode so they’re taking one last shot at the cup.
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I have no problem with Lombardi not making the trade involving JJ, Brownie or Simmer. That’s great. Those are 3 cornerstone guys.
My problem is with what the Thrashers did get for Kovalchuk. Oduya isn’t great. Bergfors has been a disappointment so far, although he still has some upside. Cormier was a 1st round pick but he’s still a crap shoot.
I think the Kings could have offered something like Purcell, Drewiske, a prospect and a pick and gotten the deal done. I don’t see much difference between the trade Atlanta made and what I’m suggesting.
As for getting Dustin Penner, it would be a great move for the Kings, but I don’t see Edmonton trading him. He’s too good, too young, and has too many years left on his contract. Yes, the Oilers need to rebuild. But he’d be part of the rebuilding.
I’d say Ray Whitney is a much more likely target, although I wouldn’t give a 37 year old any contract extension. MAYBE I’d go one year but that’s it. His production will drop off fast.
I’d still love to see the Kings package Frolov and prospects/picks to Philly for Simon Gagne. I’d take a chance on his injury proneness before I’d take a chance on Whitney’s age.
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Whitney says he wont waive no trade clause unless its for a 3 year deal and that could be make or break for DL . I say he doesnt bite if that number cant come down .
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I’m happy that the Kings didn’t make this deal. This team is awesome to watch. I wouldn’t break this team up for anything. You guys have a great core of young players and with Quick carrying the load and Bernier (next year) backing him up you guys should become a powerhouse in years to come. Don’t knock the Quick-Bernier tandem: the worst thing the Sabres did is let go of Martin Biron. You need a quality goaltender in there every game, and having two is much needed. KEEP THIS TEAM TOGETHER, at least the core of youth that you have. Maybe a minor trade or two at the deadline, but don’t give up players like Johnson, Simmonds, or Brown.
I can see Whitney helping out, but don’t offer any of these players for him. And don’t sweat it too much: Frolov will come back around. I wouldn’t give up on him just yet.
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I think Don Waddell did an incredible job for the Thrashers, and got a great return considering the options. Chicago, LA, Philly, Boston and any other team who had offers on the table were trumped by the swiftness and eagerness of Lamoriello, who knew clearly that he was getting a rental. He did this a decade ago with Mogilny, and won a cup, and sees no reason why lightning couldn’t strike twice. Once Waddell had that deal in place, he throws out the line to the press… “10 years, 102 million… rejected,” and he knows that public sentiment will swing away from Kovalchuk, a great player and towards his team and their willingness to pay for the talent they already had. Other GMs see that number and think, “well, we’re not going to be in that ballpark in the off season…” (New Jersey CERTAINLY being one of them at this point… Cup, aside.) and the deal gets made.
I’m a big believer that Kovy in Kings drag would be a perfect fit and a major upgrade, but at this point, where this team is at RIGHT NOW, Lombardi couldn’t upset the apple cart under ANY circumstance. Whereas Lou could give up Oduya, knowing Martin will be back after the break, and Bergfors, while serviceable, to be replaced in the top 6 by Kovy… well, let’s just say Marty can wake up this morning with a hell of a smile on his face. He’s 37, and may get a chance to neutralize Ovy and Sid in one fell swoop.
I’m a big fan of the Caps, minus Theodore, but I hold Brodeur in the highest regard. This may truly be the best move Lou could have made, and for Kings fans, the best non-move Lombo the erratic could have not made.
P.S. How about that Brad Richardson… TWENTY minutes of ice time, and he save the best one for last. That was absolutely magnificent last night, and if the Kings run in April matches them against an upsettable opponent, look for B-Rich to continue to make smart decisions that can create such an upset.
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Oh, and by the way: I visit this blog on a regular basis and thoroughly enjoy it. Keep up the good work, Mr. Hammond!
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I would like the Kings to get Tomas Kaberle. He would definitely help shore up our power play in a big way.
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My guess is Penner is a big possibility. They wouldn’t have to give up a roster player and Edmonton (bottom of the heap) would like to shed the contract and build with some young talent from the Kings’ farm system and maybe a pick or two.
Here’s a name from the past who might fit, too: Tim Gleason. He would be a perfect replacement in the lineup for Randy Jones.
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Paul, I’m completely with you. I’ve been hoping they acquire Gagne the past couple of seasons. I think his trade value is as low as it can be, yet he still has a high ceiling potential to score 30-35 goals. Ray Whitney would be a complementary pickup, but age 37 is up there. I would actually almost rather see the Kings pick up Paul Kariya than Whitney. Almost.
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Good move DL…At this stage of the Kings progress it makes no sense to break up your core for a rental. We’re not a player away from winning the cup. Actually I’m not sure what we need to get to a cup. This team still hasn’t reached its full potential. They’re still learning how to play and win. There’s no glaring weakness..only inexperience.
As I said before Kopitar is quickly becoming our superstar. Why break the bank for something you may already have?
