Long weekend? « LA Kings Insider

Long weekend?

Posted by Rich Hammond on 2 July 2010, 8:03 pm

Like a golf tournament or NASCAR race in inclement weather, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this Kovalchuk/Kings situation get pushed to Monday. It’s definitely safe to say that the No. 1 “scenario” for the Kings is still signing Ilya Kovalchuk, but the Devils and — now, according to various reports — the Islanders are still in the mix. (One thought: Kovalchuk turned down $101 million from the Thrashers, but the…Islanders…are considered an option?) To the extent that Simon Gagne is an option for the Kings, it’s probably only as a secondary option. After two days, this whole thing is as much up in the air as ever, and it still doesn’t answer the other, and perhaps even more relevant question: are the Kings going to be able to acquire a defenseman? Anyway, I’m not going anywhere this weekend, so we’ll see if anything pops up (other than a ton of breathless speculation, of course!)

Comment (RSS) | Trackback | Permalink

336 Comments

variable says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:08 pm

we love ya’, RICH…!

thanks for everything…and a happy 4th to you and yr family…:)

[Reply]
DD8 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:42 am
If we’re going to give up a solid player for gagne, I’d rather see our 5mil+ go to Bobby Ryan. Give the ducks the picks, give Ryan the money, and gain a 23yr. old who is averaging nearly a goal every two games, and for half the cap hit of Kovi! Then you have the wiggle room to keep the core together, sign a solid d-man(x2) this year, and bring up Schenn and his cap hit.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:16 pm
@DD8, Man, I’d love to see the Kings make a run at BR, he would truly be the icing on the cake!

[Reply]
Dominick says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:09 pm

What!No fireworks Rich.Hope your not like the rest of us,glued to the computer waiting for the skinny.lol

[Reply]
Jim says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:12 pm

Gosh rich so much drama going on its overwhelming! Yes San Jose is good and you have to think why. They built within and plugged in holes with STARPOWER. Joe Thornton and Dany Heatley were aquired through trade!

[Reply]
DLB Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
@Jim, would someone tell Helene Elliott that? She seems to think that signing free agents at any price = “winning” and anything else is a total failure.

What in the heck.

[Reply]
Aaron says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:12 pm

My thoughts exactly Rich:

“(One thought: Kovalchuk turned down $101 million from the Thrashers, but the…Islanders…are considered an option?)”

You deserve a beer, or several!

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:18 pm
@Aaron, I think we all should drink a beer on that one….several in fact…..totally absurd.

[Reply]
Chuck says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:16 pm

Thanks for all the hard work the last few days Rich!

Happy 4th of July!

It’ll be a happier 4th if you post the signing of Kovy!!!

[Reply]
andy says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:17 pm

thanks for all your hard work man you’re an inspiration and one of the best, if not the best at what you do. cheers!

[Reply]
contreras says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:18 pm

I also find it interesting, that throughout all negotiations, with Kings and Devils,.no figures were EVER mentioned. No years. No money. Just NO COMMENT.
Now the Isles are involved,.and like that we hear everywhere 10 MILLION for 10 YEARS.
Why shoot those numbers out there?
Is that a negotiation tactic by the Kovalchuk camp, to leak numbers to push DL to up the ante?
Or is it Isles GM overplaying his hand??

[Reply]
CP says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:19 pm

I think DL has to get Kovalchuk b/c management wants a superstar in LA. Always every year the Kings r suppose to make big moves and we come up usually empty handed

[Reply]
hockeysureshot Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 11:03 pm
@CP, Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty are very close to being superstars.

[Reply]
jeff johnson Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:35 pm
@hockeysureshot, wow this crap needs to stop please lets build around the youth and keep the team we have

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:20 pm
@CP, Yes, but at what price?

[Reply]
Chris says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:20 pm

Just a question, if it was all about the money wouldn’t Lombardi have pulled out by now?

[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:09 pm
@Chris,

Good point..

[Reply]
Bickleton Wigglesworth III Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:24 pm
@tantrum4,
Who’s to say he hasn’t for all extensive purposes? Lombardi may have already made his best and final offer and left it on the table until something different happens. If we are to believe the Kings are in fact working to acquire Gagne and his $5million contract you have to think that would pretty much take the Kings out of any talk for Kovalchuk which sounds like DL is walking away from the IK table.

[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 11:58 pm
@Bickleton Wigglesworth III,

I think you mean “for all intents and purposes”

Daniel Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:21 am
@Bickleton Wigglesworth III, I thin he was trying to say, “for all expensive purposes.”

quisp Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:55 am
@Bickleton Wigglesworth III,

Well, look. All we know is that

1) Lombardi and IK are not close, in terms of offer. Otherwise, there would be a deal.
2) The Devils and IK are not close. Otherwise there would be a deal.
2a) If Kovalchuk just wants to play for a contender, he would sign with a contender.
3) the Devils’ blog lady says IK will sign with NJD for less than everyone else because they are built to win or something. but, if this were the case, he would have signed weeks ago.
4) LL and DL are not idiots. CW may well be an idiot. And if IK signs with the Islanders, he is an idiot and a liar. Because NYI are at the beginning of a rebuild, and may or may not even stay on Long Island. That doesn’t really scream contender.
Cywolv says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:25 pm

Rich,
I have a shot of Patron for you. Thanks for all the hard work!

[Reply]
chris says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:26 pm

your the man rich, but seriously lets sign kovi

[Reply]
Jorgen says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:26 pm

I’m with you, Rich. This whole thing about the Islanders now being in the “mix” doesn’t sound right. It looks like they are in the midst of a re-build and perhaps Snow is trying to be pro-active in getting a missing piece before they are ready to make a push? In any case, I think they are in the same boat as Atlanta and probably not that attractive to a player who wants to win within a year or 2.

Wasn’t it about a year ago the owner were “crying” about how much money the team is losing? Wasn’t it the same owner that created these multi-multi year agreements…front loaded?

The Islanders cap space is the widest in the league, I believe. They have 5-6 players to sign and they are currently at 35 mil. They can easily afford to outbid any team, but they will look like an AHL team for a few years…is that what Kovalchuk wants? Don’t think so.

[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:08 pm
@Jorgen,
A lot of similarities between ALT & NYI, sure, but do you think if he had to do it all over again, he’d take the $101M from ATL? If he’s “over played” is hand as we’ve so called heard, then the worst possible situation is to have that old money back in the fray. This is not anything that helps our situation, not at all.

[Reply]
Brent says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:28 pm

Thank you Rich. Your website may provide all of the fireworks I need for the holiday weekend (I hope).

Darren Dreger’s Twitter says that it appears that the Islanders have offered 10 million x 10 years. At that price, I don’t want Kovalchuk and I can’t blame Lombardi for sitting tight.

Someone calculated their buyout of Kovalchuk, Dipietro, and Yashin to be 19.3 Million given those scenarios might occur. Don’t know if that is accurate, but that number is crazy!

[Reply]
mike onusic says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:28 pm

The one thing that remains a constant is that in negotiating a huge contract (which this one will be) the “leaks” to the media play a big part of the game!

[Reply]
Slapshot says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:29 pm

As a reward for all your hard work, feel free to take a 15 min break. Thanks Rich!

[Reply]
DougS says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:32 pm

I don’t necessarily believe that the Islanders are in play either. But *if* these reports are true, it would certainly put paid to the line of thought that Kovalchuk doesn’t care about the $ and wants to play for a contender, doesn’t it?

I will re-state something that ought to be obvious, but apparently isn’t: A lot of us are assuming that we understand Kovalchuk’s mind and know what he wants. I don’t. I have no idea where his priorities lie. So I don’t discount the idea that he would entertain an offer from a suck team for a boatload of money.

[Reply]
contreras says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:33 pm

hearing crazy rumors guys.
Aparently Dreger was heard on a radio station saying this:

Was just listening to the fan 590 Dreger was on and reports that a Blockbuster trade is in the works.

Dreger reports that Kovy wants to sign for 12 mil and a long term. He also says his wife wants to go to LA because of the good weather. So to clear cap for that contract he says if Kovy agrees to sign with LA this deal will happen

Carter and Gagne for Kopitar, Brown, Quick and Jack Johnson

That will clear enough cap space to sign Kovy at 12 mil it will also leave the Flyers with 600k in space with all those players coming back. Once Kovy agrees to deal Flyers will pull the trigger on the trade and then Kovy will sign minutes after. As for the 3 way thing he also reported that the Flyers will likely flip a d-man to Boston to make room for Jack Johnson.

As for the justifications for trading Carter. Dreger said hat they think Kopitar will be better and that Carter won’t be the same player with his 2 broken feet. Kopitar is also younger.

LA love Kovy and will do this. Even if they are giving up a lot of key players. They think Kovy, Carts and Gags may fill that void.

Man this blew my FREAKIN MIND IF DREGER IS RIGHT THE FLYERs ARE GOING TO LOOK FUKIN SCARY

EDIT: DEAL ONLY HAPPENS IF KOVY AGREES TO SIGN IN LA BEFORE HAND. THEN TRIGGER IS PULLED AND LA SIGNS KOVY MINUTES AFTER

what do you guys think>

[Reply]
Mike L Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:38 pm
@contreras,

You copied and pasted that from the Flyer fan on hockeybuzz.. LOL If that happens im done with hockey I can tell you that, No WAY its real. I jsu told Pierre LeBrun still no answer

[Reply]
Chris Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:42 pm
@contreras, Thats one of the worst trades I have ever seen don’t make stuff up

[Reply]
DAkings20 Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:42 pm
@contreras,

I think its a bogus rumor which makes no sense at all

[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:43 pm
@contreras, Pleez….Nonsense of the highest order.

[Reply]
Sydor25 Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:45 pm
@contreras,

Someone is messing with you. That would be the worst possible scenario for LA.

I’ve heard that the Kings have a trade for Savard in place if Kovalchuk signs.

[Reply]
Howe 9 Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:46 pm
@contreras,
Ridiculous. Never ever happen. Sorry you wasted the time to type it.

[Reply]
contreras Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:50 pm
@all

just something to share.
IF it were to happen,.you wouldnt be as shocked now!
I dont think it would happen, as its TOO MUCH young talent to give up,.
but IF it did happen,.at least you had a heads up.

[Reply]
What was that call? Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:49 pm
@contreras, WHAT?

[Reply]
Oldmansleepin Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:49 pm
@contreras,
I don’t like it at all from kings.

[Reply]
hiway39 Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:49 pm
@contreras,

horrible trade idea. and very unlike lombardi to dismantle the core he spent years building for essentially two players of note and no depth. and yes, i read this rumor on hockeybuzz as well.

more likely? lombardi doesn’t do anything, kovy goes elsewhere, and we end up overpaying for an injury prone player once again.

[Reply]
Grant Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@contreras, What rumors can do to some people. I’m not visiting this comment section for a while now after reading some of this crap that’s posted. Thanks

[Reply]
brandyn Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@contreras,

Haha. Throw in Williams and Smyth… thanks.

[Reply]
gary livingston Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@contreras,

I think you are insane for thinking this is worth entertaining. haha.

[Reply]
blah blah Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:04 pm
@contreras,

wow! that is nuts. im not sure lombardi is willing to mess with 4 core players (especially kopitar and brown) just to be able to get kovalchuk.

[Reply]
David Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:04 pm
@contreras, might as well just add Doughty to that trade.

[Reply]
contreras Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:28 pm
@all

You guys,.please!
Im not the one who thought it up.
Quit talking to me like im the inventor of this crap.
Im simply passing the insanity along from another site.
Sorry, will never do it again!
Dreger also confirmed HE NEVER WAS ON RADIO SAYING THIS per twitter,
So i bring it in,.i take it away!

[Reply]
Old Codger Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:17 am
@contreras, I feel your pain. We’re brutal on this blog, huh?

wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:19 am
@contreras, the messenger is often killed. beware.

mrbrett7 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:29 am
@contreras, Dude…seriously? A FAN PROPOSED THAT TRADE. Nobody else.

Look at the pieces going back and forth, and ask yourself if REALISTICALLY, after 4 years of building this roster, if Lombardi would do this just to get a player he hardley knows?

Lombardi, who has never ONCE in his career made a trade of this magnitude, would be willing to trade his team captain (who he loves), his #1 goaltender, his #1 center, one of his top 4 d-man, WHEN HE IS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER ONE…all for Carter a center (who replaces Kopitar) and an aging LW in Gagne (who would replace Brown in your scenario).

