WAYNE SIMMONDS 
This season: 78 games, 16 goals, 24 assists, 116 penalty minutes, 14:29 average ice time.
The good: One year after he surprisingly made the team out of training camp, Simmonds took another step forward in his sophomore season. A fearless and tireless worker in the defensive end, Simmonds might also have reached the 20-goal plateau had his production not slowed in March and April. Simmonds is an effective irritant to opponents and is not afraid to drop the gloves.
The bad: The only real knock on SImmonds’ play was a stretch after the Olympics, when he had only one point in eight games. Game-to-game consistency is still an issue with Simmonds at times, but he’s still very young and, during the series against Vancouver, he seemed to be back on top of his game. Can he elevate his game even more and be a 20-to-25-goal scorer?
Going forward: For years, the Kings lacked a true “shut-down” line. With Simmonds and Michal Handzus, they automatically have two-thirds of a very strong one, and Simmonds has showed that, if need be, he can step into a first-line role and have success. Simmonds is a versatile and valuable player, and if he can maintain consistency and raise his offensive level one more step, he will be a real gem.
Kings to be SOLD on the Auction Block?
http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b45kk
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VanKingsFan Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
@HB Kings Fan #99, Yup, for a bag of marbles and half of a diet Sprite …
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variable Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
@HB Kings Fan #99,
i think campbell is doing some hypothesizing and speculating…however, i could understand somebody who is used to turning a profit getting tired of not doing so year-after-year…
i’m sure if there’s any veracity to this thought, our man RICH would (and will) inform us accordingly…
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VanKingsFan Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
@variable, The thing is, even if the LA Kings technically lose him money on paper… in the long run he is using the Asset of the LA Kings franchise to earn him considerable dollars in other areas I am certain.
Owning a franchise is a considerable asset that can be used in a great many different ways, especially in a world where most of the money is not real. By that I mean everything is on paper and in computers, its not like Anshutz has a tower filled with cash like McDuck, and it is slowly getting empty
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variable Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
@VanKingsFan,
oh, i completely agree that the kings are really more of a conduit for other profitable endeavors for AEG that can be developed from pa’s ownership…besides dollars, i’m sure politics have as much to do with it as anything else…and i’m not asserting that pa has any public office aspirations…but when you are so heavily invested into downtown and the city of los angeles, i can only imagine the solicitations he must get from others in his financial league and/or have a vested interest in the landscape of the city…
i guess it would be nice for him to publicly state what his plans are…but that’s what tim leiweke’s there for…and i imagine if anything is decided by pa/AEG, leiweke will continue to act as their public voice…
RICH asked leiweke specifics about AEG/pa’s outlook and future when the regular season was over in the q&a posted then…
and even though leiweke was convincing with his passion for the kings and desire to produce a cup-worthy team every season, he did comment about the team’s prognosis of not turning a profit again, losing millions during it’s first playoff run in eight years…
so it probably comes down to the probative value and benefits associated with owning a sports franchise vs. the financial burden of maintaining the purchase…
and the kansas city idea that campbell speaks of is not so far fetched…
VanKingsFan Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
@variable, Damn.. just as it was getting good I am off work for the day.. possibly pick it up again tomorrow??
I really don’t see KC as a viable opportunity, it reminds me wayy too much of Nashville, Atlanta, Phoenix. But I have never been, so somebody prove me wrong??
To me the only place the NHL should consider expanding right now is to Canada. Rabid fan base, undying loyalty, no distractions in the cities from NFL, NBA, MLB franchises… to me all it takes is a few supreme rich people to want to do it, and I think there is AT LEAST one in Ballsillie…
how did i get side tracked into a relocation issue…
Anyways, my original point was based a lot on Rogers and there ownership of the Blue Jays, the SkyDome (Rogers Centre) on top of being one of the biggest telecommunications companies in Canada. Do we really think the Jays make money… not a chance, not since the World Series days, but they are an important piece of his whole financial pie so to speak.
