I’m not even certain if this qualifies as news anymore. At this point, I’m truly confused as to what qualifies as news. But in response to my semi-rhetorical question about Ilya Kovalchuk’s “choices,” Dean Lombardi responded with, “We are not a choice.” So take that for what it’s worth, and my apologies to those who are tired of reading about the whole mess…
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i’m never wasting my time watching free agent frenzy on TSN ever again.
[Reply]
Qmungous Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
@mike, til next summer!
[Reply]
Darko Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
@Qmungous, We have made it this far with DL, this is no time to doubt him. There simply isn’t a better GM around-Holland-than DL. He knows what we need, and he knows what needs to be done. This team is succesful because of its architect! ! !
[Reply]
Qmungous Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
@Darko, that was a sarcastic reply to mike btw
mike Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:16 am
@Qmungous,
haha! yeah your probably right! so sad!
[Reply]
Haha. This whole thing is just odd. Hang in their Rich!
[Reply]
your the man rich. Seems like nobody is more pissed than lombardi
[Reply]
Stop the Puck Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
@lostjedi,
too darn bad, he has control over that!
[Reply]
Tmik Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
@Stop the Puck,
Negative. He only has partial control.
He can make an offer, or accept a counter offer.
Kovalchuck has to either accept or make a counter.
He has no control over Kovi’s Counters and decisions.
[Reply]
Stop the Puck Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
@Tmik,
seems like every other GM has more control than DL then, because our ability to lure FA has yielded such stars as ladislav nagy, kyle calder, and tom preissing. everyone latches onto this hossa thing and assumes everyone is against LA cos they dont contend. well, at the time hossa had to make a choice, the kings sucked! if DL offered the prime FA’s every year the amount he ended up signing for with whatever team it is, we would be successful in that regard. he just wont pay the $$ it requires. attribute it to whatever you want, but other crap teams can lure stars by paying what it takes
lakingsfan19 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
@lostjedi,
Lombardi pissed? Maybe he should of offered a better contract than 6.5 for 13 years. What do you all think Doughty is going to do when he gets a ridiculous contract offer like that from Lombardi?
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
@lakingsfan19,
The very reason it was $6.5M a year (& who’s to say we weren’t going to pay him $3.5M a year when he was freaking FORTY?!)is so DL does NOT have to nickle and dime Doughty, Johnson, etc.
[Reply]
Anonymous Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:13 am
@lakingsfan19, deans offer was 8.45 for 13 years, cap hit would be 6.5, a year, kovi wants a shorter contract, thinks he can sign another big deal when he’s 35 good luck, DL offer was more than fair, I don’t want him at a 9 mil a year cap hit.
[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
@lostjedi, I believe you’re right…..
[Reply]
Yikes! I need therapy.
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
@tbrads, In response to many recent fan posts, from just the last few days..
You, my friend; are not alone.
gkg!
[Reply]
So what’s next in the plan for DL?
[Reply]
Bob Bobson Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:01 am
@Airwaves, This is the most important question now. No Kovalchuk and depending on who you ask, no Gagne either. Who is left in the FA market? Kariya? Back to Frolov? While pursuing Kovalchuk even a lot of the 2nd tier FA’s were snatched up. Interesting that some guys like Fro and Ponikairovsky are still available. Maybe they end up going to the KHL?
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Fro & Poni are using the KHL as a bluff, but it is actually lowering there value if they want to stay here as teams spend there money.
DL has built the Kings to be 1 player away with a system loaded with prospects. We were hurt by length injuries to Williams and Smith last year and the prospects did a good enough job to keep us well in the hunt for home ice in the first round. It was when Smith ran out of gas and Williams came back, but was out of sync, and Quick fatigued from too many games/first born baby that the Kings slumped. We still made the playoffs. So lets break it down. We are minus
OD ok big loss solid D man with pk value, Halpren & Ivanans no biggy, Modin he helped but was only with us 15 games and we may still sign him, Frolov worst year of his career and we could resign him. Obviously no body is kicking down the door for the any of those 3.
Pluses even if we do nothing in UFA or trades we bring in Bernier, Schenn, Clifford/Moller/Kozun, Johan Fransson(replacing Jones), Westgarth, and Drewiske/Muzzin/Hickey/Desauliers/Harold the influx of prospects will probably give us more than what we will be losing. We can evaluate what are weakness is and make a trade during the season. For all we know Clifford or Schenn will be 20+ goal guys, and Fransson who has been spectacular in the Swedish Elite League will make a smooth transition to the NHL. We could be much better than last year without doing anything big. I fact, I believe if we have JJ continue to improve and have a 4th D man step up and play 18-20 solid minutes a game Greene/Fransson steps up or UFA/Trade we will be better than last year. Also look around the Division and look at whats going on. SJ, Phx, Ana, Dal all have gotten weaker. Why blow things up when we can be better or in the same position next year and get one of the great UFAs next year which includes Semin, Thorton, Richards, etc see link http://www.nhlnumbers.com/freeagents.php?team=none&pos=none&summer=2011&status=ufa&type=none
[Reply]
Good, we don’t want him anyway… Don’t let the door hit you on the way out… I hope your wife freezes her ass off back east while I decide which pair of shorts to wear…
[Reply]
Tyler Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
@Jay Wells Fan, That’s right man I like that one
[Reply]
Mendola Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:21 am
HA!
[Reply]
Sounds like he’s confirming what was said before. LA is out of the Kovalchuk sweekpstakes. Sounded pretty straight forward to me…
[Reply]
time for another open forum except for no questions about Kovi and related fa….
[Reply]
badgoltending Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
@neil,
hahaha agreed, wonder how many questions and comments; would start with “now what do we do since ________ is out of the equation”.
fill in the blank with whoever comes to mind king fans.
kovalchuck/ lecavalier/ gagne/ kaberle/
[Reply]
That is newsworthy. Thanks for keeping those of us that still had hope apprised.
It would be interesting to know whether the interest in Gagne is for real or not. If not, why not? 30 year old proven scorer and playoff performer. Not a bad option at all.
[Reply]
Rlane420 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
@UpperV, Because he wont play for free.
[Reply]
All that means is that since IK rejected our last offer, they must come back to DL with a proposal. It could be the exact same offer, but it has to come from them. DL will not be making any proactive moves. If IK wants to play here he now has to negotiate with DL. Slim to none, but until the ink is dry with someone there is still a chance.
“What was all that one in a million talk?”
[Reply]
Ugh.
Gagne? Please no…
Bobby Ryan? Aint gonna happen.
Who else is there out there that is a 1st line LWer that isn’t untouchable on their team? No one.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@Cook: “Who else is there out there that is a 1st line LWer that isn’t untouchable on their team?”
Gagne.
[Reply]
Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:28 am
@John,
Mighta missed the “please no…” part.
I would have to agree. Not another aging, injury prone winger. Plus when him and Williams leave, who is going to replace them up front? Free agent signings?
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:20 am
@Traded for a Pick,
He averages 66 games a season & he’s only 30. He has character & is a leader…& can score. Acquiring him would cost us very little. We’re developing players in our own system that will be ready to replace veterans very soon.
Ah, but there’s only one choice: The one Kovy makes. Does this mean we’re still an “option”?
LOL
I quit.
[Reply]
Hey frolov, we’re sorry. Come back? Please?
[Reply]
crownme87 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
@GoKings,
LOL pretty please? We’ll throw in some free Bors and Armani gift cards!
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
@GoKings,
Classic!
Sign him for a year, label him as a potential 35 goal scorer and announce that he’s Russian, too!
[Reply]
Who Knows? Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
@USHA#17, But he is all that.
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
@Who Knows?,
Except the part about 35 Goal Scorer…that for consumer consumption and face saving
luc20rules Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
@USHA#17, That Russian thing just means he can ask more than what Kovi was offered by DL, because the KHL is just crazy.
[Reply]
Hey, Rich; and whoever else reads this post…spending the money- that kind of money- on one guy is simply not practical.
The Islanders made the same blunder before- locking up a net minder for big bucks and big time.
Anything can happen in those years, and the team is screwed to pay for the remainder of the salary- or have to have it arbitrated, or any other road block they can come up with.
No- the Kings did well to leave well enough alone.
enough is enough, and that settles that.
The Kings should have some people graduate this year from the minors, and not trade them away for Simon Gagne either, who will not be around with his histoy of injuries.
it’s a shame they cannot unload Justin Williams, which proves my point over and over again. I mean, yes, he die well until Anze Kopitar fell on his legs, breaking one. I cannot understand how he skates at all- the same thing happened to Charlie Simmer and he was simply not the same skater.
Dean was not a genius to go with this guy in the first place, and now O’Sullivan will come back to haunt us over and over again in Phoenix.
For what it is worth,
Your Little Danny Boy
[Reply]
Tmik Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
@Danny Ingamells,
Sully will not come back to haunt us.
Sully failed out in Oiltown, he’ll fail out in the desert
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
@Tmik,
He’s not gonna fail in the Desert because…Phoenix already cut him lose.
It was cheaper for Phoenix to trade for O’Sullian dump him then it was to buy out the guy they sent to the Oilers.
Talk about a player’s stock tanking…
The only thing haunting O’Sullivan is not seeking therapy, sooner…
[Reply]
fsanford Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
@Danny Ingamells, In terms of haunting O’Sullivan is the equivalent of Casper the Ghost, there is a reason a guy is on his 4th team in a short NHL career.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
@fsanford,
The main reason Sully left LA is because he was a punk. It was Sully first, second and third. He didn’t care about the team. Now he moves on. If he beats every so often, oh well this happens in the NHL.
[Reply]
David Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
@Danny Ingamells, Umm… PHX bought out Sully…
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
@David,
Oh yea… Too bad.
[Reply]
so i am thinking we need to go try and get Zherdev and bobby ryan they would be great assets to the best team in the league
[Reply]
Gabby Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
@21kings,
No way does Dean touch Zherdev. That guy is a head case. He’s the poster child of “character issues.”
[Reply]
21kings Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
@Gabby,
i was thinking a short term contract i just think he could help a bit
[Reply]
Mendola Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:30 am
There is a ton of teams reported to be intrested in Bobby Ryan. I heard Toronto, Buffalo, St. Louis, and now LA too. It’ll be interesting to see what happens.
[Reply]
Let’s not forget that we made the playoffs without Kovy, had 100+ points, and gave the Canucks all they could handle. Let’s also not forget that 5 on 5 and third period defense were a real weakness in that series (though not in the regular season), and no matter what we need to improve to have a legitimate shot at the cup.
DL knows this better than anyone, and I’m sure he is working all the angles to continue to improve the team.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
@ForumFan,
The 5 on 5 issue is what I would call coaching issue.TM will have a good 6 to 7 months to correct.Next playoffs our deficiencies will be different.Adressing them with new players will help,but I feel the system still needs some tweeking.
As our players get better,teams find a way to exploit other areas of their game.So problems we had during the playoffs,aren’t necassarily going to be the same next season.
We do need a top end scorer on the L wing,and a 3rd pairing on deffense,at minumum.
[Reply]
I am glad the Kings are not a choice. And to use Tyler’s favorite saying, the core is intact.
[Reply]
Is LeBron still available?
[Reply]
Good, now Simmer doesn’t have to change his number…
[Reply]
That Ruski wants too much cash IMO, so enjoy Long Island you dope, the Kings will have the cup long before they get one.
[Reply]
20lucfan Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
@Slapshot, Ever wonder why the islanders have 4 stripes in their jerseys????
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
@Slapshot,
Long Island already has 4 cups I believe. :p
[Reply]
Slapshot Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:45 am
@KC23, LOL I guess I should have phrased it differently, the kings will get one before they get another.
[Reply]
Absolutely no need to apologize. Thank you for getting the clarification. There seems to be no doubt now that we are moving on from this.
[Reply]
WOW! Kovi has penetrated every thread for 8 months now.What are we gonna talk about?
[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
@Dominick,
Talk of Kovi comming here for the past 8 months was the rising action of what ends up being an anti-climatic novel. Now we can focus on the falling-action by ripping on Kovi, Gagme (or insert another damaged player’s name here). Let the insults begin. LOL
[Reply]
macdup Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
@Dominick, Bernier vs Quick?
[Reply]
badgoltending Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
@Dominick,
nothing, absolutly nothing. wait until frozen fury so that i can drink my liver away and party with freaks. And…. watch a mediocre hockey game
drunk near to a coma. Man, i cant wait till next season.
[Reply]
gralx Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
@Dominick, When is Crosby a FA? LOL
[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
@gralx,
LOL. Get it done Deano, you’ve got time!!!
[Reply]
Mendola Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:35 am
I heard that Crosby and Malkin could get traded to the Kings for Mikus.
[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
@Mendola,
Ha! Now that trade would just not be fair… Scales are tipping a little in favor of the Pens, don’t you think?
Buster Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
@Dominick,
When the baby is due?
[Reply]
I good with this. It kinda sucks that the Kings, DL and management are getting bashed. I even read a blogger who has lost so much credibility lately that I will never read his trash again saying that Rich should be mad at Lombardi for not letting him know minute by minute details. I think I will avoid hockey’s version of National Enquirer from now on. It always made me laugh anyway.
I am glad this rubbish is almost over and we can move on and make this team better with a different plan.
[Reply]
kjchip30 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
@Christian T, I agree hockeybuzz is garbage….I only trust one man….In Rich I trust….Go Kings Go!!!
[Reply]
I’m really not sure what to make of this…
I’m going Amish until October, ‘kay guys?
[Reply]
Thanks Rich! U been great!
I can sleep away knowing the Kings will win the Cup this year?
Now lets trade are young guys for soon to be old geezer gagne good for 21.
Symth wil get us 22 goals this year, Willams will get us 40, sorry 12 he play half season.
I am starting to fall asleep to the slowist team in NHL soon!
I say do nothing now and just trade at the trading deadline if we even get close to making the playoffs.
[Reply]
Slava Kozlov anyone?
[Reply]
Thanks for posting this Rich. Since the Kings have been linked to this Kovy story for so long, you’re going to be stuck reporting it until we have a resolution.
[Reply]
coach murray comments on the negotiations…”DL played a heavy hand and tried the right way”
[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
@neil, But he will be replaced tomorrow by Hextall on the negotiating first team. Lombardi will be moved back to the second team, and we will see how he does there.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
@rick, lol
[Reply]
DL is a bumb!
[Reply]
Doughty99 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 2:21 am
@HTK,
haha. you misspelled bum.
Thanks for keeping us posted Rich. Apology totally unnecessary.
[Reply]
We’ve lost frolov have not improved anything.. if we stand pat going into the season there will be no 100 point season and no playoffs welcome to mediocrity where we’ll stay until DL Is fired!!!!
[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
@fan4life,
I was just going to post thoughts similar to this, except that I’m not a Frolov guy.
I would like to know what Deano is going to do now? If we stand pat we miss the playoffs next year I believe. I don’t know if there’s any FA’s left who could help, so I’m thinking trade. Who’s going to trade? Who’s desperate enough to take picks mostly for a good player?
I don’t know the answers to these questions nor will I pretend to. What I do know is that good ol’ Deano will be hearing it loud and often if he stands pat.
All this business is no bueno for the franchise, managment, or the fans.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
@fan4life,
Who’s to say Moller, Schenn, Clifford, Loktionov, Cliche, Westgarth, Hickey, Voynov, Muzzin or some other kids won’t fill our 4 or 5 holes for another 100 point season??
[Reply]
Rlane420 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:18 am
@John, Really you think 5 rooks are going to get us in the playoffs and win.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:29 am
@Rlane420,
Well we already know Westgarth & Bernier are going to make the team. But yeah, if they’re ready for the show, I’m ok with that. But I would sign Willie Mitchell & trade for Gagne & then we’d only need 2 other rookies to make the team, Schenn & Hickey.
conspiracy theory…..it all part of a plan to get Kings fans to visit this page during the off season!!!!
[Reply]
kjchip30 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
@neil, I agree….this site has blown up….I think our best aquisition of the offseason will be signing Rich to a lifetime contract
[Reply]
I finally have to put my 2 cents in………….Dean has done a fine job in the draft, building, as he would say, “assets”. It is time to go to the next level. The one thing we do know about dean is he has trouble pulling the trigger on any major deal (see his history both in San Jose and here). We have a chance to pick up a true sniper without giving up any “assets”. Dean said once he got to a point where we had assets and we were a credible contender, it was time to fill needs. Need #1 is a sniper.
Lets’s back up a second now. Supposedly Kovi did want to play here as was stated during the trade deadline. Everyone in the league new with our cap space it should be a no brainer. Lewicke and management said they wanted Kovi.
Now back to present, Dean seems to only want players at his terms, which historically means he will never pull the trigger on a big deal. You need someone with balls to make big trades. It seems we don’t have that person. At this point, management, Lewicke, should call Grossmsn and get the deal done. Management wants Kovi and knows we need a big name and sniper to get to the next level. Everyone seems to worry about losing a Simmons or another player or players in the next few years. What have we been drafting and stockpiling for if we cant replace a Simmons or even a Brown. These are good players but we supposedly have depth and another draft or two before the sky falls down. The kings are smart enough to sign DD, Kopi and whoever else they feel are the core. The others ie Simmons, Brown are replaceable. So at this [point we need management, whose money it really is, to step in override Dean and get the deal done. If Dean doesnt like it, lets see another rebuilding team pick him up. That seems to be his forte, but we need to get to the next step now and a Kovi doesn’t come up every year.
