Enjoy your grilling « LA Kings Insider

Enjoy your grilling

Posted by Rich Hammond on 3 July 2010, 7:23 pm

No news on the Koval-stakes today, to little surprise, and it would be very surprising to see anything happen tomorrow, on a Sunday and a holiday. It’s a Monday finish at the Indianapolis 500! (Or Tuesday…or…well, you get the idea.) The Kings are still very much in the race, of course, but there’s simply no update to give. There’s no news. In the unlikely event of any news tomorrow, I’ll certainly be on it.

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129 Comments

Stonewall says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:27 pm

The grilling’s started tonight! (as well as the fireworks if you’re out my way…) Let’s hope for lots of good news over the next few days.

[Reply]
Krusher says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:27 pm

You are the man. Have a great 4th. Pop a cold one and we’ll all cool our heels for another 24-48-72 hours. (sigh!)

[Reply]
wavesinair says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:34 pm

Grilling
–verb
1. to broil on a gridiron or other apparatus over or before a fire.
2. to subject to severe and persistent cross-examination or questioning.

For a second, I thought you meant definition #2…

[Reply]
Dayman Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:44 pm
@wavesinair, Maybe he meant both.

btw regarding Frolov, did DL even give him an offer?

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 7:52 pm
@Dayman, True! Didn’t think of both.

Fro is an interesting story. Very little mention of him on here but for me, he and Kovi not being signed yet are huge surprises.

Not to mention not a single word about any interest whatsoever in Fro by any team that I know of.

So surprising to me.

[Reply]
GloryHole Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:06 pm
@wavesinair, I guess not many teams are accepting applications for part time players…

scvking Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:11 pm
@wavesinair,

I also think these are surprising events. I would also say that the longer this goes on, the greater the chance of Fro returning to the Kings. Obviously, Fro has not gotten much attention on the open market. Either his price is too high, or there are widespread concerns about him. I would think he is now likely to get a 1 or 2 year deal for around 2.5 or 3 mil per. That makes him priced right for a return, in my estimation. But then again, I really like Fro and would love to have him back. Needless to say, not everyone would concur.
Kovy still being free is a big surprise. In fact, I thought that he would be one of the first to sign. There have been only a few teams interested in him from the outset, and I don’t know that his value goes up the longer this goes forward.

Michael Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:02 pm
@wavesinair, Be interesting to see if we do sign Kovy if Fro then tries to come back as that russian bridge )

TRaw Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:36 pm
@Dayman,
I thought I heard that Frolov was receiving interest from Islanders. I cannot back this up, just kind of remember hearing that.

[Reply]
bob Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:18 pm
@wavesinair, You are assuming that the Kings actually want Fro back, and I’m thinking not. If they did, they would have already put that offer out there.

[Reply]
Darrell Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:35 pm
@bob, The KHL is calling..

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:28 pm
@bob,
The Kings want Fro back,just not at an inflated price.I would love to see Kovi and Fro come in as a packaged line.Fro’s best #’rs came from playing with Kopi,and with Kovi on that line,it would be scary.

There are some who scoul at the thought,because Fro’s #’rs were down last year,but he only played a few 2 or 3 game stints with Kopi all season,and he was right back to defensive forward.No wonder his #’rs were down.

Kovi,if anyone could teach Fro how to drive himself to be the best,and Kopi could teach Kovi how to give in to the system.All 3 feeding off of each other.

That’s in a perfect world,and it remains to be seen if we could even sign Kovi.My fingers are crossed,but it could all go away just as easy.

We’ll see.

[Reply]
blah blah Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 2:20 am
@Dominick,

an article about a week ago said that fro wants to stay in LA or if he had to play anywhere else it would be with the rangers. another article in the last couple days said that the rangers were no longer interested in him because his asking price was too high. i dont remember exactly where i read this but it might have been nhl.com. if those articles are true, i have a feeling its very likely he will go to the khl for more money and closer to home.

kingfish Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 3:45 am
@Dominick,
Fro and kovi both play left wing. So they wouldnt be on the same line unless fro changed it up. I Cant remember if Fro played Rt wing a few times during last season?

wavesinair Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:07 am
@kingfish

Yes, Fro did play right wing last season.

kingfish Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 3:35 am
@bob,
pretty sure DL let fro know during this last season when they were talking contract what the kings were willing to pay, thats why there was no deal.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:09 am
@bob, Poor writing on my part. I didn’t mean to imply the Kings want Fro back at all….just thought he’d be signed by now (by some team) or at least have some interest shown (by any team).