The trade made sense for NJ. Brodeur is getting up there in age and who knows how many more shots that team will have with him in net…they had to go out and make the move to try and win the cup now. We’re in a completely different situation…we’re on the cusp of becoming a great team…NJ’s on possibly their last shot to be a great team.
There are still moves to be made to get another top 6 D’men and also an experience forward to add to our top 9 forwards.
The inconsistency of Parse and the disappearance of TP’s goal scoring ability are the main reason we need to add some experience on the wing.
It’s great to hear that DL will not tamper with the core. We’re going to be seeing these guys for many years to come. I couldn’t be happier.
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thank god…thank god….syay the course
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Johnson + prospects/draft picks for Kovalchuk? I’d have given that some thought…always pick up a D offseason or bring up Hickey
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hickey’s injured..
i’m happy DL didnt nudge, i’d rather sign kovalchuk in the off-season.. if he’s not able to, then i’m going to really start asking myself whyyyyy we can NEVER sign a big name player.. DL needs to pull the trigger
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In the end, I’m glad this worked out this way.
I’d like to see what this group of kids can do on their own this year.
I’m not saying they make the finals, but I’m saying perhaps making a run in the playoff and perhaps the taste of playoff defeat will spur them to even the next level of maturity.
It seems to have worked for the Penguinos
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Dustin Penner, someone actually thinks DL or LA wants DP? Are you serious? I want some of whatever you are breathing to even begin to mention a name like DP.
Overpaid, under achieving and not even an NHL player.
He had one good spell for Anaheim and Kevin Lowe did Burke a favor when he made the ridiculous offer to get Penner to EDM. He has sure worked out there! Even Craig McTavish wanted to let him go, he was that disgusted and sick of Penner and being lazy!
Kovalchuk isn’t bolting to the KHL. I pretty sure he does not want to go to the Euro Developmental League, it’s a joke and he knows it.
NJ overpaid, but they were able to rid themselves of Patrice Cormier. I thought this kid was going to do well in his pro-life after the QMJHL, but his actions which got him suspended for the remainder of the year have got me pretty disgusted.
Loktionov and Voynov and Hickey will have to put some bulk on before they are ready for the NHL. Loktionov and Voynov look like 14 year old boys, and I knew they were too small for the NHL. We got to see Loktionov playing for Windsor during the Memorial Cup of 2009, and the kid has skill, just too small upper body, same with Voynov.
Comparison, watching Kulikov for Drummondville playing Loktionov or Voynov, Kulikov is big, great upperbody and lower body and can lay a hit. He’s learning as he goes, but that is why I knew watching him, and his size he was not going to have a difficult transition to the NHL.
Kovalchuk is going to walk at the end of NJ season, and the Kings have plenty in the way of assets to offer if they decide to make a run at him.
There are some pretty big names going to be available come July, and even Bobby Ryan is a pretty good secondary target the Kings have plenty of things to offer him.
Remember there are still some other players who might be able to comeback to the NHL after the olympics, and there might be one or two that fit that sniper role for the Kings.
Kovalchuk would pretty much put the Kings over most of the rest of the Western Conference, and since he will be a free agent, DL can make a good offer and not sell the rest of the core of this team that has played so well this year!
Quick Hart Trophy and Quick 2010 LA Kings MVP.
Playoffs, and maybe a Stanley Cup this year, next year and many years to follow!
Can you say Dynasty?
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It was clear that Waddell wanted a puck-moving young defenseman and I don’t think Randy Jones was going to cut it…
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Feels nice not to worry if the GM is gonna mess things up for the Kings. This guy clearly knows what he’s doing.
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I would like to know, however, if Johnson and a No.1 would have done it?
People think he is just a rental but Bouwmeister was just a rental and they signed him to a long-term.
So my question to the board is this: Johnson and a No 1 for Kovy? Would you have done it?
I think it is a fair question given the fact that we would only be removing one defensemen, a defensive liability at that, for one of the best scoring forwards in the league. At that point, wouldn’t be one of the favorites to contend for the cup, given our winning streak and confidence?
This is also my LAST comment on the subject. I’m thrilled the Wings are finding ways to win and, in so doing so, building up the necessary confidence they will need to overcome the adversity they will surely face come playoff time.
GO KINGS GO!
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Good freudian slip there: “Wings” — I meant the Kings, of course, but we are playing like the Wings of late, coming back in the 3rd, never giving up, surrendering leads and then pouring it on when needed…
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Dustin Penner: 22 goals, 23 assists.
Nice addition and affordable.
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Good job Dean. As much as I’d like to have Kovi on the Kings roster, it would need to be long term, not giving up JJ, or anyone else for someone who will become a free agent.
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Carol J-Bo was not a rental. Calgary traded for his exclusive rights so they could negotiate.
Dynasty…don’t the Kings need to win a playoff series first?
I love the team right now but let’s not get to far ahead of ourselves.
This board is feast or famine. Win a few and the cup is coming to town lose a few and fire or trade everyone.