Sooooooo…..Management (Lewicke) make that call and get it done…
[Reply]
Garrett Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
@weequahic68, I agree. Lombardi seems to let his ego get in the way of these things. It’s his way or the highway. That is not how you run a team. He can’t be bigger that the players.
[Reply]
Old Time Hockey Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
@Garrett, Did you ever hear of a man named Jack Adams? Ask Ted Lindsay who he was.
[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
@weequahic68,
Excellent post!
[Reply]
dana Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
@weequahic68, You discredit your whole argument by your spelling. Leiweke, and Simmonds. These are two of the more important names in the franchise. I agree with most of what you say, but please hit the spell checker.
[Reply]
flex Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
@weequahic68, I wish Dl read this. 100% true.
[Reply]
JT. Snow Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
@flex,
One must conclude at this pt that it is either management… Or ownership, or both. Make your own conclusions but something is 100% wrong with this organization. Bottom line!!!
[Reply]
Tyler Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
@weequahic68, Agreed! I can’t believe we just blew this opportunity. With every team in the league getting better and more competitive no team will want to give up a star player. ANyway if trade for Gagne I will shoot myself as that is not the solution. We should all boycot outside staples saying we demand Kovalchuk…like tomorrow!
[Reply]
Daniel Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:59 am
@weequahic68, Horrible idea. Undermine the President of hockey operations? Never let the AEG guys make a hockey decision. Remember what Fox did with the Dodgers?
[Reply]
rlane Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:31 am
@weequahic68, Agree with all except we dont need AEG stepping in. They have a worse history of mistakes than DL. I think DL is great at rebuilding, but cannot finish. We now need a GM who can finish the deal. DL is looking for the perfect player, who would that be….a team first 60 goal 80 asst player who will play for room and board plus some pocket money. Good luck Deano.
[Reply]
I’m not one who is tired of reading about it (no matter how or if it ends). Quite frankly this, the free concerts on Fremont St., “America’s Got Talent” and “Persons Unknown” are helping me stay sane this summer in the Vegas heat with no new hockey to watch. Thanks for all your hard work Rich.
[Reply]
Anyone get the feeling that it’s not about the money anymore, the DL just doesn’t want Kovi on the Kings anymore and thats why he pulled the Kings from any further negotiations. Is it possible that Kovi or his agent may have said something during negotiations that made DL think that this guy is not worthy to be on the Kings?? I doubt the Kings were that far off that they would pull out of negotiations all together….its more like the Kings no longer want him.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
@PakiFan,
That’s what I think. Good take.
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
@PakiFan,
I agree. I get the feeling Lombardi has been jerked around by Grossman and Kovi and he’s had enough. It’s one thing for an agent to try to get the best contract for his client but when they keep making counter-offers and piling on new conditions (I have nothing to back this up but assume this is what happened) you have to end it.
I also get the feeling that Lombardi is a fair and reasonable negotiator. A good contract is one that is fair to all parties involved, lawyers and agents oftentimes let their egos get in the way of that simple principle.
[Reply]
Doughty99 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 2:26 am
@PakiFan,
Agree. DL isn’t playing hard to get anymore. Something transpired during the negotiations that made DL think, “this isn’t gonna work, even if they agree to my offer”
[Reply]
OneTimer Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:14 am
@PakiFan,
I’m on this thought-train too. I agree, and I think a lot of it may also have to do with what Kovy would “bring” to the team (in a bad way.) I’ve read a lot about his play lately: the responsibility, selfishness, the lack of backcheck, the D? Although I’ve played ice hockey for 18 years- I’m certainly no pro scout. Admittedly I’d like to see him in a Kings jersey -but ONLY at the right price (even if we overpay a little), but ONLY if he also wasn’t a team cancer.
Back to the original point though- I’m suspecting that their side has pulled some manuevers which has not made the negotiations go any smoother, nor has it managed to convince DL and the Kings braintrust to want to work with them to give JAY/Kovy more of what they’re asking.
Being in sales for my long career- I’ve learned that not every sale is a “good” one. Sometimes you have to cut yourself out of the profits because the true nature of the beast comes out from the customer, and you realize the future just won’t be worth it. VERY TOUGH lesson to learn, and even harder to act on.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
@PakiFan, Like I want 10+ mil/yr for 6 years or less, so you can’t sign DD & JJ, because I’m not a team guy.
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so called plan A was another bad play by our trusted GM.
plan B=Gane ??to risky
Plan C sign fro,modin,clifford …we still are head of scedule…playoff maybe.exit in 5-6 games…
plan d (man We love our Gm..so many options !!!..So plan D =econo plan =less is more=free hot dog and super size coke (will keep you “buzy” all night ..btw) for all
(OUR beloved) fans..and lines for Oktober…lets say kopi …rs…Who cares man..in November Tm will swich the places to make things interesting That’s all folks.
This is a business man.You have to understand man.In LA we have to be smart with Mr. owners money. We got full house.Good enough.Fans…???…continue musterbatuion,
next year we (GM and..) will play different scenario..predending “we work hard to sigh a superstar,but….blahh blahh ,blahh…
Kovi for 6.5m.(???)…shame on you…for making fun of us mr DL.
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dMan Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
@flex,
I need my Google translator for this….
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Jack the Lad Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
@dMan,
Not even Google Translater could figure this gibberish out.
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OneTimer Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:25 am
@flex,
“buzy” … sounds about right.
Wow.
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Sign Frolov, sign Svatos
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“We are not a choice. We are THE choice.”
ha ha
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I am disappointed that Lombardi has yet to get anything done. Kovi was a real opportunity to add a real sniper to our core. Something that we do not have on the team or in the system. If the deal turns out to be 7 years/60 million then that is not outlandish for a player of Kovi’s caliber.
That would be in line with about crosby and ovechkin make. I am not saying Kovi’s in their league in terms of all around play however after those guys Kovi’s is probably the best sniper out there. I think everyone would agree that the Kings were ready to take the next step. So far his off season has been an F. No top four D and no top 6 forward. At the end of the day only results matter. If he fails to make any significant additions to this team before training camp, this team better make the playoffs because if dont he should be fired
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luc20rules Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
@butchgoring, Kovi may be top 10, but don’t even try to slate him top 3.
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Seems like Lombardi is nicer in how he responds to other reporters than you Rich. You would think he would get back to you before anyone else, yet other reporters already have posted similar responses from Lombardi earlier. I would hope, since your our insider, our GM would give you some respect and the news first. Just doesn’t seem like Lombardi feels the same way..
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lakingsfan19 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
@lakingsfan19,
I feel bad for you today Rich. Not only was it was a slp in your face, it was a slap in the fans face. A lot of us log on here to get our Kings news, hoping we would find out before anyone else. Lombardi contacting Helene Elliott and ESPN before you, while all of us were waiting on this site, is just wrong. By doing that, he doesn’t care too much about you or the fans. The GM let us all down in a big way these last few days and I am not talking about not signing Kovi.
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Rich Hammond Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@lakingsfan19, I’m very sorry, but you’re assuming things that have zero basis in reality, so I assure you that there’s no reason to feel sorry for me or to feel spiteful toward anyone.
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Christian T Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:51 am
@Rich Hammond,
Rich,
I am very glad you responded to this one. I was very offended that Matthew Berry said almost the exact same thing. Maybe lakingsfan19 is MB. I was so bothered by the lack of professionalism that I have sworn off that website even for laughs.
Anyway, thank you for being a reporter who happens to have a blog. This is why we come here.
You make living in Alaska without the Kings near tolerable.
Barry's Mullet Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:24 am
@Rich Hammond,
I’m also glad you responded to this bullcrap. If I want Kings news, I come to this site and this site only!
Rich, you are the Walter Cronkite of Kings reporting…don’t listen to that garbage!
here is a link with the offer from LA. http://fsp.gs/c6fUwy
i dont care if it is kovi, but we do need to add 40 – 50 goals this season to win the 5 on 5 games we lost!
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I’m interested to see what his “plan” is next. We still have to get a guy who can match Frolov’s production, and then some. It looks like we’re going to have to add up front via trade. If Lombardi decides to sleep through that action as well, we’re not going to be ANY better of a team than last year, I just hope he sees that.
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Dominick Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
@Nyck,
I disagree.We’ll improve just by the shear fact that the pieces in place will improve.Fro’s still an option,but not the only option.I being the minority,never wanted to lose Fro,but like most feel his asking price is to high.
Other than losing OD were still in great shape(unless you think Randy Jones can’t be replaced by a top deffensive prospect).I’m sure when the right deal comes along DL wil do it.He’s taken alot of heat from Kingsfans for not making a deal before.
Kovi is a little different considering how much money was at stake,but don’t lose focus of what we already have.
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LUC20RULES Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
@Dominick, I agree about the #s going down as he focused on D, and WS & MH are D first guys. I just wish Fro would be more agressive and shoot more, but I will admit with Handzus being a screen the goalie crash the net guy that probably makes Fro the virtual center in the offensive zone.
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Jack the Lad Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
@Nyck
The perfect guy to replace Frolov’s production would be Frolov.
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Kwaz Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
@Jack the Lad,
agreed!
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luc20rules Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
@Jack the Lad, I think Fro coming back would be the best for the team and Fro. I think Fro is an shy guy that may not mesh with another team. He is comfortable with the Kings and I think will return to greater production in 23-33 goal range if he were to comeback. He also played good defense last year on the shutdown line. The thing is the deal should be reasonable
3.5 mil/yr for around 3 years, but if he wants big money then maybe just a 1 yr deal for 4.5 mil. We need to have max cap space for next year our RFAs JJ, DD, & WS also UFAs next year which includes Semin, Thorton, Richards, etc see link http://www.nhlnumbers.com/freeagents.php?team=none&pos=none&summer=2011&status=ufa&type=none
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Dominick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
@luc20rules, I totally agree on a 1 year contract for close to what he’s looking for.Maybe even 2.By the time his contract is expired we could be in even better shape to land a sniper.
As long as when he comes back he’s playing an offensive roll.I seem to be the only one who thinks his #’rs suffered because he was playing a deffensive roll most of last season.
We don’t need Kovalchuk. Good job DL.
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ATTENTION KING FANS!!!
After reading an article by Matthew Barry I urge ALL KING FANS to stop reading his blogs!! He states and I quote “Hey Rich, You Might Want to Talk to Your Boss” and then the article goes on how Rich is being screwed by the Kings and DL because the LA Times broke the story about Kovi and how Rich should be pissed off. Besides that, Matthew Barry continues to bash management and has yet to release any “rumor” that has yet to materialize. Rich works VERY hard at this and for an IRRESPONSIBLE “reporter” to bash him or his superiors is unfair and certainly unjust. If readers stop reading his garbage then no one will want his services!! I say that readers here unite and put this hack out of business or better yet, send him to the Ducks side to slowly die on the pond!!
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Rich Hammond Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
@LucLivesOn, Don’t worry about it, seriously. People make sweeping assumptions about things that they have zero knowledge of. It’s human nature, but I assure you it doesn’t bother me.
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Frustrated_King Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
@LucLivesOn,
Mathew Barry always writes nonsense. I stopped reading a long time ago. Rich is the best and we are blessed to have him. I have never felt so close to our beloved Kings!
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JJ Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
@LucLivesOn,
he’s not a reporter… he’s a casting director and former actor who needs attention… constantly… before there was an internet he was the guy sitting at the corner of the bar yelling at the TV that everybody pretended to ignore…
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
@LucLivesOn,
Who the hell is Matthew Barry?
Rich, can you play left wing?
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Rich Hammond Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
Not well, but if it helps, I have no desire to spend any time in Newark, N.J. And my cap hit would be very manageable.
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
@Rich Hammond,
Hahah, I don’t think Tommy’s counts towards the cap. Thanks for being a team player though!
Where's Luc?? Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
@LucLivesOn, He wasn’t bashing Rich, he was bashing DL for not reporting to him first. Rich should be the first text out of DL’s useless phone because he’s supposed to be our “Insider”! Hell, I’d be pissed too if I was paid to report and suddenly I read tweets or blogs from other reporters about info that I should get first. Rich is on the payroll for that very reason. To give Kings fans Insider info first hand. And by the way, DL AND MANAGEMENT WILL NEVER PAY FOR GOOD PLAYERS!!!! Even if we draft great players like Doughty, when they do their time with the Kings, they never offer market value when they become UFA’s. Been a fan for decades and it sucks bad!!!!
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Christian T Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
@Where’s Luc??,
Bottom line is Rich knows more of what is going on. He is a reporter so he knows not to release every bit of information he gets. If he did it would screw the team in the long run because GM’s would read Rich’s blogs before a trade an might decide that we are desperate to make a deal so they would only offer a 3rd rounder instead of a 2nd.
Sometimes the passion that makes us great Kings fans blinds us to the realities of this business.
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Jack the Lad Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
@LucLivesOn,
Matthew Barry dances better then he can write.
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Luke M Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
@LucLivesOn,
Matthew Barry is an egomaniac who thrives on attention. He wants so desperately to create an illusion of status so he created his blog in order to try and feel part of the Kings organization. He still hasn’t recovered from the rejection when they wouldn’t comp his season seats for his 30 seconds of “dancing” at the games. If the blog doesn’t work, there’s always buddying up to unsuspecting friends of young players in an attempt to get access. I don’t think anyone who’s read both blogs would ever have trouble deciding who is the reliable source for the Kings. Rich has actual access to the Kings and does not let his fleeting emotions affect his reporting. If its Dancing Boy vs. Rich Hammond, Hammond has this one in the bag.
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Why do we always get dissapointed? Every year it’s the same story, seriously, I am getting really fed up. I have been waiting far too long like most of us. Why is DL not communicating to Rich more out of respect for him and us fans as well who hve stuck by our team through the worse? I don’t get it. If we have been out of the running for Kovy since Friday then why has there not been another deal for any FAs left or for any other quality player being shopped around before we lose a shot at them as well? What the hell is going on? DL where are you? If Kovy signs for $60 million/7 years then you have some explaining to do and I really hope he just hates LA and does not want to love here and it’s not because you tried to offer 6.5 mil. You have been our GM for a few years now and we are thankful for what you have done however it is hard to be a Kings fan who has loved the team for 30 years and always contemplates the what ifs!? Please make something happen. PLEASE!!!!!!!
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as I read somewhere else earlier today, I think this should be repeated: this should have been an easy sign. there’s no excuse for this to have not gotten done.
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Poor Rich. At least you aren’t racing to Twitter with every breathless non-story rumor. We appreciate all you do. Internet hugs!
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DLB Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Err, having read that crazy Barry theory above, I should clarify that I feel sorry for Rich…but NOT for that.
For Pete’s sake!
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So no Kovi…no Gagne…so what?
Still available:
Kyle Wellwood (still young and only $1M hit)
Eric Belanger (still has a few good years and think of what you’d save in dental bills)
Raffi Torres (still young, but a lot on the books at a near $3M)
Ruslan Fedotenko (30, barely under $2M and can be very dangerous…plus having that Cup under his belt helps)
Marek Svatos (Still young and at $3M is a bargain compared to Kovi…and can be dangerous as well)
Lee Stempanik (26, at about $4M but he was a big part of that Phoenix team last year)
Kurt Maltby (he may be 36 but is not even a $1M and can provide some leadership)
Blue Liners include:
Andres Lilja ($1.5M for a tough veteran D to make a second tour in a Kings jersey)
Garnet Exelby (young and gutsy, and at less than $2M could fit with Scuderi)
Tons of talent out there. May not be Kovi but still decent. Maybe see if Sutter would be willing to part with Iginla if we threw in Williams and/or Stoll.
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hiway39 Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
@Daemon Chadeau,
i like the idea of svatos…could be a fairly cheap reclamation project with a guy who has some tread on the tires still. assuming he’s a good locker room guy of course.
iginla is going to cost a lot more than our sloppy thirds and fourths. i’m sure the asking price would be quality guys on the roster (simmonds? brown? johnson?) as well as picks and prospects (bernier? schenn?).
what i’m really wondering is how much other teams covet our defensive prospects like hickey and teubert at this point.
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A bit off topic, But Does Rich or anyone else know if Pierre Lebrun is a Kings fan….
He seems to be a bit biased towards Kings news (Not that i mind, of course)
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Hey Rich, any chance of DL giving a full statement that will be more then 4 words in the next few days to give us a bit of insight on what happened? Just want to know if Kovy is just in it for the money or if DL really did lowball him. And again, thanks for all the hard work and keeping us connected to the Kings all day and all year round! You’re a gentleman and a scholar!!!
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To Dean Lombardi,
Having been an Avid Kings fan since their inception I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you. For the 1st time ever it’s exciting to think about the Kings future.
Although I’d like to see Kovy a King I don’t want to see him at the sacrifice of the pride that’s being created in being a King. As a fan who has waited this long. A couple of more years isn’t going to bother a true fan in the least. So thanks to you and the upper management for making this fan’s 2 dreams come true!
1) A team of players who take pride in being a L A King!
2) Driving my wife nuts is just a bonus!
PS: Hey Luc I hear rumor your mother in law goes to my church here in Northern California?
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Old Codger Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
@Chris Go Blades/Kings Pennock, EXACTLY! Same here, except my wife doesn’t really care.
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Chris Go Blades/Kings Pennock Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
@Old Codger,
Us old guys have to stick together
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I have been going nuts waiting on this and now we “are not a choice”? Wow this really blows, I am depressed and I imagined this was the piece we needed.
Who are we going to get now?