So, in this case you do gain Kovalchuck, BUT, you have now lost your #1 goaltender, AND, have gone from 3 top 4 d-man to 2 top 4 d-man, when the man tried to acquire one through free agency just 2 days ago.

Please…use your brain…

Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:44 pm
@contreras, All is forgiven dude….There’s a hellevua lot of hype out there right now, a hellevua lot! No worries, not your fault and you were just reporting what you heard. It made for some interesting commentary I will admit!

I read one as well…..had us trading Quickie & Brownie to the B’s for Savard….just totally absurd, almost as absurd as paying Kovi 10mil for 10 years…..

Bickleton Wigglesworth III Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:29 pm
@contreras,
You forgot the part where Simmonds and Schenn are going to Philly too and the Flyers send us some toiletries John Stevens left when he was fired.

[Reply]
contreras Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:41 pm
@Bickleton Wigglesworth III,

very clever,.
read my above post.
I NEVER MADE THIS UP.

[Reply]
DougS Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:34 pm
@contreras,
No, but by posting about it as if it’s worthy of attention, you give it credibility. Which is almost as bad.

That’s how stupid rumors spread and gain credence among people who ought to know better.

Given DL’s history with the Kings, we know that he is not one to get trigger-happy when it comes to big trades. He refused to lose his head this spring when he had the chance to acquire Kovalchuk at the trade deadline. Why would he lose his head now?

If you hear a trade rumor about the Kings that makes little to no sense from the Kings’ point of view, then it’s a good bet that it’s 100% nonsense.

hipcheck Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:29 am
You should be banned from commenting on this post alone…seriously bad.

[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:22 am
It’s not a “kill the messenger” thing. Because there is no “message.”

Contreras –

It takes a while to get a handle on just how much of the “information” out there is white noise. What’s funny to me is that, while you reported a rumor that was especially dopey and obviously made-up, it’s actually exactly as true as 99% of what we’re hearing out there. Which is to say, it’s just as made up as everything else the legit pundits are reporting. Because, really, here’s who knows what’s going on:

1) Grossman.
2) Lombardi.
3) Lamoriello.
4) Snow.
5) Kovalchuk.
6) the owners of those teams.

That’s it. And none of them is saying anything other than “we’re interested.” You could say that the $100MM/10 year offer has been reported, but no-one has confirmed that, and, seriously, it’s obvious that if the NYI were interested they’re not going to land IK with a low-ball offer just because theyre such a good team. The only way they get IK is if they pay that much. Period.

So nobody has said anything and nobody knows anything. Everything everyone says is made up nonsense and should be treated as such.

The only thing we can trust is when reporters quote Lombardi or Lamoriello, we can believe that’s what they said and should assume that whatever they said is in their own self-interest for us to know.

Kovalchuk will sign somewhere, for a cap hit somewhere between $7MM and $9MM, with an outside shot of someone with mental illness landing him for more than that. But if that’s the case it won’t be Lombardi and it won’t be New Jersey, because even with the 10% summer cap increase neither can afford that. Well, the Kings could this year, but not next year.

Anyway, don’t sweat it. You were duped. I have been burned several times by believing what I read from legitimate news sources. And THEY print **** they read on message boards all the time. So you’re in good company.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:33 am
7) Kovi’s wife
Russian mob

Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:52 pm
@Quisp, I think you’re dead on in the 7-9mil range…personally I think about 8.5 over 7 years will do it but even at that price I don’t think he’s worth it…..However, someone will probably pay it, I’m just hoping it isn’t DL….

quisp Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:10 am
@contreras,

Allow me.

I will pretend this is a serious comment.

1) The Kings do not need to clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk to an $11.8MM deal.
2) Carter is a party boy. Both Carter and Gagne have injury issues. If PHI is going to deal anybody, it will be more along the lines of Gagne for Justin Williams (we are trading them cap space with that deal) or maaaaybe Jarret Stoll. Carter…same deal. Maybe you would see Carter and Gagne to LA for Williams and Stoll and a pick or prospect, or more than one.
3) Trading ONE of Kopitar, Brown, Johnson or Quick would cause a fairly huge firestorm. Trading TWO would cause a fan mutiny. Trading FOUR would get you mass season ticket holder cancellations. Trading FOUR to PHILLY for two broken superstars would only make sense if Lombardi included himself in the trade to Philly or else just tendered his resignation concurrently.
4) The idea that, TO KOVALCHUK, the Kings with CARTER AND GAGNE look better than the Kings with KOPITAR, BROWN, JOHNSON and QUICK, is manifestly absurd. Nobody on earth would think that’s a good idea. Nobody. And Kovalchuk doesn’t care. And Lombardi wouldn’t listen to him if he did.

[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:54 am
@quisp,

slow day at da’ press, QUISPY…???

that’s a lot of copy on the first “eklund” moment we’ve had here this free agency…(!)

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:41 pm
@quisp, You are good…..very good!

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:19 am
@contreras,

this is the most absurd post of all time. What a joke!

[Reply]
DBB Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:09 pm
@contreras,

Please don’t copy and paste any rumors from Eklund’s blog here again.

Respectfully,
DBB

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
@contreras, Just because its said on the radio doesn’t mean its true. DL would not do this deal even if it came along with Philly’s next 5 1st round picks. LOL.

[Reply]
rick says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:46 pm

The Islanders rumor makes no sense. If they are willing to throw that kind of money at Kovalchuk, why would they possibly have waited until today to put it out there?

[Reply]
Mel Powell says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:46 pm

We should all make a mutual pact. Let’s all go to sleep for three two days–you, too, Rich–and then pick it up late on Monday and see what’s what. I know it’s complicated, but when free agency starts, some fans rejoice, while others (us) watch paint dry…

[Reply]
jpizzle313 says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:54 pm

Holly F..king S..t! trading jj and kopitar would be stupid…even if we get kovy! in my mind kopi and jack are untouchable…that and the lack of sighning any dmen yesterday or today! if that goes down im trading my season tix in for a paper bag to wear at games!….one more thing if that happends we would just have wasted the last 4 yrs of DL and any hype we might have had around this team! kopi,dewy,and jmfj should be the reason why he wants to sign in LA that and his wifes apperant need to be on the beach or shoping in beverly hills! I THINK I WOULD RETIRE MY JERSEYS AND STOP WATCHING HOCKEY CUZ AFTER ALL I WOULD NEVER ROOT FOR THAT OTHER TEAM! but until we screw the pooch GO KINGS!

[Reply]
Cynic says:

July 2, 2010 at 9:04 pm

Why do the big deals always have to be so damn difficult for this franchise? Huh? Why?

[Reply]
Airwaves Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:43 pm
@Cynic, Tell me about it. I say that every off season

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:53 pm
@Airwaves, Ditto!

[Reply]
Dominick says:

July 2, 2010 at 9:05 pm

Gange?I think he’s a good player,but why,with all the depth,youth,prospects,and cap space,do we have to get another guy,with a history of injury.

Also Gange isn’t even option B,since he’ll only be replacing whoever we trade to get him.we’ll still need another peice at the end of the day.

[Reply]
Dom says:

July 2, 2010 at 9:07 pm

Yeah, sure. That’ll never happen…….

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:18 pm
@Dom,
It’s funny,everyone at my work calls me Dom,and yet when I started posting here,I never thought to use it.lol

[Reply]
neil says:

July 2, 2010 at 9:15 pm

reality……no one knows whats going on other then the main principles……end of story…it is going to play out eventually….(just like the NBA’s free agents)

[Reply]
Mike L says:

July 2, 2010 at 9:18 pm

EVERYONE. Dreger has tweeted it was not him on the Radio it was just some Philly kid fan trying to waste people’s time and be silly, but now its past him bed time

[Reply]
Doc. Mark 1968 says:

July 2, 2010 at 9:22 pm

OK, I see what everyone is saying but…

Given everything else going on in the world (especially the US), how crazy would any these developments really be?

[Reply]
Derek says:

July 2, 2010 at 9:29 pm

If the Islanders want to throw that kind of money at Kovi, I will praise Dean if we don’t get him.

[Reply]
Brian D. Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:56 pm
@Derek,
Totally agree, I hope DL goes no where near that supposed 10yr/$10M territory. Not worth the grief that will cause. Let NYI sign another DiPietro/Yashin type deal. Some guys just never learn…

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:23 am
@Brian D.,

More like a Dave winfield/Rickey Henderson type deal. Still New York though.

[Reply]
kingfish says:

July 2, 2010 at 9:38 pm

I wanted to straighten that kid out on the board that posted that but I dont have a login there. What a moron. and people were actually talking about it like it was a possibility. Idiots…..

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:55 pm
@kingfish, It’s actually kind of funny that anyone even fell for it.Probably a Ducksfan trying to sucker a whole lot of Kingsfans.lol

[Reply]
Cowboy Bill says:

July 2, 2010 at 10:14 pm

I read another blog that mentioned the Kings winding up with Boston’s Savard in a 3-way trade involving the Flyers. The deal would clear cap room for the Kings to sign Kovalchuk to the megadeal.

[Reply]
contreras says:

July 2, 2010 at 10:26 pm

cowboy,
to acquire Savard, yet GAIN cap space,..
LA would be giving up some expensive contracts NO?
Who would we give up to get Savard BEFORE the Kovy signing?

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:02 am
@contreras,

What expensive contracts do the Kings have, other than their core

You’re in dreamland man..first trading Kopi and now getting Savard for one of our core…

[Reply]
tellmeY says:

July 2, 2010 at 10:27 pm

If kovi signs with islanders…they will still not make the playoffs and he will walk away with big bucks…they are not ready to sign a guy like that…makes me sick.

[Reply]
Old Time Hockey Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:56 pm
@tellmeY, don’t you think that if Mr. Wang can pay for his own brand new stadium that he can’t afford Kovalchuk??? Also they have Travares long term and a few other pretty fair players.

[Reply]
GloryHole says:

July 2, 2010 at 10:31 pm

Funny stuff…this site has turned retarded. Basically for Kings info listen to Rich…all else is speculation and in some cases beyond stupid speculation. Pull yer freakin heads out people.

[Reply]
DougS Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:36 pm
@GloryHole,
Yup, some folks are letting themselves get twisted into pretzels over this business. That’s about the only way you can get your head up it in the first place.

[Reply]
kfan says:

July 2, 2010 at 11:05 pm

So that 3 teams hoping that Kovi signs in L.A. — There is no way Kopitar would be traded,the other three i could but i’m hoping not JMFJ.. I can see Brown,Quick,Stoll,Williams..Maybe Zues,Hickey,Teubert and Moller being part of this trade…I’m also thinking Savard to Kings along with Gagne,some of the Kings listed to Philly and Boston.. My guess is Quick and Stoll to Boston…Tim Thomas and maybe Wheeler goes from Boston to Philly. Would like to Wheeler come to Kings too but it may involve Simmonds?….How long did it take Hossa to make up his mind between the Kings and Blackhawks?…Hossa was very professional and said very kind words about the Kings organization…. I’m very happy he won his Cup..But sure don’t want the Kings to dismantle like they did though……..

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:04 pm
@kfan, And if you sign Kovi for what he’s “rumored” to be asking, that’s exactly what you’ll have….a firesale…..

Just not worth it.

[Reply]
Kingsfan4life says:

July 2, 2010 at 11:49 pm

I think that this whole Kovy signing is holding up trades all around the league. I think that he needs to just make up his mind, if he is coming to LA sweet if not peace out. I just hope that they get to make a move and get someone that can help us right now. Then we can lock down Dewy and Simmer, I can honestly care less about JJ, I know I will get crap for it, but I am just not a fan of the kid. I think Kovalchuk can help the kings, but if it means not signing those two monsters then let him go. He will be the sad one when we are raising the cup and not him!!
GO KINGS GO

[Reply]
erwin Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:41 pm
@Kingsfan4life, you’ll get crap right now from me. JJ is fearless and a freaking good D-man.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:06 pm
@erwin, Yea, me too….Watching JFMJ and Dewey in the playoffs was sheer poetry…..

