The Kings have signed defenseman Johan Fransson to a one-year contract. Fransson became Kings property after the Feb. 2007 trade that sent Mattias Norstrom to Dallas, but Fransson had been unsigned and playing in the Swedish Elite League. Fransson, 25, is 6-foot-1, 183 pounds, and totaled 11 goals, 19 assists and 26 penalty minutes in 54 games last season for Lucea HF. Fransson was reportedly drawing interest from the KHL as well as at least one other NHL team, but now he will get a chance to make the Kings’ roster in training camp.
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30 points in 54 games… decent numbers for the Swedish Elite League. Here’s hoping that translates to the NHL.
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dayman Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
@KingMe20, here are some of his points
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_r7Xl2nhHs
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jet Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
@dayman, this overtime goal kind of reminds me of someone on the Kings, but I cannot figure out who.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djjRuLxf2lI&feature=related
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Dominick Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
@jet, NICE!
LBlocal Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
@KingMe20, Found this sample:
http://www.databasehockey.com/players/bycountry.htm?code=SWE
By the looks of the list, SEL players translate “better than average” when emigrating to the NHL.
I like the trend. DL and staff are ‘picking and piecing’ each and every crevice of hockey’s international globe. Keep up the GREAT work, Team!
go kings!
(Jan Marek, Care to respond?!!?)
[Reply]
54FIGHTING Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
No one mentioned it but what sticks out to me is that this guy only weighs 183lbs. Someone needs to gain some weight.
Hey Fransson – go find Simmonds and Moller and EAT!
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Those are good numbers for a forward in that league, much less a defensemen. Let’s hope that this guy is aided in the smooth transition to the NHL by the hiring of Mattias Norstrom as assistant coach.
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Matt George Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:02 am
@Will Hutchison,
Best idea I’ve read yet.
Would LOVE to have Matty back!!
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Big Rob in Dallas Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
@Matt George, I read that he wants to be in Sweden and be close to his children who have special needs.
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I thought that said Johan Franzen at first…
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Matt George Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:03 am
@oldthunder,
Me too …. I had to take a breath.
[Reply]
Lewes Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:07 am
@Matt George, Tricked me for a minute there as well…
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nykingfan Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:17 am
@Lewes,
add me to the list!
mfnlakings Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
@oldthunder, Me too. Thought we were gettin the mule.
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Kris Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
@mfnlakings, The list is growing fast! I’m on it too!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
@oldthunder,
It hit me at first like the Parse/Parise thread did back in the regular season. Got wood at first glance.
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I like him, but will he be able to crack the roster?
Who do we have… Doughty, Johnson, Greene, Scuderi, and maybe O’Donnell. I don’t see Jones coming back, and who knows if Drewiske will be up. But would the Kings want to go with ANOTHER rookie defenseman? If Fransson’s with that group, that doesn’t look like a “great” defense. Doughty can’t do everything himself…
[Reply]
Daniel J Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 10:45 am
@Kevin Y,
I’m thinking OD won’t be back (sadly) and that Drewiske or Martinez would fill his spot and Fransson would slot pretty nicely into Jones role as a 6 and spare to use on the PP… Don’t forget Fransson is 25 so while he’s new to the NA game he would hardly be a rookie in the same sense that Hickey, Voinov Muzzin would be…
[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 10:56 am
@Kevin Y, Have you seen Johan play? I have not, but the Swedish Elite League is very high level and he could come in and surprise us all, Kyle Quincey style.
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Kevin Y Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
@VanKingsFan,
No, I haven’t seen him play yet.
If he plays like Quincey, I’ll be quite pleased.
If he plays like Jones, I’ll probably shoot myself.
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King Doughnuts Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
@Kevin Y, With all these defense men and the need for 5 on 5 offense something has to give. Look for a trade involving these d-men.
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Another steal, Deano Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Wow, I had no idea that he might be in the NHL as early as next year, as you guys say. I just wrote him off and figured he would just stay the rest of the year still in Sweden or spend it with Manchester in the AHL. I would be absolutely thrilled if he could fill Kyle Quincey’s role on the King’s blue-line. Nice find, Dean. Go Kings!
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Really???? I mean REALLY????
Do we really need another D-man with all the young talent we have?
Drewiske, Hickey, Teubert, Voynov….
There goes another year of waiting to make my Teubert jersey!
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Marc Nathan Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 10:49 am
@snbrdsummit, you can make a TEUBERT Reign jersey… maybe a TEUBERT Monarchs jersey… or a King training camp TEUBERT jersey… (though those generally don’t have names, right?)
