The Kings’ development camp wrapped up today, with the prospects going through a third day of drills. I should note that while I said, the first day, that Tyler Toffoli didn’t play in the scrimmage, he was otherwise on the ice and was apparently only suffering from some flu symptoms. It’s always tough to say who the “standouts” were, because everyone has his/her own definition of that word, and different standards, but there was good praise for the Manchester defensemen, Hickey and Campbell in particular, and, as you can read below, for the Monarchs’ players in general. Today, I caught up with Nelson Emerson, who heads up the Kings’ player-development efforts, to talk about the camp and what the Kings try to accomplish…
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Question: First, can you just discuss the camp in general, why you hold it and what you hope to get out of it with these young prospects?
EMERSON: “Well, we had all the kids we just drafted, plus the kids we drafted last year, and bringing them in early in the summer, it’s basically an introduction to what they need to be doing in order to prepare themselves to get ready for next season. That’s why we feel that we’ve been real successful that way, because we give them an overview of how they need to be training and give them a real education on the fundamentals of what we’re trying to do.”
Question: Does that extend to the on-ice stuff, showing them the way coaches like to do things, like to teach?
EMERSON: “Exactly. We want them to realize that if you’re going to play here, for the Los Angeles Kings, for Dean and for Terry Murray and his staff, there are certain things that you have to make sure that you do, to be prepared from day one.”
Question: What’s the balance between learning and competition? The focus seems to be on instruction, but these guys are also going at it pretty hard. What’s the balance there?
EMERSON: “The main focus of the camp is teaching, so we really try to slow things down. We really try to give them an education on the whole Kings process. Then obviously, because it is hockey, competition ends up happening at the end of the day. In some of the things we do, there is a competition factor. But the main focus is to try to get the kids to realize that we’re trying to teach them, to slow things down, to do things correctly, to do things right, and I’d say that was our No. 1 focus. So our balance would probably be more heavily swayed toward that side.”
Question: Is it an opportunity though — and I’m not asking you to speak for the other coaches — a chance for players to stand out and make themselves known, or do you not put that much stock in it, in terms of evaluating?
EMERSON: “Obviously, flags are going to go up. If you send signals, through good, positive situations, then obviously the feedback from the evaluators is going to be positive. Then if you send negative signals, or send red flags up, based on situations, then obviously that’s going to go in the memory bank of a coach or a management-type person. Those would be negative things. So they’ve got to come in here and be very professional. They’ve got to be very focused and very determined throughout the whole process.”
Question: From what you saw, was there anybody in particular who really caught your attention?
EMERSON: “I don’t know if I’d want to put anybody out there. I don’t think that’s fair for me to do. We’re just trying to put the whole process together. That’s one thing that is difficult. When you’re kind of watching everybody, and in charge of making sure that the next thing runs smoothly, you don’t get a real good time to evaluate. The one thing I can say, in general terms, is that the older kids, from Manchester, those kids are real professionals. They’re still young, but the players who play down there, they are just good, good people. They come in here and they work hard. They have zero attitude about them. They’re focused, and they’re real pros. I think that’s why they had a great season this year. They’re great guys to work with.”
Question: You moved the dates up this year, to have the camp right after the draft. That had to be convenient, with everyone in town. Was that by design, or did it just work out that way?
EMERSON: “Well, L.A. is out here on the West Coast, and all the scouts were going to be out here for the draft. All the management people and everyone was here. So it saves people from having to go home for four or five days and then come back again. We just thought it would work well. Mike O’Connell and Mike Donnelly, they’re raring to go whenever.”
Question: It must have been kind of a whirlwind for the kids, though. They go from being drafted to being on the ice with you guys, in one week…
EMERSON: “Yeah, who knows how many Canada Day or July 4th celebrations they had to cancel. ”
Question: How has the camp evolved over the years? I know you’ve tweaked the format a little from year to year, but do the basics pretty much stay the same?
EMERSON: “You learn from your mistakes. When this started, years back, there were probably a few wrinkles in there, so we try to figure those out as we go, just things like dinners and lunches and things like that, picking guys up at the airport. Our equipment staff is just amazing. Darren Granger and Chris Kingsley, with the amount of guys we have in here, they’re just able to organize everything. You have to all be together in order for this to happen smoothly, so they do great.”