[Reply]
ForumFan says:

July 3, 2010 at 12:23 am

Who knows what going on with this! My sense is that DL has made an offer, and if Kovy hasn’t accepted by now then he doesn’t intend to. Usually if someone asks for 24 – 48 hours (if true), the outlook isn’t good. If Kovy signs somewhere else at the numbers that are being thrown around ($10m plus long term) that wouldn’t have been good for the Kings anyway. I would sooner take a tiny step back next year if necessary and not throw the future away. If we start thinking about life without Kovy and dial back the hysteria we might discover things won’t be too bad.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:09 pm
If Kovi hasn’t signed by 12N EDT, and if I were DL, I’d pull the plug and walk away…..Enuf is enuf, if he wants to be a King, so be it, if not, we don’t want him….period.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:10 pm
That would be by Monday, 7/5…12N deadline…deal’s off after that, then he can enjoy life on the Isle…..

[Reply]
Matt George says:

July 3, 2010 at 1:29 am

It’s 1:28 am

ANYTHING NEW?!?!

sleep meds aren’t working

nyquil .. come to papa

[Reply]
Mike L Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:34 am
@Matt George,

Lol, I suggest you get some rest and check twitter every so often. I’m going tomorrow (or today for those who consider it tomorrow already) that nothing will happen or low expectations of anything happen but I will be checking twitter on my phone here and there. I think Monday is the DAY!

[Reply]
Stop the Puck says:

July 3, 2010 at 1:48 am

heres what we should do if we miss out on kovy (which would be a huge mistake, imo, because literally no other player in the NHL, FA or not, fits our needs better): nothing. trading for gagne and savard would be a waste b.c of injuries, too much $$, etc. i would be all for perhaps a long-shot D-man signing (mottau, coliacovo) at a cheap price, but anything big that doesnt involve kovy or trading for a D man seems like a waste. dont force something if it isnt there.

[Reply]
J-Day says:

July 3, 2010 at 3:21 am

3:20 in the AM. How many years do you think this stress is taking off D.L.? I guarentee hes up too

[Reply]
billanthony says:

July 3, 2010 at 4:05 am

If the price is $100 million, Lombardi should walk away with no regrets. With all the assets in the organization there are other deals that can be made that would improve the team. I just hope Dean doesn’t panic into making a bad “blockbuster” deal just for big splash sake.

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:11 am

Gads ooks. I just read some of the stuff above. It seems to have polluted at least this thread. Yikes. I mean All Because Of One Guy The Whole Structure Of About Four Major NHL Teams Is Gonna Change? Oh, please. Now I understand why Variable, Quisp and a few others have kept a low profile at this time.
Sigh.
And if there IS any truth to this then it’s really sad. Kovalchuk is a great player and No he isn’t Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby, or even Kobe or Lebron. Not that the next echelon is too shabby, but really this is sort of silly.

[Reply]
Ryan Oliver says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:13 am

Darren Dreger says Kings are still frontrunners on Kovy. So maybe he does want to win instead of take huge money. Cuz there is no way DL is offering him 10 mil a year

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:25 am

Just read Helene’s article in the Times. According to someone she’s heard from it ‘implies’ that the Isles are closing in on a deal with Kovi. IF this is the case, then he is in it for the money in which case I’m very happy to have him right there on Long Island and not on the Kings. As everyone has noted, he flees Atl and then is considering the Isles? They do have Tavares, and then on the blueline?… and in goal?

[Reply]
Carolina Kings Fan says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:29 am

This all makes outstanding reading for someone with free time. Do the Kings need Kovy? Yes. However, only for the right price. As someone who has watched this team for 30 years I would like no bettter than to win the cup. We have an outstanding core of young players today. Only sign Kovy if it makes sense for the long hall DL. I trust your rebuilding project.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:12 pm
@Carolina Kings Fan, In DL we trust…..

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:33 am

I just read this fan’s response to an article on http://www.puckdaddy.com

It’s great. He says it all.
NO player is were worth $10 million a year for $10 years. Crosby doesn’t make that kind of money. Ovechkin does not make that kind of money. The Sedin twins do not make that kind of money. And there is a reason for it–you spend that much money on one guy, then good luck being able to pay for Tavares and the rest of the depth and defense you need to win a title, or even make the playoffs. If Kovalchuk was, in himself, the secret to success then Atlanta would have made the playoffs more than once with him, and the Devils would not have gotten their butts spanked this year. If the Isles swing the deal mentioned above, then it is proof their management is still as idiotic now as it was when Milbury traded away half the team to get DePietro and later signed Yashin for a ridiculous amount of money. Isles fans better pray this one falls through.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:38 am
@number 6,
I just read another reply where someone pointed out that Crosby and Malkin are both making 9mil per year. Also that Vinny is making 10ml. Well Crosby and Malkin are Crosby and Malkin (especially Crosby). As for Vinny’s contract we all know about that. Not great.
Sorry, the longer this goes on, the more skitterish I feel about throwing huge money unless DL is sure he can manage to resign our core. That’s how this whole thing started to move in the right direction by establishing a core group.

[Reply]
quisp Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:26 pm
@number 6,

Ovechkin’s cap hit is $9.5
LaCavalier is 7.7
crosby and malkin 8.7
staal is 8.2
richards and nash 7.8
gaborik, heatley, chara 7.5

I do think it’s possible he is set on getting a bigger deal than ovechkin. but you know he’s not all about the money or anything.

maybe now he’s realizing he can’t have it all, the money or being on an actual hockey team…hmmm….

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
@quisp, I have to believe DL knows he’s not a franchise player. He’s no Crosby or Ovechkin. He’s a Heatley-esq player and should be paid as such.

I have to believe if it hasn’t happened yet for LA (and it hasn’t) then it won’t. It seems to me the writing on the wall is, “Kovi isn’t sold on DL’s plan.”

Good riddance.

I’m thinking this may come down to a short-term contract for too much money by some sucker (or genius) GM. Maybe he just stays put. NJD.

quisp Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 3:14 pm
@wavesinair

“Kovi isn’t sold on DL’s plan” assumes that Kovalchuk gives a **** about anyone’s plan. I’m not saying he doesn’t. He might. So far what we know is that he knows how to say he cares about winning and not the money. We’ll see if he acts on it.

I agree completely with the rest of your assessment, that DL knows what IK’s value is, that IK is not a franchise player but a Heatley-caliber one (not that that’s anything to sneeze at, but it’s an important distinction).

I also think there is absolutely no evidence of any kind that Kovalchuk is a “winner.” All I’ve seen is that Atlanta sucked when he was there and New Jersey sucked when he was there and at the Olympics this year Russia sucked. But he scores a lot of goals in meaningless games. He doesn’t even have as many meaningful goals in his career as Fredrik Modin. Or Jack Johnson.

I love the idea of a sniper who just wants to win and be part of a team and doesn’t care about the money. I don’t think Kovalchuk is that guy.

wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
@quisp,

Yeah, seems to me if Kovi saw the numbers plan for the organ-eye-zation and heard DL’s pitch and liked it, he’d be signed by now.

Perhaps that’s naive but it makes sense to me. I have to believe DL has made it crystal clear how and where Kovi fits into the big picture…

“Do you want to be a centerpiece with an up and coming, young, dynamic team and help make LA buzz a la Gretz?” or

“Do you want to try and drive up your price and just wait it out until you reach your max cash potential?”

Seems the latter is obvious at this point.

quisp Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:41 pm
@waves

You’re assuming that Lombardi has even spoken to Kovalchuk, which I think is a very, very big if. Even is player and GM have spoken, 99% of the dialogue is happening between agent and GM, and the agent has zero interest in his client getting ideas of his own. Remember, also, that Kovalchuk apparently has two agents, one here (Grossman) and one in Russia. Another reason that the agent is not going to leave Lombardi alone in the room with the client. The agent wants the client to go where the agent wants him to go, which is always always always where the money is.

wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:59 pm
@quisp, Actually I just interchanged Grossman and Kovi. I totally get that Dean isn’t speaking directly with Kovi, but I did think that Grossman will explain, word for word, what DL is offering. This is where I may be naive. If Grossman was my agent and I found out he wasn’t telling me absolutely everything pertinent to an offer, I’d be furious and fire his a** in a ruski second.

Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:14 pm
@quisp, Glad I’m not a Caps fan….

Let’s see the Caps playoff run this year was…..Oops…just one series???? Just one????

I rest my case.
KingMe20 says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:44 am

Where Ilya Kovalchuk signs will say a lot about whether he cares about winning. If it’s with the Islanders, we’ll know he doesn’t.

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:13 am
@KingMe20,

Yep, and look at Gonchar.

[Reply]
gene cowles says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:58 am

The kings and DL are way out in some unheard zone. They are going to get run out of at least 28 rinks next year. The kings are not big and bad and do not have the players to fight. Look out brown and the other forwards are going to get run. Wake up DL.You should have gotten the boogy man or scott from minn. You need some big boy’s in here who can fight.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:05 am
@gene cowles,

Yeah Boogard was the way to go…We could have probably offered him a 5th year to get him to come to LA instead of NY…maybe throw in a no trade clause
Surprised a lot of other teams weren’t involved there either.

[Reply]
Stop the Puck Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:10 am
@nykingfan,
pay over 1 mill/yr for 5 yrs for boogard? are you serious? the guy averaged 6 min of ice time, has had 0 goals in 4 years…not exactly the best use of money. i agree they need size but at a certain price.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:39 am
@Stop the Puck,

LOL no.
But I figured since gene’s pissed at DL for not going after boogy..I’d play along.

KingMe20 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:43 am
@nykingfan,

Don’t you remember when the Kings won the Cup with a lineup that had Sandy Moger and Matt Johnson? Hey, whaddya mean that didn’t happen?

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:49 am
@KingMe20,

Don’t forget the Kings had Phil Crowe, Jeff Chychrun, Stu Grimson, and Troy Crowder during that span. I think that was when they won the cup.

Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:19 pm
@nykingfan, Hey Ny…Happy 4th! I can see why you’re a Kings fan….How do you live in the same city with Sather??? That Boogard signing….yikes! Pretty sad really….

Have a good one dude!

[Reply]
GloryHole Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:11 am
@gene cowles, You’ve got incredible hockey sense, I can see how much time you spent around the game. I look forward to more of your astute insights.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:53 am
@GloryHole,
Ouch

[Reply]
nykingfan says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:09 am

I guess we shouldn’t be surprised to see Wang do something stupid and crazy. I think his idol/mentor is Dolan.
Yashin II
Could Carol Alt be far away?

If the Islanders want to offer him that kind of $$, let him go. He’ll die a slow and painful death with that franchise. At least DiPietro will have company in the trainers room.

[Reply]
hockeysureshot Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:46 am
@nykingfan, I’m originally from Long Island, been a Kings fan my whole life. That was well said! I can’t see Kovalchuck going to the Isles. It appears to me that his agent is trying to get more money out of the Kings cause they are not going for $10M a year especially for ten years.

[Reply]
GloryHole says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:13 am

FYI….From Dregers twitter account.

A few hours of sleep and the concensus based on texts and emails sent my way still has Kovy going to the Kings, regardless of Isles push.

[Reply]
neil says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:31 am

inhale…exhale….inhale….exhale……No one knows what is going to happen yet…..

[Reply]
spidey35 says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:40 am

I have the solution. Forget kovi because nothing is going to happen. Bring up a young defensemen to replace OD. Resign Fro and end all of this nonsense.

p.s., forget Gange because he has a history of being injured and we don’t need another Williams situation on our hands.

Good night now.

[Reply]
nykingfan says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:41 am

it’s amazing how absolutely nothing can be exciting…but somehow it is.

[Reply]
Pobo Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:02 am
@nykingfan,

hahaha…I totally agree

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:10 am
@nykingfan,It feels exactly like the day before the trade deadline.The Kovi thing had us mesmerized,just to have him go to NJ.Tottal deflation.lol

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:55 am
@nykingfan, carly explains this phenomenon here…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NwP3wes4M8

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:27 pm
@wavesinair, U know, that was pretty cool….I love her music…..

[Reply]
Barrie G says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:42 am

First off a special thanks as always to Rich for his outstanding coverage of everything that is the LA Kings.

I just got caught up on the past day or so here.

I haven’t been here because, well, I figure when something happens I’ll get on of those little e-mails from the Kings telling me to go to the computer.

Relax folks, DL will get done what he needs to at his price.

I think DL is trying to get us a # 2 center in a deal but is waiting to pull the trigger on that until he gets Kovy inked. I think that center may be Marc Savard.

Just my opinions.

Now I am off to party and enjoy my holiday weekend, hope you all do the same.

Happy 4th everyone, be safe!