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Thanks for the lowdown Rich, much appreciated as always.
I like Dean’s stance. I was willing to get Kovy if ti was a sign and trade and they didn’t give up core players.
I admit now that he has been dealt, I am happy we have what we do and if it’s meant to be we’ll get him at FA.
Whatever happens, we’ll continue to build from within and hand teams like the Ducks their arse on a regular basis!
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you are a dreamer Rich Sweet Lou does not give up key players and future prospects for a rental player no matter how good he may be
there is no doubt in my mind he has a commitment
Just like Dean would have required also !!!!!!!!
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Carol?? The WINGS? huh?
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Carol,
I think you meant Jones not Johnson if you are talking about someone who is a defensive liability. Must have been another freudian slip. Its understandable.
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You know the old saying ” The grass is always greener on the otherside”, well I think that there are a large number of us that have been thinking that and what it really boils down to is the LA fans want the flashy stuff like a Kovalchuk, Ovie or Crosby. A large number have said “we need a superstar”. Some of you might call it overachieving because of the way things are going right now, but, I have to call it “coming together” we already have two true up and coming superstars in Doughty and Kopi. I would not call JJ, Quick or Simmers middle of the roaders. I’ve seen a huge change in JJ’s game since the DL-JJ talk, Simmonds just keeps getting better and better, Quick keeps getting more and more like Kiprusoff. Richardson is turning into another Mats Naslund. What we fail to see as LA fans are the trees for the forrest. We have something right now that we’ve never had before and like someone else has said……… A TEAM.
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funny what winning does Dean is a hero for not breaking up the chemistry if the kings had been losing they would be complaining that Dean did nothing and had a chance to get kovi lOVE THE FANS
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I’ve been wondering something…..Where’s Anthonyy when you need him to bash on DL?
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Playoff-caliber type player still lacking. Kings are rolling now, but compe playoffs, their inexperience will show. Regular season and playoffs are two completely different things. With the only player with any real playoff experience being Smyth, they need an experienced, high-energy 3rd liner that will emotionally push these novice players over the hump…like Ian Laperriere. Don’t expect any blockbusters. It’ll be a role player or nothing at all.
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The fact that we as fans are privvy to this info, even after the fact, is invaluable. I remember the days when we got NOTHING after stuff like this went down and having to wait for the local news, radio, rags or Sportscenter to see if anything would be mentioned. It hardly ever was. Keep it up Rich, much appreciated!
Waddell played it very well. He was in a TERRIBLE situation and probably got about as much as he could for Kovy, given the circumstances. It wasn’t the greatest, but it’s what the market would bear and he got it. I don’t think it will put NJ into the Cup round, maybe an extra round, but the Caps are gonna go this year I think. A Kovy vs Ovie match is prime time GOLD! Hope it happens.
I’ve said it before, I’m really proud of DL for sticking to his plan and not futzing with the chemistry during a winning streak. I think all he had to play with was Purcell and Jones, which we all know was not going to get the job done. IMO, Johnson for a rental is ridiculous on it’s own. Add a 1st and that’s crazy talk. Now JJ & a 1st with a few others sprinkled in for a SIGNED Kovy? Well…..taint hapnin’ so whatever.
Whatever Richardson is eating, he needs to get Ron Popeel or Vince the ShamWow guy to box it up and sell it. WHAT A GAME for him last night! Dude was everywhere! Between Purcell, Richie and Stoll, Richie should be wearing the velvet pants in THAT family!
Anyone here think at the beginning of the season that our top line would be:
Richardson-Kopitar-Simmonds?
If so, can you please send me the MegaMillions number for today’s drawing? Thanks…
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I went on the record as pro-trade. I think Kovakchuk would be a great addition. But I am happy that the guys who have worked their tails off to turn this team around are still here. I think on he will have a hard time getting that max contract in July. Basically, he will look around, and ultimately see Lombardi standing their with $8.5mil/yr and a picture of the Cup.
Regarding other trades – Penner is staying in Edmonton. He’s the only guy they should keep up there. I think getting another solid D-man is more important than a winger. The fact that we have to play Randy Jones is a concern.
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Quick leading the league in wins!
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Not being as close to the action as you guys i was delighted we ”lost out” on the kovalchuck trade. Like many on here i am happy for this team grow and develop together beyond one decent season as this one is turning out to be. It’s naive to think that there won’t be changes down the line but for now i’m happy with the way things are right now.
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neil63…
Quick Hart Trophy and Quick 2010 LA Kings MVP.
Playoffs, and maybe a Stanley Cup this year, next year and many years to follow!
Can you say Dynasty?————————-
YOU WANT SOME OF WHAT IM SMOKING???????????LOL!!!
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Thank you DL for not making the same mistake that this franchise repeatedly in the past. Let our core develop.
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Rich,
Give Dean a message from us Kings fans; “Thank you”
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I think DL did the right thing. I was on record as not wanting to sell the farm for one guy.