This franchise is a joke.
Why cant we lure any talent, this is ridiculous.
I cant wait to see what once good injured excuse for a sniper we get now.
We will probably lose JJ and others as they start jumping ship, then we will have no Kovy and no Core.
I have the same thoughts…Again
Come on Kings pull it freaking together.
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I will be honest I had a talk with a one of the blog writers about Rich not getting the inside scoop (the text from DL to HE) I thought the same thing as what Barry said. But this writer went on to tell me that it shows that Rich is Independent. And we should be happy about that. I wish Rich would have had more info for us over the last week but he can only get what DL gives. You know how people are in the absence of the facts they will listen to whoever is talking in this case Matt Barry and Eklund. Read into what you want about Barry who Dance’s around like a moron at the games and makes up shit to get readers.
If I hear “a source says” one more time I am going to choke someone. But DL did blow this GM’s are saying how did this happen? It should have been a done deal.
I dont want one more X Flyer on our team!
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
@Chris Bond,
It’s awesome that we’re all so protective of Rich, who is probably the best sports journalist I’ve ever come across. But I think that the consensus is that people are reading into the whole “who breaks the scoop” thing way too much. DL likely did have negotiations in mind when he contacted Helene, and furthermore I think the Kings organization knows that for “REAL” news, Rich is the go-to guy. He’s already been given pretty unprecedented access. I see no need to worry or complain over this. Like Rich said, this whole Ilya Kovalchuk thing is like watching Eraserhead and trying to make some sense of it. It’s a total circus!
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Rich Hammond Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
Thanks to both of you. There’s absolutely no reason for concern. As always, I appreciate the support and, Chris, I appreciate you taking the time to talk to the person you spoke with. That person is wise!
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Chris Bond Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
@Rich Hammond, Dont want to say who it was but fans know him well, he said its all timeing and other stuff that was a eye opener to me. So he was right….. I admit I was like what the hell when I seen that text from DL, but I understand a lot more now. Keep it up Rich I will buy you a beer this year in Dallas….
Hey Rich,
Is it too soon to ask you which superstar unrestricted free agent’s will be available next summer? It is true, the Kings were ahead of schedule this past season, so maybe it’s not all that bad, for us to think about next year’s free agent class. After all, this time last year, we were already thinking about Kovalchuk. Maybe next year, there will be someone even better than Kovalchuk. Good things come, to those who wait!
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Dominick Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
@PakiFan,
I think all the biggest names have been signed in the last 3 or 4 years.All of them to long term contracts.Crosby,Malkin,Ovi,Kovi(apparently),that guy who went to San Jose,the other guy who went to the Rangers,some other guy to Tampa bay.The list goes on.
As long as were not the ones losing them,or having garage sales(like when McMaster was GM)We’ll be alright.
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McDonald Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:31 am
@Dominick, Chara, Markov on defense and semin as a winger are names that come to my mind. The other big names are center, thorton and Richards
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Dominick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@McDonald, I think Chara could be had by the trade deadline.And it gives me a woody to think what our D would look like with him in the line up.Less time on the ice for DD and JJ.3 scary good pairings,Fully energized,with a secondary power play unit that could score from the blue line.
I’m not sure we could pry Semin away from Washington,but that would make us scary also.Center I kind of would like to stay pat,till we see where Schenn is in his developement.
Character wins championships. IK scored lots of goals for a losing team and pretty much disappeared on a winning one. Let him go.
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nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:10 am
@fourtunato,
That sounds a lot like Frolov
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Do you remember that feeling you had when you first had your heart broken?
I didn’t think I would feel that way again!
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Some of you talk as if Lombardi is the only one making decisions here.
Negotiations happen between two or more willing (read interested) parties. A contract is signed when said parties agree to all the negotiated terms. If one or more key issues cannot be resolved, then negotiations end.
A key issue can be anything important to one party, that can be money or the color of provisioned M&Ms.
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Chris Bond Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
@dMan, I know that is why I want to hear what happend so bad if he really only offerd 6.5 we all should be mad. If IK wanted 10 mil. for 10 years well….then DL is off the hook. Then I wish we didnt waste the time and got one of the other FA.
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dMan Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
@Chris Bond, who cares if Lombardi offered him $6.5M vs $8M? These are meaningless numbers.
Meaningless because we will never know the full extent of the proposed agreement. Lombardi could offer a $6.5M base with the potential for $4M in performance incentives would that make a difference to you? Should the player meet those performance goals, his true “salary” would be $10.5M a year.
These are the details of negotiations that we will never know, so frankly 6.5 or 8 or 10 means nothing to us without all the information. It’s just an arbitrary number.
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neil Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
@dMan, green m&m,s only!!!!
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DL is an arrogant a-hole and is beyond me how this guy received an extention.. God back the last 4 years and just look at his chronology of mistakes, mis-calculations, and missed opportunities.
Any other market this guy gets bounced.
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McDonalds Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:25 am
@JR22, Those 4 years of purposeful suffering led us to today. We have a bright future thanks in large part to DL
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OneTimer Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
@JR22,
Or you could just go back 4 years and see how we got to here instead: http://www.hockeysfuture.com/nhl_organisation_rankings/
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jet Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
@JR22, Hilarious
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Seriously why not Kariya? He is only a one year answer but he has more guts than Frolov could ever hope for and is supposed to be good in the locker room.
If not Kariya maybe Ziggy will come back for a year. Nothing like the South Bay beaches in winter.
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Kevin Y Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
@818 west,
That’s intriguing… I’d like Kariya. He’s still a good player, and ANA has interest in him also, which would be just as good (OK, maybe not) as getting Bobby Ryan.
Although the belief is that he wants to go to PIT, and they’re deciding on him or re-signing Guerin.
Not only that, but if DL goes out and signs Kariya, Kovalchuk will say “well I guess they’re moving on without me” (probably in Russian). The Kings won’t sign any forward until Kovalchuk is signed with somebody.
I’d like to see Ziggy back for no other reason than the… crap, can’t think of the word. You know, when something reminds you of a great memory in the past?
Anyway, I’d like to see Ziggy back just for old time’s sake.
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Kevin Y Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Nostalgia, that’s the word!!!
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WE WILL NEVER PAY MARKET VALUE FOR GOOD PLAYERS!!! Even when we draft them, once they shred and earn big raises, WE DON’T PAY THEM, WE LET THE WALK!!! Decades of this crap and it sucks. This should have been a no brainer and yet, we offer 6.5? Hey, I’m against overpaying and all to keep the future of the NHL in tact, but what a friggin insult!
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John Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
@Where’s Luc?,
So mortgage the future?
We gave him a chance to help build an organization, be part of the something special and retire as a King. You want to mortgage the furture in order to win now, most of us do not.
(and $6.5M was the cap hit over THIRTEEN years, we don’t know the breakdown – just that we would’ve been paying him when he was FORTY)
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The buttom line…To get a sniper with balls we need a Gm with balls.Remember this ,I said this several times before. WE HAVE A MISSING PIECE,
A SNIPER. I do not care He is Russian KOvi or ..Putin,black or white….We need him NOW !!!and Kovi was the best choice.We all knew, 8m was fair price for him. WE ARE VERY DISAPOINTED that this team …you know the rest….I STILL HOPE….If not (??!!) then Boycot.I am sure we can afford $8 and still have THE CORE ….if we are serious about the stanley…we have to…DL got no excuse this time. NO MORE EXCUSES .NO MORE!!!!!!!
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818 west Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
@flex, AEG management is just as much the problem as DL. They have fed us the worst kind of cr** for several years now and we reward them with some of the highest season seat sales in the league. I am as guilty as anyone.
WE NEED A PRIVATE OWNER, NOT A CORP!!!
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“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
@Darrell,
If this were facebook, I’d be clicking the “Like” button on that
[Reply]
In Dean We Bust (?)
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Thanks again Dean for coming up short!
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Why have we “moved on”? How old is Lombardi? 14? You loved in four days and wanted him and now you don’t want him?
Put aside your enormous ego DL and get back into the mix.
I dread getting Gagne, who has missed 82 games the past three years — or, god forbid, resign Frolov who, in a contract year, didn’t give a 100 percent — Imagine what he would be like with a guaranteed contract!
C’mon, Dean! Offer fair market value for a superstar and let’s challenge for the Cup next year.
Otherwise, we have lost a stay at home defensemen, a puck-carrying forward and have nothing in return. I don’t see how we make the playoffs next year with the rest of the conference improving.
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HOLY OVER REACTION BATMAN!!!! Seriously guys?!?!? You want to overpay for a great goal scorer? He may be one if the top 5 goal scorers around, but most definatley not top 5 best players in the NHL…he’s not worth more than 7.5 million in my book.
[Reply]
Chris Bond Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
@20lucfan, Most are saying we offerd 6.5 so you know…..We have no way of knowing cuz DL wont say anything….
[Reply]
Rich,
Thanks for your hard work. Your diligence is widely appreciated. I’ve been a Kings fan for 23 years and have had many ups and downs. Plenty of downs! Believe me, nothing hurts worse than to run into a Ducks fan and have him spew “Where’s your cup?”at me. The last gifted scorer that I can remember is Palffy. Maybe the true facts aren’t known yet, but if we only offered 6.5mil/yr to Kovalchuk, I don’t think management really wanted him. Then again, there are many missing facts about the negotiations. However, plan B should have been carried out a helluva lot sooner. Who’s left? Frolov’s gone. We need to make up for his offense (when there was any).
If you read this Deano, a lot of us have been waiting for a Cup in LA for too many years. I’m sick of waiting for us to be a contender, let alone Stanley Cup winner. Please don’t tell us you’re gonna make a big splash in free agency unless you really mean it. I’m really tired of getting my chain yanked every year. I don’t think I can handle another Modin signing.
[Reply]
Kwaz Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
@Dave,
6.5 avg. OVER 13 YEARS. At forty his cap hit would still be 6.5. A cap hit any higher than that, with that kind of term seems suicidal. It seems likely that Dean offered other proposals, with higher cap hits and shorter term, to the Kovalchuk camp. Perhaps Kovie isn’t as much of a fan of the other NHL teams as, say Pierre LeBrun and was interested in a team with a tradition like the Devils rather than a team on the West coast, that may actually be better, but with a losing tradition. How much coverage do you see of the Kings on NHL network, VS or ESPN? Maybe Kovie just isn’t that familiar with the team.
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Here’s one thing that is confusing to me about this whole Kovalchuk free agency/negotiations discussion. Who in their right mind would really think that IK would be asking for anything less than Ovechkin (according to nhlnumbers.com – 10/11 cap hit of $9.538 Mil), Crosby ($8.700), Malkin ($8.700), E. Staal ($8.250), Richards ($7.800) or Nash ($7.800). Maybe less than AO, SC or EM, but definitely not less than ES, BR or RN. So, if the Kings offer was actually made around $6.500 cap hit (as I think has been rumored) then that would put him tied for 26th with Briere, Phaneuf, Redden, Jovanovski. And you can look for yourself to see who ranks 7 – 25. To me, I would be expecting him to sign for somewhere in $8.000 – $8.500 range.
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Brian Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
@22Sargent, So basically, if the offer was close to what was rumored, DL did nothing but insult the guy…..no wonder nobody want to come here. Too bad the Buss family doesn’t get involved with hockey
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John Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
@22Sargent,
All 4 and 5 year contacts.
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22Sargent Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:09 am
@John,
He is 27 years old and this is likely to be his last “large” contract so I would expect him to be weighing his options carefully. This whole situation is an example of what we can expect in the future in our modern technology era when information is instantaneous and negotiations are being conducted with leaks/misinformation delivered through Twitter or other internet sites.
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22Sargent Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:01 am
@John,
Forgot to say that I understand/agree with your point. I guess my point was that on June 30th, based on my age/stats and recent history, I would expect my agent to get me a contract 7 – 10 years in length somewhere in the top 10 paid players in the league. Having said all this, I totally understand the Kings reluctance to go there because of the impact it would make on future negotiations with players on their current roster or with other players they have intentions on acquiring.
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Scootty Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:05 am
@22Sargent,
You have to look at the salary as well. Yes, it’s rumored to be a $6.5 mill cap hit, but I’m betting the first 3-4 years is in the $9-$10 mill salary range. That puts him above Crosby & Ovechkin. That is not a slap in the face. That’s making him the highest paid player in the league.
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Christian T Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
@22Sargent,
He was offered more than 6.5, don’t believe the hype.
Many players do not like the western travel schedule. I think we are forgetting how many players chose eastern teams and comparable or lower prices because of travel. Not to mention California taxes.
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We can all be angry, upset and devastated. However, truth of the matter is that as long as we keep buying tickets (most of the times games are sold out) this management and ownership will not pull the trigger on the blockbuster trade to bring a hockey superstar to this City.
We should boycot Kings games, so ownership gets a point that something needs to be done, that this loyal and faithful fans deserve something more than 2nd round exit from the playoffs after missing it straight for almost 10 years.
Canucks beat us with their snipers and superstars when it needed. We might had bigger heart but we could not jump over our head.
So far, KIngs have done NOTHING, except losing one of their top 5 player for NOTHING!!!!!
Dean Lombardi needs to be FIRED!!!! instead he just got contract extension ……..
I rest my case this team is hopeless.
[Reply]
great points Sargent!
So true.
And another thing, wouldn’t increase ticket sales and marketing offset paying Kovi 8 mil? What’s with the lowball offer — especially when you are saving so much by not paying Frolov!
If we regress next season, it is all on DL.
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Well I’ll tell what I’m going to do regardless of who we add, I will cheer as hard as I effing can wether I’m at staples or hp Pavillion or standing in front of the tv For my kings Win or lose as I have for the past 18 years. I love LA and the kings even if the big names don’t.
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We all just need to take a chill pill right about now. It seems as though some of us are just angry that there is now Plan b, c, or d at the moment. DL really seemed to put all his eggs in one basket but, we don’t work for the club so we have no idea what is going on only pure speculation. The fact that it’s taken this long for Kovalchuck to sign means that he’s considering the options thoroughly, heck I would to if the next place I played would be for the next 7-10 years. It’s no different than when anyone of us is on a job search (give or take a few million here or there) We have to consider is the best decision for myself and family. Money matters but in the end what makes sense to you.
That being said it’s more important to now consider what other options are being explored if at all. We need scoring up front either via trade or through our system. We also need another top four defensemen. Does Johan Fransson fill that role? Does DL just take the gamble with the depth in our system and hope some of the prospects pan out and make the jump next season?
At least were not arguing who we need to sign to play third line minutes like last season!
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We are not a choice. No, we are the fact!
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Corporate owners will almost always go the cheap route.
We need owners who want to win at any and all costs.
Just look at our Staples Center roommate (Lakers). They never would have won 15 NBA titles with a corporate owner.
Also look at the Ducks winning the cup after getting sold by the Mouse Ears to private owners.
Same with Angels and Dodgers.
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818 west Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
@818 west, OH yeah, they just won # 16 while the Kings were at home watching the basketball playoffs.
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This whole situation is revealing more to me about how many of you are drama queens than anything at all about Dean’s ability as an NHL GM. You all act like signing this above average Russian scorer is the magic ticket to a Cup.
Do you honestly think he is worth Crosby/Ovechkin money? Get over yourselves.
Go root for the Rangers, their GM is a free agent whore just like you.
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puck73 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:11 am
@Noble Savage, I am so glad you said that, I feel the same way. Fact is we have improved 4 years in a row 68,71,79,and101, thats not an opinion but FACT! Also, a lot of our core players will improve even more this season, we will be deeper in goal with Bernier on board with Quick and I am sure DL will add a piece or 2 that fits and we will be in the playoffs again this year. Also with all the depth in Manchester that we have we will have plenty of players to fill in in case of injuries which in a 82 game season are bound to happen. In 4 seasons, DL has gotten more talent in this organization fro drafting and trades then anyone we have ever had here so relax and enjoy the ride up the escalator !
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flex Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:31 am
@Noble Savage, If Kovi is only above average,than in kings roster we have at list 18 player less than average…who among our core player can improve to become 40-50 goal scorer???In last 7 years we have onle one playoff and six game only.We have very serios problem 5on5 scoring.This is more than 40 organization.compare the records with Ducks,shark,TB,carolina, dallas…much younger then kings ..what you are enjoyng..??
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Christian T Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
@flex,
I am enjoying the fact that we are not willing to pay Sid or Ovie money to a player that is not as good in heart or stats.
Out of the teams mentioned I think the Sharks were the only one that did better than the Kings.
Do you remember all the doomsday post last summer? Do you remember how unfounded they were after we made the playoffs? We still have work to be done but it is getting done and it looks like we might just get lucky and avoid the Chicago scenario. We will get better and we will be good for a long time. And next summer we will be upset about another player we missed out on. Chara again?
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If I learned one thing in the approximately 1500 kings games I have seen is that except for a couple of years under Bruce McNall — how ironic — this has been a horrible franchise. It still is. Absolutely unable to put it together. I shoulda stopped after 1000 games or maybe 27.
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puck73 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:19 am
@Bruin17, Mcnall didnt have a salary cap to deal with like teams do today. Also, Mcnall was an effing crook and screwed banks out of 250 million. To me he is the same as Charles Keating, Bernie Madoff, and Kenneth Ley. Also, Mcnall let Barry Melrose run the team and tossed Nick Beverly and Roy Mlaker right in the garbage can..in 93`94 and 94`95 the team went into the toilet and Melrose was fired but by then it was too late.