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variable Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
@VanKingsFan,
if anybody moves to kc, it would be the isles…not the kings…i am all in favor of contraction and relocation…and think that it will have to be addressed very seriously sooner than later…we have too many teams and too many in the wrong places…very rarely in business does every single market succeed after a major expansion…markets and expectations are changing faster than ever before in today’s “new” economy and that module doesn’t aid well in an owner’s long-term perspective …volatile markets = uncertain futures…and considering all the labor and financial problems the league has had to resurrect itself from, why carry any more burdens than you have to…?
the league is finally getting positive reviews from audiences that they couldn’t get before or even reach…and while it does, it shouldn’t be short-sighted by blind faith or arrogance – there are mucho mucho problemos that are coming to a head, (cba, lack of nhlpa head, tv/media outlet growth, surging tix prices, promoting other peeps not named crosby or ovechkin, conference scheduling,(just a few of the issues in the ocean that come to mind)…
you mentioned rogers in canada…it’s no different with msg in new york…
ultimately, vertical integration…team owner + building owner + local/regional tv network owner = same person…will prevail in almost all markets in order to maintain stability and profitability…and that module causes a whole other can of worms to be opened, like monopolies and other various conflicts of interest…
i only wish bettman to be more of a realist when this subject comes up and try to be as upfront about the league’s current state of the union…he does his weekly radio show…and does display a willingness to discuss everything nhl-related with fans and anyone else who cares…but he comes across very defensive at times when he should be taking certain criticisms of his performance and the league with proper cadence and an attention towards the solution of the varied problems rather than his explanation as to why they exist…
so much to discuss…
always enjoy the opportunity for the convo…:)
USHA#17 Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
@VanKingsFan,
I agree, Canada. As for KC, anyone remember the Scouts; Darcy Rota and the Derbano Brothers?
luc20rules Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
@VanKingsFan, DL addressed the KC rumors as obsured, with absolutely no true to the rumors at Breakfast with the GM. It really doesn’t make any sense to be why it keeps cropping up. NHL’s problem is the National TV contracts. Yes ratings will not match those of the NFL or even MLB or NBA, but the fans that want to watch are often only left with the local or NHL Center Ice Package as options. The NFL & NBA teams are almost all profitable as soon as they get their National TV contract checks. There was a time when the Clippers despite being in the bottom 5 in attendance were the most profitable team in the NBA 4 years in a row. Why the National TV contract is split evenly as well as the NBA Merchandise License & Commissions.
54FIGHTING Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 7:55 am
@Variable,
Post of the day/week brother!
VanKingsFan Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 8:56 am
@variable, Love the analysis man. Did you see Bettman’s interview last night between periods of the game?? He did everything possible to avoid saying that Winnipeg would be a good choice..
I read two conflicting things this morning.
1) City of Glendale agreed to cover the losses of the Coyotes, in an effort to keep them there.
2) The NHL is working to create an alternate schedule for next season that includes Winnipeg instead of Phoenix, and they put them in the Northwest Div. Not sure who would move from the NW Div. to the Kings Div.
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Chigarillo Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 9:49 am
@VanKingsFan,
As far as number 2 goes, that’s easy: Colorado or Vancouver would be the logical choices to move to the Kings division… Probably Vancouver first but Colorado would be the more interesting move what with the Kings playing Colorado in Vegas all the time.
VanKingsFan Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 10:05 am
@Chigarillo,
You can’t take vancouver out of that division. The league would be insane to break up the Vancouver vs. Calgary rivalry… even the Vancouver vs. Edmonton and vancouver vs. Colorado rivalries are pretty intense. Especially after the Bertuzzi thing with the Avs.
Chigarillo Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
@VanKingsFan,
True but geographically Vancouver makes the most sense. Personally I’d picked Colorado because between those two teams a Kings/Avalanche rivalry is more entertaining especially with both being very young teams.
King John Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
@VanKingsFan,
I think Colorado would move because ours is not a true Pacific division, but more a ‘Southwest’ division.
San Jose
Los Angeles
Anaheim
Colorado
Dallas
NORTHWEST
Vancouver
Edmonton
Calgary
Winnipeg
Minnesota
You’d have four Canadian teams in the NW along with Minn (Minneapolis/St.Paul) which is the closest U.S. city to Winnipeg.