Waddell did well for what he was working with. If Kovi would have been a sign and trade he could have done better. I don’t think Lou had a deal in place because nobody was allowed to talk to the agent and the league would nail him for collusion.
Penner’s contract is too heavy and he’s the only young piece that the Oilers would want to build around.
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I agree about Penner being the building block. But at this point, if we offer up financial relief and a couple good plaers/prospects/drafts, anything is possible.
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Rich,
I really appreciate you sharing those insights with all of us.
I wouldn’t be surprised if DL brings in someone not so flashy now like Raffi Torres
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Everyone keeps talking about Penner and Whitney as possible pickups. How about Ryan Malone or Colby Armstrong, both are young, talented goal scorers,crash the net, and play similiar games to Ryan Smyth. And if I’m not mistaken have fairly cheap contracts, and it probably wouldn’t take DL more than a prospect or couple picks to get either one. These guys come in play 3rd, and 4th line roles, you don’t screw up chemistry fill some of the holes. Just my opinion….
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I noticed the Isles put Brendan Witt on waivers. Not sure of the contract situation, but I wouldn’t mind bringing him in as a 6th D’man.
He plays with a real nasty edge and is a great teammate.
He’s a guy who would do well come playoff time.
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Right choice Dean! Stay the course!
I would love to have Malone, but I don’t think he’s available. Especially with the chemistry he has with Stamkos.
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nykingfan- i believe it is a cap issue, they might be able to claim him on reentry waivers.
Rich- thank you for the info. Still hope DL knows what he is doing. Need the scoring depth. And someone to play D. Big lack of it in the 3rd period of last night’s game.
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Brendan Witt would be as much a liability in the speedy West as he was in the East… perhaps even moreso. The Islanders have names like MacDonald, Hillen, Gervais, Kohn and Meyer eating minutes on the blueline, and up to as late as last week, they spent some time in the top 8 in their conference. Do you REALLY believe they’d jettison a veteran who could help their club down the stretch AT ANY PRICE if he was actually still serviceable? And that’s a division that never has to travel by air to go anywhere within itself. LOL. Forget (w)it(t)
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When a bad team puts someone on waivers it’s buyer beware.
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Wow!!! What a bright future for this team. We don’t need Kovy. Just stay the course. This year is about getting the boys the playoff experience they need. Just look at who we have coming up in the ranks.
Bernier, Schenn, Kozun, Hickey, Tueburt, Clifford, Elkins, Deslauriers, Zatkoff, Voynov, Loktionov.
DL can afford to be patient and get our guy when the timing is right. Look for the Kings to be in the mix for the Lord Stanley for many years to come.
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Malone…is he even available? Tampa is currently in 8th spot. If they end up sellers I love that idea I just don’t really see that happening.
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Your wrong Carol…Boumeister was traded during the draft, and signed immediately…facts, their funny, huh?
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I wan’t the Jones experiment to be over, the guy’s brutal on D. I want 44 in there on Saturday enough of Jones.
Next game is Saturday, afternoon, Red Wings…always tough for the Kings.
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Take that Dean Haters!
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Nick Boynton on re-enrty waivers. Think DL would try to get him at half price?
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Paul from Oxnard said: “I’ve been wondering something…..Where’s Anthonyy when you need him to bash on DL?”
Indeed, where are all the little trolls who used to post here and elsewhere a dozen times a day??? Can you imagine knowing those bozos personally? Wretched.
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Okay, I hear what u guyz are saying. I will come out and say I wanted kovi. I believe it would have done wonders not only for the team, but for the city!
On the other hand, I wouldn’t give up Simmonds for nobody! He’s no Kovi but he brings a certain thing to this team that kovi or any player cant bring, heart.
To be honest, I know people rip JJ and frolov but I like those two. JJ is taking a liitle longer but he’s gonna be a beast, mark my words. Frolov, is a little lacadaisical, but he has his nitche with this team and I believe if nothing else he should be here just for sticking through the lean years. No better thing to have on a team than loyalty.
So yes i wanted Kovi, but not at that cost. I guess I thought D.L was Jerry West or Kupchak. Can anyone tell me besides penner and whitney, whats a good fit for these kings? My honest opinion try to swing a deal for Malkin. I know he wants to get out of Crosby’s shadow and he’s not being used to his potential. What u guyz think? ALOHA and thanx Rich
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Welcome to the DL bandwagon!
BTW, it’s only chemistry while they are on a winning streak. If we had lost 8 games in a row everyone would be crying that we didn’t get Kovi and would be calling DL horrible names…just sayin.
Ok, so I like being pessimistic!
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I’ve been hoping for a Penner trade since last year. Yeah, his contract’s a bit over the top but it’s not that out of range, we can afford it, he seems like one of those good character guys DL loves so much and I’d love to have him, depending on what we give up in return.
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Oh yeah, and one of the best things out of that game last night (other than two points) was DD’s hit on Bobby Ryan. It was a great hip check and adequate payback for Moller IMO.