[Reply]
src Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 10:50 am
@snbrdsummit,
Assets! Can never have enough. Do you say the same thing if martinez, Hickey Teubert etc dont pan out? When you see a diamond in the rough, pick it up dust it off and take another look.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 10:50 am
@snbrdsummit, P.S. You left out Muzzin, who actually has a better chance of cracking the Kings lineup than the other guys… you’ll see
[Reply]
Daniel Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 10:58 am
@Marc Nathan, Agreed. Of the four D-men mentioned above, only Drewskie has a realistic chance of making the team next year. Hickey, Teubert, Voinov all are at least a year away. I could see Fransson beating Drewskie out. Either way, Manchester will have one of the best D-core in the AHL.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
@Daniel, You forget about the 3 health scratches the team can carry. We will likely have Harold if resigned as a utility guy. One D-man and one Forward. I don’t really see a 5 or 6 D-man that will play more than 65+ games as the 21-23 guys will get games here and there, unless someone steps up and dominates.
Joel Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:02 am
@snbrdsummit, Teubert is going to need at least 2 years of AHL seasoning. This won’t set him back any further than where he currently is.
This is just a statement that someone within the system is going to win one of those 2 job openings on the blue line. It is probably more of a statement to Drewiske, Hickey, Martinez, Voynov and Muzzin, that nobody is the front runner, and that it depends on who wants it more.
This is the best way to ensure that the Kings are bringing up a reliable defenseman to the big club to add to their depth (which is in fact the real reason they lost in the Vancouver series.) I guarantee that one of the young guys I mentioned, or Fransson will develop the Simmonds will power and seize that spot out of training camp. I’m still guessing it will be Hickey.
I think this is a good thing. The only bad news coming out of this story is probably that one of either Piskula or Bagnall would not be brought back. Or…this might have been the reason that Andrew Campbell was let go.
[Reply]
Ken Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
@Joel,
When was Andrew Campbell let go? I may of missed that one.
[Reply]
Joel Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
@Ken, My mistake. I confused Andrew Campbell with Niclas Anderson.
Ken Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
@Joel,
oh okay…that makes more sense. I know Campbell is considered one of our higher end 2nd tier defense prospects so I would be suprised if they just released him, especially after all the contract stuff he had coming into (this year?).
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:20 am
@snbrdsummit,
Go back and read the DL interview he did with Rich.
DL said Teubert’s not close.
No much to go on, but that sure smells of project more than prospect.
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Otto Ped Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
@snbrdsummit, I would guess you will be waiting much more than ONE year for that jersey….If at all. Teubert, to this point, in no way lives up to the hype
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 6:43 am
@snbrdsummit,
Too many D-men has like too much money. Not possible. You end up with too much D-men talent you got something fantastic to trade for some winger talent which we so despirtately need.
[Reply]
What kind of defenseman is this guy? Puck moving (desperately needed), shut down. etc. ?
[Reply]
jammer06 Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 10:59 am
@Steve S.,
I believe I read somewhere that he’s, defensively responsible, a puck mover but not a hitter. Someone else who’s seen him in sweden can probably say more
[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
@jammer06,
That sounds like you just described Lidstrom. Hopefully you’re bang on!
[Reply]
Daniel J Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@jammer06,
Think of a more skilled Peter Harrold… Solid defensively first, but has the tools to put up points if given the chance. Actually the Quincey comparison is pretty solid as that’s what I’d say his top end peak would be.
[Reply]
Ersberg Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:44 am
@Steve S. His scouting report said he’s a PMD, that needed some work in his own end. Apparently, he’s come along way as of last season in that regard. He could very well earn a permanent spot on the Kings.
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I like it. we are stocked in Manchester with the talent, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. this was an easy move. I mean anyone is an upgrade over jones
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The way I see it, competition for every position is a good thing, forces players to be better just to get the right to play. Those numbers are good, lets see what the kid can do
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luc20rules Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
@dellanooch, There will be competition at Manchester as well. A nice level up quality depth if the injury bug hits. This was a no brainer little risk, and a good reward.
[Reply]
Seems like a very dicey backup move. I would totally welcome more cheap labor to bridge the young guys in. If he doesn’t want to stick in the NHL though might not be the best move. At least it really doesn’t cost us anything at the moment.
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fiveholio Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:05 am
@jammer06,
First, it’s a two-way deal, so we aren’t 100% vested in him getting to the NHL. If he makes it, great. If not, Manchester can show him the ropes.