–MY MAN!–
I will always remember Wayne Simmonds as the Bobble Head Suite Game Man…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameraguy105c10/4367882617/in/set-72157623461382188/
Throw in a little Jesse Jackson and Willie O’Ree, and I was only one measley little save by Ersberg away from Nirvana…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameraguy105c10/4367881279/in/set-72157623461382188/
Oh well.
Rock ON, Wayne!
Build up those skinny legs of yours, this summer!
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variable Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
i forgot how close we sat next to history on that night…
it made that occasion all the more special…!
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Sure Did!
–Let’s do that again!–
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54FIGHTING Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 7:57 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Any chance we could do it for the draft?
“a-/b+” for simmer….
the kid has a great future and might be emerging as the second-coming of adam deadmarsh – at least, i’m hoping so…sans concussions, of course…
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tuan jim Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
@variable, from the first game I saw him play, he reminded me of Dave Taylor.
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luc20rules Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
@tuan jim, I liked his energy and toughness, but wow those are big skates to fill. I would be happy if Simmer continues to improve and becomes a 20 to 30 goals a year player.
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It is no coincidence that this guy easily has the best plus minus on the team. In my opinion he is one of the toughest forwards to play against in all the NHL already at such a young age. In the future he will start being compared to people like..Jere Lehtinen,Guy Carboneau,Michael Pecca,Esa Tikkanen, and Bob Gainey…Thats how much I think of this guy and where I think he will end up!
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nykingfan Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
@puck73,
excellent comparisons
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Moondoggie Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
@nykingfan, Truly excellent!
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KC23 Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 12:37 am
@puck73,
Agreed. Outstanding comparisons.
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I am not the Simmonds devotee others are, but still very much want him on my team. I think he is misplaced on the first line, and believe he is far better suited to third line duty. He has a great future in whatever role he is in, and I sure hope it is with us. A very solid B+ from me.
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I really hope my last post was not eaten for breakfast!
Simmonds will always be MY MAN for the Bobble Head Suite Game…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameraguy105c10/4367882617/in/set-72157623461382188/
And don’t forget Willie O’Ree and Jesse Jackson in the suite next door…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameraguy105c10/4367881279/in/set-72157623461382188/
Plus a little Heidi, on the side…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameraguy105c10/4368603222/in/set-72157623461382188/
–Hey Wayne, Dude!–
Grow some bigger legs this summer, Will Ya?
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Simmer is the man. He’s the complete player… offensive, good in his own zone, and physical. he must be a joy to coach. He could play for my team anyday!
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Guy please with an edge and that is in short supply on the Kings. Not to mention the best plus/minus in the regular season and the playoffs. He gets an A.
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Simmonds is one of the best players to put on our jersey in the past 2 seasons. Lombardi wants guys who want the Kings logo stamped on there butt, this is one of those guys.
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Are the comments coming through slowly today?
???
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VanKingsFan Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
I tried getting something going a few comments upward about the difference between losing money, and actually losing money with a sports franchise. Don’t know how many thoughts I will get though.
Simmonds is the man.. as long as he continues to progress I have no problems with his game at all. More consistency, little more strength, and maybe try to match hit totals with Brownie (if possible)
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Hey Rich–
What did I do?
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Is Flickr illegal?
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Okay…
Better late than never!
Already a gem!
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Doughty and Simmonds are the only players I’d give an “A” to. Both greatly exceeded expectations.
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C+
He’s good energy, not afraid to drop gloves and forecheck. Decent speed.
Areas to work on: Stop with the tomahawk chop to break sticks and take bad penalties. Learn how to pass without breaking an ankle of your teammate or setting him up for the big hit. On the cycle you have to give up the puck to make it work best. Keep your stick down and ready when you cycle to the net.
I really like him and think he’ll be a solid 15-20 goal third line staple for the Kings the next 10 years.
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A+
Can’t ask for much more of a 21 y/o kid not named Drew Doughty or Steve Stamkos.
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Absolutely love this guy. Everyone is better with Simmonds on the team. Everyone stands taller and the other team has to keep their heads up. The irritant factor can’t be ignored.