Question: Every year you bring in a couple non-roster invited guys, but it seemed like this year you had a few more than usual. Any particular reason for that, or were those just guys you had your eye on during the draft?
EMERSON: “Yeah, that’s more of the scouts’ deal. They realize how many guys we’re able to bring in here. Maybe there were certain guys who they thought were going to get drafted, and didn’t, and they had their eyes on them, so right away they make calls and try to get them in here with us. They’re players they really like, who slipped through the draft, so we bring them in here and take a look at them.”
M Lombardi to Nashville. 3 years, 10.5
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Apparently Nelson didn’t get final approval on his Official Kings’ photo…
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T Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:33 pm
@Gary, Rich should snap guys’ pictures when he interviews them.
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Rich, any news on Kovi? Is Dean returning texts?
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Rich Hammond Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
@Miller29, You can be completely, 100-percent sure that I’m not deliberately withholding news, and that when/if there is any, it will be posted. Thanks.
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Love the completely off-topic user posts. Brilliant.
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Nice interview Rich, answered a few questions I had regarding purpose and the non drafted invitees.
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the f is going on w kovy
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Ok I am starting to get pissed…..
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I know its off topic, but can you tell us Rich if Kovi is in LA, Russia, is his agent in LA, are they texting back and forth….any details from you is better then hockey buzz rumors about it….I know you dont know what is going on in the room but can you paint the scene?
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oldtimehockey Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
@Chris Bond, Jay Grossman (agent) is based out of NYC
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oldtimehockey Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@Chris Bond, his agent is Jay Grossman, based out of New York
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Great camp. I love the fact the kids know the coaches and Management types are behind them from day one. Welcome to the Kings.
Some suggestions:
bring on the Zambo between periods. the first period always has great passing and the second not so much.
make the coaches video available on kings.com
give two lengths on the penalty shots, Lewis is too fast.
Pat the kids on the back. There was tremendous improvement in the past 11 months by so many of the kids.
Keep the shoot out
My list for most improved:
King
Nolan
Holloway
CZ
Campbell
Deslauriers
All of the draft picks looked great, quick thoughts:
Forbort – cautious, can be beaten wide right now. great skating in all directions, big real big
TT – pinpoint shot accuracy, not as bad a skater as advertised, plays with head up.
Weal- made some nice plays, quick shot, good skater
Gravel – the game seemed a little fast for him, but smartly positioned for the most part. lanky
Kitsyn – nice hands, nice hands, and he has nice hands. good skater, good in the corners and in front of the net. gives up a good shots to make a pass. rail thin, makes teubert look like an extra for the Sapranos.
overall observation – Dean does not draft anyone between 5-10 and 6 feet. They are all smaller or taller. not that it matters, but it really stands out.
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Tookie Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:48 pm
@jet,
thanks for the insights Jet, very much appreciated for those of us who couldn’t be there.
Maybe I’m having a major brain fart but who’s TT?
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oldtimehockey Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
@Tookie, Tyler Toffoli
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tookie Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:03 pm
@oldtimehockey,
oops….right, the new kid who I really like but already forgot his initials. Kovy’s killing me.
Michael Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:04 pm
@Tookie, Tyler Toffoli
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oldtimehockey Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
@Michael, I talked to Toffoli out front of the practice rink. He is from the same area of Scarborough (Ontario, Can) as I am. He was looking a little under the weather. I say give him another year playing jr’ with the Ottawa 67′s under the great coaching and management headed by that of the great Brian (KILLER) Kilrea…..Tyler is going to be a good one for the Kings. Good pick!!
Riofan Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:02 pm
@Tookie, you can see some video footage of the scrimmages here
http://www.letsgokings.com/bbs/f4/development_camp_videos-180112.html
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Sparman Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
@jet,
So DL doesn’t draft guys 5-11?
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Hey Rich, I noticed the comment about the equipment guys being amazing but I was wondering. For this sort of event do they have a stockpile of LA Kings players old equipment? These draftees and invites couldn’t have known to have their equipment. I play hockey and would hate to have to play in skates that weren’t mine and I am only at the amateur level.