[Reply]
gene cowles says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:46 am

Thank you Gloryhole, just some thoughts about DL and what is happening to my beloved kings. They are going to get hurt next year. What a shame, DL is screwing this team up. Look at the NorthEast Division. Everytime except Islanders are loaded with big bad asses who can fight. Then look at the kings, we suck when it comes to toughness. Wake up DL.

[Reply]
Shutout says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:53 am

$10 million for any single player is rediculous. Seriously, we need to walk away from this talk. If the Kings want to spend that much on one player, make sure it’s for Crosby or Ovechkin.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:03 am
@Shutout,
My sentiments exactly. Crosby and OV are seminal players. You don’t see those very often. Who can you compare to Crosby or OV, their style of play and the passion they bring to the game. Not too many. If you think of any, let me know.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:18 am
@number 6, Malkin maybe Datsyuk.Datsyuk’s a better 2-way player than any of the four,so his scoring isn’t as prolific as the other 3,but I personally would put him in that catagory.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:27 am
@Dominick,
Absolutely agree Dominick. In fact he and Zetterberg both entered my mind after actually typing this post.
Thanks for the inclusion.
number 6 says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:02 am

Was just looking at puckdaddy blog again. In article regarding the Isles, I just realized something. They may have cap space, but if they sign Kovi, what exactly do they do for goalkeeping and the blueline.
I mean, the Kings already have JJ and DD and Scuds plus are secure in goal. So what exactly do the Isles plan on doing? They may have some blueline prospects, but even if they do, how long is it gonna take for them to develop? Another four years or so?
I have to believe that Kovi is a happy guy using the Isles as leverage vs. Kings and NJ. Well, if that truly is where his head is at (maybe it’s his agent’s head more than his?) then I don’t mind whether we get him or not.

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:04 am

I didn’t get my point across very clearly in the above thread. The idea was if they sign Kovi and it takes them very close to the cap, how exactly do they work it so they can add complementary pieces in goal and on d?

[Reply]
Jorgen Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:18 am
@number 6, that’s just it! They aren’t even near to make a push. The way they can do it is to blow up their current model and start overpaying for decent help.
DiPietro is a decent goalie, but their D is nowhere near a solid and productive D.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:12 am
@number 6,

For them to sign Kovy would come with absolutely no foresight whatsoever.
Wang thinks this is the NBA..get a star and you become relevant.
Wit until guys like Tavaras and Okoposo come up for contracts. They’ll have no shot to keep them. Oh and by the way, the Islanders have nothing on defense to speak of.
If Kovy goes there, he’s just going for the $$..same as taking the KHL dollars.

[Reply]
gene cowles says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:17 am

Stop The Puck, a big bad ass doesnt have to score goals or play alot of minutes. Just be on the bech. If another teams bad ass wants to hurt one of the kings players all he has to do is look left or right and say to himself oh shit if I run brown, scott or the boogy man will kick my ass. As far as being mad at DL, hell yes he has wasted three days and for what? HE lost out on 10 or 15 players who whould have really helped the kings to concentrate on one player he will not get. Go figure.

[Reply]
Stop the Puck Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:34 am
@gene cowles,
agreed but if your paying someone not to play, what is the point of spending more than a nominal sum? just pay westy to sit on the bench instead of a slightly more feared guy that could cut into the teams future interest (its not the $$ i have a problem with so much as a 4 yr deal)

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:34 am
@gene cowles, Wow…so what your really saying is you don’t know your team.

He already has that player, and he has been playing in Manchester for a few years.

Building a team is not all about signing scaaaaaaaaaaaary free agents that people like yourself want.

[Reply]
kingfletch says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:32 am

Darren dreger of TSN on twitter said (2 hours ago) everything he has heard still has Kovalchuk going to the kings regardless of the NYI push.

[Reply]
kq949 says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:43 am

Interesting Comments from Islander Blog

http://www.islanderspointblank.com/

[Reply]
Scarletcat Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:59 am
Chris Botta is an okay guy, but he needs to see a doctor. His woodie for Kovi with the Islanders has gone on far longer than 8 hours. The blood’s not flowing properly to his brain. Go down to his entries from Wed/Thurs and see him make sense. The sense of Kovi not being on L.I. He knows it, but just can’t help himself.

[Reply]
KC23 says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:55 am

Humm, guess we’ll have to wait and see, but so far I’m less than impressed.

[Reply]
jayhay says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:01 am

from what i’ve read this morning on twitter from Dreger and then LeBrun agreeing, i suppose i feel better about the situation. seems these trusted hockey reporters think that LA still has the upper hand.

i’ve been fearful this whole time we may not be able to pull this off, but a couple thing i’ve read over the last couple of days do play in our favor (whether they’re true or not, and i AM aware their is alot of pollution out there). Kovi’s wife is in favor of LA becuase of the weather and i would think that he would want to keep his Americanized child(ren) from going to Russia (if the KHL is still a threat which i thought was more so when this whole thing started)

anyways, i did not go to bed last night feeling good about the situation, still dont feel great about it (and i wont until he signs) but i feel less threatened about NYI than i did last night.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:48 am
@jayhay, I don’t know if it was laziness or disbelief last night,but I didn’t even try to research if the Isles could actually pull it off.So I went to bed with that same uneasy feeling,but feel better today,since doing some reading.

[Reply]
Colin says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:19 am

As I see it…..
Any major acquisition by the Kings will involve the most publicity possible.

Hence, No news until Monday or later.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:57 pm
@Colin, Funny, I was thinking the same thing…..

When Rich says “The Kings have scheduled a press conference for…….” we can all start drooling…again.

[Reply]
Daniel says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:26 am

On the one hand, we will not be seeing a star of this caliber hitting the Free Agent market for a long, long time. One the other, the Kings need to be the best TEAM to win the cup. If Kovalchuk wants the $$$, he can go elsewhere. If he wants the Cup, he needs to sign here for $8 mil. At this point I’d rather trade for someone.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:59 am
@Daniel,

Well said. I want the Kings to have a chance at the cup for the next fifteen years, not the next two. It seems like he is trying to squeeze more and more from the Kings, so I really don’t care anymore.

Kings w/ Kovi = Good

Kings w/o Kovi = Good

[Reply]
Buster says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:29 am

I think I saw a while back that Kovy does not want to belong to a media three ring circus, to which the Kings would be the perfect fit. I don’t think that we’d be covered by an LA paper even if it was discovered that we had a line of Bigfoot, Elvis, and Jimmy Hoffa.

[Reply]
Barrie G Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:39 am
@Buster, nice.

And Kovalchuk could score 93 and the NHL brass would still find a way to get the Rocket Richard trophy to Crosby……………LA, home of the best kept secrets in hockey.

[Reply]
Oak Park Geoff Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:46 am
@Buster, That has to be the best post I have read in two days….Classic!!!

[Reply]
oldthunder Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:59 am
@Buster, perfect post, now all you have to do is read that in the “so i married an axe murderer” father’s voice. Then again who would be in the pentaverate?

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:59 pm
@Buster, Jimmy Hoffa plays hockey???

[Reply]
Michael says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:32 am

Hey Rich,
I woke up this morning motivated to write this. I am posting it as a comment but it would be cool if you could repost it to get it out to more of the readers.
Thanks for all the work you do.

So after 2 and 1/2 days of reading post after post by Kings “fans” going through an emotional rollercoaster, I am going to give my point of view. I think it is completely ridiculous and immature the way that these “fans” have been turning on each other, Dean Lombardi, and Kovalchuk. I, like many others, have been glued to my computer and phone waiting to see what happens. I, like many others, have been disappointed that there has been little to no news or updates and that we weren’t able to sign a defenseman. Even though it may be frustrating as a fan, it needs to be looked at with a clear head. The fact is that there are NO updates and there is NO news so why is everyone looking at it so negatively. Yes, this is a big deal but who is to say there isn’t more going on. Just think, wouldn’t it be cool for this signing not to leak and then for Dean to unveil Kovy (kind of like Gretzky) in the retro jersey our team is going to wear for the season opener against Vancouver? This is a big business matter; it isn’t as easy as sign here on the dotted line as soon as the clock strikes 09:00:01 AM on July 1st. Look at the NBA. LeBron is meeting one on one with every single team interested in him before he makes a decision. Granted that there aren’t as many teams available to take Kovy as there are to take LeBron but that’s not the point of the matter. These postings about Kovy being all about the money or Dean being out drinking or not knowing the date are stupid and disgraceful to come from anyone who believes themselves to be a true fan. Fact is that the only people who really know what is going on are Dean, Kovy, and Kovy’s agent and no one else.

You can read this and agree with it, disagree, or don’t even read it at all and completely ignore it. Whatever you choose though let’s try something new called being patient and waiting for the facts to come out. Here is what we know so far: 1) Kovy is still a free agent and hasn’t signed with anyone publicly. 2) Dean knows what he is doing, he has gotten us this far. 3) If we don’t get Kovy we will survive. Yes he would be nice but it is not Kovy or bust. Everyone take a deep breath, enjoy the UFC fight tonight (go Carwin, I hope you destroy Lesnar), and have a good safe Fourth of July weekend and stop worrying about something we have not control over.

[Reply]
Jorgen Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:05 am
@Michael, nice generalization on any and all who has an opinion on this subject. It would be just as easy for me to point out that you can scroll past the bickering and reply to the ones that you feel have some validity. Just saying…

[Reply]
Duckhunter Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:25 am
@Michael,

Thank you Michael, I can’t agree with you more.

I get the money part. I would not and hope DL does not pay Kovi 10 mil or any price that puts a strangle hold on our beloved team. I, on the other hand, would love to have him on our team if things work out for both sides(what they consider fair/reasonable).

But, what I don’t understand, is what you just stated, why the character assassination of both men. especially Kovi. I’m guessing here but I have a feeling 98 percent of the people who say he’s a cancer, or has character flaws or isn’t a leader/winner, or won’t fit in with our team/structure, really don’t know anything about him. I’m going to say, the majority of the people on this great site haven’t seen he play more than 20 complete games total. Again, I wouldn’t pay this dude 10 mil a year but please stop talking crap about this guy if you don’t know it to be true.

Something good will happen for us….you’ve got to believe.

[Reply]
hockeysureshot Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:49 am
@Michael, AGREED

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:49 am
@Michael, If everyone thought like this, it would be an extremely boring world.

[Reply]
Michael Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:03 am
@wavesinair, might be boring but I would rather be boring then be bashing Dean and Kovy when there is no reason to.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:23 am
@Michael, Thank god you aren’t in charge! When you say things like “true fan” or implying any and all criticism is “bashing” it reads as a clear extremist mentality.

Everyone has an opinion and this blog encourages them to be expressed, including yours. I actually am more in line with your general “patience” opinion than the group of overly critical posters on here.

But ultimately your post falls on the other extreme. There is a middle ground, which is where I think most people on this blog fall.

One can be critical without bashing. Once can be critical AND patient. One can be patient AND encourage a free-flow of opinions.

It’s called tolerance.

P.S. Wouldn’t it be ironical if we singed a citizen of our former cold war enemy on the very day of our independence?

I want to hear Kovi sing our national anthem!

Michael Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:41 am
@wavesinair, I am all for the opinions but saying stuff in regards to screw Kovy he is money hungry and is all about the money or about how Dean isn’t doing anything aren’t opinions they are judgments. You are offering your opinions as are most people on this site but we all know which posts I am referring to. They were the same ones being constantly said in that chat during July 1st.

P.S. I hope Dean puts in the contract that he has to sing our national anthem once a season with his wife and kids standing with him. )

[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:18 pm
@Michael,

nice job, sir…:)

[Reply]
Mark1967 says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:40 am

The agent games, team games, blog games, text games, twitter games are all part of FA process now…. The Kings core is going to change as a result of DL not being able to pull off a FA signing of a D-man or any other FA player of value that the Kings could use… We have depth in young players of value…. Simmonds, JJ, Bernier, etc… add to that the Manchester kids and draft picks that are still in Juniors and college… making a trade with Philly for what ever players they are is going to make available is going to cost some assets…. I quess were I get disappointed with is that again it takes us 3 days or more for DL to pull something off again.. What is it that if reports are correct that makes player like Martin and Hamhuis take offers for less to play elsewhere? If it is money only and we are dead set on our “Final” offer why do we keep asking to get into these poker games when the stakes are to high? We saw this happen last year.. Did we really think it would be any different ? I sure hope not but we are acting like we did! You have to gamble a little on the first few days once and a while, we have never done that… we bid on the scraps left a few days later, say the asking price paid for the first few days wasn’t worth the risk and say we have a plan and will continued to build that way… Then dont get into the game period!You might make a mistake, you might get bluffed, but at least make a play, dont fold every fricken hand! But sittng in a game for everyone else to make a move and than react to there move is getting awful old now… DL does a good job building through the draft and letting talent develope…. But he drives me crazy on pulling the trigger on FA and trades! So if he pulls of a great trade this weekend I will let him kick me in the butt for my rants because he is the GM and I am the impatient fan! LOL….