[Reply]
cracsin' da net Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 9:01 am
@bob, Keeping Fro at a very reduced contract but loaded with incentives and getting IK to boot would be an appealing situation. Just incentivize Fro with # of goals, not points or assists. He needs to get back to being a 30 goal scorer like we know he can. He just needs to be more agressive. Also, the attention IK would attract would make it easier for Fro to score more goals (If on the same line). Only probelm is of you have Kopi/.Fro/IK on same line only Kopi would backcheck and get down low so that blows that idea. Perhaps Penner and Ryan are still the way to go and forget IK.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 10:06 am
@Kingfish,
Kovi and Fro have already played on a line together and won gold at the world championships.
Mark1967 says:

July 3, 2010 at 7:43 pm

Thank you Rich for all the updates…. Will enjoy the 4th and try not to look for updates online every 30 mins….LOL

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:03 pm

Given the lack of real NHL news today, I’d like to wish everyone a happy 4th tomorrow, and hope all grill safely as well!

And, due to extreme hockey-less boredom, I’d also like to propose a new poll… ice cream centered, no less! Is it Ben & Jerry’s or Haagen-Dazs? I prefer Cherry Garcia, personally. Any comments?

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:06 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Ben & Jerry’s Cinnamon Buns is insane. I could eat myself to death.

[Reply]
renoKingsFan Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:07 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Moosetracks

[Reply]
Nipper Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:39 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Ben & Jerry’s Cake Batter!!

[Reply]
UKKING Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
@Nipper,
There is something about Ben & Jerry’s cake batter that puts me off trying it!

[Reply]
NealKingBoy Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:05 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Ben & Jerry’s Koval-Chalk Full o’ Nuts!

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:11 am
@NealKingBoy, hahahahahahah…excellent!

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:37 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,Chunky monkey is da bomb.Right up there with fresh ice to skate on,and a guitar with new strings.

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 3:51 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
B&J’s chocolate fudge brownie. Sounds like chick ice cream but its damn good

[Reply]
crashi' da net Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 9:06 am
@kingfish, Starbuck’s Coffee & dark chocolate chips is awesome!

[Reply]
Buster Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 11:51 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

HD strawberry sorbet with me.

[Reply]
Old Time Hockey Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I prefer Cherry Garcia also, when the wife goes out town to visit her kids I rush to the store and dinner is a pint of it.

[Reply]
bob says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:13 pm

I actually think the fact this is draggin on is boding well for the Kings. I think Kovi’s agent is using other offers to rake Lombardi over the coals in the hopes he ups the ante. I think DL is standing pat, and I think that Kovi wants to be here…and he has all along, he just wants the best offer he can get from the Kings.

I think if the Kings weren’t going to get him, this thing would have been over already.

[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:47 pm
@bob, Agreed. Otherwise, I have to believe Lombardi would have officially pulled out of this by now. Lombardi ain’t sitting around waiting for someone like Garth Snow to enter the fray unless he is pretty confident he still has the upper hand.

[Reply]
Sydor25 says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:14 pm

Rich,

Judging by Dean’s short answers to the media, does he seem frustrated at all to you? You’re around him a lot, is he just the normal off season stressed or more than usual this off season?

[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:22 pm
@Sydor25, I don’t think I’d say “frustrated,” but whatever word you want to use, it probably stems from reporters — myself included — asking him several times a day for updates when he has no updates to give.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:13 pm
@Rich Hammond, Thanx Rich, for ALL you do. This has been a tough week on everyone, especially you. Talk about being caught in the middle!!!

This time next season when we’re all sitting around celebrating our cup victory, we’ll all laugh at what a wacky summer it was…..