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oldtimehockey Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
@Michael, I skated on the ice before they came out the 1st day and I saw that they all had different gear on as in Bauer, CCM, Easton, Nike, etc. I am pretty sure they were all told in advance to bring their own gear, especially skates. I know the jerseys, sock, pants and gloves were probably provided by the Kings. They would never use old stuff being that the material breaks down with the sweat and wear and tear from a season’s usage and they cannot risk that a player gets injured on the ice with old players equipment
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Rich Hammond Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@oldtimehockey, There were indeed a few guys who didn’t show up with equipment, including a couple who were drafted last week and didn’t have time to get equipment out here (they didn’t know they’d be in a camp, obviously). But it’s not “old” equipment so much as extra equipment. Company representatives are regularly around the rink, so it’s easy for the team to get whatever it needs, on fairly short notice.
oldtimehockey…as to your other question, yes, the camp is done. Some players will be on the ice periodically in July, but they’re on their own schedules at this point.
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Yeah, Kovy is starting to come off as a douchebag. It can’t possibly take this long to make up your mind. It’s real simple…LA or KHL. If this is all about cash then piss off.
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Matt George Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
@Keeper,
Gotta say.
I’m with you on this one.
Seriously.
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“An NHL source has informed me the flyers have asked simon gagne to waive his NTC…more to come on this. ”
to kings ? but then again this is eklund….
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Michael Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@brandyn, more then just eklund. lebrun and sportsnet confirming.. nothing about kings
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number 6 Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@brandyn,
Well kids, it seems I heard that Simon Gagne has only one year left on his contract. So not so certain I’d be gagging to get him on my team….. unless he were signed to a new contract that is.
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gralx Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
@brandyn, Gagne could be a 30-50 goal guy. Or, he could be Williams II. Injuries seem to follow him a bit in his career too.
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Great interview Rich. It is good to see that the Kings are so dedicated to development and these inside the room interviews are great inside stuuf.
Do these guys have exit interviews with the staff and are they given specific work out routines for the off season to fit their specific weaknesses?
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Rich,
That was a great insight into how the development camp is run and what management is truly looking for in evaluating players. It also touched nicely on some of the logistics of having this kind of event.
It is unfortunate that so many fans are tunnel visioned on the UFA situation. Please continue providing the incredible inside information that make the day pass so quickly. Take time to enjoy this 4th of July weekend.
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I’m sure this is actually a great interview.
But honestly, my eyes look at blurry text at this point and only come into focus when the word Kovalchuk is scanned.
Sorry but… yup.
And honestly, yes I’m getting to a point where this is seriously freakin recockulous.
It’s not that hard dude.. you either want to win, or you want the cash.
Flip a coin… or better yet.. WALK AWAY DEANO.
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Tookie Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
@Matt George,
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Duckhunter Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:52 pm
@Matt George,
It will be hard to walk away when Kovi is plan A,B,C,D…
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Rich,
Just wanted to say thanks for all your work this week, and for putting up with us knuckleheads and our rampant speculation, petulent whining, and general impatience with the slowness of the news that has leaked out of the free agent frenzy. We know you’re not holding anything back, despite what some have implied here. If I had your job, I probably would have blown up at somebody by now over that. You’re a class act.
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Rich Hammond Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
@KingMe20, Thanks, very kind of you. It’s cool though. That’s what we’re all here for. If there wasn’t passion, there wouldn’t be any use for this blog, so it’s all positive.
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tornado12 Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:48 pm
@Rich Hammond, Im not sure about this, and we will have to comfirm with Quisp (the ultimate number cruncher), but I think 3 post responses by Rich is an all time record! The IK tension is so thick, it can be cut with a knife!
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Matt George Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:39 pm
@KingMe20,
Not sure anyone here implied that Rich was holding anything back.
And since everyone here can agree what is happening is fairly unprecedented, a chance to blow off steam and more importantly revel in this fellowship and keep some of us feeling connected is most welcome.
In other words, Thanks Rich but for different reasons.
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I would be happy if we could bring Quincy back to LA and ship Jones to the Ducks.
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just my opinion Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:42 pm
@Johnzeiler, Agree completely.
Didn’t think Hickey was a standout today at camp. Others on the first day weren’t impressed either. It seems like another player getting hyped to try to make us think he something to look forward to, which he probably isn’t.