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John Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:02 am
@Bruin17,
Yep, you sure shoulda…shoulda let the door hit you on the a$$!
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Still think DL offered the better contract…approx 85mil over 13 years. Kovi will still make average $6.5mil in year 13 assuming he’s still playing, thats like more than the Sedin’s are making now in their prime, but Kovi will make at age 40! Stupid of him to not take the offer…oh well, if he doesnt want to go to LA, what can you do.
And New Jersey last season 103pts…WITH KOVI Parise, Elias, Zajac, and hall of famer Brodeur, OUT in 5 games against Philly who barely got into the playoffs with 88pts.
Playoffs
5 games: KOVI = 6 pts
6 games: Doughty/Johnson = 7 pts
Funny how some just don’t see the big picture and lay blame solely on DL. Overpay for him and LA could be in the situation where they have to dismantle the team just like Chicago. You say, at least they win a cup…yeah so did Tampa and Carolina, look where they are now. I would rather have a competitive team every season with a chance to win…don’t need a ridiculous contract that will keep Kings hands tied from doing anything else. – example: Washington
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MarkB Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:00 am
@RNet,
You have to make it next year, before we can assume what Doughty/Johnson can deliver pointswise.
With this roster we will not make playoffs!!!
Period.
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nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:17 am
@MarkB,
PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We had a huge improvement from 2 seasons ago to last season. Our CORE..(you remember..those kids he drafted and made trades for that are on the cusp of being superstars?) is still in tact and should continue to improve with maturity and experience. We didn’t just sneak into the playoffs, we earned our way in.
Why the f*** would you or anyone else think that we would take a step backwards without losing any of the core?
[Reply]
Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:49 am
@nykingfan,
Because the Kings have some gaping holes in their roster still…
flex Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:14 am
@RNet, Your math is below of average.
this guy made 7.5m last year and now @27 his prime
you ‘think” he will accept 6.5?????
The way you calculate is your business,the trute is this organization is cursed.We never will see a stanley here.Dl is pretending he is trying to sign. Kovi knows his value and he is not and idiot to accept that.
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John Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:41 am
@flex,
So, what are you going to do when we do win a Cup??! Jump back on the bandwagon?! You really need to check out how contracts for structured nowadays before you assume DL is full of sh!t! I HIGHLY doubt its 2010 $6.5M, 2011 $6.5M, 2012 $6.5M, 2013 $6.5M, 2014 $6.5M, 2015 $6.5M, 2016 $6.5M, 2017 $6.5M, 2018 $6.5M, 2019 $6.5M, 2020 $6.5M, 2021 $6.5M & 2022 $6.5M…
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MIckey Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:44 am
@flex,
It is not like he will earn 6.5 next year.. he will be paid 10 mill for the next 7 or 8 years.. and then in years 9-13, he gets the league minimum or something like that to make the CAP HIT less. People after to remember CAP HIT does not EQUAL Salary.
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Luke M Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
@MIckey,
THANK YOU! I’M AMAZED HOW MANY PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND CAP HIT VS. SALARY.
luc20rules Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
@RNet, Well these are the same people that thought we would have won the cup if we just played Harold over Randy Jones. I think the problem is Jones is not around to be the full scapegoat. Yes, he was back, but he was asked to play more than he should. Jones is meant to play 5 to 6 PP minutes and maybe 2 minutes 5 on 5, and NEVER, I repeat NEVER in PK, 4 on 4, or 3 on 3 situations. He is in fact the wrong player for the Kings as we have Quarterbacks for our PP.
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luc20rules Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
@luc20rules, Opps, meant to type “Yes, he was bad” I hope nobody had a heart attack and thought he was back.
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I’m like “whatever!” Kovi and LeBron, wake me up when you finally decide. I’m going for a nice long hike.
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I need to vent so don’t read this or if you do please do not take offence as it is just my opinion and I am asserting my 1st amendment right in honor of our nations birthday.
Being a Kings fan is too much work!! Every time things are looking up someone craps in our face and I am sick of it. But like most crazed fans I will continue to cheer for my team despite the obvious inability and lack of passion from our management and ownership to build a championship team.
In sports you have two types of teams, the ones that want it all no matter what it takes, and the ones say they want it but never put their money where their mouth is. The Kings are in the second tier with the likes of the Clippers and Cubs, always rebuilding for the future that never comes while playing the passions of the fans to assure the revenue stream doesn’t dry up.
People say “we can’t mortgage the future” and I say bullsh*t. The teams that win find a way to get the stars and hold a core. Yankees, Lakers, Red Wings, Devils, Penguins, Red Sox (that was hard for me to say), Celtics (again hard to say), just to name a few. Even the F**king Ducks figured out in ten years what our ownership has not in 40 years, with the exception of Bruce McNall and the Gretzky trade. That was the one time we had an owner with balls of steel and it paid off and we damn near won the whole damn thing.
Winning is not just about the passion of the players but also the willingness of the management to make it happen. It seems to me that every time the Kings have an opportunity to make a splash someone’s A**hole puckers up at AEG and the deal falls through and DL is either not willing or to chicken sh*t to put his own ass on the line to work it otherwise.
All they do is talk, talk, talk and nothing ever happens. I am not going to make threats about boycotting and all of that nonsense because I am a fan no matter what, and the guys on the ice are not to blame for the lack of passion from management. They are the victims of circumstance and that is why everyone leaves to win somewhere else at the first opportunity. That is why restricted free agents go to arbitration. It’s not because they want a fair contract, it’s a means to an end because they did not get offered a fair contract.
The bottom line is that unless or until the ownership and management both want it more than anything else we will never win a cup let alone get top talent to come to and stay with this team. Players know who wants to win and who only says they want to win. They go elsewhere for the cup, they come to LA for the final payoff before retirement, while there name still has value. It works for them in the form of a check and it works for management in the form of butts in the seats.
A true win win for all, except the passionate fan that continues to wait and hope season after season for 40 years and counting.
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andy Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:30 am
@concussionman02, whoa dude you should start your own website.
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MarkB Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:45 am
@concussionman02,
Great Post!!!
I hope DL is reading this!!!
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sammuch Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:37 am
@concussionman02,
Now, us long time fans belive what you are saying and we are with you!
The only thing is I do not spend a dime of my money to go to Kings games anymore unless they are free form someone! Why! for us dum Kings fans keep going to games and dream of what might be…
I was a season seat holder and I gave up the tickets in 2004. I would be lying if I said I havent paid since… but they lost me long time ago. I rather pay $1000.00 to go see the stanly cup finals then to support these dam owners we have.
30 years being a kings fan and all the lies all the time… rebuilding this rebuilding that, the 5 year plan by Taylor, another 5 year plan. Now its the new NHL causing all this… bla bla bla…
I will always be Hockey fan first and Kings fan 2nd for I love hockey to much to have my Kings spoil it for me all the time!
Last, some of you will hate me for this but! I have been to now 3 stanly cup finals and loved every moment of it! Yes I was there win the Ducks won the cup and Colorado way back! As you get older you need times like that for me to love Hockey. I love hockey and now only wish the KINGS can make my dream come true before I die!! I think I have another 40 years left in me… I hope!
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kingfish Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:41 am
@concussionman02,
Im tired of people blaming DL. We finally have a Gm who knows what he is doing and is and has built a good team.
Lack of passion????
Not his fault, lack of trying or lack of passion or enthusiasm, etc that KovalFuc didnt like the deal. Look below at Cynics breakdown of the offer. Fact is we offered more money than NJ and if you look at the first 7 years he would be getting more per year minus year 6, 7. I guess DL should just try to appease the fans on here who want Kovy at whatever price and sign him for 10 mil per year until he’s 40. DL isnt gonna stick the franchise with that kind of contract and as a fan I am thankful that he isnt making rash decisions. What happens if he runs out of gas at 33? then what? No team will take that contract in a trade. As far as what has been done in the past, yes sux. Lieweekly got in the way and cost us a decade + of being in the basement of the league. its gonna take a little time and some more winning for the perception of this team to change throughout the league, its like a lever thats rusted shut. Got some WD-40 this year and people are saying hey kings might be headed somewhere. Until its permanently moved in the other direction unfortunately we are stuck with a reputation of 40 years of not much post season success. We will have to trade to get LWs but it will happen. We still have a good team.
we lost Frolov, OD (old), Jones (sux) BFD!!!
Bernie/Quick is gonna be in net this year, I like our chances.
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Jim S. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:29 am
@kingfish,
I agree 1000 percent!
IMO, some of the biggest obstacles Lombardi has in luring free agents to Los Angeles is:
*40 years of being a loser franchise (except for a few good years in the early 90s)
*Too much travel (take a look at how close the franchises are back east)
*Perception of AEG (as corporate owners vs private/personal ownership ala Ilitch, Samueli Wirtz)
*Perception of Los Angeles as anything but a hockey city.
Bottom line… Lombardi will always be pushing a rock uphill to get UFAs to sign here. Lets face it, LA is third banana to Anaheim & San Jose. The best way to turn things around is to keep winning, keep making the playoffs, treat the players well, & let Lombardi run the show… and hope for the best!
[Reply]
neil Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:00 am
@Jim S., you can tell how hard it is for DL….MOST of the posts here make sense even if they are on opposite sides…
Management or Ownership? according to various press, LA dropped the ball BIGTIME. Easy signing as Dean Lowbargain couldn’t get it done again…..not surprised!!!
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For those who don’t quite see how a 13 year 85 mil contract could make Ilya happy because the cap hit is 6.5 a year, let me explain how it would be:
Year 1 – 9mil (Age 27)
2 – 9mil
3 – 9mil
4 – 9mil
5 – 9mil
6 – 8mil
7 – 8mil (Age 33)
8 – 7mil
9 – 6mil
10 – 4mil
11 – 3mil (Age 37)
12 – 2mil
13 – 2mil (Age 39)
= $85mil (Avg cap hit = 6.53/year)
Kovy gets his scratch, he may just not like the numbers on the back end, but he says he wants long term. One can only wonder what he was asking for. This is longer than the term I was proposing before (10 years 76mil), but it’s along the same lines. DL’s/Solomon’s is much better with a mil a year less cap hit! Anyway, the 6.5 a year shouldn’t really matter to Kovy, unless he thinks he’ll be worth 4-5mil a year when he’s 37+, but with guys like Gonchar gettin’ paid 5.33mil/year in Ottawa for 3 years with a NTC at 36, Ilya is probably thinking he should get MORE. Problem is, we don’t know what Ilya will play like when he’s 36, but I think this might have been a major factor into why he didn’t take our deal.
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McDonalds Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:06 am
@Cynic,
Precisely
And regarding those last three years of low numbers: Kovalchuk can just retire. He’ll be 37 by then anyways.
So when you take that into consideration, out of 13 year $85 million contract, Kovalchuk could essentially just play 10 years and make $6.9 million per.
And if he were to reire after year 9 at age 36? he could play 9 years and make $7.2 million a year.
This isn’t bad all things considered. Maybe DL could of done more, but this offer at least makes some sense
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McDonalds Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:26 am
@McDonalds,
And actually, now that i’m looking at it, my numbers are way off. Forgot to the $9 million in year 1 into account. Cut me some slack, its 1 in the morning
So if Kovalchuk were to retire at 37 years old after year 10 of the contract…That would be $7.8 million per year over 10 years
If he were to retire at 36 years old after year 9 of the contract…That would be $8.2 million per year over 9 years
This offer is a really great one by DL. We would take a reasonable cap hit while Kovalchuk would get the high paycheck he desires, assuming he retires when he turn 37.
I’m with Cynic. After fixing my numbers, I don’t see how Kovalchuk could turn this down. I don’t blame DL
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flex Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:11 am
@Cynic, You did good job,but..before this guy reject 101m for 10 years(long enough i think),so what do you expect? If all this reports are correct and if Dl really want him,then probably
80m for 10 long years would be fair ,
acceptable and afordable for both sides.
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deadcatbounce Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:30 am
@Cynic, Do you work for the Kings? Is this the contract they offered him? You can speculate all you want and crunch the numbers so they fit your little idea of reality, but in the end Kovalchuk will sign with whoever he feels is best for him for whatever his reasons.
[Reply]
McDonalds Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:47 am
@deadcatbounce,
In long contracts such as this one, it’s completely reasonable to assume that the money is frontloaded.
To call his idea of reality “little” is purely condescending. Cynic’s theory is most likely very close to the actual offer.
But like you said, who knows?
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:13 am
@deadcatbounce,
I do not work for the Kings (Although, who wouldn’t want to?). Quisp would get a math job with DL before me. This is NOT the contract they offered him, only my representation of a front loaded contract that would work out to a 6.5mil/year cap hit. I saw a post where someone was confused on how we would offer such a low contract to Kovy, so I wanted to explain how it was not low by giving an example.
I do not disagree with you that Kovy will sign where he wants. It would be absurd to think otherwise. I appreciate the defense McDonalds. Sometimes, I like to believe that the ‘Little ideas of reality’ have the biggest impact since they’re the most overlooked. The Hossa contract was the model I used to guess what Kovy’s deal would be like, so McDonalds is abolutely correct about the assumption of being frontloaded.
Personally, I believe this could be a pretty close offer to what the Kings did, but we won’t know until Kovy signs and DL can go public with the offer he made. I guess my future as a GM is in the balance, huh? LOL
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Rich,
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all of your hard work. You are truly a class act and we as Kings fans are truely blessed to have this blog to share our opinions. I was a Kings fan before I started following your newspaper blog, but now I am a Kings FANATIC!
As a long time Kings fan, I have to admit that I was pretty frustrated by the failure to sign Kovi. After giving thoughful consideration to the youth movement of this team, I fully support the fact that DL stuck to his plan. He is not going to overpay for any player. DL has a plan and he was able to guide us to the promise land this year. The Kings organization is full of really good young players with “Kings” tattoed on their *sses. It is becoming apparent that DL’s primary focus is rewarding homegrown talent rather than signing a sniper who plays on one side of the ice. I applaud you DL! We finally have prospects that we are able to develop in the AHL. The future is still bright and the offseason has not ended. Do not lose faith….
The following is an interesting read from TSN….http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=326670#YourCallTop
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Something tells me looking at how that breaks down that another 3-5 mill would have gotten it done to add to the later years to make playing hockey more attractive.5 Mill Extra could have allowed at 36 $5 mill. At 37 $5mill and 38 $3.5 mill and then at 39 2.5…this imo would have got it done… the end of the contract looks scary to a cocky sniper who feels he is the best scorer in the league in the right situation which is the west… my thoughts. compare my last 4 years to deans contract….for the sake of 5 over 13 years….come on aeg… come on dean…get lost!
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Alright kings fans, we, as fans, missed out on Kovalchuk, who knows if he would have been FANTASTIC or a FLOP for the kings. Maybe I am a little bit drunk right now, but haven’t the kings gotten people in trades lately? Yes we got Scuds, but you have to admit they over paid for him, just a tad bit. Think of the trade bait we posses, not saying they will trade these guys; Stoll, Williams, Ersberg, Bernier, Quick, JJ, Hickey, Tubert, Bud Holloway (that kid killed it in the AHL playoffs), pretty much all of Manchester could be trade bait. SO MANY OF YOU SAY “IN DEAN WE TRUST” do you mean it or are you all full of s#it? Let the man do his job!! We got Smyth on a pretty sweet deal! Let the man who has been doing this forever do his job! I have faith that the Kings will be back in the playoffs this year, with or with out a big named “splash” in the open market. After all they did kick some major ass and did make the playoffs with this current team. I know Fro is gone and big Drago is gone, but hey Westy is ready to go, plus no doubt in my mind Schenn will tear it UP!! So from the bottom of my heart please stop the DL bashing and just let things fall into place, THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON!!!!! Right now we all as a group may be upset, disappointed, sad, depressed whatever, but just know that the kings took their shot, it did not work out, but hey it could be for the better….I for one will not stop loving this team and will not stop being a fan cuz we missed out on some russian dbag!! All I say is that we say F it we are kings fans we are used to disappointment and life goes on…from here hope for a trade, if not F it we will be back in the playoffs anyway, AND THE DUCKS CAN SUCK IT!!!!
[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:53 am
@Kingsfan4life,
well said. DL made a good attempt, not his fault. Now lets go get a couple forwards.
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Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:54 am
@kingfish,
Uh, who?
[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:32 am
@Kingsfan4life, Sorry, but you’re not going to get a 30- 40-goal scorer for the Monarchs roster.
[Reply]
BringBackTheShieldJersey Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 10:01 am
@deadcatbounce,
sorry number 6!!!
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Interesting. Couldn’t sleep tonight (not cause of IK thank you) but I was reflecting on DL’s predicament. It’s the first time I’ve really felt he was in a predicament and a difficult one at that. Then I saw Helene Elliot’s story in the Times:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-elliott-kovalchuk-20100706,0,5891412.column
Exactly what concerned me wrt DL’s predicament. Plus I’ll add on to that.. yes we have prospects, but w injuries to Hickey and Loktionov hindering their development, I can’t see that the team even has enough ‘chips’ they can use to create a trade for what they need…… and as long as that continues, they won’t go far in the playoffs, the younger guys could conceivably get fed up, and walk at the end of their contracts.
It’s great that DL has built from goal on out, but the problem is that no matter how amazing your defense and all, you simply _ will _ not _ win _ in _ today’s _ nhl _ without speed and some sort of offensive threat, and Kopitar alone is not enough. End of story.