Thx again dude, great reporting!

[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:17 pm
@Sydor25,
I would say, considering this is one of the biggest poker hands he’ll play in his career, its his complete and utter poker face.
To be a fly on the wall in his office would be incredible!

[Reply]
Macdup says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:15 pm

Ryan smyth was traded on the 4th of July last year right?

Could happen!

[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:20 pm
@Macdup, July 3 last year.

[Reply]
Stonewall Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:54 pm
@Macdup,

I was just tellin’ my buddy Dan H. that very thing. No one was expecting anything else then either.

[Reply]
John says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:23 pm

Let Kov go lombardi. No one it worth 100 mil a year. Think about the players that got us in the play offs

[Reply]
david Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:28 pm
@John, No full team is worth 100 mil a year.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:32 pm

Rich, thanks for all the coverage. I guess it’s frustrating for everybody, but if it happens it happens. I appreciate the work you’ve done to keep everybody informed of everything going on in the realm.

[Reply]
Blaked4 says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:01 pm

Nice job on the coverage Rich. I plan on smoking a brisket tomorrow. About how long should I leave a 5 pounder in for?

[Reply]
rlane420 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:30 pm
@Blaked4, 1.5 hours a pound @ about 180-200 Degree

[Reply]
ForumFan says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:04 pm

Thanks as always for the great work on the blog Rich, and working so hard to keep us informed.

I am pretty much resigned to life without Kovy at this point, and would prefer that we don’t do anything rather than give up any key players trying to do something else. DL must be really aggravated by the barrage of questions about one topic, but I hope he knows that the majority of the Kings fans trust in him to maintain the progress that has begun at all levels of the organization.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:22 pm
@ForumFan, I agree with you especially on the progress of this organization. Lets face it, 68pts,71pts,79pts,101pts…progress each year, kinda hard to be overly critical.

[Reply]
Jonsie says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:08 pm

Gagne -no.
Kovalchuk -please.
Frolov -sure.

None of the above -probably.

[Reply]
Sancho Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:46 pm
I totally agree….

[Reply]
Sancho Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:46 pm
@Jonsie, I agree 100%

[Reply]
Stop the Puck Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 3:12 am
@Jonsie,

yup

[Reply]
neil says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:08 pm

Rich…. i think you will get more rest when the season starts!!!! Thanks again for everything…hopefully your employers know that you are doing a great job!!!

[Reply]
Moondoggie says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:10 pm

Man, I sympathize with DL, the Kings staff, Rich and everyone who is a Kings fan right now. It seems that everyone has poured their hearts out into this deal. I’ve been reading the blogs over at TSN and the majority see Gagne coming to LA for picks/prospects; one three way deal with the B’s had Savard coming to LA for both Quickie and Brownie, totally absurd. Regardless, everyone in their right mind knows that DL has put a lot into this, working the salary cap to fit Kovi, etc. And so far, in spite of all that he’s done for weeks, he’s come up empty. Frustrated??? That’s putting it mildly…..

This is the first time in my life that I’ve ever, ever felt bad for a sports executive. DL is amazing but even amazing can’t pull rabbits out of hats that aren’t there. The fact that Kovi even asked for 10mil for 10 years from the Thrashers is completely ludicrous and they had every right to turn him down. And now we’re hearing 10 for 12???? GIMMIE A BREAK. He just isn’t worth it.

The Philly fans have Gagne coming to Flyers West (that’s what the Philly fans call us, can you blame them???) in a mega trade for prospects/picks. It’s a salary dump for the Flyers and we shouldn’t be offering much as Gagne has been injured quite a bit but is still one hellevua LW. Frankly, from everything I’ve read, I like it far better than the Kovi deal which is making less and less sense the longer this thing drags out. And when the Isle jumped into the picture, we reached a new low. Good luck Garth but I hope you don’t plan on winning any cups in the next 15 years.

Have a great 4th everyone. My best wishes to all. Rich, thanx for the greatest hocking reporting in all of sports, your dedication to the Kings and fans is amazing.