Those of us who’s 20′s are behind us can remember that when you are about 22-24 you start to get that heavy muscle, your adult build. Perhaps Simmonds build is not such, but there’s no reason to think he’ll stay so skinny forever. 10 lbs on this guy really makes him scary.
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CMMOOOoonnn City of Glendale…
REJECT that NHL plan … I want the AVs in our division!
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Mark 1 Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
@Matt George,
The prospects for a team being in AZ are not good. The league put out a schedule today that has a Winnipeg option.
I think in terms of time zones though, it would make more sense for Van to be in the Pacific.
Then again Dallas should be in the Chuck Norris Central. Nashville should be in the South East.
Tampa Bay could then relocate to Quebec in the NE and Buffalo could be put in the East.
Detriot should also be in the East. Which means that The Caps would have to somehow align with the SE.
OK, I’m done. Trying to figure out time zones and alignments is making my head hurt; its time for beer and hockey on TV.
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Matt George Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
@Mark 1,
something tells me this is a last minute negotiating tactic on the part of Ice Edge.
If this goes down with the yotes back as the jets, I will be surely surprised.
What a great slap in the face to Bettman though.
My prediction should this go down, Bettman retires (resigns actually).
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Mark 1 Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
@Matt George,
Grapes has talked a couple of times like he thinks that the Jets going back is a done deal but I don’t know.
I am sure that there is some politics that nobody yet knows about.
One thing for sure, if you follow the Canadian blogs, GB has not one friend in the Great White North. Many there hate him and a lot of it has to do with the Balsille situation.
ATL is a bigger mess and I am not sure why we don’t hear more about that too.
Since I am way off topic, as far as Simmer goes, he is a keeper for sure! Does anyone know about Jordan Nolan? I ask because I know that he is a Kings prospect, he is a big 6-3, and he is very young. Other than that, I have never heard of him.
Matt George Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
@Mark
WOW
I just watched the City Council meeting on the streaming site.
I’m blown away … pretty much no way they let the Coyotes go.
What a great story.
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Mark 1 Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
@Matt George,
That is incredible, as you have said.
Share a couple sentences more; what did they say?
I bet CBC will have a couple of important stories on it tomorrow.
I’m just watching the ‘Hawks finish off the Whale, sweet!! Here is a little memo to DL: Watch the ‘Hawks my friend, that is what a serious team looks like. That is what the people in LA deserve as well!
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rick Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
@Mark 1, Agreed. The Hawks are not that much older than the Kings, but are clearly a more advanced team in most respects. They are what we want to be. Make it happen DL. We still need a few more pieces, made all the more obvious the more I watch the Hawks.
luc20rules Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
@Mark 1, Watch the Hawks next season can you say “CAP HELL” I knew you could. Lets talk after the Offseason Fire Sale. All I have to say to Chicago is they better win the cup this year, because it may be a while before you have the cap space to make another run.
just wondering how many A,s our players received. My thought is this…if 75% of our players gets A’s how come we didnt do better in the playoffs? How many A players does it take to win a championship or how many F ‘s brings a team down ????
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nykingfan Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
@neil,
Compare last season to this season..that’s why there’s a lot of A’s and well deserved.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 5:16 am
@neil, because they’re developing?
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A
Gotta love Simmer. He’s like an energizer bunny out there. Non stop every shift. His hands continue to get better. I think he’s going to become a 30 goals scorer at some point. For his age and experience, he’s probably one of the best 2 way forwards in the league. Take into Account his physicality. Remember how many times he as the first one in to protect a teammate. He has no fear.
I was extremely impressed with how he elevated his play during the canucks series. He’s quickly becoming a big game player. I noticed how during the playoffs a lot of hockey people who hadn’t seen much of him during the season were raving about him.
All this and how much time did he miss after undergoing knee surgery? Damn..the guys a warrior.
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A
I would have to struggle to say anything bad about him…
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A …..no doubt.I only see this guy getting better with every game.Some off season trainning and alittle more weight and he will ba a monster
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A
I don’t think he’ll score fewer than 20 goals from here on.