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Here is my trade proposal. I believe NJ is trying to dump salary to get the Kovy deal done, hence the stalling. looks like they need to shed 6 mil + maybe a little more as a cushion for bonuses. We should offer a few good players, prospects or picks (1st round) to NJ to try and get Parise with the extra bait that we will take Elias or Rolston from them in salary (6, 5mil per). Otherwise who in the hell will take either one of those contracts, they are both getting old and have a few years left on their contracts. We could afford this and would work out because we need 2 LWs. Both guys have NTC but it could be done. If we get stuck with one of them last year of their deal and they are useless it would be worth the buyout or waiver to get Parise IMO. Thoughts??
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SRC Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 2:17 am
@kingfish,
They are making a run at the cup. Elias is 34 and Rolston is 37=non tradable plus NMC. Parise is going nowhere, at least not this year.
One interesting thing about the choice og NJ. They er really weak on the blueline. Will be interesting to see how things pan out.
Most likely dumping, Zubrus and Salvador. Not sure that is enough.
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Thanks rich for the great site.This is my first time commenting here so hi everyone i have been a fan for close to 30yrs.
Like many fans i was hoping for big things this year in free agency i understand missing out on the d-men.
But i dont understand losing out on a all star winger that could help kopi take his game to the next level because if we pay to much we cant keep our core players.
Who are these core players besides kopi,dd, quick, bernier.That cant be lost to bring in a proven point producer if in fact we have lost out,help me out people.
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I still think he’ll be a King. I’m holdin’ on!
If not, oh well. I’ll move on.
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I sure hope all of the bridge jumpers who see gloom and doom for the future admit to everyone that they were the one’s who doubted the GM and the team after the Kings make the playoffs again.
Yeah sure…just like last year..you’ll be back waving the pompoms like last year and singing the praises of DL and TM and the Kings team you now feel is inferior to more than half of the teams in the west.
This guy would have been a big “get” for the Kings and probably would have improved the team..at least improve the scoring of the Kings. But he is by no means the guy who will take the Kings and make them cup winners. He couldn’t do it with Atlanta and he couldn’t do it with NJ. He’s a great talent that has never raised the level of his teams play…The way a guy like Doughty did.
I’m sure DL had a plan that would take into account making sure he could keep the core together while bringing on Kovy. I’m thankful that he thought enough of the franchise and the fans by not being seduced by the big name and keeping the focus on the team and the long term betterment of the team. Any moron GM (see Sather)if he had the cap space could have offered him the moon to go there, but they weren’t going to win and would only bankrupt the future. Sather buys up every big free agent and somehow NEVER wins. Is that the way you want your team to be run?
I sure as hell don’t. I’ll trust present management and the direction they’ve taken this team.
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:36 am
@nykingfan,
Hey man. Hi. Nice thread. Don’t know if you read Helene’s article, but I do think there is ‘potentially’ something in it. I think the concern she rightly points out is that to keep our core players, we have to advance, rather than run in place (i.e. first round exits). That seems reasonable to me. So, my concern is, how exactly does DL function now in order to keep the team moving forward. Detroit did it thru amazing draft prescience if you will, Pens via five top three picks I believe, Chic a combination of things (+Pens and Chic both won the lottery). The Kings really only had the one top two pick, and unfortunately when they picked at no. 4 it was a very weak draft class. So how do we address the issues that confront us. I’m personally more concerned about scoring 5-5 and speed. As for D, eventually some of these young guys could slot into spot no. 4 and no. 6 even if not this year.
Curious to get your feedback on Helene’s article.
P.S. Hope you’re well and keeping cool
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deadcatbounce Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:20 am
@number 6, DL has implied in the past that we could expect to see acquisitions through trade rather than the signing of FA’s. There’s still time, but as for the people who are panicking because they’ve done nothing in the FA market yet I’d urge them to hold on. Just because you move some players off the roster doesn’t mean the club is taking a step back. You have to give up something to gain something.
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nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:23 am
@number 6,
Hey man…yeah working in A/C today. It’s the only reason to be here.
I just read the article and I think she states the obvious, but the answers are fairly obvious as well.
Think about it…for a long time the Kings were not a destination that the top players would have considered playing for. We sucked year in and year out and had no plan to make ourselves better in the future. Taylor would try to make trades that would help get us the 8th seed while mortgaging the future in the process.
Think about a guy like Kopitar. He was drafted 11th (by DT..I have to give him credit). He wasn’t a top 4 pick…but looking back, can you say he’s not worthy of being a top 4 pick?
The Kings have just begun building a nucleus that will keep them competitive for years to come.
Last year Hossa chose the Hawks over the Kings..can you blame him? We all saw the future beginning to look bright, but anyone could see that Chicago was a lot closer to the cup than we were. If he truly wanted to win a cup, he had to choose Chicago over LA.
We were able to bring in 2 bona fide big game players in Smyth and Scuds. I realize Smyth was a trade, but he had to waive the NTC before the trade could be made. He felt LA was heading in the right direction…why? It wasn’t because the Kings had oodles of cap space available..it was because of the core of young players and the pipeline that was waiting. Scuderi also saw the Kings as an up and coming franchise. It took a little more to get him, but he didn’t run away from the Kings offer. He embraced the chance to want to become part of something that was only going to get better.
So 2 big name players chose the Kings last year. Does anyone think they would have come to the Kings 2 years prior? I doubt it.
We still aren’t in the class of teams like NJ, Chicago, Detroit, SJ..etc…these teams have been winning for years and established themselves as perennial contenders..mostly by going with their own youth and filling in where necessary. Big name FA’s weren’t running to sign with them before they became great. That came over time.
It’s the same with LA. Our youth is what will continue to make us a better team and the more we win and improve, the more guys like Hossa and Martin will take the Kings offers to play with a true cup contender.
Last year was the first step..getting the taste of playoff experience. This year we need to take the next step and get back there and win a round or 2. We can do that because our young players will continue to get better and the pipeline will continue to churn out guys to help the cause.
If you overspend now and end up losing some of those young kids because of it, we’ll be back to the days of trading away the future to secure the 8th spot.
Improvements do need to be made this year, but whether those come via FA (not likely), trades or our kids getting that much better, I expect the improvments to take place again this year.
Kovalchuk was the big name, but he comes with a resume of no cups. Let’s see how much he can impact the Devils this year and see whether they win the cup because of him. If it doesn’t happen soon, the back years of that contract will become an albatross because guys like Brodeur will be retired and they won’t be able to keep guys like Parise and Zajac because of the cap hit Kocvalchuk will have caused. The economy isn’t getting any better. at some point the cap will be reduced..then what?
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:48 am
@nykingfan,
Well, very well written I must say. Clearly JT Snow doesn’t agree. As for the past, I couldn’t agree with you more. Every single point. Here is where my concern is: Maybe not this year but for sure by next year, the kids are no longer ‘the kids’ at which point the team HAS to make progress this year in order to be able to find a way to get more guys to drop NTC’s as Smitty did, and/or get a top free agent.
My 2nd concern is the following: I don’t know if they have the younger ones ready now to help up the tempo on the ice which is so important and consequently to help with even strength scoring. I’m not saying they do, and I’m not saying they don’t. I really don’t know.
Yes the kids may improve, but the inherent structure of the club in terms of speed and offensive touch around the net are my big question marks. So it’ll take for sure a young one (Moller, Kozun, or someone else) to help with the scoring depth, and also as you point out, for others to move forward. Maybe Simmer to break the 20 goal mark, Brownie to hopefully soften these big dips where he goes 10-12 games w/o scoring. It’s All these little things that will now be put under the spotlight if they’re gonna go further than last year.
BTW, just to be clear, I in no way was complaining about not acquiring IK. I’m quite fine with the fact we didn’t get him as so many have rightly pointed out that one guy isn’t gonna win the Cup.
I think what I was trying to communicate more accurately was that this whole episode put into more ‘relief’ the gaps that are still there for the moment.
I for one have to be honest. I did ask myself, wow, if we sort of tread water for the next 5 years, will Kopi really want to stay or will he test the free agent waters? It’s one thing if Malkin did it, as they still have Cros, or Toews did as they still have Hossa. Obviously those are moot points as those guys are on long term contracts, but am simply saying that while the Kings situation (as per Helene’s article) isn’t perilous to say the least, if it doesn’t move forward than yes, I can see there could be a cause for concern.
Hey, it’s f-en HOT!!! I have to go out for a meeting in a few hours. Not looking forward to the subway journey.
Keep cool.
nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:26 am
@number 6,
Dude, you have my sympathy before going down to the subway. Man, that’s going to be brutal..good luck!
I do unserstand what you’re saying as far as the Kings needing to improve their speed. It was obvious that it was a weakness..as was consistent scoring.
Your other point is correct If the Kings are going to rely on this core to bring them where we all want them to go and they fail, DL must becvome the fall guy. If we don’t become consistent winners, I wouldn’t blame Kopi or other guys to sign elswhere. At that point, the plan has failed and DL will have to be held accountable.
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:10 am
@nykingfan,
Not to be overly sentimental, but I really enjoy going back and forth with you. I like how you think and you’re very open to both sides of the story so to speak. I put on someone else’s thread that it’s a bit of a ‘paradox’ and I don’t know a better way of explaining it then that. It’s not black or white. And it will be the subtle shades and how DL And the Players deal with all of that that will determine just how far this team can go.
But I want to make one thing perfectly clear. Do I think they are on the right track? Absolutely I do.
While there are people on this site who disagree, they are entitled to their opinion.
But I’ve listened to Dean speak and he is clearly an intelligent man. It’s now just a question of how much he understands A) the nuances of the game and B) can Adapt to the fact that in the nhl as it is now, it’s not played anymore the way it was when Ken Danyenko and Bob Probert were going at it if you get my drift.
So, bye for now.
Off I go into the outside ‘warmth’
JT Snow Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:46 am
@nykingfan,
dude……………… DL has had 4 or 5 years to sign a player, SIGN A PLAYER. Who has he signed? Read your post again and get real!. He is now delving into Quick and Simmonds as potentials.
Put it this way, if As other NHL teams have put it that LA dropped the ball, either Ownership is gonna throw Lombardi under the bus or Lombardi is gonna have to be thrown under the bus after this year….
Dean Lombardi will not be the GM of this team after this year unless the team makes it past the first round. Ownership will not be able to withstand the critique if it does not happen. Remember this post.
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nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:55 am
@JT Snow,
How about the signing of Zeus?
How about the trade that brought us Greene and Stoll?
How about the trade to get Jack Johnson?
How about the foresight to sign a guy like Brown to a below market contract?
How about the foresight to sign a guy like Kopitar long term for less than what other guys are getting paid?
Tell me Where do you want me to stop?????
Tell me something….which players were most responsible for the turnaround this past season?
Nobody should be throwing DL under the bus because he refused to tinker with the formula that brought us from the 2nd worst team in the NHL to a 100+ point contender.
Again will you be one of those guys waving the pompoms when they make the playoffs again and praising DL for his keen hockey sense?
If you’re right and the Devils win a cup because of Kovalchuk and the Kings regress, I’ll be happy to stand up and admit I was wrong. If he doesn’t do as expected for the $ he’s getting, will you stand up and admit you were wrong?
You’re right…we all should remember what we post and have the decency to admit when we’re wrong.
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Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
@nykingfan,
what about the signing of calder, stuart, preissing, nagy, and cloutier? crawford? The argument is two way on that front. And the fact the team hasn’t addressed their gaps on offense or defense yet. Hopefully he does. And hopefully the team doesn’t regress.
nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
@Traded for a Pick
Most of the guys you mentioned were “bridge” players.
The Cloutier signing was brutal..same as the Preissing signing. Nagy, Calder, etc were just bridge signings that he knew would probably go nowhere, but we needed to get to the cap floor.
I’m not disagreeing with you or anyone else. We still need a top 6 forward and a top 4 D’man. the question becomes where do these guys come from? Is it possible that what we have in the system or even on the team..that some of those guys can develop into the top 6/top 4 guys we’re looking for?
I don’t agree with the part of regressing. While that’s certainly a possibility, you would expect the young kids to continue to get better as they mature, so I don’t think we should be regressing..even if we do nothing.
Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
@nykingfan,
Good point with the cap floor. Something I did in fact overlook. I suppose I find it more distressing that we had to find a way to unload preissing, and buying out cloutier and mccauley. Crawford was still just wrong.
As for filling those gaps…The FA market is thin. Thin at best. It honestly looks like if the Kings don’t get Kovie, there isn’t much anything else. I suppose they could always fall back on Fro and putting him in a top 6 role would serve them alright. Trades…I just don’t know who the Kings could get elite offensive talent from consistently. And likely the asking price would be Johnson, Simmonds, Quick/Bernier. At least a top 4 defender wouldn’t cost as much. I still think Tim Gleason would fit. I don’t see any of the manchester boys to be ready for top 6 production yet. Parse would maybe be the closest. Schenn is facing a log jam with Stoll.
As for regressing it’s less about the kids improving. They are going to and yes the team will improve that much, but with holes in the lineup thats a whole bit of production missed.
i say go after modano, demitra or madden for vet presence. maybe Maxim Afinogenov, satan, for that 2nd teir superstar
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Boy, I was really tired when I wrote my post just above in the middle of the night. That being said, I don’t find Helene Elliot’s article alarmist at all. I am a big DL supporter but I think that he is truly in a pinch. We need speed and someone with a scoring touch. Other than trading for a guy like Gagne (which is off anyway) where you might be able to get him for a bit less because of an injury history, it’s just not that easy to get the Savard’s, Carter’s, Phil Kessel’s (just look what it took Toronto to get him), etc.
People on this blog seem to think that we can get what we need by trading Stoll, Willliams, Hickey or Teubert and that we’ll acquire what we need because other teams are up against the cap. That Is Naive!
Just looking at the recent past shows that it’s not that simple.
Yes, up to a point it worked getting Smyth, but much as I love Smyth, the type of player this team needs, be it a 2nd line center, scoring winger or no.3-4 defenseman will not land here (IMO) w/o giving up a Simmonds or someone of that caliber, or Jonathan Bernier, which DL obviously is not gonna do. Who knows, maybe he’ll figure out a way to trade a prospect and a future pick to make it work, but he’ll have to be very clever indeed to swing it.
Thoughts?
P.S. It’s about now we need to start hoping that someone like a Loktionov or Kozun can come into camp and light it up big time.
btw, I’m not being negative by harping on the issue of speed. I’m only trusting what I see before my eyes. Zeus, Smyth, JW, Greene, Scuds, and a few others…. for them to function at optimum level need to be complemented by some others who move more quickly. Am I banging on about something for my health? Let’s see, who won the last three Cup winners, Detroit, Pens, Chicago all could fly!! Even when the Ducks won, not only did they have a lights out D but some players who moved with speed. It’s a reality in the nhl now having eliminated the red line!
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deadcatbounce Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:25 am
@number 6, For everyone who wants to get rid of Stoll and Williams, if they’re such trash then who do you expect would take them? People want to trade the guys who they feel are useless to the Kings, but if that’s the case they’d also be useless to a lot of other clubs, too. If I’m a club that the Kings contact to talk about a trade I’m looking first at guys like Simmonds, Johnson, Brown, even someone like Handzus, or prospects like Laktionov or Hickey. I don’t want your spare parts or injury-prone guys.
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:02 am
@deadcatbounce,
This is exactly what I’m saying. We’re saying the same thing. Personally I don’t think badly of either Stoll or Williams. I think Stoll doesn’t have a high enough profile to bring back what we’re looking for. As for Williams, with his now more extensive injury history than he had when we acquired him, no one in their right mind would do more than acquire him for a lower round draft pick.
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The only thing i really dont like about all this Kovalchuk stuff, is he was DL’s main target in the offseason and focused all his attention on him missing out on others. Did he really think Kovalchuk was going to be happy with 6.5 million? Pretty sure most of us known he wouldnt take 6.5 million, he must have thought he was the only legit bidder or something cause, if he really wanted him i figured he would have at least matched his salary from the year before…
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nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:41 am
@kingfletch,
I don’t believe that to be the truth for a second.
He may have been target #1, but DL can multi-task as well.
He was in on Paul Martin and made a similar offer to him that Pitt did…as far as I understand.
Whether Kovy would have been happy at $6.5 mil is not the question…
Would the Kings feel they were putting their core at risk by offering him more?
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thound Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:13 am
@nykingfan,
Doesn’t matter how many FA’s DL is “IN ON”, his track record of landing those he’s “IN ON” is abysmal.
When does DL start being taken to task somewhat for not landing the players he’s targeted? At times, it’s as though he actually gets “credit” from some, because he’s unsuccessful in landing certain players.
When does the fact that he’s still failing to convince players he’s targeted to sign with LA start to resonate? Sure, you don’t want the GM to spend like a drunken sailor, but c’mon, he’s whiffed more the past few seasons during FA than Dave Kingman did during certain months.
It seems at times he’s not prepared enough to accurately gauge what certain players will ask for once they hit the free market ( seriously, if the report is true, did he REALLY expect Kovalchuck to accept 6.5m per after the deals he’s already turned down? It doesn’t matter if deal was for 12-13 yrs or not. ) or he’s not selling the franchise or his plan well enough to convince those on the fence to take a chance on the franchise and it’s direction.
Kovalchuck aside, and as I look at the larger picture, each FA he targets who signs elsewhere, starts to paint a picture that something may be askew in how DL and the KINGS approach and negotiate with FA’s they have targeted.