And to DL & the Kings staff, thank you for persevering through what has been a truly tough week. You haven’t lost a thing. But you’ve gained a ton of well deserved respect, again!

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:13 pm
@Moondoggie, I concur. Great post.

[Reply]
David Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:14 pm
@Moondoggie, ATL offered the 10 mil a year contract. Kovi rejected the offer.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:29 pm
@David, You’re right, I twisted it, my apologies. However, at the time I thought they were nutz….I still do.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
@Moondoggie,
well said man

Happy 4th

[Reply]
TVA333 says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:14 pm

My sunday is still going to go accordingly:

Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Small pause for beer+hot dog+(possibly hamburger)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
… More beer
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
… More beer
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
…illegal fireworks+more beer.
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
Enjoy your grilling…. (damn it!)
…Sleep/wake up early/Check Blog/Rinse+Repeat.

See you cats Monday.. And have a happy 4th!
GO KINGS GO

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:48 pm
@TVA333, I think I’ll have a beer….No, make that two! Enjoy the 4th everyone, it’s partay time!

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:15 am
@TVA333, exactly. took me a second to get it.

[Reply]
jet says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:22 pm

Kings by a nose at the first turn.
Devils closing fast,
Islanders on a late charge.
Coming off the last turn,
It’s the islanders way out in front,
they look great right now,
but will they be able to hold the shine.
Devils give it all they got,
but are going to come up short.
At the finish, it’s, it’s
Wait, wait a minute, it looks like the finish line is moving. Enjoy your BBQ everyone.

[Reply]
Provie says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:26 pm

RT @Real_ESPNLeBrun: Kings GM Dean Lombardi via email tells ESPN.com “all quiet.” Sounds like the Kovalchuk drama might resume Monday but one never knows

[Reply]
Cynic says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:58 pm

Let Lombardi Rest..

GRILL KOVALCHUK!

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 11:33 am
@Cynic, Sorry dude…..I’m not much into Russian food!

[Reply]
Pumpernicholl says:

July 3, 2010 at 10:01 pm

Let’s say the Isles signed Kovalchuk to an outrageous mega-contract.

If that happened, Lombardi should give serious thought to offer-sheeting Tavares once he becomes an RFA.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:12 pm
@Pumpernicholl,

Never thought of that. VERY intriguing! With 3 long term expensive contracts, Wang couldn’t afford a 4th.

Boy, would that be coming back in spades.

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 3, 2010 at 10:03 pm

The Koval-stakes…… That’s good Rich. Actually your sense of humor has been in fine form over these last few days.
Maybe the one thing that has been missing from the threads is a small bit telling everyone that NBA and NHL free agency both started the same day… sooooo, if none of the nba’ers have signed yet, why does it figure that the biggest nhl’er would have already signed.
Just because Chicago had a good team and gave Hossa a super huge contract right away doesn’t mean that that will always follow form every year. In this case it’s really quite unfair for people to be writing off DL so easily just because They aren’t satisfied. DL is there to do a job to the best of his ability… and that’s it.

[Reply]
R.T. Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:43 pm
@number 6, nba free agents cant sign untiljuly 8th

[Reply]
20lucfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 11:04 pm
@R.T., LEBRON TO THE KINGS! (E6)

[Reply]
MR King says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:06 pm

Have a happy 4th of July, Rich!

[Reply]
Bobby Scribe says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:29 pm

Thought you may enjoy this article about Kovalchuk between medium rare steaks and great beer.

http://www.lakingsnews.com/2010/07/03/ilya-kovalchuks-market-value/

[Reply]
Dominick says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:57 pm

To the Kings owners,the Kings staff,Rich,and all the posters here at Camp Crazy,
Have a wonderful 4rth,and stay safe.

[Reply]
Sergei Prozacutov says:

July 4, 2010 at 12:52 am

Kovalchuk just is not worth it for us.

If he were flexible and would do $8 Mil per for 3-5 years,
we could do it.

But that is not even close to what he wants,
as it turns out.

Forget Kovalchuk!!