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I’m done with Kovy and I REALLY don’t want him anymore. This proves to all of us fans money is worth more to him then affording to sign doughty, johnson and winning cups. Whatever I’m done with this
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Keeper Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:52 pm
@Tyler, I’m not far behind you. I know cash is important, but you also have to have some kind of passion to join a team and win a cup!
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Hey Rich,
Don’t you think that this whole Kovy thing is dragging on a bit too long already? Just wondering what you think about it being almost 4PM in LA and still all is quiet. I’m sure you know more than anyone that the wait is reaching a ridiculous level. Thanks, Rich. You rule!
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there is no incentive for Kovy to sign early. He has the leverage as the time goes by; he knows that he will find a job regardless, whether in the NHL or the KHL. For DL, the fact that he is not making any other moves one can posit that the believes that getting Kovy is possible and that it may take some time or adjustments to do it. I’m not worried. I’d be happy with Kovy – for 8-8.5 per – but without Kovy, we still have some decent players, plenty of prospects and picks to trade for a top 6 forward and a top 4 defenceman. Be patient folks. This is not DLs first rodeo and he has shown over the years that he is a shrewd businessman and thinks before he makes a move.
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Tookie Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:03 pm
@txkingsfan,
Here’s a nice read by Quisp. Love that dude.
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2010/7/2/1549966/michelle-kenneth-thinks-the-devils
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the ol' p Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:06 pm
@txkingsfan,
Church! Preach it reverend!
DL likes to keep it on the DL… The moves will be made peeps… I know, you’ve been waiting since 1967 but keep the faith brothas! Pride, Power, Passion…
Go Kings, Go!
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The Tookie plan;
1. Wish everyone a happy 4th on the way out.
2. Get home and pack for the 4th weekend.
3. Arrive at destination, crack open beers, and swill.
4. Enjoy 4th weekend while trying to forget about this Kovy nightmare so I don’t get pissed over the holiday.
5. Hate myself for continually checking phone for updates.
6. Drink more.
7. Signing will happen on Tuesday, we’ll all be pissed.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:10 pm
@Tookie,
Now THAT was funny!
Just add:
8. Spouse files for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences based upon the Los Angeles Kings signing Ilya Kovalchuk, clearly the “significant other” your spouse found you texting about constantly on your phone… Your phone will be entered into evidence, and was confiscated.
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Tookie Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 6:09 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
lol…That would’ve been on there if I were married, but dually noted for all the married dudes.
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Lol. Kovy is negotiating a contract for the peak years of his professional career. He’s not working ’til 65 like most of us. It’s his only chance to do this.
24 hours is too short for all of you? I understand wanting to know what is going to happen, but I wouldn’t hold it against him that he’s trying to negotiate the best deal he can, while he can.
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Matt George Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:25 pm
@Choralone,
Uh huh.
Sure.
Cuz he hasn’t had like the last 6 months to think about it.
Hell or even since the season ended?
Bueller?
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Choralone Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:56 pm
@Matt George,
He may have had 6 months to think about it, but that’s different from negotiating it (finding out what he can actually get), and we’re not talking about chump change, either.
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Hello? Heeeelllloooo? Is this thing on? Anyone home? Too darned quiet!!!!!!
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Is that the same Mike Donnelly as the finals run way back when? I haven’t thought about him in years. He and Millen and Granato. Great line. It was like an entire line of little balls of hate.
Gary Shuchuk!
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Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:53 pm
@Bickleton wigglesworth III,
Ah YES! The 1-2-3 line (11-23-21)! One of my all-time favorite Kings lines for sure. Fast as hell. Separately, they were OK, but together, awesome.
Maybe Acevedo – Moller – Kozun could be the resurrection?
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Kingsfanone Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:01 pm
@Bickleton wigglesworth III,
Wow…..I haven’t heard Donnelly mentioned since Luc’s jersey retirement game. Yeah, that was an exciting line, wasn’t it!
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Choralone Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 6:00 pm
@Kingsfanone,
I remember when Donnelly and Millen had Kyosti Karjalainen on wing one game and they scored a boatload of points. This game:
http://articles.latimes.com/1992-01-24/sports/sp-519_1_st-louis-blues
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Very interesting these dynamics as to LA or NJ? Well, quite frankly if there is any truth at all to the fact he’s looking for $10mil a year then it’s all sort of silly. I can’t think of one single player in the nhl that is worth that. Gretzky in his prime, yes, also Lemieux. One could make a case for Crosby, but A) he’s already shown he can not only win but lead a team and B) even when his team didn’t win this yr he played amazing at Both ends of the rink.