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5thLine Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:44 am
@thound,
For all of those in the “have patience”, “don’t panic”, and “in DL we trust” camp, PLEASE read thound’s post.
There is a disturbing trend that has firmly established itself. DL may be great at a lot of things, but the FA domain is clearly not one of them. IK or no IK.
Houston, we have a problem!
Scootty Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:14 am
@kingfletch,
He was in on both Martin and Hamhuis.
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Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:01 am
@Scootty,
And those panned out great
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EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
@kingfletch,
I always tend to laugh at this remarks. Nothing personal but how in the world do you know that DL spent all his time, put all his eggs in one basket to get Kovi and was so consumed with it that he wasn’t able to get another player?????
That’s a joke.
All these GM’s are masterful tacticians, who multi-task like it’s no one’s business. To think that a mind like DL’s was just focusing on Kovi and missed out on others is just plain silly.
Now with that said, could it be that while DL was waiting to hear from Kovi’s agent and figure out if he had the cap space to pull the trigger elsewhere, that he let a deal slip by. MAYBE, that’s still a big MAYBE but more possible than he was focusing on one player and let others walk.
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Sorry Dean, but I just don’t believe you. This is no slight on you Rich, but does everyone remember what happened with the Williams deal? Lombardi isn’t gonna tip his hand to anyone. I think the Kings snuck back in there yesterday and upped there offer. That’s my gut feeling.
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We certainly have a diverse group of commentators here, don’t we?
Kovy has clearly been the target or our affection, but we needed to acquire him only in a manner that allowed us to retain our core players. I believe we all agree on that. Rich ran a poll recently where he asked for input on what cap number we felt was reasonable for Kovy. I felt that a cap hit of $7 mil was about right. From what I think we all accept as the truth, DL has made between 2 and 4 offers, but I do not think any of us are aware of what those offers entailed. Cynic provided an example of how an offer actually might look. In the salary cap era, the main aspect is to structure a contract to minimize the cap hit. Cynic used the rumored $6.5 cap hit to show what an offer of 6.5 spread over 13 years would actually look like. However, we have some here who are fixated on the “How could DL only offer 6.5″?. Those notions are simplistic and are missing the real point. I think some of the people here decided that Kovy needed to come to LA, no matter what the cost, without any consideration of how things played out. As Rich said early on, Kovy was the one game-changer, and we wanted him. Unfortunately, it appears that we will not get him. But, I do not fault DL for Kovy not coming. We never knew what was important to Kovy, but I think it is obvious that DL offered a contract that was acceptable, responsible, and could easily have been accepted. That is all DL could do, outside of saddling the team with a contract that would potentially cost of the likes of JMFJ, Simmonds, etc.
This is not the end of the world here, folks. We have not hurt ourselves. We still retain the ability to keep our core intact. Young players will fill some needs in the next year or two, and we will improve based on that alone. Our brightest days are still ahead, yet we still have some cards to play in the next few weeks and months. DL has done his job responsibly, and I think it is clearly shortsighted to fault him or blame his strategy.
Some are certainly frustrated, with another FA season leaving the Kings without a big name. I share that, to a point, certainly when so many people felt that Kovy coming to LA was almost a done deal for so long. But, reality sometimes gets in the way. I am disappointed, but I would have been more disappointed if the cost of getting Kovy resulted in an $8 million (or more) cap hit for 6-10 years. I firmly believe we took our shot, it didn’t work. Isn’t that sports? I can live with it and I think it is time we move on, with a sense that sometimes no one is to blame when we don’t get what we want.
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Jack the Lad Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:34 am
@scvking,
Finally, some sanity amoungst all the insanity!
Great post.
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D B COOPER Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:58 am
@Jack the Lad,
i see the sanity, too.
what did OVI do during the playoffs? a couple of goals and his team went out in the 1st round. Sid, didn’t score a goal against Montreal, if i remember correctly. Pittsburgh out in the 2nd round.
my consistant point has been, 40 goal scorers are overrated in the playoffs. you need team speed and balanced scoring. i would love Kovi if he Wanted to come here and we had been able to keep future young players contract monies available to keep them here.
Chicago had to get rid of players, like Bufghlem, that had as much a positive impact in their cup run as their Big Name players. those 2nd tier players Typically make a difference, besides the goaltending.
if we missed out on Kovi, we still have means, and avenues, we don’t even know how they will develope in the future, to find 2 NHL players that will help in our progress. Plus, perhaps 1 or 2 or our prospects make the team this year. and we haven’t mortgaged our future. it still is all possible.
lots of bloggers seem to think they have all the facts together to be a better pro GM than we have. let the jury stay out during the summer and at the waiver wire in October before making final judgements. then DLs value as a provider will become clearer.
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5thLine Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:49 am
@scvking,
Pull yourself back from the here and now and read thound’s post above. I would be interested in reading your reaction.
Thank you.
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scvking Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:26 am
@5thLine,
The picture that I see in terms of DL not being able to sign FA’s is that DL is acting more responsibly than other GM’s. That is the point of my post, or at least one of the main points. I don’t blame DL for the greed of players/agents, nor do I blame him for the irresponsible offers being made to those players.
Thound is trying to have it both ways with his argument, no offense. He is blaming DL for “whiffing” yet not wanting him to spend like a drunken sailor. The FA’s that have declined DL have gotten really large contracts with pretty high cap hits. I also do not agree with the line about not gauging correctly. DL’s job is to gauge what is economically sensible and feasible for his team, and he is doing that, from my perspective on it.
This is what I also believe—we have so many here, with such a history of FA signings in sports over the years, that they have not made the transition to the hard cap in place in the NHL. This is not the MLB, where you pay what you want without regard to how it complicates the other roster spots, or the joke cap used in the NBA. The NHL cap matters, DL (at least in my mind) appears to really understand the consequences of his offers. Each team is a unique situation in regard to the cap, and DL must be mindful of his young core, and is making his offers for what is best for his team.
Finally, as pointed out originally by Cynic, a 12 or 13 year deal with a cap hit of 6.5 is not just a 6.5 offer certain to be turned down. (I still agree with another poster who felt that the Kings offer for Kovy was the best one he had.)
Again, the only alarming sign here is that we have too many people unwilling to factor in all the aspects of what an offer actually is, and what effect said offer has on the entire structure of the team.
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5thLine Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:48 am
@scvking,
What you are forgetting is the excuse we were given before the cap was put into place that the Kings were ALREADY in position to take advantage of the new market because we were in a RESPONSIBLE cap position. If you deny that was a lie, this conversation is useless.
Why do people like you find it so easy to forget the past and make excuses for the continued failures of the present?
IK or no IK, the Kings fundamental business paradigm is a mess.
scvking Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:49 am
5thLine:
“People like you”???
“The excuse”???”Was a lie”??? “Make excuses”??? “Continued failures”???
I realize that there a many frustrated Kings fans. I totally sympathize with that. I too get frustrated. But, I also am willing to see various aspects of what we are talking about here.
DL obviously was able to know what offer would get Kovy signed…he could have offered 10 years at 12 million per year, or whatever. What I have said is that a contract that DL could have offered that would have guaranteed a Kovy signing was not the appropriate deal based on the many factors involved in running this team. I don’t think that it is a failure on DL’s part that he did not land Kovy. Again, we all can have an opinion, but I still believe he made the best offer to Kovy.
We never will know what motivation Kovy had. For all we know, he never had any intention to come to the West Coast. Maybe he always wanted to stay in NJ. We have “accepted” comments (ie-Kovy ‘wants’ to come to LA) that we have heard over the past few months as truth, when it was never clear what was fact. We do not know why he is not coming to LA, but that does not mean that DL failed.
The Kings were in a position to use the salary cap system to improve the team, and they have done so, dramatically. We are using the system to build what many feel is a viable Cup contender for the next decade. I don’t see where the lie is. Maybe you did not understand what was said, or misinterpreted what the meaning was. Nor do I think I am making excuses for anything here. This is a very good young team, and I am patient with the process. I had grown frustrated with the past because there was never any consistency with what was going on. Now, however, what is being done is a levelheaded and consistent rebuilding that is effective, but not quite there yet. I think it is highly unfair to blame DL for mistakes made by other GM’s.
The Kings, under DL, are right on the cusp. Kovy certainly would have helped. But it didn’t happen, and we will never know why. All I can see is that DL made a play for Kovy, there was never any guarantee, and it appears that it has not landed him. The evidence that I have, which is limited, tells me that DL played it correctly.
How all of this goes from a logical reading of the events to lies and excuses is beyond me. There was never a guarantee! No one has to be blamed here. Many of us are disappointed, but we move forward. Sorry you did not get what you wanted.
nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:37 am
@5thLine,
that was no lie in the beginning. We are in a position to make sound, reasonable offers to all free agents. If someone wants to give Kovy $100 mil does that mean since we have the wherewithall to counter such an offer that we should automatically do it because we can? Who are you Glen Sather?
If the numbers are reasonable and don’t hurt us long term, we should be going after these guys. That’s what Lombardi has done.
You also talk about the failures of the present…what failures? Did you think the 100+ points of last year was a failure? Do you think his drafting of players like Simmer and DD..trades for JJ.. were failures?
I don’t understand what you mean by failure.
If not signing Kovy to a cap killing contract is a failure, I’m all for failure.
What did you want him to do last year when he offered the large contract to Hossa, or this year to Paul Martin..did you expect him to overpay to bring them in? Is that the only way to avoid failure?
Congrats to the Hawks for winning the cup, but the cost was Bfuyglian(sp). He’s the guy that most reminds me of the way Simmer plays. Now that he’s gone, do you think Chicago is as good as they were last year? I don’t think so..basically they did mortgage the future for a cup. Now what??????
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:54 am
@scvking,
MAGNIFICENT! Now That is well conceived and well written. Especially your last paragraph. I was thinking last night that some people (only a few, I’m not targeting anyone here) act like spoiled children who didn’t get what they want or think they deserve and for one reason or another can’t seem to see the bigger picture. It’s NEVER gonna be as simple as ‘ok, we made the best financial offer, plus the sun shines in LA in the winter… so…. We Win.
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Michael J. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
@scvking,
Wow, imagine that??? Some critical thinking involved here… Great post.
Thanks for the intellegent rebuttal to the not so intellegent “Dean sucks”, “Just sign him”, “What about Hamhius?”
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There is a song called “imaginary lovers” by Atlanta rhythm section.
Just substitute Lovers with choices and you have what Ilys is facing and that is imaginary choices.
Kudos to DL to handle this soap opera like it should have been and say GOOD BYE.
There was NHL and Kings way before Ilya graced us with his majesty and long after he is gone there will be a NHL and Kings.
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The Kings should go after…
Simon Gagne
Bobby Ryan
Teemu Salanee
Andy Sutton
Raffi Torres
resign Frolov
Joe Corvo
If we could land one or two of those guys than our team would be much improved. On another note, Brad Richardson has reportedly filed for arbitration. Can somebody tell me what arbitration is?
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5thLine Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:51 am
@Mendola,
Arbitration is a third party “judge” that hears both sides and issues a contract ruling that both parties are bound to accept.
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Lars H Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:07 am
@5thLine, @Mendola,
Restricted Free Agents who are unhappy with the club’s Qualifying Offer have the right to seek third party arbitration. Qualifying Offer amounts are spelled out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (ie, something like, “a player with such and such years of NHL experience is entitled to such and and such percentage salary increase…”). If a Club fails to make a QO, the player becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent.
Other teams can negotiate with Qualified RFAs (that’s what an “Offer Sheet” is), but if they manage to sign one, they owe the first team compensation in the form of draft picks. This almost never happens — Dustin Penner of the Oilers, formerly of the Ducks, is the only example of this I can recall.
The meeting with the arbitrator won’t happen for a few weeks, allowing both sides to reach an agreement on friendlier terms. The consensus is that arbitration almost always poisons the relationship between player and management.
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:58 am
@Mendola,
I’m not sure why i bother to respond to every single one of these posts that mention Bobby Ryan. We Can’t Get Bobby Ryan without doing an offer sheet. IF WE DO they will go after Drew Doughty and -or Simmonds! Plus, they are our cross town rival so they won’t trade him to the Kings.
Teamu is lovely but almost ready to retire and Simon Gagne A) they’ve said it’s off, and B) even if it wasn’t you’d have to give up too much for an Injury Prone Player. If you’re new to the Kings world, then I’ll tell you that the Kings have acquired numerous injury prone players and not a single one has worked out. The only exception is Hanzus but he as far as I know had one serious injury, but it was Only one injury.
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KingMe20 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:09 am
@number 6,
Your argument against going after Bobby Ryan assumes that the Kings can’t re-sign Doughty or Simmonds before they become restricted free agents. So far, Lombardi has an excellent track record of avoiding that with the key players. Kopitar and Brown signed early in their final year of their rookie contracts to long term deals, and he another two years out of Jack Johnson, who many said wouldn’t re-sign. I’m not sold on the whole “they’ll do it to us if we do it to them” angle because I don’t think they’ll get that far into their final year before signing their deals.
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:57 am
@KingMe20,
Dude, you don’t go around THREATENING other GM’s to not Dare touch Your RFA’s and then go and do it to them (and their RFA’s).
But I don’t know you, so maybe it’s the sort of thing you’d quite happily do. To each his own.
KingMe20 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:21 am
@number 6,
Maybe so, but I’m still waiting to see an example of an offer sheet being offered to a team’s top RFA as revenge for another team doing that to them. As far as I know, Edmonton didn’t have that done to them after they took Dustin Penner from the Ducks, and I think (if I remember correctly) that the Avs never sought revenge on the Rangers for trying to do that with Joe Sakic (whose offer sheet was matched by Colorado).
I’m just saying that I don’t think it’s as big a factor as some have made it out to be.
number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:13 am
@KingMe20,
Maybe so, but who the hell would go after Edmonton’s RFA’s anyway. I’m not a gambling man, and if my players were the ilk of the players that the Kings have, I certainly would not want to tempt fate.
nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@KingMe20,
Your argument assumes that a guy like JJ will accept the Kings offer and not hold out as a RFA.
That’s quite an assumption.. based on what though? Some guys are happy to be playing for the Kings without breaking the bank (Brownie) some guys want what they feel is coming to them. JJ’s contract situation was one where he was pretty much forced to take what the Kings were going to give himHe had no arbitration rights.
If you’re wrong and you poach a guy like Bobby Ryan, you can pretty much assume that any of the Kings players who balk at the offers from DL and become RFA’s will be there for the picking. Think Bernier, Schenn, Simmer, etc…It isn’t easy trying to sign them all…especially if someone is willing to make a sweet offer to them from the outside and you can’t match it because you already poached one of theirs.
For all of who you are ripping Lombardi’s ass over not signing Kovalchuk please answer me this: Are the Kings a better club now than when he became GM? Just because anyone signs Kovalchuk doesn’t mean they’re going to win the cup. How many cups did Gretzky help the Kings win? How many???
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5thLine Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:58 am
@deadcatbounce,
I think you are missing the point here. IK or no IK, DL has been consistantly unable to sign his publicly stated FA targets and this goes back YEARS. I don’t care if we sign IK or not. I care that DL has an undeniable history of failing to sign FAs that he himself says he is going to sign and are important to the “plan”. This includes Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and even Plan D.
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deadcatbounce Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:27 am
@5thLine, Perhaps I’m missing something, but I don’t recall hearing Dean Lombardi proclaim that the Kings were targeting Kovalchuk in free-agency. To do so before July 1 would have been tampering, and I’ve heard little from him after July started. Please clarify your source that, in fact, Lombardi was targeting Kovalchuk.
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5thLine Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:37 am
@deadcatbounce,
Are you serious? You are now questioning if Kovi was a target before July 1st?
Nevermind. Go ahead and put your head back in the sand and move along.
MacSwede Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:06 am
@deadcatbounce, yeah, but Gretzky was the one who made us come close…
We need a player like Kovalchuk, no doubt about it. But our destiny dont depends on if we sign Kovalchuk or not. THERE ARE OTHER SOLUTIONS!
Actually, if you believe the rumours, DL made a better offer than NJ. It is not his fault entirely that it is hard to land big FA’s here. We are not proven contenders yet like for example New Jersey.
Ask your selves? Which team would you have chosen..
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deadcatbounce Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:30 am
@MacSwede, The Kings in the 1992-’93 season were a very mediocre third-place finisher in the Smyth Division. They got hot at the right time, so to say that the Kings were a legitimate cup contender doesn’t hold water. Look at where they finished in following years.
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5thLine Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:39 am
@deadcatbounce,
A team that made the finals is not a legitimate cup contender? Seriously, back away from the keyboard.
thound Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:08 am
@deadcatbounce,
Well, I know he came a sticks curve away from actually doing so. Much closer than anyone before or since.
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Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:15 am
@deadcatbounce,
It’s easy to get young talented players via the draft when you tank for 4 straight years. He did scout decently, but only slightly above average. Simmers was a good call. Bernier was a smart move. Anyone with thumbs could of picked Doughty. However, Hickey and Teubert have yet to pan out (Myers, and while you may call it hindsight, part of being a scout is foresight).