And go for Gagne ONLY if the cost talentwise is cheap.

Volchenkov was the guy I really wanted, but he went
bye-bye right away to NJ.

I just hope DL does no harm in reaction to the frustration people may be feeling.

Patience has served him, and the team, well, so far.

Even more patience might be in order here.

[Reply]
src says:

July 4, 2010 at 2:49 am

I believe DL has offered a Hossa like deal, why wouldnt he. Kovi is younger, and has more offensive upside. However, as we all know, we have a budget if we are going to keep the core, meaning, we can only pay x amount of dollars.

Kovy didnt sign in ATL. That leads us and everyone to believe he wants to be on a better team. He hasnt signed with NJ because…..He is not convinced they are a cup contender, they dont have a nr. 1 pivot, doesnt want to live there or not offered enough green. And Kovy probably feels he should get bank (OVI money) and feels he is worth it. NYI: see ATL, 3-4 years from contention and no blueline.

Kovi agents job is to get him bank.

He has had 4+ days to look at the offers and choices.

DL needs to now give him a timeline of Monday/Tuesday evening to sign or he pulls the offer.

Bottom line, we can contend for the cup at x amount over x years. Thats it. We have the goaltending, nr. 1 pivot in Kopi and a good young group, and DD. We have the sunshine, Hollywood and probably endorsements. In our opinion, slam dunk, right?

If he really just wants bank, then go to NYI, ATL or KHL.

DL, time to get tough and threaten to pull the offer. Let him sign a 1 year Hossa type deal (DET) and re- enter FA next year. The risk is that the cap may not go up enough to change his situation, and the KHL may not be solvent in a yr. or 2. DL is sitting in a really good spot. No real competition, if Kovi really wants to be on a better team with a shot at the cup.

Turn the tables DL and threaten to pull the offer-force his hand.

[Reply]
22Sargent Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 5:30 am
@src,

By openly exploring other options, it would seem as though Lombardi agrees and has already started down this road.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 11:40 am
@src, Excellent points, I agree wholeheartedly.

[Reply]
Paul From Oxnard says:

July 4, 2010 at 4:09 am

Happy & safe 4th everyone!

[Reply]
Carolina Kings Fan says:

July 4, 2010 at 5:56 am

Out here in Charlotte we will be a grilling some good meat today. Beware of the NYI. News on the east coast is getting stronger and Wang does some crazy things. DL has led us correctly for years and I trust he will get this done along with some other suprises that are waiting on the Kovy deal. Thank you Rich from a long time fan. Another 24-48 hours is what we are looking at. Happy 4th!

[Reply]
Mendola says:

July 4, 2010 at 8:03 am

Not a single transaction or signing on the 3rd and probably not on the 4th either. Free Agency sucks!

[Reply]
gene cowles says:

July 4, 2010 at 8:27 am

Thanks Rich for a great job. Best in any sport. Please tell DL most of us think Kovi is not worth 10,000,000. There are to many great players who could help this team and would want to play for the kings. To heck with KOVI, he is not worth $1 dollor if all he wants is money and not being proud to be a king.

[Reply]
smitty says:

July 4, 2010 at 8:56 am

Just one question. How can NJ sign kovi for say 10 mill with only 3 mill cap space? Not to mention they will need to resign Zach Parase next year.

[Reply]
David Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 10:02 am
@smitty, Maybe they are just offering a 2 year deal worth like 6 a year to play with Brodeur.

[Reply]
smitty Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
@David, NJ has signed tallinder(3.4),volchenkov(4.25), martin(5) and now have 2.8 cap space left. the most they could offer kovi now is 8.7. 2.8 plus 5.9(10% over cap in the summer) and they would have to lose 6 mill cap space before sept. There must be another team the kings are bidding against.

[Reply]
crashin' da net says:

July 4, 2010 at 9:12 am

Thanks for all you do Rich! Happy 4th everyone. Be safe out there!