[Reply]
Scarletcat Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:07 am
@Mark1967,
“because he is the GM and I am the impatient fan! ” Aren’t we all?!

[Reply]
kingsfan4life Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:30 am
@Mark1967,
I agree with that we live in a world now a days that everything is instant, text messages twitter, facebook, all that stuff. It has gotten to be kinda silly now a days but i think we all get frustrated now and again for thinking we are so close. We read stuff on twitter and blogs and all that stuff and we think we are so close but then nothing. It is hard to be patient now a days, but it doesnt look like anything will happen this weekend lets just hope for a big announcement monday!!!

[Reply]
Danny Ingamells says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:43 am

Personally- anyone who wants that kind of dough- is not worth a damn and Lombardi is best to just leave well enough alone.

Kovalchuk is a proven regular season scorer, but in the playoffs he was already either playing golf or thinking about his giri friend or wife and walking at the lake with his pet goose.

What us fans have to realize is that most of these players do not want to play here regardless.

Trading any of our young net minders is like trading Sandy Koufax and not an option- and if it is done for Gagne I would think I would Gag-nay.

Like Smith, who went to the Islanders from the Kings back in the late seventies, that goaler was used in the last few games the Kings played in one season and went on to become a stalwart in the Islanders playoff successes.

Trading away successful players has been the Kings problem over the years, but again, in most cases, a lot of these players do not want to play here- they do not like the sunshine and become quite corrupted in the Hollywood scene, as was the rumor that O’Sullivan had in his trade to Edmonton, and now to Phoenix.

Personally, I think the Kings are best off to move out of the area and to another hockey market as the emergence of the Anaheim Ducks has greatly depressed their fan base, and the money situation is, indeed, everything to support their survival.

No- the Kings should not acquire either player, Kovalchuk or Gagne, as either will become another Richard Martin (the trade with Buffalo when Charlie Simmer went down) and leave the Kings to pay back all their salaries while the players either rehab or retire from hockey altogether.

Sorry, I’ll pass…

Your Little Danny Boy

[Reply]
Todd M. Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:45 am
@Danny Ingamells,

I’m sure you would turn down 10 million…

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:44 am

@Michael
Nice post you’re written. Very level headed. Personally I’m not that concerned as to DL making a mistake and how he would approach an eventual signing of IK. What I Am more concerned about is this talk wrt Gagne. I think DL is very prudent when it comes to the economic structure of his team. What I also feel is that he maybe lacks a certain ‘realism’ as to what is implied in signing oft injured players. Yes, it’s worked a charm with Handzus, but he had one major injury. Just reading about Gagne, they said he was in such pain during the finals that he couldn’t contribute and was a -8. So on top of the concussion worries, what sort of further damage could he have (or not have) done to himself structurally for the future. I remember Richard Martin being obtained by the Kings. Of course a doctor checked him out. Good to go. Yes, indeed he was, for all of 10 games. Then Adam Deadmarsh. Maybe we all love him here, but he also had a very bad injury history before being obtained by DT. Now JW.
Maybe the Kings don’t have a pretty history as far as goaltending goes, but they also don’t have a great history when it comes to obtaining injured players. Personally, imo it would have to be a very minimal turnover to get a player w a difficult injury history and one year remaining on his contract. The Philly press said they were interested in Quick or Bernier for giving the Kings this privilege (my words) of obtaining Gagne. Not sure what they’ve been thinking, drinking or doing.

[Reply]
Michael Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:09 am
@number 6, I have heard about this too and my only thinking of how this could work is if they included a defenseman. I don’t see this helping us at all if its just a one for one trade. Again though just like with Kovy this is a lot of rumor and he said she said when no one has actually said anything.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:35 am
@Michael,

he said she said
….. excellent title for a song…. maybe it would be better as ‘she said – she said’. Ooops. I think John Lennon might have already done that one.
On a more serious note, someone above commented that we can’t know Kovi and there have been some attacks on him. I’ve done him the injustice of comparing him to Crosby and OV which isn’t really fair so I’ll take the knock on that one, but that being said as was also pointed out in that same posting (it was by Duckhunter), he also doesn’t really merit 10mil in A) a salary cap era and B) based on what he’s already done.
One reality in sports is that athlete’s are always comparing their accomplishments. If that’s the case you’d have to say that OV has MVP awards, Crosby a SC and Olympic gold (scoring the GW goal) as well as an MVP if I’m not mistaken, and Datsyuk and Zetterberg I think that’s pretty clear too.
It’s tricky, because so many GM’s have created a market that is way out of wack, starting many many years ago, going right up thru DiPietro, the contracts for Drury, Gomez and even Wade Phillips, then setting the table for the mega contracts to Hossa and whoever else.
It’s a tricky business.

[Reply]
Michael Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:10 am
@number 6, Crosby, Ovi, and Datsyuk are all good players and have accomplished a lot. Not to take anything away from them but they also have a lot of assistance from their respective teammates. I personally feel Kovy has accumulated a lot of points and done a pretty good job on a team who is not even as close to being as skilled as the pens, caps, or wings. At the end of the day it is still a team sport and 1 player is only as good as their team. Think like Marcel Dion. 3rd all time leading scorer yet unless you are a Kings fan, old time hockey fan, or sports annalist, you don’t know who he is.

Scarletcat Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:13 am
@number 6,
“..The Philly press said they were interested in Quick or Bernier for giving the Kings this privilege (my words) of obtaining Gagne. Not sure what they’ve been thinking, drinking or doing…”

Maybe the goalie in mind was Ersberg, but they couldn’t remember his name so just stuck in the ones mentioned as the King’s future.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:06 pm
@number 6, Ouch! That was a painful trip down memory lane…..

[Reply]
Mendola says:

July 3, 2010 at 10:01 am

It scares me that the Islanders want Kovalchuck. The Isles not only have the most cap space in the league but they are known for over-paying players. They over-payed Yashin and DiPietro and now maybe Kovi. This isnt good for kings fans and I hope it all works out in our favor.

[Reply]
Nipper Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@Mendola,
The positive thing that you can take from that is those contracts don’t look so good now. Maybe they won’t want to do it again.

[Reply]
ComeOnAlready says:

July 3, 2010 at 10:25 am

Here’s what I see. Kovalchuk still has not signed a deal with anyone yet. This probably shows that A. Out o the choices on the table, he would prefer to play for the Kings and B. Dean Lombardi has put the lowest, weakest deal on the table.. So what happens from here? Either Dean comes back with a reasonable counter offer where he is at least somewhere in the ballpark with what Kovi is asking (which could still be a lesser deal, but just closer), or DL calls Kovi’s bluff and Kovi walks away with someone else’s cash.. I personally hope DL at least ups his offer a little bit. My guess is he offered something like 7mil a year for 5 to 6 years, Nj probably 8 mil a year for longer, and now the Isles at 10 for 10.. So the game goes on.

[Reply]
HipCheck says:

July 3, 2010 at 10:44 am

@Foghorn Leghorn,

It seems to me that if it was only about money for him, he would have already signed with a KHL team. No NHL team can realistically match a huge tax-free contract that a KHL team can offer.

[Reply]
dMan says:

July 3, 2010 at 10:47 am

And now for something completely different….

TSN reports that Simon Gagne has agreed to waive his no-trade clause.

[Reply]
hockeysureshot Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:51 am
@dMan, Gagne seems to be hurt quite often. Wonder what it would take to land Jeff Carter? Philly has to open up cap room.

[Reply]
KingMe20 says:

July 3, 2010 at 10:52 am

A couple of other names out there. Here are my thoughts

Maxim Afinogenov: one of the fastest skaters I’ve ever seen in person. Always had the look of a guy who could score 50, but never found his game. He did have a good year last year on a last-chance effort with Atlanta, and could be a good player for cheap. The Kings could use a guy with his speed.

Simon Gagne: Tough call. When healthy, he’s pretty dynamic, and played really well for Philly in the playoffs. But his health is the big question. The Kings already have a decent player with bad luck with injuries. Do we want another one, and is he worth what Philly would probably want in return (Simmonds and a defensive prospect would be my guess)?

Paul Kariya: I know Kings fans may not agree with me, but if he comes cheap, he could be a good addition. He’s still a great passer, and has a quick shot. We all know how badly the Kings struggled with 5-on-3 last year. Kariya’s a guy who can really help on power-plays.

Alexander Frolov: He’s still out there, and at least we know what we’d get. If the market dries up, maybe he lowers his price and comes back,

[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:55 am
@KingMe20,

One more: Nikolai Zherdev. Good skater, good shot, but seems to be somewhat of a contentious player. I’d stay away from him if I’m the Kings.

[Reply]
c-nut Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:55 am
@KingMe20, yes Afinogenov and Gagne! These two would be great additions.

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:42 am
@c-nut, How much have you seen Afinogenov play? Atlanta is rebuilding, and they are letting their leading scorer get away? Nobody else has any interest in him, and neither does anyone else.

Reason…he couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat in the middle of the ocean and doesn’t know where his own net is (i.e. defense).

Gagne, if healthy, I would gladly take.

Kariya, same…if healthy.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:16 pm
@KingMe20, You know, I’ve been wondering the same thing. I like all of them; both Afinogenov and Kariya really intrigue me, they wouldn’t hurt our scoring at all. The same for Gagne if he’s healthy.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing DL kick the tires on any of them. However, I think Fro is done. If he couldn’t do more in his contract year….I just don’t know.

[Reply]
c-nut says:

July 3, 2010 at 10:53 am

I’m sorry, but NO PLAYER is worth 10 mil a year!

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:25 am
@c-nut,

Amen.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

July 3, 2010 at 10:58 am

There’s also a rumor that PHI has put an offer similar to the Kings out there for Kovi…

To that I say ‘Bunk!’ PHI has no cap room, and couldn’t even get close to 7-8.5 mil/yr without a CHI-style housecleaning. It smells like an agent plant/rumor, of no significance whatsoever.

I smell the Kovi agent panicking out there…

C’mon, Kovi! Pull the trigger, my Man! The Kings are the best deal out there–you know it in your heart!

[Reply]
dMan Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:01 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I think the fans are panicking more about Kovi than his agent.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:44 am
@dMan, Yeah agreed. Using Grossman and panic in the same sentence doesn’t compute.

[Reply]
neil Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:18 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, i think when someone says that there is a rumor out there..they need to show where it comes from….otherwise i will say this….there is a rumor that the Ducks have made an offer to Kovi and is thinking it over….

[Reply]
Barry's Mullet says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:03 am

Nice to read some level headed posts.

I just want to address the crack heads that seem to feel DL should have done something by now for the sake of just doing something. If you want Kovi and your only bidding against yourself…why pay more than you have too.

This may make sense to those or you who have never owned a business before or just need their fix for the day. Come on people $10M for 10 years…let him go play on Long Island and score 50 goals rotting away never seeing a playoff game. This is all a big chess game and a few of you think its simply checkers…you couldn’t be more wrong.

If Martin, Hamhuis or any other player DL tried to sign wanted to play for the Kings the deal would have gotten done! If DL paid Kovi what he wants there is no money left to sign the other players we need to win the cup. Not his fault for being the Clippers of the NHL the last 15+ years and having to overpay for players to get them to come to LA…those days are over!

DL has gotten us this far and as long as he doesn’t over pay for Kovi and doesn’t wait too much longer to pull the trigger on plan B before it becomes plan C, D or F….he has my vote of confidence.

Happy 4th

[Reply]
smoKING gun says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:14 am

@ Contreras,
how’s that can of worms working out for ya?

@ all
Gotta think the likely hood of a Kovy signing is less than 50% at this point. Would love to be wrong but that’s my feeling. More likely Dean is trying to get a steal from a couple cap maxed teams instead. We’ll see how it all pans out by September. Have a safe n fun 4th.