It’s worth noting the only FAs DL got to sign in LA were the ones who were vastly overpaid (Nagy, Preissing, Calder, Handzus, Scuderi). And it seems likes the players we do keep want extra money for staying (O’Sullivan, Cammalleri, Greene, Stoll)
Getting Kovalchuk wasn’t a given of LA getting to the finals, but it would of made the team better, and certainly added that offensive firepower the team needed and which is such a rarity to get. Now the Kings still have holes in their top 6, offensive depth, and need another defender at least. Manchester is deep, but they won’t give us that sort of output of Kovalchuk. Trading for elite talent is going to require the Kings losing pieces of the infamous “core” or proven roster players along with the prospects. Creating more holes, but hey, at least those can potentially be replaced…in time, and it’s not a certainty. Which doesn’t matter since DL hasn’t done a big trade to begin with. Quincey for Smyth…average trade. We all know who is getting the better of it now, and it certainly isn’t us.
Unless something drastic is done, while the core of the young guns is improving, the team still faces the real dilemma of regressing. They may not. I hope not. It seems more likely it may.
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deadcatbounce Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:35 am
@Traded for a Pick, Like you, I’m hoping the Kings don’t regress. When DL was drafting all those players no top-flight FA’s would sign with them because they were such a lousy club. Even now, with only one playoff appearance in the past eight years, they still have to prove they weren’t a one-hit wonder, if you can even call a team who made the playoffs and didn’t earn home-ice advantage, an up-and-coming team.
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tuan jim Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:48 am
@Traded for a Pick, I regretted losing Quincey — though, of course, I was glad to be rid of Preissing. But to get value you have to give value. Smyth came to the Kings and did precisely what it was hoped he would do. Given the style of game he plays there’s no reason to think he won’t continue to do it. Yes, he’s nearing the close of his career while Quincey is still at the beginning. But it’s a bit early to dub this trade a “dud” or start crying who’s-sorry-now.
EVERY GM gets burned in the FA market. Dave Taylor was the Golden Boy when he first picked up Deadmarsh and Potvin and Allison. Each of them made a genuine impact on the Kings. Then, when they all went south through injuries or “bad” years he suddenly became Taylor the Incompetent.
And don’t be so hasty to forget the brains that actually went into signing DD in his draft year. No one was gonna blame ANY GM for choosing Stamkos first. The number two pick was really the tough one. Compared to Bogosian Dewey was just a short fat kid who did all right in the joints but couldn’t be relied on to work so well in the NHL. He was brought along under excellent tutelage and got plenty of ice time — all because of people that are part of DL’s entourage.
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Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
@tuan jim,
Smyth’s trade wasn’t a “dud”. He did his job. The team though is now under his larger contract for the next few seasons. Simply put, long term, or even up to this year, Colorado seems to be the bigger winner of the two. Quincey has developed into a top pair defenseman, is reasonably priced, and Colorado quickly (if not miraculously) got depth on offense. The Kings now seemingly are lacking depth on defense.
And yes, every GM does get burned on FA at some point. But that’s part of the risk. Sometimes it’s less risky (San Jose and Malhotra, Washington and Knuble). Sometimes they can be larger and they work (the Sedin twins), and sometimes they don’t (the New York Rangers). But when you have a consistent player like Kovalchuk, sometimes the risk is outweighed by the low amount of potential problems and the payoff.
Of course trading for value means giving up value. However, teams when giving up high value are going to want more than just prospects. Why is it Simmonds and Bernier’s names are always kicked around in trade talk? Because of the mass value. They are young, and hold great potential and could immediately impact a team. Giving them up may be necessary for such a trade. Signing a big name like Kovalchuk may require losing them as well. The point: You can’t keep every great player in this era. However, when it is losing players after a few years but having such a superstar versus trading players to get talent then likely losing more players to re-sign talent, I would prefer option A. Losing players in a while beats losing players immediately and then more down the road.
There are risks yes. Losing a few of the core is inevitable though. Kovalchuk has been consistent, and doesn’t have a remotely extensive injury background. And it sure would beat DL’s history on the market. Instead I fear he may go back to overpaying for underachievers.
tuan jim Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 12:22 am
@Traded for a Pick, Smyth’s contract is a nastier cap-hit than were Preissing’s and Quincey’s at the time of the trade. But Quincey is now making about as much as Scuderi, so his growth as a player — which everyone expected (how else could we “buy” Smyth?) — has been accompanied by a simultaneous growth in the Avs cap-hit.
I’m not among those who salivate over the possibility of getting Kovi on the Kings. Do I want him here? Sure. Who wouldn’t? But I tend to agree with that poster who commented that TM will have this 40-goal scorer down to 20 goals in no time, once he’s taught to play our team’s “system”.
After the initial rush of this past season — that hot period when the Williams-Kopi-Smyth line was the best in hockey — the injuries started to nip at our behinds. It was then that all of us began to appreciate the true value of the second-stringers that DL had stocked up. Everybody else was starting to score, taking up the slack for the disintegration of Kopi’s line. And those second stringers kept us winning throughout that ugly period when Kopi couldn’t score in a cathouse with a Krugerrand taped to his d*ck.
Kovi may not have an extensive injury background, but he’s not immortal. If he gets hurt — which is, let’s face it, at least as possible for him as it was for Hossa after he got his lifetime contract from the Hawks — where will those “second stringers” be to bail us out when we no longer have them on the shelf?
I’m sure DL made the best offer to Kovi that he could, considering not only the team’s salary cap, but also sudden, unanticipated (but far from improbable) circumstances that might destroy a team’s season, simply because ONE key player is out of action.
And frankly, I don’t think Kovi is as much an answer for the Kings as other players might be. An additional 40-or-more goals is an attractive prospect. But how many of those goals were game winners? Or timely, IMPORTANT goals? Both Fro and Zeus managed to come up with big-time goals at big times this past season (and into the playoffs). I don’t think Kovi has demonstrated that he can do the same.
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The Kings really aren’t necessarily a better club.
They already had Kopitar Brown Frolov Visnovsky Cammalleri Norstrom Modry Pushkarev (worth a pick as a prospect)Conroy Demitra Corvo Gleason
Who wouldn’t want a core like that!
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Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:17 am
@Jonsie,
Ah back when the future was bright before those injuries caught em again
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puck73 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:56 am
@Traded for a Pick, You can thank Andy Murray for that. When he was the coach with the Kings he never believed in giving guys the day off. Also, the King set records for man games lost due to injuries and that was because of his irresponsible coaching philosophy. Andy Murray’s overbearing style also wore out players in St.Louis and he was fired there even more rapidly then when he was in L.A.
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Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
@puck73,
Yeah, no argument on that. Had the team though. Taylor had the talent, just didn’t have them healthy.
And truth be told, I would take Murray any day over Crawford.
It seems to be oddly quiet. You would think DL would come out and talk a little more. Hmm.
Perhaps Im reading into it too much. Anyone want to guess what move mr.silent does next?
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5thLine Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:32 am
@kingo,
Let talky more signy……
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:14 am
@5thLine,
I think you meant LESS talky more sign-ee, which is really very funny. good one.
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Good players want to win. Kovalchuk did his time on a losing team and now he wants to play for a team who has a chance to win the cup. the Kings took a big step in making the playoffs, but they are still a year or two away from being good enough to have high profile players actually want to come to LA because they see that they will have a chance to win the cup.
Take Hossa for example, after failing with the Pens, he went to the Wings, failed again, but he saw that Chicago had great young players in place and saw a potential to win the Cup, so he signed long term with the Hawks.
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5thLine Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:31 am
@Sebastian,
How do you call three consecutive SC finals appearances a failure?
Drink some more Cool-Aid…….
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nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@5thLine,
It is when your main goal is to win a cup.
Nobody remembers #2
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Rich,
Obviously, nobody is tired of this subject, for it affects the Kings not just this year, but for years to come.
I certainly hope DL puts aside his ego and bruised feelings and gets back into negotiations.
He passed on Heatley because of character issues and he seems to being doing the same when it comes to IK. How the eff are we going to score 5 on 5 if we lose out on IK, lose Frolov and have to reply on an injured prone Jason Williams or, god-forbid, a 5 million dollar broken down Simon Gagne. I will vomit if we don’t sign IK but do sign Gagne. The former is a workhorse who barely misses a game, the latter is JW reincarnate.
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wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:30 am
@Carol Vadnais, Please go to your nearest dispensary, pick up some cush and RELAX.
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deadcatbounce Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:38 am
@wavesinair, Or just wait (hopefully) until after election day, but try the green crack. Awesome stuff! Ha!
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:56 am
@wavesinair, Dude, I’m going there right now. But like you, I’m INVESTED in the Kings. I’ve spent mega dollars on them the past ten years and can see the Cup tangling before my eyes if we can pick up an IK and a defensemen and we risk Bernier over Quick.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:35 am
@Carol Vadnais, We’re all sick and tired of waiting but it’s just a choice for each fan on how they look at the current situation.
Positive: Great young team growing together and will continue to improve. Cup possible soon, but not likely until a couple more years of growth go by.
Negative: If we don’t make it happen now we may lose our young core and the team implodes and we have to start again from scratch or free agency.
…or something to these effects. I chose to focus on the positive side, yet I fully understand the frustration of years of losing.
For me, it’s more than getting a Cup. It’s truly about changing the culture of this club to a winning one for 5, 10, 20 years down the road. That’s what I’m aiming for and what I encourage ALL Kings fans to focus on because, quite frankly, the negative outlook is the same loser mindset that we Kings fans have grown accustomed to.
I hope it changes.
It’s kinda like when you’re single and looking for a companion (the Cup) and all that comes across to others is desperation. Then, one day you say “screw it. I don’t care anymore” then all the sudden you meet that special someone (a winning organization).
It’s hard to see this opportunity go because the guy is such a fierce goal scorer. Exactly the type of skater this team needs to become elite.
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nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@Gordon B,
What about his defensive play?
What I don’t understand is he’s never made any team better.
He’s a great talent, but NJ had him and got bounced quickly with him only being a factor in 1 game.
Perhaps with a training camp and full season with the team it’ll be different, but I can’t say he was a slam dunk.
I don’t want to compare him to Frolov, but both are huge talents and neither one ever elevated their teams with their talent.
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Guys–
If I flat-out had to pick whether I’d grow my team with draft choices or high-priced free agents, I’d choose the draft EVERY TIME.
Given that the best way to get a goalie is to grow one in house AND that there is always a need for defensemen, which are best grown on-site–I’ll take my chances with DL’s approach EVERY TIME.
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Moondoggie Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:51 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I couldn’t agree more…..
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:58 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Me too. That much isn’t even up for discussion.
You’re alright Bako, you are.
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D B COOPER Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:26 am
@number 6,
right on!
why don’t we all wait to see how this all pans out before seeing if any mistake was made. if we acquire some speed on the wings and a solid d-man thru some transaction AND Save contract budget funds, and we stay on the road to improvement(as much as we all would like to win the cup this year, and Yes the management has certainly came across as not as interested in winning as us fans, and has looked very deceitful with double-speak), and we see Kovi out in the 1st round again next year, it will show that patience was a factor in the decisions we don’t know everything about, at the moment.
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I get the feeling Dean is just sick of dealing with Grossman, and his made up mythical offers from teams (Isles, Devils?), in an attempt to drive up the price for Dean. We will soon see what offers are really on the table for Kovi, but I guess that there arn’t as many as Grossman would lead you to believe.
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Top tweets this morn…
Kovalchuk signs with your mom. Story at 11.
I should be getting an update on Kovalchuk in the next minute or so from my sources on twitter.
If Kovalchuk and LeBron sign right as Holland scores a goal, just harpoon the fail whale because Twitter will die.
Should have Kovalchuk news shortly. Also, get your decorations up. Christmas will be here shortly!
If for nothing other than pure entertainment. Wait. What else?
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an interesting thought…
for all of you who say stay the course, we have great prospects that will make this team a contender in the near future:
so does every other nhl team. It’s the teams that are willing to spend to get the proven talent that win the cup.
Prospects are great, but they are only that, prospects. They are by no stretch of the imagination proven goal scorers at the nhl level.
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:01 am
@griddle,
Yes, you see, this is why on this site people tend to take either one side or the other (not everyone, no, but a lot). The point you make is a good one, because it’s a paradox (to use a big word). It’s neither black nor white this thing.
As for the goal scorers, I have to agree that there is no one in our prospect group that gives an indication of being a 35 goal scorer unless Kozun can deal with the nhl at his size or if Lokti continues to develop big time.
Doesn’t mean it won’t happen, but I wouldn’t necessarily mortgage my home on it.
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D B COOPER Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:30 am
@number 6, and griddle:
you are right, But the transaction season has just started: it’s not over. there are other players that may be available to us. yes we have to give up something as oppose to just signing, but that’s why you stockpile assests. Also, you and I don’t want anyone who wants to be Here.
i could be wrong, but i could be right. it’s not over.
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Winning starts at the top and our owner is a loser..he’s been one for 13+ years why would a star player subject himself to that for the rest of his career.
AEG by design has put more time, energy & money into building LALIVE than anything else so we need to just forget about the Stanley Cup, get in a big group hug and be happy we have each other and bow down to Uncle Phil because the city has something bigger than a Stanley Cup we have LALIVE!!
When you emotionally remove yourself from the situation and see it from AEG’s perspective it’s all pretty clear..the Stanley Cup costs money but LALIVE makes money.
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number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:03 am
@KOHO,
Yawn. That’s not why we didn’t get Hossa and it’s not why we didn’t get Kovalchuk.
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wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:14 am
@KOHO,
I agree with the basic idea that AEG (Phil) couldn’t care less about a Cup. Actually, he probably cares more about the MLS Cup than Stanley’s, but I digress.
On the other hand, I’m sure Phil wants the Kings to be successful (meaning not lose money). So while I imagine DL has disagreements with ownership over some things, I don’t think Phil dissuades DL in anyway from bringing a Cup here.
Yes, AEG’s priority is to make money. But winning typically a surefire way to do it. So I don’t think DL’s hands are tied and preventing him from bringing a huge talent here. Of course, Phil ain’t no Wang either so there’s a middle ground of sanity there.
But in the end, I hope one day we have a single, hockey-loving owner here in LA and not a monster corporation.
[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:23 am
@KOHO,
All too true.
[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:23 am
@KOHO,
You sound like an ace business person. I’m an entrepreneur. Let’s work together.
[Reply]
KingsFan in OC Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:30 am
@Gary Livingston,
“You’ve got the looks, I’ve got the brains,
Let’s make lots of money.”
[Reply]
Latest rumor from the Fourth Period says that Kovalchuk was never really interested in playing for a Western Conference team. I know it’s the responsibility for the GM to make the case to a player as why it is better for their career and their family to play for a specific team in a specific market, but if this is truly the case and Kovalchuk wanted to remain on the East Coast or in the KHL there is only so much Dean Lombardi could have done.
[Reply]
Any musings or whispers about a Vinny Lecalvier trade like there were in 2009?
[Reply]
Wondering what the Kings Plan B will be. I hope they don’t go after Simon Gagne and I do NOT want anypart of Vinny LeCavalier. The guy I would love the Kings to take a run at is Ryan Malone. As far as defense goes, the price is probably high for Kaberle. Not a huge Bieksa fan for what he’s paid. Other than those two, I haven’t heard too many defensemen that are available as most teams covet defensemen. DL has to get crerative.
[Reply]
We don’t need crappy contracts, crippled players, geriatric has beens to make up for not signing our main objective, Kovi. If DL does, chaulk it up to another buyout—like that’s not cap responsible.
[Reply]
I’m over the Kovalchuk soap opera, but if Dean Lombardi brings another Flyer to the Kings, I’m going to really be upset. Why does he have this sick relationship with the Flyers? Gagne can’t walk, and has post concussion syndrome. If Eric Lindross was still playing Lombardi would probably make an offer to him also. John Stevens was a losing coach, who had pretty much the same team with the Flyers this year, that Laviolette took to the finals, so that tells me it was coaching. TM burned out the goalie, and tweaked the lines during the playoffs so there was no consistency. He brought yet another Flyer Randy Jones over, who was a disaster, so why would we expect him not to go after Gagne who doesn’t remember his own name.
I’m sorry, but I just don’t get why there is this sick relationship with the Flyers, and why we are seeing a continous migration of Flyers and Flyers management coming west.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:45 am
@Neil Ellis Shafton,
Are you ok with Zeus..even though he was a Flyer?
[Reply]
Neil Ellis Shafton Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
@nykingfan, Zeus was a UFA signing if I am correct, and yes I am very happy with Zeus. Zeus was one of the better performing players for the Kings especially during the playoffs. He’s solid, and although I think he needs to grow the mullett again to regain his scoring prowless, he is still a good if not above average 3rd line player, who also give you a big body in front of the net, with soft hands for finishing.
[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
@Neil Ellis Shafton,
What do you mean Gagne can’t walk and has post concussion syndromes? Did you sleep through the whole playoffs? He scored 9 goals in their playoff run to the Cup finals..
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
@tantrum4,
Why must you screw up his argument with facts?
[Reply]
Neil Ellis Shafton Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
@tantrum4, No I didn’t sleep, and here is the report that validates what I have said about Gagne: Lingering concussion issues are always a concern when a player has one severe enough to keep him out for most of a season. Gagne had a solid bounce-back from his concussion-plagued 2007-08 with a 34-goal campaign. Still, health troubles continue for the high-flying winger, as he had offseason surgery to fix a bone spur. It’s fair to project Gagne to score a goal for every two games he plays, but projecting him for 40 goals means he stays perfectly healthy, and that’s not a safe bet. He will be a high-risk, high-reward draft selection.