[Reply]
hockey jockey says:

July 4, 2010 at 9:41 am

Happy 4th all you King Fan Bloggers
Rich.. very appreciative of all your time..
don’t think you can hear it enough..
I will be working while you all are grilling..
so Cheers..
I have to say the earlier comments about checking this
site like every half hour ..too true!
This is worse then my soap opera on a Friday at the end
of a 6 month story line.. and for you younger collage
guys who got caught up in the soap watching you know what I mean.. don’t even want to hear any slamming
Patience is a Virtue they say..
boy are We KINGS FANS being tested!!!
GO KINGS GO

[Reply]
fanofthegame says:

July 4, 2010 at 10:10 am

I find it interesting the majority if not all fans are focusing only on the money or cap space. With highend free agents there are many more things that are negotiated. You have no trade clauses, player/team options, front loaded or back end money, translators, etc. These little details are often the hardest to agree upon for two parties. From what I have read over Lombardi’s time is he is not willing to give a no trade clause. That could be (all speculative) the last piece holding up a deal. With respects to all the other trade rumors you can beat that Lombardi and his crew are actively looking at multiple options on the trade/free agency front. This front office is much more intelligent to focus on only one player. I would submit that management has to paths picked out on what they would like to do if they sign Kolvalchuk and if they do not. My hope if the two have both left negotiations with about 90% of the term agreed upon and allow the weekend for both parties to figure out what two are willing to bend on.

[Reply]
waxieman says:

July 4, 2010 at 10:27 am

Thanks Rich for all you do. Happy 4th too everyone. I trust what DL is doing. We don’t want too be in the same position that the Hawks are in and loose key players down the road. DL will not throw away 4 years of building for one player. Remember right fit, right attitude. Proud too be a King. Kovy ?

[Reply]
just a gigolo says:

July 4, 2010 at 10:40 am

This thing will get done when it is done.
That is my yogi of the day for the 4th of July.
I trust in DL and will be happy with the team we have come Sept.22.
One thing I don’t care for is giving kovi a 10 year deal and having a 35 years old and I mean 35 years old on our team making 10 mil a year.

[Reply]
Garrett says:

July 4, 2010 at 11:53 am

Been reading the site for two days now, so I thought I would do the same thing as everyone else… just cause I’m bored as hell.

First, Rich – thanks man for everything. I know you get that a lot – but the Kings got me through some bad times as a kid (father killed himself, mom died of cancer when I was 13 & 14 yrs. old), so I’m very tied to them. Now with my own son, it’s a religion in the house.

Year after dad passed, the kings went to the Finals. I lived and died with every call from Bob / Jim. So this means a lot to many of us, past just being a game. Thank you for all the coverage to us crazy Kings fans.

So to the rest of the crowd bored on here…. who is your all time favorite KIng?

I’ll start if off. . . though it is impossible to pick just one and Gretz is my fav hockey player, when it comes to the Kings…

Bernie Nicholes! Loved the “Pumper Nichole” when I was a kid!

[Reply]
USCG Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
@Garrett, Getting Ziggy with it Palffy

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
@USCG,

Still wearing my Deadmarsh cap. My wife keeps threatning to burn it.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
@Garrett, Robitaille.

[Reply]
Eric K Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
@Garrett, I’ll go with Eric Belanger or Mattias Norstrom. Being twenty years old, I haven’t seen too much, but I think someone else will grab that title soon.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
@Garrett, I actually think it might be Doughty. He is the most exciting player in LA since Deadmarsh and he’s just beginning. He will own this town before it’s all said and done.

[Reply]
KingsFan19 Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
@wavesinair,

Butch Goring..Hands down my favorite of all time. In a time when the Kings were usually good enough to make it into the first round, and then nothing more…He was the Kings first star. Closely followed by Robitaille and then Vachon, in my LA Kings hockey loving heart. Now it is Doughty…the kid amazes me. He is followed by Simmonds.