Second, this could be an indication that DL is planning on moving an existing D-man in the next few weeks in a trade for a higher pick or forward. I can’t fault DL for covering his bases ahead of time.
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jammer06 Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:29 am
@fiveholio,
I would say this is an indication that he can’t get a good deal on existing d-men in the nhl right now (either 1 year or UFA), not an indication of trading one of our roster d-men. Remember right now the most glaring hole on D is a third puck mover/non pylon to play with JJ and the 2nd powerplay unit. If we lose a d-man other than jones it will be OD retiring. DL might trade prospects for forward help, but none of our prospects are realistically close to coming in and eating top 4 minutes on D.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
@jammer06, Good post, I have been slammed for saying this, before but the truth needs to be said. Jones is on ok #6 that plays mostly PP, but TM was forced to give him #4 minutes and he couldn’t handle it. If Jones was given 5 mins of PP and 4 mins of 5 on 5, then its not likely he would have been all that exposed, but if you look at his minutes he was logging over 18 mins. He is overpaid. The player I would compare Jones to is Marc Andre Bergeron on Montreal. I do agree though we can’t resign Jones he doesn’t fit what we need, and he is overpriced. We need a #4 D-man with puck moving skill, and a sniper should top DL’s shopping list.
Here is a Description of Johan from Hockeys Future… BUT it is probably about 4 years old… so take it for what you will
An excellent skater with loads of offensive potential. Fransson is very mobile and moves the puck in an impressive way. He has a good release and is unlike many other young defensemen not afraid to challenge the opponents and do the unexpected. On the downside Fransson can still improve his defensive game and at times he is a bit risky. Still the fact remains that Fransson led the entire team being +9 after the regular season, as a SEL rookie.
[Reply]
Luc20rules Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
@VanKingsFan, Nice thanks, Sounds like what we need a puck moving D-man, and since he was +9 as a rookie and most reports I have read since say he is solid on D now maybe he is what we have been missing. The only thing that worries me is he is only 183 lbs, the NHL game is alot more physical.
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…it’s all coming together. it’s happening. it’s happening.
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I’m completely speculating here,
but I personally see this as stocking the shelves before we trade a package of D’s away.
I’m guessing two or maybe three D prospects sent out for a high powered forward of some type.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:09 am
@Matt George, I agree but not 3 of them, one for sure, maybe two.
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Kevin Y Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
@Matt George,
I agree as well. I was just about to bring up that this could mean Hickey is just trade bait. Of course, he was injured last year, so who knows how he’ll perform in camp.
(In NHL 10, I traded Hickey straight-up to CGY for Robyn Regehr)
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Hickey; a pain in my neck Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Hickey is not even in NHL 10, unless you update your rosters which I can’t do cause I don’t have Live. Anyway, I would make that trade anyday.
[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
@Hickey; a pain in my neck,
How can you play without any updates!
Hickey is an 80 by year 2 usually.. an 84 a few years down the line… I will take that if it translates to real life.
Kevin Y Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 12:43 am
@Hickey; a pain in my neck,
Love the updates…
Regehr is either an 84 or 86 for me in year 2…
My top 5 defense is Lidstrom (91), Dpughty (89), Johnson (86), Regehr, and Greene (82). Other D-man is Anton Babchuk (look him up; he’s an 80)
A trade is definitely coming…hopefully something BIG a.k.a. something Chicago. They can have all this cheap young talent, and we can have maybe Sharp and Ladd? Sharp and Versteeg?
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:25 am
@USCG,
I was listening yesterday to McKenzie on NHL Live.
He thought the most likely guy to be traded from Chicago would be Versteeg.
He also thinks Florida has a big heads up on the competition because of Dale Tallon. He knows the Hawks personnel better than most.
[Reply]
Hey Rich,
You misspelled Lulea….Luleå
I think he has decent numbers in the Swedish Elit leauge, he might crack the roster, otherwise he will fit very well in Manchester.
Even if we have many defensive prospects it doesnt hurt to get another one..
[Reply]
He might be an NHL rookie but hes 25, so hes an overaged rookie like Lubo was.
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Detroit has “The Mule” but now we have, as I nickname him, “The Donkey”.
Look out NHL, you’re about to get put on your ass.
WTG Kings! (I think)
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Kevin Y Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
@Barrie G,
Donkey… “ass”…
HAHA I see what you did there…..