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B+….
I fought with this one as Simmer was one of LA’s finest players throughout the season. The energy he brings to the team is enormal. If it wasn’t for the late season slump he went into after the Olympics, he’d have gotten an A. He seemed to be a bit tentative after his knee injury but came back and skated strong in the playoffs. The man was all over the place against Vancouver; at times it seamed like he was trying to bring the cup home by himself.
A great attitude player to have on the Kings. He’s a grinder; Simmer has no problem standing up for his teammates, a good skater, passer and he has a very nice shot. Can’t wait to see what Simmer does for an encore next year.
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I posted this above on a reply but
I gotta say… I just watched the City Council meeting in Glendale for the Coyotes.
I’m blown away … what a great vote of support from the council members.
One lady just said “I was reading in the paper in bold SUNS Lose .. then way down at the bottom of the paper in small type Coyotes Win. We’re gonna change that people!”
Awesome.
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luc20rules Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
@Matt George, Are you sure you got that in context, she may have meant that the resources should go to help the SUNS WIN! LOL
Just kidding I hope the Yotes stay put we don’t need any longer road trips.
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KC23 Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 12:46 am
@Matt George,
I wish they would move to Portland Oregon myself. All they have are the jail break … errr trail blazers. Or perhaps Seatle.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 9:06 am
@Matt George, Talk is cheap Matt George… when it actually came time to put their dollars up for tickets to the games… they failed..
You would have thought the relocation scare before the season started would give the fanbase a kick in the ass…. and then they go out and have one of thebest seasons in franchise history…. and they still cant get more than like 12,000 fans… you say awesome… I say pathetic.. and talk is cheap
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King John Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
@VanKingsFan,
They were averaging 9000 a game the first part or half of the season until the fans realized what they had, and then they did draw pretty well, which they would need to, to bring the average all the way up to 12,000.
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As much as I hated to do it I only gave him a B. I expected the season he had at a minimum. I was very disappointed in his performance around his surgery. If it’s hurting like it was the Kings as an oranization should have made him rehab it to get healthy, this kid could have a great career. Now I’m worried that he won’t take real injuries seriously and will end up flaming out in 3 years when all it would take is a little discipline and information about what is smart to play through and what is not.
His playoff performance was excellent though.
Now lets hope that body fills out with 10 more lbs.
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If Simmer can work on his shot he will be a solid goal scorer. He has the speed and and drive to get to the net but he usually shoots wide or into the pads. If he can start hitting top shelf/corners then he will be scary. He is one of the main sparkplugs for this team, he is fast as hell and a great forechecker.
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Just smiling about Whaancouver getting punked in their own crib 5 -1.
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54FIGHTING Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 8:09 am
@KC23,
Chicago (Patrick Kane) burned them with speed and more speed and Luongo looked like, well, Luongo (although Vancouver didn’t play defense letting the Hawks have how many breakaways?
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VanKingsFan Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 8:52 am
@54FIGHTING, To be fair… Edler was hurt.. Mitchell has been hurt forever.. and Salo was playing with ONE TESTICLE!! Man I just wanted to give him a hug everytime i saw him on the bench… he looked like he was in sooo much pain lol.. what a champion for playing though
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lets see… all he did was help, especially when with Richie, struggling forwards find their game again… and then TM shook things up AGAIN, removing a successful line-combo, and that forward would then not be as good… Because of his toughness I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on a line with Schenn next year, as I can see opponents trying to intimidate Schenn a bit in his rookie year. I would love to see a line of Schenn-Simmonds-Richardson creating turnovers, pouncing on loose pucks, and burying the biscuit!!! BUUUUUUUT I don’t have faith in TM to let well enough alone…
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B
Inconsistent…had a few streaks where he was MIA.
Bad penalties…as someone mentioned, lose the tomahawk chop.
Wrist shot….needs more work.
Better suited on the second or third line…not first line material.
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I heart Wayne Simmonds.
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You can’t argue with the highest +/- player on the kings. We score when hes out there and the other team doesnt when hes out there.
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Is it wrong to love another man? ‘Cause I love Simmer.
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