[Reply]
Lime says:

July 4, 2010 at 12:43 pm

# 32
Kelly
Hrudey

Favorite active King…you guessed it # 32

[Reply]
Miller29 says:

July 4, 2010 at 12:44 pm

While I loved the stars we’ve had, my favorite players were guys like Jay Miller, Marty McSorley, Warren Rychel, Tiger Williams etc..They brought a lot of fun and passion to the game and they down to earth, approachable people.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
@Miller29, That was a fun bunch indeed! I can remember, when Tiger came to the Forum with the Leafs & Canucks, the fans would yell “Kill the Tiger”. But when he played with the Kings, he played with such passion, he was so aggressive and would always defend his teammates, regardless of the cost. That was a fun bunch of guys…..

[Reply]
Todd M. says:

July 4, 2010 at 12:48 pm

I know it’s the 4th of July…nothing will happen…why am I still checking this Blog every 15 minutes???

LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!1

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
@Todd M., Because you’re an addict like the rest of us. Kings junkies, strung out and looking for just a little taste. Please man, just a taste! I’m good for it man!

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@wavesinair, Isn’t that the truth??? *LOL*

[Reply]
Jonsie says:

July 4, 2010 at 1:15 pm

Favorite King:

Blake when he was good.

Runner up:

Lappy.

[Reply]
Real 9 Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
@Jonsie,
good idea! let’s continue with favorites….

Butch Goring [Goring & Nevin on th PK]
Rogie Vachon, Dan Maloney, Terry Harper,
Ralph Backstrom….many more…
but Luc Robitaille stands alone!
current team – Wayne Simmonds….

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
@Real 9, Current team i’ll go with Kopi.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
@Jonsie, I loved the Triple Crown Line. When those guys would hit the ice, you knew something good would happen every time. Their chemistry was uncanny; they always knew where each other were on the ice; in that regard I thought they were better than Gretzky & Kuri. And on the PP, forget it….they always scored. That was an amazing line, one of the best the NHL has ever seen. The only problem?? No defense. The Kings would win a lot of games by 6-5, 7-6 scores. And they lost a lot by the same scores too…..

[Reply]
Copper10-8 Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
@Jonsie

Dave “Tiger” Williams

Bernie Nicholls

Tomas Sandstrom

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
@Moondoggie,Allison,Deadmarsh,and Palfy.When they were healthy they were a sight to behold.

[Reply]
Todd M. says:

July 4, 2010 at 1:51 pm

#99 with Luc a close 2nd

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
@Todd M., No denying it, #99 was the best. We’ve had so many truly great players, when you look at who’s played for the Kings and for how long the team has been in the league, it is truly amazing they haven’t won a cup, not yet anyway. But we’re getting closer….finally!

[Reply]
wavesinair says:

July 4, 2010 at 2:37 pm

Kovalchuk’s acting now! Anyone wanna go to the movies? Happy 4th all!

http://deepinsidethekings.com/2010/07/04/kovalchuk-shines-in-debut/

[Reply]
B says:

July 4, 2010 at 2:44 pm

According to Helen Elliott’s twitter IK says no to the Kings

[Reply]
Chris P. Bacon says:

July 4, 2010 at 2:48 pm

Helene Elliot is reporting Kovalchuk rejects Kings’s offer

http://twitter.com/helenenothelen

******* ****

[Reply]
Mike R Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
@Chris P. Bacon, ouch! not good. if he wants a max deal, i’m glad the kings didn’t cave. 10 years at 10 per is too much, though i have no idea what the kings offer was…

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
@Chris P. Bacon,

I just saw that, too.

[Reply]
brandyn Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
@Danielle,

That is it then. Good way to make the 4th of July suck now.

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
@brandyn,

Yes and no. If Kovalchuk wanted $10 million a year, then screw him. No one is worth that.
Sydor25 says:

July 4, 2010 at 2:54 pm

[Reply]
Scotti75 says:

July 4, 2010 at 2:59 pm

Gagne is intruiging but with the concussions it’s like Jason Allison all over again. Pay Kovy!

[Reply]
Ari says:

July 4, 2010 at 3:03 pm

Guys for all who think Lombardi is so amazing. I want you guys to see below what he has done and judge logically.