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getting ready to trade A young D-man? Did I hear Philly needs young D-men? Did I hear DL really Wants Carter???
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interesting, from THN
2010/06/05: The Kings seem to have lost the rights to Swedish defenseman Johan Fransson as they did not sign him to a contract by June 1st. Just in case you were wondering, this is a different Johan Fransson than the Red Wings’ power forward. It appers Fransson has inked a two-year deal with Dynamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League but no one has yet confirmed that fact. In any event, it does not seem as if the offensively-gifted rearguard, who registered 30 points in 54 games in the Swedish Elite League in 2009-10, will play in the NHL next season. (Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
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txkingsfan Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@jet, yes, a completely different player most notably because the Johan on the Red Wing spells his name “Franzen”
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I love how excited everyone gets about a minor transaction
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Shakes Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 5:29 am
@Matt R,
OMG Ponies! The cup is ours! OMG!!!!
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According to Swedish media it’s a 1 year 2 way agreement.
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Apparently we’re about to sign Demarcus Cousins!!!
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Pistons-want-Kentucky-s-Cousins?urn=nba,248470
Booyah!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@Matt George,
classic…lol…:)
i guess they need a copy editor…(!)
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Matt George Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 11:57 am
@variable,
Ya know what always gets me.
This is not the first time Yahoo makes this kinda mistake…
… and they are always so SLOW to correct it.
amazing.
[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@Matt George, Well, in previous years I can understand mistaking the Kings for the Clippers…
ten for instigating Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@Matt George,
Just shows how great DL is at stocking draft picks. He even manages to get the #5 pick in the NBA. Way to go Dean.
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Ravens Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@Matt George, In the words of Isiah thomas “Sounds crazy, Just Might Work” Here’s to dribbling around Pronger and Slam dunking over Loungo.
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This guy won’t go to Manchester, he’s 25 a proven guy in his home league, if he doesn’t make the Kings, he’ll go back to Sweden.
I take this move to be an indication that DL won’t spend $ on a free agent dman, or trade for one. If Fransson makes the team in the 5th or 6th spot, there’s still one spot for Drewiski or one of the younger prospects like Muzzin, Voynov, Martinez, or Hickey. That’s two guys playing on entry level deals, leaving more room to resign JJ and DD.
With DD and JJ playing 25 minutes a game the way they do, the 5th-6th dmen won’t being seeing too much ice anyway. Look at Chicago and Philly, their top four were very nearly the only defenders to play some games.
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yeah…i agree with everybody who has said that this is a depth-signing…and a player who has more upside than not…
because we blog…therefore, we speculate…:
sure…d.l. is stacked and has sooooo many prospects/picks/and perhaps, nhl’ers in his cache to make a big splash with some type of earthquake-of-a-deal…ultimately, it has to be right for the team…in all the ways that ‘what’s right for the team’ indicates…
so maybe the perfect storm is set to arrive in los angeles on draft day at staples on june 25 and continuing throughout…ohhh…let’s say…july 3…(just to make sure all the i’s and t’s are taken care of), showering us with good fortune and most of our 2010-11 team…
this could be our window to make it happen…
[Reply]
Matt George Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
@variable,
http://www.thetick.ws/wavs/ep7/EMB%20itcouldhappen.wav
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Matt George Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
@variable,
http://www.thetick.ws/wavs/ep7/EMB%20notwrong.wav
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variable Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
@Matt George,
yr crazy…:)
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I am so disappointed in all of you. I cannot believe that after all of the replies to the Fransson signing, I am the first to write…
THE CUP IS OURS!
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 5:31 am
@Bobby Scribe,
I beat you by pulling the dirty move of typing after you did BUT replying to an earlier comment. no one will ever know. no one!
the cup is ours!
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Scott Hartnell is a beast. That is who I would like from Philadelphia. Even more so than a Versteeg or Sharp. Carter would be great…but we need wingers.
I am excited about Fransson! Good signing.
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Ravens Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
@Bryan Agee, I totally agree with you about Hartnell,,the entire playoffs all I was thinking was “That’s exactly what we need to win a cup, a guy like Hartnell” a total monster with a chip on his shoulder. I don’t know of any scorer in the NHL like him other than OVY but Scotty’s even uglier,,,in a very good way.
[Reply]
HockeyMatt Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
@Ravens, I’m the third member of the Hartnell fan club! I think the best way to judge a hockey player is by asking yourself, “Would I want to play against this guy?” Hartnell is old school hockey. Reminds me of watching the Kings at the GWF before the Gretzky days. The difference is, he’s old school with a lot of talent.