[Reply]
Sandra says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:15 am

Kovi turned down the Trasher’s offer because he wanted to get the heck out of there. In the past the Kings have gotten rid of anyone who made a scene over their salary (most recently POS) why are they doing a dog and pony show for Kovi? He’s asking for everything but the kitchen sink… let him go. We anyway need the big bucks to lock up Doughty who wants to play here and has been a fan favorite from the moment he stepped on the ice!!!!
Stanley cups are won by a TEAM not an over payed individual.
Also, someone please point out to management that the Flyers are NOT the only team in the NHL. There are 28 franchises to go to and for once, can we try to get someone who isn’t injured? Just an idea……

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:51 pm
@Sandra,

True, they are not…but the Flyers just happen to have a pure goal scoring 2 way left winger with size and character on the block that wouldn’t wreck the plan by only losing picks and prospects.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:28 pm
@John, That’s really a good call. The other thing, I hate the way some of the “fans” are criticizing JW and his effort during the playoffs. The dude shouldn’t have even been out there if anyone who comments saw his injury. It was bad and it should have finished his season. It also wasn’t his fault.

A lot of guys get labeled “injury prone” but it’s usually guys who go out every night and put it all on the line on every single play. Gagne is one of those players, the same for JW. I’ll take both any day of the week, but watch the price you pay for Gagne. Essentially, he’s a rental this next season. Let’s see how he does for the year then take it from there.

[Reply]
neil says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:24 am

Here is another rumor…..Rich is DL…..anyone seen them together???

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:40 am
@neil, Yeah,I don’t think anyones ever caught the 2 together with a picture.As soon as DL makes an appearance,he runs around the corner ripping off his shirt(to expose his Superman crest)and by the time he turns the next corner,he’s Rich.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:47 am
@neil, Yes actually. Quite a few times at the practice rink.

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:31 am

If we don’t get Kovi it’s not the end of the world. I can not justify 10 Mil for one player. Let him enjoy the KHL and we will move on. There are always trades or other options that we could explore. It would be great if we could get him but I do want it to mess up what we have now. For me I would like anothe Lappy, a strong forward, and a strong D. Any other news out there?

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:38 am
@Dazed N Confused, I agree about Kovi, but we need more than a Lappy to make a dent in the playoffs. Much more. A strong D is a must and more offense is must. And more speed is a must. How we get there, like you said, can be explored. But Kovi is not the end all be all, he’s just a piece of the puzzle.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
@Dazed N Confused,
Hey, just wondered if you’ve ever seen the magazine of the same name. It’s a very cool mag out of the UK.

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
@number 6, No I just feel that way about the Kings at this time of the year. Whats the mag about?

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:35 am

Anyone ever heard the term ‘theater of the absurd’?
In the UK they would spell it ‘theatre of the absurd’

As for these ideas that you give up Simmonds + something for Gagne. No, you don’t even give up Simmonds straight up for an injury prone forward with one year left on his contract.

[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:22 pm
@number 6,

Agreed. As I wrote above, it’s likely that would be the price that Philly would ask for Gagne, but I just don’t see the sense in acquiring a guy who seems to be made of glass for anything other than draft picks and maybe a prospect or Justin Williams. When was the last time Gagne played a full season?

If you have to give up a promising roster player like Simmonds, it’s not worth it.

[Reply]
brandyn Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:59 pm
@KingMe20,

Philly is dumping salary, it wouldbe draft picks and prospects only.

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 3:49 pm
@brandyn,

Parse and a pick max

Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:31 pm
@brandyn, Mid level pick at that….no higher than a 3rd, maybe a prospect and no one from the Monarchs roster….
KC23 says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:43 am

Waiting for DL to do something before the trade deadline or after the UFA deadline is like watching paint dry.

why do I bother?

[Reply]
Michael says:

July 3, 2010 at 12:08 pm

Here is a good quote from CBC news. http://www.cbc.ca/sports/blogs/elliottefriedman/2010/07/islanders-making-serious-push-for-kovalchuk.html

“According to multiple sources, Garth Snow is among the most aggressive general managers in this free-agent season. He enlisted Doug Weight to help recruit players. He outbid everyone for defencemen Dan Hamhuis, Paul Martin and Zbynek Michalek, though all of them decided to play elsewhere.”

But Kovy is gonna sign where no one else wants to play for tons of money!! (insert several sarcastic emoticons here)

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
@Michael, I’d have to look at the rosters again but wouldn’t Kovi be much better off in Atlanta than Long Island? Very odd. But if he does to the Isles, I’ll be laughing my a** off.

[Reply]
Ersberg says:

July 3, 2010 at 12:40 pm

This is ridiculous. Screw Kovalchuk if he doesn’t like our contract offer.

Lets get a quality 2-way scorer, like Gagne, then grab a defensemen.

Hell, throw Holmgren a whopping offer for Carter, that’ll put some fut to Kovalchuk’s ass.

[Reply]
oldthunder Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@Ersberg, I don’t think you know the contract that was offered to Kovalchuk. DL might have low balled him for all we know, we dont know the years we dont know the dollar amount, so telling him to screw himself is a bit uncalled for at this time. If he signs elsewhere and it is revealed DL did have a great offer then by all means gripe about him being shallow, but until then accept the fact he has every right to think about contract offers and he is under no obligation to any team or to fans like us to sign to our team because it is what we want.

I doubt any of us if we were changing jobs and would take the first one that came our way without seeing what else is out there. If you had a good job lined up and out of nowhere somebody offered you 30% more money wouldn’t you think about the other offer first? We as fans tend to think about home town discounts and wanting to play for a winner, we tend to make claims that we would take less money if it were us, yet how many of us in our respective fields take less money to work for an up and comer?

All this on our parts as fans is speculation. We claim he wants money or he wants out of Atlanta or he is using time as leverage to get a better deal from the KHL. None of us know him, none of us represent him and none of us know what official terms have been offered from each team. He has every right to take his time because he is likely going to play with the next team for anywhere from 5-10 years and he and his family want to be comfortable. I am impartial now if we sign him or not, but i for one will not besmirch a player for taking his time to sign.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:16 pm
@oldthunder, There’s no comparison between “fan money” to “nhl money.” There’s no relation between people like us choosing between jobs and professional hockey players.

When we make those decisions, we consider actually being able to pay our bills and feeding our families. They consider the size of their yacht.

Totally different mindset. Just saying…

[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 3:02 pm
@wavesinair,

At the core it is the same. Weighing options that will affect his life and his family’s life for the years to come.

Keep in mind he does have a family. Who is to say the delay isn’t internal and not all on him alone? Maybe they are weighing different options available to their children and living situations.

It is very ridiculous to be so impatient for no real reason.

wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 3:49 pm
@Gary,

At the core, we’re talking about human beings. I’ll give you that.

But other than that, I just don’t think comparing job decisions between a regular joe and a kovi are anywhere near the same. Not even in the same universe.

Agree on the patience thing though…

Nipper Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 4:45 pm
@wavesinair,
I agree. If I had several companies bidding for my services, I certainly would be discussing the options with my family. I know a lot of the players have the generic interview answers but all the ones I’ve seen interviewed are asked the same question regarding a signing and each one says you have to weigh what’s good for your family and of course where can they win a Cup. I think that is exactly what Kovi is doing right now. This may be his best chance to control his own destiny. Very few of us get that option in life and I don’t think any of us would take it lightly. I personally think the more you don’t hear DL doing something else, the more the Kings are in the hunt.

Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:38 pm
@wavesinair, Well said and excellent perspective. And as far as the yacht is concerned, if it’s under 50ft, move on to the next offer…

Ersberg Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:00 pm
@oldthunder, My point was, we can better value elsewhere..

That, plus we have other needs as well.

[Reply]
oldthunder Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
@wavesinair, I totally agree that the magnitude of the salaries are different but it comes down to likely what his wife and kids want. I just hope that his wife and kids want the sunshine and lack of angry press that would follow Ilya in NY or NJ. Hope everybody has a fun and safe 4th.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 5:41 pm
@oldthunder, “it comes down to likely what his wife and kids want.”

really? then I absolutely don’t want him here. as soon as she’s bored, they’re gone.

[Reply]
neil Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:06 pm
@wavesinair, never boring in la la land…..

wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:08 pm
@neil, tell that to victoria beckham…what a mess that was.

Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:39 pm
@wavesinair, Victoria didn’t like LA? Too bad….Does the press know???

Ersberg Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 9:04 am
@Ersberg, You guys hysterical. Patience? Who’s not being patient? No, it’s not about being patient, it’s about not getting into a bidding war when LA can use the money on it’s kids, while trading/signing for players that won’t kill our cap space.

We can move on from Kovy, he’s not coming to LA.

[Reply]
sammuch says:

July 3, 2010 at 12:47 pm

If thats what Kovi wants NYI good luck! Move on and lets not waist are time… Sign DD and all is good and build this team for the futrue…

[Reply]
USCG Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:38 pm
@sammuch, um…why was my comment to this removed from the mods? I didn’t break any of the rules.

[Reply]
USCG Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:46 pm
@sammuch, I’m gonna repost anyway…”the future? are you freaking kidding me? I’ve been waiting for a CUP for 22 years, some people here over 40 years! At some point this future B.S. has got to STOP! We need to win NOW!

[Reply]
sammuch Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 2:43 pm
@USCG,

I agree, just saying if Kovi wants 10 mil, it will ruin are future. We have some great young prospects and maybe we can use some in trades to get what we want?

Kovi worth is 7 mil with up to 8 mil in bonus a year, if he can do what he has done already. Kings fan since 1980 so I understand!

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:45 pm
@sammuch, Kings fan since 1967; LA Blades fan before that…..Pain???? You have no idea…..
Dave says:

July 3, 2010 at 12:53 pm

Carter and Gagne for Kopitar, Brown, Quick and Jack Johnson
I laugh when I see this all over the net.. LOOK DL isn’t dumb and would never trade those 4 for just these 2 guys..
These dumb people that keep dreaming something like that will ever happen need to WAKE UP..

Besides you dont want to trade a Young core for aging players, That is just crazy.
King’s Want Kovi, But in the end we will lose out becuase DL will stay at 8.5m and he will sign for 10m somewhere else. And in the end it will be like the last 4 years and we once again will have missed out on other signings. That 8.5m or so should be loaded with Bonuses, Make him earn that 10m. Bounses for scoring 30 goals and bounses for scoring 45+ then he gets what he wants if scores. And everyone is happy..
I hate this time of year!!
I hope this year my team does something I can get excited about!!

[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 3:03 pm
@Dave,

I thought you can’t offer bonuses except on entry level contracts.

Am I mistaken?

[Reply]
Nipper Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 4:26 pm
@Gary Livingston,
If I’m not mistaken, OD’s deal with Philly had “games played” bonuses in it.

[Reply]
Ersberg Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 9:02 am
@Gary Livingston, And 35+ players.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:57 pm
@Dave, I like the one that had the Kings sending Quickie & Brownie to the B’s for Savard…..Who makes this stuff up????

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 9:25 am
@Moondoggie,
I suspect it’s someone who’s played hockey all their life,and has an obsession with hockey.Unfortunately that persons only 8 years old.

[Reply]
Chris P. Bacon says:

July 3, 2010 at 1:17 pm

any updates? Can’t believe it’s “only” been a couple of days. Seems like an entire week has gone by.

[Reply]
SaveByCechmanek says:

July 3, 2010 at 1:26 pm

Kovalchuk has to know he’ll never win a cup in Long Island if he signs there. He’ll be filthy rich but no championships

[Reply]
KingMe20 says:

July 3, 2010 at 1:33 pm

This just in: Dean Lombardi has dispatched Juraj Mikus to Jay Grossman’s house with a fish wrapped in a newspaper. He reportedly will tell Grossman that Kovalchuk will sign with the Kings for 10 years at $100,000 because “Mikus say so.”

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 2:03 pm
@KingMe20, HA! Priceless..

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:58 pm
@KingMe20, It’s over….Kovi is as good as Kinged…

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 9:28 am
@KingMe20, BWAAHAAHA.I hope Mikus cuts the head off a horse and leaves it at the foot of his bed tomorrow.