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JR said that the Kings offered a better package during the intermission. It sounded like it was something he would make public. Did anyone else get that feeling?
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@Carol – I think it is a fair question given the fact that we would only be removing one defensemen, a defensive liability. Do you mean the 1g/3a JJ from last night. I believe the liability is Randy Jones and he should be replaced with Drewiski. who in my opinion is a solid stay at home guy.
@ Paul from Oxnard – Anthony only comes on when there are things to complain about. He was wrong about the PO/Williams trade, he was wrong about giving up a 2nd for Richardson, and our 100 yr old coach who knows nothing about the game is making him eat Crow… Not to mention the brilliance of DL who knows nothing about running a NHL franchise… hahaha Did that cover everything? I know I’m missing something…
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But that’s the difference Matt, we haven’t lost eight in a row.
Jones is not the answer and the only reason he’s playing is his ability to man the point on the PP(I think). So instead of Lobo or Gleason, as some have suggested we go after Corvo. He can fill the PP, puck moving, good skating roll and his defense has improved since he was with us last. Just a thought.
We as fans throw “superstar” and “great” around too loosely many times, but I have to say without a doubt, we have a “SUPERSTAR” in Doughty. Everyone knows he’s good but last night he convince me beyond ant doubt he will be “Great.” The first thing I look for in any athlete is how he/she reacts when they’re confronted with physical play. Do they shy away, does a little pain turn into a major injury(mental), does their game fall off, etc…. With Doughty, I was concerned other teams would start running and punishing him. I am glad to see him throughout the last year and a half talk all the hits without blinking an eye. The kid is pretty tough. But what I didn’t expect from this amazing kid was his ability and desire to hip-check Ryan out of the building then go after Getz and put his face in the glass. Are you fricking kidding me!!!!!!!This kid does everything really well, doesn’t he? This kid is well on his way of being “GREAT.” I love this kid.
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Thanks for the follow up, Rich.
I’m glad Dean stuck to his long term plan. No need to trash what he’s spent 3-years building for a rental. Even if we sgned him long-term, the money he wants would kill the team’s cap room and would hurt them more than help them.
Stay the course….it’s working!
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Please excuse my abundance of “kid.” I was excited while typing and, well you get the idea……..
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Cry Baby, I am totally with you in your 7:42AM comment. plus, i want to add, again, those who want to get rid of JJ will regret it. he is only 22-23 and learning on the job. outside of goalie, D-men, have the longest on the job training curve. it is the 2nd hardest position to become accomplished. considering what we hear he didn’t get much d training at Michigan, he is growing into the position. he is not there where he will be in 2 more years. be patient!! few come into this league and dominate or are where those with experience are already after years of learning. i remember Scott Stevens when he first came up and he was raw: he turned out ok.
What are we going to do with FRO??? it is getting close to sign or trade deadline: march 3rd. that is the most pressing question for the team management right now.
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I see that Jeffrey Vinik has just bought the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hopefully he’ll be a better owner than he was a mutual fund manager. Can we get peter Lynch to buy the Kings?
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Mr. King, the point was Calgary traded for a guy who was an impending free agent and they could have ended up with nothing. They gambled.
And won. That signing allowed them to trade Phaneuf, obviously.
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Good for Atlanta; Good for NJ; Good for the Kings!
I can see why Waddell did what he did. I think NJ did okay, but for a rental?
As for the Kings, a “non-move” is still a “move” and Lombardi ended up making a great non-move! Had we not gotten hot I still don’t think Dean would’ve done anything since it was still an expensive rental situation and the cup still a long-shot. But it would’ve been interesting.
Put the two (what Waddell wanted VS Kovi) on the table and I’m sure most GM’s would have also done what Dean did.
So now what? I highly doubt Williams will be back this year. If we stay hot I can see Dean shopping a few prospects for either a top-6 forward, or a top-4 D-man, or both. But again I’m not ready to lose any part of our locker-room core! Not to mention I’m really excited to see who comes up and makes the team next year, added to this core… I am NOT gonna want hockey to stop this summer!!!
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Boynton on re-entry waivers with the Quacks. Wouldn’t shock me to see him get picked up. Wouldn’t shock me to see the Kings try to claim him, but I suspect a team lower in the standings would get him. I doubt he’ll clear.
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Thanks for the info, Rich. I can sleep now. I was one of those who really wanted us to get Kovalchuk (and still believe we need a major goal scorer), but I would not have given up any of those three for a “rental” (and I say that not being the JJ/Simmonds fanatic that many of you are). I believe we still need to bring in somebody from somewhere to reach the mountaintop, but – as tantalizing as this was – it just might not have been the right situation.
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Penner still has that Duck smell.
I think we take a run at Kovi on July 1 and if he comes, he comes. I’m glad we didn’t give up NHL players for a rental.
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Great non-move. Now on to the rest of the season.
@Contaras79
I like your thinking and lines a la penner and william but can not help but laugh.