[Reply]
Steve S. Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
I am not sure that Hartnell is the missing piece of a championship team, but do concur, that guy sure is ugly…
src Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
@HockeyMatt,
4th
Hope there is a trade for a 5th or 6 d man. Would be awesome if the Kings got a solid forward like a Trent Klatt, but I feel they need to work on the defense first then worry about the scoring.
Also I feel this signing is meaningless unless he makes the roster. If he doesn’t make it I doubt he goes to Manchester I bet he will be back in Sweden unless DL trades him for nothing. I have faith in DL he has to be planning something big and i hope Fransson makes the roster.
[Reply]
It never occurred to me that signing Fransson might be the prelude to a trade in which other d prospects are moved. More likely they signed him so he wouldn’t go somewhere else.
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pretty sure the article meant LULEA and not LUCEA.
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from SI
The Blackhawks will surely enjoy a summer full of celebration, but there are also some well-known financial pressure points. The team has a multitude of stars, several of them coming off entry-level contracts, and is reported to have some $57 million committed to just 14 players for next season. There are contracts the team likely would love to unload — Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet come immediately to mind — but it will be difficult. One of the more burdensome is the 12-year, $62.8 million deal ($5.2333 per) that belongs to Marian Hossa, a quality player who has been living off a succession of one-year deals in an attempt to find a spot on a Cup-champion (mission accomplished). Look for the Hawks to shop his rights as soon as the parade is complete.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/jim_kelley/06/10/leighton.blackhawks.notes/1.html#ixzz0qzQshwtj
[Reply]
Ah, Hossa. Well, the thing is, his cap hit is affordable, $5.23MM. The term is ridiculous. But that’s a deal that will be worth it for three years. Then less so. Then much less so. Would Lombardi revisit Hossa one year later? After all, he traded a conditional pick to the Wings for the right to negotiate with him, just one short year ago.
The other thing is, Hossa is defensively responsible (c.f. Kovalchuk). Is Hossa for 11 more years at $5.23MM better than Kovalchuk for 10 years at $7MM? Hossa’s better on the other side of the puck. Kovalchuk is a better scorer. Kovalchuk is younger. Hossa is more affordable. Hossa you have to trade for, but not much probably, since they can’t take salary back really (or what’s the point?).
[Reply]
jet Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
@Quisp, the contract is really only 7 more years. Would you take the Kings second and third for him?
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Don’t forget that Kopitar came out of the SEL right before he joined the Kings and he was ‘only’ upper average over there.
Now, IF this is any indication, we got us a gem…….
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Sveeden Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 7:44 am
Good point, man. I sure hope your right about Fransson being a gem.
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David Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@Dom, Yeah, but Kopi was not a 25 year old at the time.
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Wow, this years training camp is going to be soooo interesting. In my mind there is like a dozen prospects fighting for 3 or 4 open spots and Johan Fransson just adds another talented, highly touted prospect to the long list of players that Kings fans have to look forward to. Here is my list of players that have a chance of making the squad:
Brayden Schenn
Jonathon Bernier
Kyle Clifford
Brandon Kozun
Andrei Loktionov
Slava Voynov
Thomas Hickey
Alec Martinez
Jake Muzzin
Cloten Teubert
Kevin Westgarth
Marc-Andre Cliche
And you could arguably put other guys like Martin Jones, Corey Elkins, Trevor Lewis, and Nicolas Deslauriers on that list as well. I smell a trade coming. Is anyone else as excited about this future as I am?
[Reply]
GoKings09 Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
@Lukes Little Bro,
My thoughts on your list:
Brayden Schenn-probably makes it because juniors has nothing to offer him anymore
Jonathon Bernier-barring something crazy he will be there
Kyle Clifford-I like his chances of being on the 3rd/4th line
Brandon Kozun-Probably goes to Manchester to grow, get stronger and play against bigger players
Andrei Loktionov-maybe if he really impresses, but probably back to Manchester with some call-ups
Slava Voynov-has a good shot at the 1 or maybe 2 D spots open
Thomas Hickey-same as Voynov
Alec Martinez-seems to have promise but hasn’t impressed me too much especially at the beginning of last year
Jake Muzzin-in group with Voynov and Hickey but more tough and physical than other two
Cloten Teubert-if he plays smart but probably Manchester
Kevin Westgarth-could be on 4th line unless they bring back Ratis or get a UFA fighter
Marc-Andre Cliche-defensively responsible with real shot at 4th line center
Martin Jones-not going to make it because Bernier/Quick are going to be the 2 and Ersberg is ahead of him too as well, he’ll be on Monarchs with Zatkoff
Corey Elkins-probably not but he looked ok at times on 4th line last year
Trevor Lewis-could get a 3rd or 4th line spot due to solid defense
Nicolas Deslauriers-promise as another good defenseman but still a while away
Lots of good young players with a lot having a real shot at the roster as you said. Should be exciting to watch
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puck73 Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
@Lukes Little Bro, You are right on your assessment of these young players. Deslauriers is not going anywhere, his hockey sense is off the charts and he is gonna be good.