[Reply]
Krusher says:

July 3, 2010 at 1:33 pm

How desperate and hungry are we all? Hell, I know I am, but I had to laugh when I saw Rich’s non-informational posting generate nearly 200 comments. Do you think Dean is aware of how insane he is making us? Do you think he cares (of course not, I know)? This may drag on for a while, but I know one thing, it will be wrapped up before Seat Selection day. If not the Ticket Reps will string Dean up themselves. I have been talking to mine and he is hanging on every morsel like we are. He knows how much money he will make once Ilya is inked, he also knows how much it will hurt if Dean doesn’t get this done.

[Reply]
USCG Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:40 pm
@Krusher, I blocked my ticket reps number until this team is finalized. I will call him when I’m ready! He’ll get his money regardless and doesn’t need to annoy the crap out of me 2 or 3 times a day!

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:52 pm
@Krusher, Difference is, if this were a city like NY for the Rangers and a site for them, or say in Toronto, it wouldn’t be 200, it would be more like 20,000 posts.

I do love the fans here though…we may not be many, but we will still kick your ass.

[Reply]
gene cowles says:

July 3, 2010 at 1:42 pm

MRBRETT7 you need to pull your head out, if you are talking about Westgrath being able to handle the big boys at the NHL level you are all srewed up. He looses most of his fights and culd never take on 80% of the heavey weights in the NHL and win. Get your dam facts straight before you email back. The kings need some big ass men to protect there forwards.

[Reply]
lakingsfan19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:52 pm
@gene cowles,

LOLOLOL…. You need to get your facts staright. Westgarth wins lots of his fights. He actually can skate good and checks a lot better than Ivanans. Westgarth is aggressive and won’t back down. He will fight double the ammount Ivanans was willing to do.

Also the Kings will have Clune, Clifford, and Simmonds. With Westgarth, that’s one tough lineup. No one will be messing with the Kings next year…

[Reply]
McDonalds Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 2:08 pm
@lakingsfan19,

Don’t forget Greene. He’ll drop em if need be

[Reply]
Michael Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 2:11 pm
@McDonalds, last time Greene dropped em he then missed some games due to an injury…

Sandra Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 2:21 pm
@lakingsfan19,

true, greener got injured but I think the point is, he’s willing to stand up for his teammates!

Case in point, Clunatic! I believe he is smaller than any of the guys he took on last season but the kids got heart. I take that any day over the dancing steps Ivanans put on this season

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
@gene cowles, I haven’t been able to see much of Westgarth, but Ivanans was timid for such a large man, and not much of a hockey player. He was a liability every second he was on the ice. Nice guy but not very effective even as an enforcer.

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 4:22 pm
@gene cowles, When you learn to spell and learn hockey, I’ll gladly respond.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:02 am
@gene cowles, Just curious but how many enforcers do the Wings have?? The Sharks?? Granted the Flames now have one bad hombre but just how many cups do you think Calgary or anyone else will win skating enforcers? That was sort of a problem all year long with the Kings. The way to win in the NHL these days is by putting out four good, strong skating lines, not lines loaded with goons….

[Reply]
dMan says:

July 3, 2010 at 2:12 pm

I’ll laugh my ass of if Kovi signs with the Islanders!

[Reply]
blugator says:

July 3, 2010 at 2:20 pm

Rich, When did you change your name to Rich Hoffman? That’s what Spector is calling you in his latest posting. LOL

[Reply]
scootty says:

July 3, 2010 at 2:25 pm

Rich I know you’ve been trying, but get us something from Lombardi. Anything. This Kovalchuk situation is become a bad drug I can’t kick. 3 days in and all we have is specualation. Kings are close to a deal. Jersey out of it. Jersey back in. Kings still the leader. Islanders make big pitch. Avalanche and Flyers vying for Kovalchuk now. Rangers are kicking tires on Kovalchuk. Kings still favorite to land Kovalchuk. Ahhhhhh…..it hurts me head. I need a life I’m at the point of just sign somewhere. Get it over with!!

[Reply]
gene cowles says:

July 3, 2010 at 2:25 pm

You all crack me up. While 80% of the teams are bettering themselves with signings and trades, we all sit here and cant figure out what the heck DL is waiting for. To much time spent on one money hungrey player who is not worth 10,000,000 dollors. DL tell Kov to take a hike and trade for some players who want to be in LA .

[Reply]
crashin' da net says:

July 3, 2010 at 2:39 pm

1st – this alleged Philly deal cannot be true. If it is, no one will ever menmtuon DL’s name again. period.

2nd – DL: we do not need any more washed up players. This is not a retirement home.

3rd – DO NOT chase IK too hard. Go after B. Ryan, and another younger 2nd or 3rd liner, and send some of our boys to fight club to learn how to fight and produce some testosterone.

That will save us alot of money. And to ice it – trade Fro and get someone who gives a damn about winning. Fight school won’t help that wuss…..

[Reply]
brandyn Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 2:41 pm
@crashin’ da net,

Frolov isn’t ours anymore. He’s a UFA

[Reply]
Keith Berry Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 3:30 pm
@crashin’ da net,

1st – What does ‘menmtuon’ mean?

2nd – When’s the last time a player retired from the Kings?

3rd – You realize Fight Club is a movie, and not a real training facility, right?

4th – See above.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:07 am
@crashin’ da net, I wouldn’t count on BR too much. He’d have to be offered in trade, something Anaheim wouldn’t do to LA even if hell did freeze over. And there’s no way DL will ever raid another GM’s RFA’s, that is unless he wants to open up a huge, Costco size, industrial strength can of Whup Ass for every GM in the league to take so that they can raid the Kings young talent for years to come….

[Reply]
andy says:

July 3, 2010 at 3:30 pm

nothing to report today rich?

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
@andy, I’ll answer for him…

“Rich Hammond Reply: 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.”

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:08 am
@wavesinair, Ya know waves, I believe him!

[Reply]
Old Time Hockey says:

July 3, 2010 at 3:34 pm

I know this much for sure, whatever DL does,. someone or somebodies aren’t going to like it no matter what it is and who he gets and of course I count myself in on that, why should I be the only one to miss out on a “Pile On”.

[Reply]
kingfletch says:

July 3, 2010 at 3:38 pm

Nobody is even sure kovalchuk is asking for 10 million a year from the kings for starters. They could be sorting out things like bonuses, making sure his entire family is on board to move to LA. If i had to make a major job choice in life and move my entire family i would like more then 24 hours to think about it too. I would like it sorted out soon too, but people saying screw him lets move on are being unreasonable, its only been like 3 days. No rule saying he had to make up his mind in 3 days. It might even be the kings Procrasting this deal, or just his agent.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
@kingfletch, There’s just one little flaw with this thinking. Do you really think Kovi’s been thinking about this for only 3 days? His agent has shown him all the likely destinations well ahead of July 1. Just saying.

[Reply]
kingfletch Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
@wavesinair, I dont think they ever know for sure who is going to give solid offers ahead of time. Islanders probably were not on the radar before last night. Im sure they had an idea who was interested but some teams are interested for 3 million and some are 10 million. If it was about money he would have just gone to the KHL. If the kings management were that concerned about it im sure they would say sign by this day or offer is off the table. Everyone is speculating, we all know nothing at this point in time.

[Reply]
818 west says:

July 3, 2010 at 3:49 pm

Good defense creates good offense so we should be starting with picking at least one D-man if not two. How is it that Anaheim gets Lydman and Pittsburgh gets Martin, two D-man who could definitely help the Kings big time. Just wait and see, we will end up paying too much for IK and then when desperate for a D-man we will bring back Corvo for way too much money.

[Reply]
luke20 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 4:32 pm
@818 west, in Buffalo they called Lydman, “turnover Toni”. We don’t really want that do we?

[Reply]
818 south Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:33 pm
@luke20,

He averages about 20 points per season, he has been a plus for the last 6 seasons and he averages about 20 minutes per game. Regardless all we needed for the playoffs last season was another decent to good D-man and we still need one. Forget about IK, D wins both in the regular season and especially in the playoffs.

[Reply]
Ziggy33 says:

July 3, 2010 at 3:54 pm

Looking at the Kings cap numbers I suspect the Kings can offer up to 8.75mil a year for Kovy without blowing up the team this year, next year, or the year after.

2010:
Kovy 8.75 Kopi 6.8 Smyth 6.25 Zus 4 Stoll 3.6 JWill 3.5 DB 3.175 Parse 900K WS 821K Clune 600K KW 525K for 39.6M

DD 3.475 RS 3.4 MG 2.9 JJ 1.45 Muzzin 600 Drewiske 600 PH 583 for 13M

JQ 1.8 JB 843 EE 750 for 3.4M

Grand Total: 56M plus the McCauley hit of 666,667 to get right up under the cap limit

2011: You lose Zus and JWill and give there combined 7.5 million to Simmer 2M/yr (+1.2M) DD 6M/Yr (+2.8M) Schenn 3M/yr Lok 875K and JB 2.75M (2M)
That leaves you + ~3M which would fit assuming the cap rises to approx 60M

2012:
You lose Smyth and Stoll (almost 10M in Cap savings)

Summary:

We can afford Kovi up to about 8.75M/yr
I’m hoping 8.75M/Yr would get him to LA.

[Reply]
Duckhunter says:

July 3, 2010 at 3:58 pm

Alright. thought I’d check one more time before I started my weekend celebration. Happy fourth everyone.

Just a thought…..how much sleep do you think DL has had in the last three days?

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:09 am
@Duckhunter, Not much I suspect….

[Reply]
gene cowles says:

July 3, 2010 at 3:59 pm

Can we get Ti Domi, or Macsorly anyone with a wierd since of humor who fights

[Reply]
crashin' da net says:

July 3, 2010 at 4:10 pm

@Berryhead,

1 -Couldn’t expect you to think a typo thru – “mention”.

2 – Do not “resign” Fro over 3.0mm

3 – Ok I’ll make it easy for you (again)- Do Not Sign Anyone Over 32 Years Old – someone who has already peaked. (a one time 30 goal scorer 7 years ago)

4 – Fight Club was tongue-in-cheek (Read #1 again)

[Reply]
raunq12 says:

July 3, 2010 at 4:25 pm

Hey! Thanks Rich! All of us Kings fans appreciate it!

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 3, 2010 at 4:55 pm

This is not a criticism of anyone posting here… more just the subject matter. It seems this thread is actually getting a bit ‘repetitive’ (euphemism for boring). I suppose it’ll have to get up to more than 500 replies before anything is resolved. Funny as last time there was a blog on IK (I think it was him) there were more than 500 responses.
Maybe Rich could come up with a prize for the 500th poster. How about a little Ilya Kovalchuk doll? No, not a bobblehead, I mean a little doll.

[Reply]
oldthunder Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
@number 6, hopefully not one of those troll dolls, those things are scary.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:11 am
@number 6, I’d like a Kovi doll….Think I could get one in an Isle uni???? Ok, bad taste. I’ve got to be careful here….

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 9:38 am
@number 6, It should have a Kung Fu grip,And a little band around his arm so that when you make his muscles flex it pops off.

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 3, 2010 at 4:57 pm

Anyone heard anything about Lebron yet? How about Christopher Bosh? …. or Amare Studemire? Yes, yes!!!! Looks like Amare is signing with the Knicks.

[Reply]
Kjchip30 says:

July 3, 2010 at 4:58 pm

This just in…..on NHL10 for PS3 I acquired Kovalchuk and am a bit worried about a few things. First off, Kovi is number 17, sorry Simmer you are now number 19. Dustin Brown you are no longer the Captain, as Kovi now wears the “C” on his Kings sweater. With that said, in 52 games Kovi has a total of 42 goals and he scored his first goal on his first shift. Sorry everybody, but I am really bored and frustrated….sign with somebody already, so I can stop checking my dang computer or phone every 2 minutes.

[Reply]
Michael Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 5:16 pm
@Kjchip30, ok this was funny but its not from a reliable source. please repost when its from an xbox 360.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:12 am
@Kjchip30, Ever think Kovi is really Juraj Mikus in disguise??? Nah, no way…..not good enough.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 9:44 am
@Kjchip30, Is your Kovi playing defense?

[Reply]
Miller29 says:

July 3, 2010 at 4:59 pm

I have a gut feeling DL has already left the Kovi issue alone and is concentrating on Gagne (or insert some other injury-plagued player from Phi/SJ that we’ll over-pay for). The Kings under DL have changed the LA Kings moniker from “a place for players to retire,” to one of “a hospice for injured NHL players who will retire soon.”