A Team so deep that the only space for a current 1st line player (with Williams back, Penner added) is the 4th line.
Its amazing to see (this) group of players coming together to play at a level much greater then their sum-total.
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We need to trade for another “character” guy to play on the 3rd or 4th line in the playoffs ’cause you know Ivanans won’t be playing much in the post season.
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Marc Nathan
I’m not saying you’re wrong, but the last time I looked Greene was no speedball on our blueline and he does just fine.
Witt’s no Greene..not even close, but I’ve spoken with numerous Islander fans who can’t figure out why they would waive the guy. He brings the intangibles to a club that are important around playoff time.
With the Islanders, you can never tell why they do the things they do. Just because they waived him, I wouldn’t say he’s finished.
I think I’d rather have him in the lineup than Randy Jones. I like big, physical defensemen.
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Carol:
Jay Boumeister was traded for the rights, THE RIGHTS to Jordan Leopold (an impending FA himself) and a 3rd round pick…
Essentially meaning, Calgary traded a 3rd round pick for the right to speak with and negotiate with Boumeister first, before anyone else.
Once again, facts, don’t let them get in the way of your argument.
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Witt was one of those guys who certainly didn’t benefit from the revised obstruction rules afte the lockout, that plus I think his wheels were going by then, too.
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I’ve been watching this board since Rich came on board (a very belated “Welcome” and “Thank You!” Rich, for all of your insight and information!)
For everyone who has ideas about who Dean should pick up next, don’t forget this: Dean Lombardi’s plan to develop from within is working, and he deserves credit for sticking to that plan. Even though many may criticize that he is not picking up the big names, keep in mind that any single player under consideration needs to fit into the Kings team mentalitiy, not the other way around. If that isn’t evident to you yet, you’ve either just jumped on the Kings bandwagon, or you haven’t been playing close enough attention to what he’s been doing that last three years.
In the meantime, the Kings are having an amazing season–let’s just sit back and enjoy it!! It’s only going to get better!
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I wouldn’t put it past DL to make this a true learning expierience for the kids all along and see how they respond to even the possibilty of being part of a trade , never really having any intrest in Kovi . Either way I say they passed and some value was taken from the situation .
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I heard a slight rumbling of mike madono to the kings or also Paul kariya I wouldn’t mind either of those guys if the price is right…
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Would like to see Kariya or Modano on Kings power play!
Would like to see Randy Jones on waivers!
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I highly doubt the Stars will move Modano at this stage of his career. He’s a Star for life.
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Jack Johnson was really the only player that could have been spared in the trade, and Waddle obviously wanted Simmer.
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Oh, and Kovalchuk will still want too much against the cap in June. Forget him. He won’t be part of a Stanley Cup team with that salary (unless I’m wrong about his lousy fit with the Devils this season.)
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Funny someone brought up Karyia…I was just thinking of him last night…he would be a good fit with this team.
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simmonds was the key point in the trade, him or brownie and kings said no thank you, they said no 2 days ago they had moved on a few days ago. They are now going after penner, whitney, kariya, and madono, and possible richards
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Smart non-move by DL. Kovy will end up in playing in europe anyway. Modano stays and retires in Dallas. Kariya will end up in the burgh. We will be just fine. GO KINGS GO !!
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How about Dustin Penner for a marginal prospect and a draft pick or two?
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Stop with the ****ing Dustin Penner talk.
He had great stats at the beginning of the year and then tailed off BIG TIME in the last couple of months. DO NOT WANT.
What a stupid ****ing idea. Dustin Penner?
Sorry for the tantrum, but seriously..
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Rich Hammond, great job by the way !
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What amazes me is the fact that Lou Marillo gave up virturally nothing to the Atlanta Thrashers yet they come over to Lombardi wanting the moon.
It simply does not work out that way.
The only joy that the Thrashers can gain is the fact they will not have to pay some huge salary that is ridiculous.
The fact they recieved a good, steady defensman is most likely the only joy in mudville they will get- as the others are a crapshoot.
The Devils will see if Kovalchuck is going to make a difference for them or not- if he does not, they can balk on a resigning responsibility to their fans.
In that case- they did lose some of their future- but just how good was that future nobody knows.
Again- my only point is that the Kings were going to be charged so much- yet they decided to deal with the Devils.
There must be a little more to this than I see…
Danny of Azusa
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Doughty, Simmonds, Johnson, Moller, Segal — I know a couple are better than the rest, but they’re ALL restricted free agents at the end of next season.
Handzus is an UNrestricted free agent.
DL is a smart guy, all right. And having a Kovi on the team would be spectacular.
But I tend to agree with those who say that Kopitar is our “superstar”. Don’t spend the store getting some guy when you still need to sugar up the contracts of the players who are already doing the job.
Dustin Penner was “stolen” from the Ducks because their cap space didn’t let them safely match the $4.25 mil he was offered by Edmonton.