So I understand so many people here not really having a continuing interest in pursuing IK. If anything I think we’d do better to find a way to get another goal scorer. How, I’m not certain but I’m sure it’s no more difficult than these continuing negotiations.
Anyways, living in ny I’ll be able to watch IK on TV if he does sign w NJ.
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Jay Grossman keeps on talking about Anton Volchenkov… grrr
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brandyn Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:29 pm
@brandyn,
http://twitter.com/Jay_Grossman
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I am starting to get really irritated with myself about how much attention I am paying to this melodrama.
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Tookie Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
@rick,
Myself and everyone around me. I must check out this weekend or it’ll be bad.
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Thanks for the detailed info. I always wondered about equipment.
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Yadda yadda yadda… I want F/A ACTION!!! Do something already, I’m goin bonkers!!
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The Kings should pull the plug on Kovi, and offer sheet Bobby Ryan for 5.5 or 6 MIl.
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The more I read from Quisp the more I am impressed at not only what he knows, but the manner in which he dispenses with his knowledge/insight/opinions.
What he says about the Kovi issue makes multitudes of sense. I trust his judgement to be pretty spot on. I read what Tookie linked to above and Quisp wrapped it up and put a bow on it. Now all I can do is wait for the outcome, whichever way it turns out. My speculating is finished and I only have to see the outcome.
Thanks Quisp for making my life a little easier……and more informed.
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Tookie Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:08 pm
@Kingsfanone,
No one else I trust more for a cap geek break down.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:14 pm
@Kingsfanone,
One of Rich’s best, Quispie is… Second the notion!
Now, if we could get him to this year’s Insider Suite Game…
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Wondering if no news is necessarily good news at this point…? I think we’re all in for a longer than any of us expected. I’ll be checking back periodically just in case. HAVE A GREAT 4th EVERYONE!!!
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smoKING gun Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:08 pm
“a longer weekend than any of us expected”
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Daniel Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:36 pm
@smoKING gun, Uh, remember LAST year? Friday before the 4th? Big trade. Expect the same this year.
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that is “a longer weekend”
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“Another 4th july shot to hell. Gagne agrees to waive NTC. Kings r target.”
Tim Panaccio
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mrk Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:40 pm
@brandyn,
Saw that. Is it reliable?
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brandyn Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:42 pm
@mrk, No it’s not at all…
http://www.csnphilly.com/07/02/10/Source-Flyers-Exploring-Trades-for-Gagne/landing.html?blockID=265225&feedID=704
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if i look at the lakingsinsider home page again and see nelson emersons face im going to go crazy.
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mrk Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:40 pm
@andy,
I’ve gone crazy already.
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You can still sign Bill ‘Cowboy’ Flett at a bargain basement price. : – )
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I thought DL would sign Cheechoo for under 2mil/yr
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Meow.
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If nothing changes and they agree to do it, it looks like Gagne may become a King. And it’s looking like all we would send are draft pick(s) and prospect(s). Obviously things can change, nothing is set in stone, but they have talked it over, and are giving it the weekend to sleep on it. So come Monday or Tuesday, we may have a better version of Justin Williams on our team! Hooray!
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Count RockuLA Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 6:06 pm
@LAownsALL,
He could just be baiting kovy (and agent) into making a decision asap. If they hear that simon might sign with the kings, they might feel like they are running out of nhl options and jump on the offer…just a thought
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Gagne agreed to waive his NTC. Kings are thought to be the target. Both sides to think it over during holiday. Clearly this is Plan B and a great tactic to bring Kovy back to Earth. He can take a fair payday or resign in NJ. Or go KHL
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Is there a clause written in DL’s contract that he has to make a trade with the Flyers every year?
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Did we get a “no comment” from DL tonight agian?
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My post are not working again….
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What’s happening regarding signing Doughty?
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DL is way out in some unheard zone. The kings are going to get run next year. There are at least 28 teams that are bigger, meaner and willing to fight. The kings only now have one player sim’s. There is no one at Manchestger that can take on any of the big boys in the NHL. Look out for our top players to get run next year
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