[Reply]
crashin' da net Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 5:36 pm
@Miller29, Bingo! Sign D. Penner and B. Ryan Now!!!

[Reply]
nate101 says:

July 3, 2010 at 5:14 pm

i was reading darren dreger twitter (A few hours of sleep and the concensus based on texts and emails sent my way still has Kovy going to the Kings, regardless of Isles push.) i think maybe kings are going sign there just few things in his contract that there working out i could be wrong but idk.i also don’t think were should trade for gagne i don’t believe he’s the goal scoreing we needs but if we do sing kovy and there was a trade for him i wouldn’t really mind if it was for stoll or smith for few player even a d man.rich happy 4th your doing good job

[Reply]
lead feet says:

July 3, 2010 at 5:16 pm

BLA BLA BLA.
I. NEED. TO. KNOW. WHAT. IS. GOING. TO HAPPEN.
I cant keep punching these numbers in the computer and saving the world every day!
Thats it. Im not punching ‘em in any more BROTHA!!!!!

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 5:23 pm
@lead feet, I’d sign Sayid over Jack in a heartbeat.

[Reply]
Lead Feet says:

July 3, 2010 at 5:19 pm

1

[Reply]
Bingram says:

July 3, 2010 at 5:23 pm

Someone in an earlier edition detailed the best solution. Using Detroit’s Zetterberg model, construct a fifteen year contract. Frontload the contract for a few year while the money is available, trend it down in later year with the last five years (age 38-43 years) at one million per year.

If the contributor was correct with the Cap Math the Hit was $8.4M per year. That should make Kings happy. The total contract was around $100M. That should make Kovi happy.

So sign the contract already.

[Reply]
Galen says:

July 3, 2010 at 5:25 pm

Hey Rich you called it, rain delay at the Daytona 500.

[Reply]
crashin' da net says:

July 3, 2010 at 5:44 pm

What happened Rich?

[Reply]
scootty says:

July 3, 2010 at 5:49 pm

Nothing? There’s nothing for the Kings to say? Come on, it’s been 3 day’s of negotiations, and they got nothing to say? Throw us a bone.

[Reply]
wavesinair says:

July 3, 2010 at 5:55 pm

Why the Isles won’t do it…

http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/bdgallof/19221/

Helene Elliot says…

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/07/ilya-kovalchuk-kings-nhl-.html

Cap Geek dishes out the punishment…

http://www.capgeek.com/news/20100702-nine-nhl-teams-face-salary-cap-penalties-performance-bonuses.php

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:01 pm

Crickets!!!!!!

[Reply]
Kristie says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:10 pm

Espn’s Pierre LeBraun just tweeted that Lombardi returned emails saying everything is quite. LeBraun thinks it will go to at least Monday “but you never know.”

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:36 pm
@Kristie, All Quiet on the Western Front…

http://deepinsidethekings.com/2010/07/03/all-quiet-on-the-western-front/

[Reply]
neil says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:16 pm

UPDATE FROM ESPN>COM…….DL says all is “quiet”

[Reply]
neil says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:19 pm

is no news…news???? btw cant DL at least promise the Kings fans that the news on Kovi break on this site???

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:07 pm
@neil,

I agree 100%. I have 7 tabs open on various sources and Dreger and Le Brun seem to have a leg up on everyone else. You’d think DL would give Rich the scoop or at least a regular update for the fans here.

[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:16 pm
@Miller29, There’s a “leg up” to be had on the fact that nothing is happening?

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:37 pm
@Rich Hammond,

Just the fact that DL is contacting/emailing the ESPN guys whether nothing is happening or not. Has DL been in likewise contact with you? Would you say that DL is giving you any info first?

Rich Hammond Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:44 pm
@Miller29, He’s responding to their inquiries, as he is doing with me periodically. I’m just confused as to how many times, and in how many different ways, it’s expected to be said that nothing is happening. Incidentally, Lombardi is under no obligation to give anyone any information first, nor should he be. If you contact the right person at the right time, you get info first. It would be a complete insult to every other reporter to say, “I don’t care how hard you work, I’m leaking it to this person first.” I wouldn’t want that.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:53 pm
@Rich Hammond,

Thanks Rich. I guess what I’m saying is that it would help me (maybe others) if we could get an official update of anything (even if its “nothing new.”)from DL a few times throughout the day to put aside a ton of speculation, or more than there already is. While DL should be under no obligation to provide info to you first, I think it would be a beneficial gesture on his part being that you are the journalistic ambassador to us fans. Finding out news from outsiders especially when we have you just doesn’t sit right with me even though officially there is no broken law there.

wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:02 pm
@Rich Hammond,

THIS is the most interesting news of the day.

I’d think it a safe assumption that you’d have an inside track on info from Dean. That’s not to say you’re a “favorite” per se or that he has an obligation to inform you first every time.

However, you are the Kings reporter after all and I’d think you would be at the top of the list of people he’d inform first. Especially since the fan base deserves to know first! (in my opinion)

It’s very surprising to learn it’s a level playing field and that timing is everything. Somehow I think there’s probably more to the story if Dean were to tell it. Who am I kidding. Of course there would be more to the story… it would be DL telling it!

Rich Hammond Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:09 pm
@wavesinair, Perhaps I’ve been doing a poor job of describing the scenarios in place here. If the presumption is that Lombardi picks up the phone, calls a reporter and says, “I’ve got news for you,” well, that’s not the way it happens in the slightest. There is no “informing someone first.” The first first news about a signing would most likely come from an agent or the player himself, and it would come maybe five minutes before a general announcement. A GM would almost never — I don’t want to say never, because it’s probably happened once in 1,000 times — call a reporter and say that. As a reporter, you dig and dig, make 10 phone calls to get one returned, if you work hard/get lucky at the right time, you might get something. It’s unfathomable to me that a GM would proactively break news to a reporter in a situation like this. My apologies if I’ve done a poor job of explaining this recently.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:16 am
@Rich Hammond, Thx for the insight!

wavesinair Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:36 am
@Rich Hammond,

Very interesting stuff to me. Thanks for the info. Now that you’ve outlined it, I can see how a GM would almost never go out of his way to tip off a reporter directly.

I would imagine (and I imagine a lot) that a GM would have someone close to him (or do so anonymously)leak info at different times. Probably not DL but maybe Burke types might do this sort of thing more often, especially in the hotbed areas.

But as for how DL goes about returning calls/texts/emails etc. I guess my first thought still applies. For instance, if (like you said) you call 10 times then I’d assume other reporters have done the same thing.

So…DL has a bunch of messages he hasn’t responded to and now he has something to reveal. Which person does he reply to first?

You can see where I’m going with this. I wouldn’t think he’d necessarily respond on a first come first served basis. I’m thinking he might just respond to your message first because you are the Kings reporter.

So in that sense I’d think you have an inside track. Of course there are a thousand scenarios but I think you get my general point.

This topic is deserving of an interview. Ever interview yourself?

wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:19 pm
@neil, actually if you think about it, kovi’s side will know the answer BEFORE DL will. so it’s really up to them when that info gets released and by whom. rich will likely know when dean knows, but grossman may already have leaked it minutes before…

[Reply]
nyck says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:35 pm

lol at the guy who said Westgarth loses most of his fights. If you don’t understand the game, and it’s players, like, AT ALL; don’t argue with others about it.

[Reply]
Old Time Hockey Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:08 pm
@nyck, Who has he fought and beat in the NHL??

[Reply]
Rjb says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Leave it to the kings and their target to drag this out. Now its gotten to the point of big woop he signed. It should not of taken this long. He is greedy. Not interested in winning. Where it should of happened day one and all the excitement and anticipation was for not. Way to take the wind out of the sails. Oh right its the Kings.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:14 pm
@Rjb, LOL, which is it? The Kings ineptness or Kovi’s greed? And what did you hope would happen? The Kings sign a greedy player right away? Or not even go after a high scoring free agent that is very much needed?

I get the sense you’d damn them if they do and damn them if they don’t.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:33 pm
@wavesinair, Atta boy, give em hell ! Nice to know that there are so many people on this site that know for a fact that Kovi and his agent are greedy and that AEG are cheap !

[Reply]
Joel Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
@Rjb, There’s nothing wrong with a person taking additional time to negotiate who their employer is going to be, how much he’s going to make, and how long the employment will last. In all likelihood, this will be the last major deal he signs for the rest of his career. If he can negotiate $20 mil per year from some team, good for him. You’re worth what someone is willing to pay you.

And for all those people speculating about whether Kovi wants to win, is willing to sacrifice money to play with a winner, or is just all about the money, I don’t believe Kovi has made any public statements about what his interests are to this point. So the last I checked, there are no inconsistencies if Kovi turns down a $100 million deal with Atlanta just to sign with the Islanders. We don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes.

It’s nothing but speculation at this point. Kovi has every right to negotiate the interests that he wants regardless of what others think he should want. (I have a feeling he doesn’t even know what he wants yet, and there’s nothing wrong with that.) He knows the risks in taking his time that there might be less cap space later with free agents still out there.

My only concern is that Dean not cripple our cap situation in paying him more than the Kings can afford. I actually wouldn’t mind so much if we can’t sign him because we’ll actually be in a more superior negotiating position with cap space to be flexible in making lopsided trades with teams who have used bad financial judgment and are in distress to pare down the roster.

The bottom line is that there is no rush.

[Reply]
puck73 says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:09 pm

Since everyone has an opinion then I will give mine. The highest I would go with Kovi is 8 years 64 million, that would take him to age 35. I think anything more then that would only set the organization back I mean look at all the decent players Chicago lost. Now I know they just won the cup, but I want the Kings to be in the conversation at the beginning of each season for years to come so I dont want DL pissing away money like Glen Sather and some of his irresponsible contracts. Who knows, maybe Kovi will sign with us on the 4th of July. Hell, if he does all us Kings fans will have reason to light off some fireworks !

[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:55 pm
@puck73, Not sure why everyone is writing off Chicago beyond this year. They had to dump some players, but are any of them really the guys who stirred the drink on that team? All are replaceable, and the guys who are not – Kane, Toews, Hossa, Keith, Seabrook, Sharp etc. – are still there. That team is going to be in contention for years to come. Pointing to them as a reason not to go after Kovalchuk is a non-starter for me.

[Reply]
Old Time Hockey Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:06 pm
@rick, I guess Buff had nothing to do with them going all the way, just like Holmstrom for Detroit, I’d take’um.

[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:37 pm
@Old Time Hockey, Buff did very well in the playoffs, but was hardly viewed as the savior before then. A solid and unique player to be sure, but he is not going to make or break Chicago, or any other team for that matter. His loss is not going to derail Chicago’s chances in the future.
slapshot says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:41 pm

Obviously it would be great to sign Kovi, but if we don’t add a top 4 defenseman too, we can score all the goals we want, Quick and Bernier will be under seige nightly.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:54 pm
@slapshot, Agreed. I say if he passes all the medical exams then sign Willie Mitchell to replace Odie and we will see which of the young puck movers from Manchester is ready for the show. If you remember last year, Martinez made the big club outta training camp then on opening night vs Phoenix he was torched ! Hopefully someone will be ready this season.

[Reply]
LucLivesOn! says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:19 pm

Ok people enough already!! Why ASSUME the worst?? Kovi’s camp hasn’t said a word, the Kings aren’t saying anything. hmmmmm You think that maybe DL is trying to put MULTIPLE deals together ALONG with Kovi to make sure he has the cap space? Maybe it’s DL that has asked for a couple of days to put something else together!! Kovi knows what is happening in NJ and he KNOWS that Washington, Pittsburg and possibly Philly are better than the Devils. DL tried to get Hamhuis and Martin but no luck. At least DL didn’t go after O’Sullivan or Jokeagain So relax enjoy the 4th and next week get ready to buy your new Kovi Jersery I guarantee it!!

[Reply]
Shawn Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
@LucLivesOn!,

Looks bad. Kovi is all about the cash.

[Reply]
Moondoggie says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:55 pm

@Foghorn Leghorn, Hope you enjoy the Isle Kovi! Good luck on that new arena tho…..

[Reply]

Long weekend?

336 Comments

Leave a Reply

LATEST NEWS

RULES FOR BLOG COMMENTING

SOCIAL MEDIA

Kings Links

ABOUT THIS BLOG

Bio

SEARCH THE BLOG

NHL TEAM COVERAGE

RSS FEED

Archives

POST CATEGORIES

Recent Comments