How much is Simmer worth? Or JJ? Zus makes $4 mil/per. We know that DL will move heaven and earth to hold onto Dewey. Just how much do we have in the pot to safely get a MONSTER like Kovi? Just imagine how many, many guys you gotta drop to pick up HIS price tag.
Stan Fischler is sometimes a lunatic @#&*$# (he said goalies who wear masks should make less money than those who don’t). But I agree with what Bob Miller said during the Ducks game that he heard Fischler saying back in New Jersey. When asked about prospective trades involving the Kings, Fischler is supposed to have said, “I wouldn’t touch that team.”
Save the money to keep your team. L.A. has brought in megastars before. Once, in the days before salary caps, we got to the Cup finals with a team filled with megastars.
But those days are over. The “cap” is the way things are. It’s crucifying those teams that are banging their heads against that ceiling. We’re doing fine. I wanna keep things that way.
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I believe Whitney will agree to be traded to Pittsburgh with only a one-year extension. He can use the three-year extension ploy to pull on teams he doesn’t want to go to.
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Hey Rich thanks for letting us know the inside scoop! That is waaay too much for a rental player. I think, and I’m not trying to toot my own horn here, but I think the Kings have the most talented group of young players in the NHL and the AHL. Getting rid of these guys for Kovy would have been bad news, and I raise my cup to you DL for making a great decision.
CHEERS!!
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kingsfanforlife…
Brad Richards or Mike Richards?
I would take either…although Brad’s +/- is scary depending on how you feel individually about that stat.
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Crosstown do you know anything about hockey at all? What’s wrong with Penner? He does have a hefty contract, but thats up to DL if he wants to bring a guy like that on board and to be quite honest I wouldn’t mind bringing him on for a few draft picks and maybe a prospect…The guy has 22g and 23 assists in 56 games. he’s big has great hands plays good D in his own zone and isn’t a bad skater. Did you take into account at all that he had great stats at the beginning of the year when Edmonton didn’t have all of their injuries that they have now. Remember what happened to Kopi when Smyth went out of the lineup and he had to find his way again with different linemates? Penner was playing with Ales Hemsky who is one of the most skilled players in the league that was a huge blow for him and the team, so no wonder his points dropped, guys go into slumps even the best players in the league which explains his supposed “inconsistency” the guy is still really young people, but the fact of the matter is that he is a good hockey player and can help the team especially with the style that we play which is force the opposition to make turnovers and cycle down low which is exactly what Penner does. You can’t sit there and tell me that his game doesn’t mimic what Frolov and Handzus do. If you add Penner to that line, they become that much better and Penner is a better skater than both Handzus and Frolov. And if people have a problem with his motivation and his inconsistency, you really think that TM can’t help fix that? You really think that coming to a team like L.A. who are actually in the playoffs right now wouldn’t boost his confidence and willingness to play hard every game? TM could help mold him into a great player like he has done with so many of our younger players. My suggestion to you is watch some Oiler games on NHL Center Ice package and watch Penner play and then you can make comments about how “stupid” of an idea it is to trade a couple of picks for another solid forward who can put the puck in the back of the net and would fit perfectly into our system. Go Kings!
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Waddell should have waited til the deadline and got more imo.
the Kings do not need to make a big move(Smyth was that move in the summer). if Fro walks, and they free up some more $$$ in the summer, then i would consider adding a 3-5 mil player. i agree with the poster who said they should bring in a 3rd/4th liner to fill out the Frwds.
Kopi and Doughty are Superstars in the making, and Quick has been playing like one. 9 in a row sounds really good, esp. beating the Wings to get there Go Kingsss!!!!
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I would’ve been happy to trade Wayne Simmonds and a couple of prospects to get Kovalchuk. The Kings are doing well, but they don’t have the depth of talent needed to do much damage in the playoffs. Kovalchuk would have been a fantastic addition, if only a rental.
Simmonds is developing into a decent NHLer, but he’ll never be a star. His level of talent is farly easy to replace.
Dean blew it.
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ah, i brought getting Kariya for a conditional draft pick, 3 weeks ago. he would make the power play go into motion. let alone whatever line he played on.
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I just had an interesting thought. What if Atlanta pulled off a brilliant but genius move? Here is what I would have done as Atlanta’s GM (well not really, but it sounds fun)….
First I would go to Kovy and say “look, We want to keep you here but we also have to do something bold to save the team. So here’s the plan. We are going to trade you for a few players. In the proses we will use and manipulate the media and get them to believe we offered a HUGE contract but you wanted more. When we make the trade it will be to a team that won’t be able to sign you for that much money. Any team that could offer you a contract we would ask for players they would never part with. When you become a free agent we will give you a contract for (what ever amount the can agree on), you will come back to play with Atlanta, and we will have the players we traded for you.”
I’m sure that’s not what happened. More likely he will go play in the KHL. But if he resighns with Atlanta I will laugh my butt off!
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Kris:
What you propose is not impossible.
What you propose makes it so much better NOT to have spent anything on a Kovi rental.