Pros:
1. Drafted Doughty (He was the consensus number 2 pick. Any GM would have drafted him)
2. Traded for JJ (Granted a very good trade)
3. Drafted Simmonds (A very good 3rd line player and a great character guy)
4. He is a good talker and has the ability to manipulate the fans (Don’t know if this is a pro or a con!)

Cons:
1. Brought in Crawford
2. Brought in Cloutier to a big contract
3. Decided Gaborik was not worth the money (Gaborik went on to sign with the Rangers, put up 42 goals last year. Probably deserved more according to his performance last year. If we would have had him last year we probably would have gone farther in the playoffs, as we lacked 5-5 scoring)
4. Traded Cammalleri for a pick. Then used the pick on the wrong player (Not only is it bad enough that he traded a potential 40 goal scorer he used the pick to draft Tuebert instead of Myers… A decision that he has to be held responsible for)
5. Signed Players like Nagy, Handzus (Middle market players not worth the price tag)
6. Drafted Thomas Hickey (A undersized player who probably doesn’t have the durability to play in the nhl. Best case scenario he is a Lubo Vishnovski type player)
7. Playing chicken with Kovalchuk (He is the perfect fit for the Kings. I’m not saying to give him 10m per year for 10 years but to give him 7m for 5 years is an insult. He is clearly worth more and Lombardi should give him a fair contract rather than play chicken with him….8-8.5M per year for 7 to 8 years is fair and what the kings should sign him for. I don’t know if this is lombardi’s fault or the cheap ownership. Please give me your thoughts. I am not saying Lombardi is a bad gm, what I am saying is lombardi is way overrated… Mark my words Lombardi will fail at signing Kovalchuk… We all realistically know that

Lastly, we should all realize that picks like Kopitar, Frolov, Quick were all draftees of Taylor not Lombardi

[Reply]
Kevin Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
@Ari,

I will give you, 1 and 2. I wouldnt have given Gaborik that many YEARS. Cammi was GONE no matter what. Did you know Myers was going to be a stud? Other GMs didnt.
When he signed Nagy and Zus, who would you have had play? Zus has been an MVP for us, so thats a TERRIBLE point. Jury is still out on Hickey. Do you know what we offered Kovalchuk? Maybe he just didnt want to be here. Remember Drury was reported to want to be here and he went to NY. you have no idea. I wouldnt give him 10. I wouldnt feel good about 8. Guy is a winger. Lets get the kids locked up and make sure Schenn can be our #2 center before we go throwing 10 million around.

[Reply]
Steve McQueen says:

July 4, 2010 at 3:04 pm

Lombardi will be gettin’ some serious grilling around here if what Elliotts’ reporting about Kovi not signing is true.

[Reply]
Kris says:

July 4, 2010 at 3:05 pm

I’ll repeat what I just tweeted here…

“Not entirely disappointed about Kovalchuk. Would have been nice but would have financially handcuffed us. #LAKings #Kovalchuk”

[Reply]
jjosh61 says:

July 4, 2010 at 3:05 pm

LA Times is report Kovalchuk has turned down the Kings

[Reply]
RenokingsFan says:

July 4, 2010 at 3:12 pm

I Can’t stand Helene Eliotte. Still waiting for this to be confirmed by a RELIABLE source. So Rich is this true?

[Reply]
Steve S. says:

July 4, 2010 at 3:15 pm

The suspense was exciting while it lasted…looks like it is time to move on…

[Reply]
McDonalds says:

July 4, 2010 at 3:15 pm

so that’s it…

Well, he must be asking for a ridiculous amount of money then.

Now DL’s got a difficult task ahead of him. Signing Kovalchuk would’ve been a lot easier than now going out and trading for people.

Do we take another look at Frolov again? Case right now we have Smyth…and Richardson, who is great, but not second line material.

I’m a worried, but confident that DL will get something done

[Reply]
Steve McQueen says:

July 4, 2010 at 4:03 pm

Cue all the Lombardi haters in 3…2…1…

[Reply]
TiredOfIt says:

July 4, 2010 at 6:45 pm

If Kovalchuk and Frolov get to play on the same line can u imagine the nicknames for that? LOL

[Reply]

Enjoy your grilling

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