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For those interested and able to watch or listen, Hextall is going to be on NHL live in the 2nd hour today
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fyi…
ron hextall will be a guest on nhl live…both on television and radio…during the next hour…
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hockeysureshot Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
@variable, Hextall really didn’t say much did he? Pretty standard NHL executive sort of answers in my opinion. He did shoe some love for Ersberg at least.
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variable Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
@hockeysureshot,
yeah…i think hexy was trying to protect ee’s trade value…
but it was a nice chat with don and ej…
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Hey Rich-
How come there is no mention of the Kings having the most prospects of any team invited to the World Juniors camp in August? Here or on the Kings website. Seems like the makings for a good story.
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Georges Laraque…now that he is without a team (Montreal buying out the remaining of his contract), I think he would be a great asset for the Kings to get him. He adds tuffness, he has more scoring skill than that of Ivanans, he is more physical, has more presence on the ice, is only 33, has played great with the teams that he has played on. Would like to know what others think, good for the Kings or bad?
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Dominick Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
@old time hockey,
Only if he would play like a guy with a chip on his shoulder.I like his playing,but enforcer wise he won’t engage unless he deems the guy a legitemate heavy weight.
I want someone who’s going to pound any body that doesn’t wear purple.
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Hey Rich, off topic, but has anyone asked how Kopi feels about this Friday’s World Cup match, USA v Slovenia? I know it’s not hard news, but might be nice to get his take on it as well as maybe Brown or JJ.
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hockeysureshot Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
@kingsKnight, Hey Rich, another off topic question, but what is wrong with your Cubs? 4 errors last night? really? Hope their play is not ruining your summer:)
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luc20rules Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
@hockeysureshot, Way to go you got Rich so down he didnt post a new subject. Just kidding, its offseason a non-news day has to come up now and again.
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Off subject alert!
Rich, you think you can post the Hextal interview from NHL Live this morning. I may have heard wrong, but sounded like he said EE not going anywhere but that JB did what he needed to to make the team. Don’t know for sure as I was gettin ready to head out.
Thanks as always!
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Jay Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
@Kris,
I heard the interview and the way I understood it was, they don’t plan on moving a goaltender at the draft. They want to wait and see how training camp goes and then make the necessary movements.
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nykingfan Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:54 am
@Jay,
I don’t think this is the off season you want to be moving a goaltender. There’s a glut of them on the free agent market. We would never get fair value for any of them.
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We look forward to seeing him play in Ontario…
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Just flipping through the channels this afternoon and I ran across a program on the NHL Network called “Off the ice”. The episode on now is an hour long profile of Luc Robitaille. He just got done talking about his draft experience. The show will air again tonight during primetime then at least a couple of times over the weekend.
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Seems like everyone thought it was Franzen at first. I wonder if Lombardi made that mistake too.
That said, he looks like he can shoot and we need a powerplay guy with a big shot from the point.
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I read on Swedish txt tv than Franson was very exited about the playing for Kings and thinks that he has a good possibillity to make the team.
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Sydor25 Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:56 am
@Peter32,
Of course he has a great chance to make the team, how hard is to play better than Jones?
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Shakes Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 9:36 am
@Sydor25,
that’s funny. or if i may make National Geographic-esque analogy: you don’t have to be the fastest deer to live, just the 2nd slowest
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Here is a video of Fransson, no analysis, merely a quick glance at some of his highlight goals, plays, ect. :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_r7Xl2nhHs
He seems to move the puck very well, and isn’t afraid to release! Hopefully, he will add even more to depth to an already unbelievably strong, young, defensive lineup. I would have to see him play in the big leagues though to really judge.
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puck73 Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 12:35 am
@Beaulieu20, Thanx for that snippet, hope I see ya at the draft !
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