What Kovi is as a 2009-2010 rental has nothing to do with Kovi as a 2010+ Free Agent. The two players are unrelated.
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a GM would never tell a player a double dip, under handed, scenerio. if it ever got it, and people talk, it would be a disaster for the GM because he could never be trusted. without the trust of your fellow GMs, you are ruined in negotiations. also, Atlanta could still be out bid, and why wouldn’t the player go for a bigger check; since nothing could be signed at the trade. the only part of the scenerio that is possible, is that atlanta is going to place their bid on the table in july.
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I copied and pasted this from an Altanta blog just to get an idea of how the fans feel about Kovi:
That piece of shet Ilya “All For Me” Kovcalchoke cannot get the Hell out of town fast enough for me. Watching the Maryann Hossa son of a betch now. Any other player worth half a f#ck would have half a dozen goals by now! How many wide open shots does this fool misfire on every game? Damn quitter! Good riddance to bad rubbish. Go back to Siberia and rot you commie bestard! You will damn sure not be missed.
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Usually in a situation like Kris presents, the GM taking the player gives a caviat in the deal that if the player signs back with his original team they lose the #1 or something.
I don’t think many people realize that teams aren’t just GIVING players away. Penner is one of the few players on the Oilers that is young, talented, and going to be around for a while. He has 3 years left on his contract I think.
they lost 3-4 first rounders to sing him as a RFA if I’m not mistaken so they’re not going to give him up for a skate sharpener and a bag of used pucks like people keep bringing up.
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Thank God!The Kovi speculation is over.
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My bad a little:
The Ducks will receive a first, second and third-round draft pick as compensation for Penner, who was a restricted free agent.
The argument still stands.
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5K
brad richards from what i can gather from all of the different places and people that i have talked to.
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So lame. Kovi would have certainly helped this team in the playoffs, but not in the way they need….and right now that is what DL is thinking about. Yeah, it would be nice to finally make the playoffs, but to make the playoffs with this roster is just asking for a thrashing. It would be totally deflating to make the playoffs and get spanked (which is what would happen). Experience and leadership is what this team needs, not necessarily scoring (Kings are 7th in the league in goals scored). They need some old-time hockey grit – like back in the day when the real players wouldn’t shave for the playoffs (BTW, what happened to that tradition?)
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Don’t break your legs jumping off the bandwagon NOB.
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Boris,
The trade would be Simmz for Kovi for the rest of the season. Kovi is a UFA you know.
Don’t know how much you read the blog but I had a very solid source who said that the Kings “will do whatever it takes” to get Kovi, but Dustin Brown was never mentioned.
I am very satisfied that DL protected the core.
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Hey NOB,
You might be right, but can you tell me who has “spanked” the Kings so far this season that you would not want to face in the playoffs? The Kings have gone toe to toe with the toughest in the league and held their own.
I want to see this team play their hearts out and learn what it will take to win it all.
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Dan those skate sharpeners are pretty expensive though!
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Whitney (Kings want) and Gleason (Canes salary dump) for prospects and picks was a done deal until it got killed by Whitney’s insistence on a 3 year extension. Who knows, it might still happen if Whitney changes his demand to a more reasonable 1 year ext. and realize Pitt isn’t happening because of cap numbers.
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Tullskull and Dan H.
Silly rabbits, reagular season is for kids. Playoff scenario: Vancouver,Detroit Blackhawks,and San Jose would all eat this team up. SJ may choke, but that’s another story. The only decent chance they would have in the playoffs would be playing other inexperienced teams like Colorado and Phoenix, unless they added another piece for the playoffs.
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Hey Rich
Thanks as always for your insights. Glad we didn’t go for Kovi. I am still in a state of blissful shock over the Kings this year. Had this thought that I’m dreaming and will wake up and check the standings and find the Kings near the bottom again…..but no I’m wide awake and enjoying every friggin minute of this ….bring on the wings…go kings go…
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IMO Brown is expendable – he brings a lot to the team, but IK is a FINISHER and no one on the Kings even comes CLOSE to being the kind of goal scorer that IK is. I’ve been a Kings season seat holder for 19 seasons, but you have to give something to get something and a guy like IK doesn’t come along very often.
What’s done is done, and the Kings can win scoring “dirty ugly goals”, but I would’ve made that trade (why not send Ersberg to Atl and bring Bernier up?).
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Hahah Craig first of all we have had plenty of scoring depth all season long and do not need to give up our up and coming young core for a RENTAL!!! There is still a chance we can sign him in the off season anyway if he doesn’t sign an extension. Fyi one guy is not going to push a team over the hump in the playoffs and win a Cup. You really think ATL would take Ersberg as a piece to that trade? That’s completely laughable and I hope you’re joking. We have a great team in tact right now and if anything getting a guy like Ray Whitney and A gritty stay at home defenseman like Tim Gleason would be a great move for the Kings if Whitney doesn’t ask for a 3 year extension.
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