[Reply]
Bob Bobson Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
@Neil Ellis Shafton, I think Dean actually did make an offer to Lindros right before he retired. That being said, Gagne is not as ineffective as you may think. Basically, I agree with tantrum’s post.
[Reply]
I actually read a post where someone was comparing Kovi to Gretzky and how Kovi will win us a SC. Obviously a new Kings fan and not one who has followed this team like I have for 30+ years.
The great one came close but didn’t win us that cup. And just for the record, Kovi couldn’t even hold Gretzky’s jockstrap.
Could it be that these FA simply don’t want to sign in LA is this East coast bias. These guys don’t know who the Kings are and the players we have. There all in bed when the Kings are playing. They see them maybe once a year if that. And the bulk of reporting back east consists of final scores and thats about it. The only reason DD was even considered for the Norris was the exposure he got during the Olympics…if it wasnt’ for that, they wouldn’t have known who the f_ck he was.
[Reply]
Neil Ellis Shafton Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:14 am
@Barry’s Mullet, Yes Barry there sure if East Coast bias. Tyler Meyers had a great season, but I felt Matt Duchene should have been the Calder winner. The Norris, was definetly deserved by Duncan Keith, however to nominate Mike Green who is a forward playing defense, and horrible defense at that, was just another slap in the face of the Western Conference.
No Kovalchuk wouldn’t bring a cup to LA, but it would definetly get the Kings closer or farther along in the playoffs with his goal production. We have to remember if he is out on the ice, defense has to pay more attention to him, freeing up the other linemates to have more socring opportunity. The Kings need speed up front, and a top 4 defenseman.
It’s frustrating to keep hearing interviews about the Kings going to persue a bonifide sniper, and top 4 defensive player, yet neither has happened as of today. Since most of all the marquee free agents were signed on July 1st, the options aren’t very good right now for the Kings. Trades seem to be the only way the Kings can add what they need to get them farther into the playoffs. If there was a Flyer the Kings could use, Jeff Carter would be the guy not Simon Gagne, but I am not sure Holmgren would want to make yet another trade involving Carter. Holmgren is lucky he didn’t make that trade with Toronto last year, so he might be apprehenvise about letting Carter go, as opposed to Gagne who again is capeable of scoring, but because of concussions, nobody knows if he will ever be the same.
[Reply]
D B COOPER Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:41 am
@Barry’s Mullet,
barry, i have followed since ’74, and actually worked for the team as equipment manager the year before gretzky. i said as much yesterday: kovi is NO GRETZKY. and i agree there is some bias, but also i think how the owner is preceived by the agents: possibly. why LeBron would never, although they would be NBA champion contenders, sign with the Clippers. perhaps AEG is not considered like a single owner is at teams with a better history than we have accumulated, with failure followed by mediocrty, year after year.
[Reply]
Okay, personally, I could care less if IK comes to LA or not. But, even if he did come here, I think he’s a total a$$hat for letting his agent conduct business this way.
The whole league is waiting for him to decide so that they can get on with trades, etc. and Grossman is playing the game.
I guess Grossman doesn’t care at all how this is making IK look to everyone around the league, and more importantly the fans.
It’s bad business.
[Reply]
griddle Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:17 am
@HipCheck, i can’t wait to hear all the booooo’s IK will get the next time he plays at Staples.
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
@griddle,
If it’s the Devils, then October 30th is “Boo Ilya Night.”
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:23 am
@HipCheck,
IF he signs with the Islanders they’ll suck anyway. He’ll have gone from one crap team (ATL) to another. At least in ATL he would have had the fan base behind him and the league wouldn’t have seen him as a straight money grubbing whore as we all do now.
He’s lost any “likeability factor” he might have had.
Nice going agent guy.
[Reply]
Mike R Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
@HipCheck,
he’s no scott boras.
[Reply]
Can someone tell me why we need a top 4 dman? By my calculations we need a 5/6
1. Doughty
2. Greene (defensive but top line for sure)
3. JMFJ ( And getting better)
4. Scuderi ( who was brought in to be top liner)
We lost our slated 6/7th in OD (grandted a lot of good leadership) and thankfully Jones isn’t back…yet and he was #5/6
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:25 am
@Dan H., Answer: Greene fits better in the bottom pairing. Call it top 4 or whatever, but the bottom line is we need at least 1 solid, veteran Dman to stabilize our backend.
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:35 am
@wavesinair,
I can see that but the way people were wanting another 5 million dollar man back there I don’t know what they were expecting.
Drewiske has had flashes of brilliance and looked great defensively before he got hurt. Hopefully Hickey and/or Voynov will be able to make the show so we have 3-4 guys trying for two spots in the worst case scenario.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
@Dan H., i’m all for the young guys improving. but in case you don’t remember, our D struggled big time in the playoffs (not to mention in the regular season). i think it’s as clear as can be that we need a better version of OD AND even another solid vet until a prospect can fit the bill.
flex Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
@Dan H., >Because you need some experiance.Only Scudi is not enough and Green…is not good enough.works hard,but not speed,no talent. Yes,we have some young kids voynov…Nobady talk about hickey or teubent geting close to nhl ,same with campbell…Muzin maybe,but again no experianc!!!
and,remember JJ still need to “grow up”.
[Reply]
David Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@flex, Dont forget Fransson. And Greene has talent.
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@Dan H.,
For one thing, it’s a position at which you can never be too deep. While Matt Greene is a solid player, I don’t think I want him trying to keep up with the likes of a Patrick Marleau, for example. He’s just not as fast as a top four guy should be. I think that bringing in another top 4 defenseman would be a good acquisition. I think Hamhuis or Volchenkov would have been ideal, but I get why those guys went where they went.
Another stay-at-home type would help shore up the last pairings, and if the guy can skate, could allow Jack Johnson to take more offensive chances.
[Reply]
@Dan H.
I actually thought the same thing. My guess is that Greene in the grand scheme of things is not considered a top 4 D-Man. WHich I am a little baffled by. We pay him good money, he brings the toughness which is what DL and TM have been asking for, so I am not sure why everyone says we need another Top 4. I do think we need an OD type of player who can mentor the kids in the system. I think Martinez needs a mentor who pushes him to be consistent and not be hesistant. This kid suffered because he was paired with Jones who left him hanging. Then of course Martinez returns the favor and Jones get burned for a goal so people lost confidence in Martinez. But then there is of course Hickey, and Teubert, and Muzzin, not to mention Campbell and Voynov who are all in the pipeline. Now that I think of it, look at the Manchester Defense. Martinez with Teubert, Hickey and Voynov, Muzzin and Campbell. Wow that makes for Zatkoffs stats to be off the charts. Everyone is going to be begging for Zatkoff to get a shot next year.. I know I’m getting ahead of myself, anyways looks fun.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:38 am
@EASportsMgt, If Greener was fast, it would be a no brainer. OD was, of course, molasses too. That top 4 guy we’d hope would be big (a la greene/od) and FAST. Fingers crossed.
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
@wavesinair,
Well that’s what we were talking about. Assuming Doughty, Greene, Scuderi, and JJ keep the top 4. Then Drewiske keeps the 6th and Harrold keeps the 7th. The 5th is what we were referring to.
No trade:
One of the prospects makes the team.
With a trade:
One or two prospects may be traded, that trade gives us the #4 D, Greene moves to the 5th spot and no one else makes the team.
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:39 am
@EASportsMgt,
Looking at what you’re saying I hear you but look at the list of possibles you just read off, I hope at LEAST one can make the squad.
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:51 am
@Dan H.,
My guess is Drewiske solidifies the 6th spot, Harrold keeps the 7th spot, so if the Kings don’t trade for another D then yes one of them makes the team. If they do trade for a D, well then at least one of them is gone if not two, and there aren’t any other roster spots.
I hope that DL trusts in his young D and lets them all battle it out for that last spot. It will be fun to watch, that’s for sure.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
@EASportsMgt, lol. who has the 5th spot!
Barry's Mullet Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
@EASportsMgt,
Greene is a great 5-6 and on the PK. Your top 4 need to be great skaters or good puck handlers and Greene looks like a deer in the headlights many nights but a great warrior, character guy and like I said PKiller.
We need a veteran dman to fill out the top 4 that can move the puck and chip in offensively. One of the youngsters from Manchester can fill in the 6 spot…I suspect it won’t be Drewiske unless he play more physical.
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
@Barry’s Mullet,
I agree, Drewiske needs to bring the physical game. I hope that that message was relayed loud and clear to him in the exit interviews and brings the pain in training camp to show he is ready. I also hope that one of the puck movers from Manchester also also show they are ready for full time duty. However, and I will keep on saying this, I don’t believe it’s any of the names people throw around every training camp like, Hickey or Teubert, or Muzzin this year. My guess is, and I will take this to the bank, that its Martinez who is the only Manchester D ready for full time play. I’m sure he was also told what he needed to do this summer and if he can find the back of the net early this training camp, he makes the team.
[Reply]
Barry's Mullet Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
@EASportsMgt,
Hope you are right. I’m sure you already know this but the veteran dman for the 3-4 spot is just going to be here until one of those studs is ready to move up to that spot…hopefully sooner than we all think.
Dan H. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
@Barry’s Mullet,
Ok I see where you guys are coming from but our lack on Defense was usually Jones and I hate to say it because I loved him but OD looked like a rented mule.
Greene could use a little footspeed but I don’t think he was our achilles heal.
Jones took a lot of heat from the fans…but he deserved most of it.
[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 12:40 am
@Dan H., I loved OD, too. But it was clear this past season that the years were catching up with him. He was skating with his brains — which are considerable — but his legs were definitely wearing out by year’s end.
I wish him well in Philly, though. At least he’ll be playing alongside an old SC partner.
Stop the Puck Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 6:27 am
@Dan H.,
muzzin
I will boo Kovi forever!
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:51 am
@Joanie,
I’m sure it will break his heart the one time every two years he plays here.
[Reply]
On a brighter note… the Kings uniform design, logo, and colors suck!
Go back to the SOCAL Purple/Silver/Black!
There, Now we’re talking serious!
PS: Dean Lombardi was a failure in San Jose, but, it’s only taken him 15 years on how to run a pro hockey team.
[Reply]
It would be nice to get a former NHL player, coach or gm’s real perspective on this. So tired of hearing everybody’s b.s.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@Rene, maybe you can as JR for his argument. No bs there! hahahahaha
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
@Rene,
Well it doesn’t take an NHL guy to really figure out what happened. If you take the emotion out of it it’s actually quite simple. Just look at the facts. DL made his final offer and it was rejected. Helene from the Times then asks DL if he is still in it and DL NEVER said he was out completely, he just said he had sent his final offer period. So Kovi’s camp calls his bluff and responds with leaking that they are about to sign with NJ for 60Mil over 7 years. Why now do the numbers get leaked??? Easy, so that DL knows exactly what he has to do get Kovi. The ball was in Dl’s court and my guess is that he stuck to his guns. The problem is quite simple in terms of the CBA. Kovi thinks he can get another big contract at age 34 or 35 and that he can still be productive at that age. So he doesn’t want a contract greater than 7 maybe 8 years. The problem then is that in order to not have a high cap hit, DL wants the contract to be more like 10 or 13 years. Front loaded of course which means Kovi only gets a little bit of money in the final years. Kovi doesn’t want that. He wants to be paid the same the entire length of the contract or only a small pay cut in the final years. DL is not going to budge. It is back in Kovi’s court. DL has called their bluff now and it may have worked considering Kovi didn’t make his mind up yesterday as expected. If he calls DL, which I doubt, they meet in the middle somewhere. If they dont, there is a sucker GM out there willing to pay that high of a price. 4 or 5 years from now we will see how all these long term contracts are a joke, and DL has said that before.
[Reply]
Lloyd Christmas Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
@EASportsMgt,
“….so you’re saying there’s a chance?”
[Reply]
Lloyd Christmas Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
@Lloyd Christmas,
What the…?!?!?!
Who’s using my username?
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
@Lloyd Christmas,
I think a poster said it best when they said “nothing is final until that last K in Kovalchuk is signed with blue ink.”
Yes I think there is still a chance but not likely. It seems to be pretty clear that it would take Kovi to commit to more years or less money. Unfortunately two things I don’t he will do. Not if anyone else is willing to pay him more for less years.
If NJ got smart and started realizing that getting under the cap is harder than they first thought, I believe Kovi may just pick up the phone and see if they can compromise. Maybe 9 years, with the back end decline in income not so drastic. MAYBE, I guess we will have to see.
Lloyd Christmas Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
@Lloyd Christmas,
Unlikely is about right. I would tend to think that this delay is NJ trying to figure out what moves to make to dump salary before they can sign him. Don’t want Zubrus, maybe Zajac?
Jorgen Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
@EASportsMgt, nicely sumarized!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
@EASportsMgt,
This is what I was waiting for. A explanation and breakdown from a AGENT describing what’s going on here.
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
@Kingsfanone,
Thanks,
It’s really a high stakes game of cat and mouse sometimes. I think however and I will make this promise on here, that when I’m a big agent with some Kings players to sign or re-sign that I will use the media to fairly assess the situation. Agents now use it in a negative way. I think Alan Walsh is probably the only agent who I think uses it right and to his and his players advantage. Look at his Halak signing. Great job by him.
I do agree that Grossman, Kovi’s agent is going to have a PR problem when this is done. It’s going to be hard to not make Kovi look greedy and selfish. And if he has a down year, man I don’t wish to be in his shoes.
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
@EASportsMgt,
That was brilliant, and succinct. Bet you are right; bet the negotiations are NOT over for the Kings.
I don’t even mind if the Naysayers control the flow on the comments here as long as no decision is final, as long as Kovi comes to his senses and signs with the Kings. Do I really think he will? Naah, but I can only dream.
New Jersey must clear enough space to be within 10% above the cap, according to league rules. Expect the Kovi signing concurrent with the cap-clearing move, if it will be NJ…
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Thanks Bako, looking forward to seeing you again at the next LAKingsInsider Event.
I agree, I think they will announce the trade first, and then hold a press conference to announe the signing.
It is out of the theme, but nobody mentioned in last days. So I am interested if you have any update about Ryan Smyth ankle injury on the World cup in Germany? How is the recovery going? I know that is serious injury, but of course is still a lot of time till league starts.
As I watch World cup in soccer – Germans proved that team is more important than stars. They have many fast youngsters in the team (Moller, Ozil) that make difference again big stars in Argentina and England.
So trust is the young core and give them a chance in the beginning. There should be place for Moller at wing, Schenn on center and at least one or two in the defense (Muzzin, Martinez, Voynov).
Parse will explode this year, Kopi, DD, JJ, Richardson and Simmonds will be again at least 10 % better and the future is bright. I think Ilya Kovalchuk is not a team player and wherever he goes he will not bring his team a cup.
I am very positive about the next season.
[Reply]
brandyn Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
@slovenian fan,
Parse and Moller… those two I can see each getting 40 goals or even 50 someday.
[Reply]
I’m not surprised Kovalchuk didn’t get signed. DL made it clear he wasn’t going to mortgage the Kings future for the guy. All I want to know now is, who’s left out there for the Kings that can help? We need some D help and a scoring winger…
[Reply]
Forget this crap. I’m going to a matinee…
http://deepinsidethekings.com/2010/07/06/the-back-up-plan/
[Reply]
Barrie G Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
@wavesinair, Yes to the movie, no to your image.
[Reply]
This thread should be retitled the Kovy Krap Pile……………..ugh.
[Reply]
Why is there no action today??? Where are all the close sources and misleading tweets. Give me something….LeBrun, Dreager, Grossman, Santa Clause….??? Anybody???
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
@David D,
This just in, there is no other news on Kovi as of yet, but stay tuned because their may be no other news on this later.
[Reply]
Hey Rich, unless I missed it…what’s your take on this soap opera?? I find it strange, with as candid as DL has been with you and the fans in the past, that he’s been so quiet the past few days. I mean, if the ship has sailed, like he is implying, I could easily see a DL rant about what they offered and how they tried and what they’ll do next, etc. But nothing…do you find it strange?
[Reply]
It warms my heart that we have so many top notch GM’s writing on the Kings Blog. We should have no problem canning DL and hiring someone from this blog! Or perhaps we can bag all this S**t up and give it to DL, then and only then will he be able to make the correct decisions. With all that new knowledge in his hands how can he go wrong? Then watch out, Stanley Cup, HERE WE COME! (SARCASM, for those who dont get it)
[Reply]
thound Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
@fsd1,
*Sigh*
This is BEYOND the Kovalchuk issue.
Can you please list for us, the last high profile FA that DL has targeted, that he has managed to convince to join the club?
Sorry, but some of us are noticing a serious disconnect between the Kings being able to land the quality “targeted” FA’s and some of the other clubs in the league.
Why? Legacy? Reputation? Location?
As I wrote in a previous post, perhaps it’s all of the above working against the Kings, but it’s DL’s job to overcome these “issues” and the bottom line is, that excuses are simply that, excuses.
The draft and in house player development is the main tool with which to build the clubs foundation, but at certain points, it HAS to be supplemented by bringing in established players who are already developed, and it’s in this area, that DL is failing. Like it or not, it’s HIS job to sell the club, it’s players, and the city to these prospective FA’s and man, his track record at doing this is worse than the Washington Generals at this point.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
@thound, All i need to say is that after 30+ years of watching the Kings, I was very satisfied with what has transpired over the years since dl took over and i’m satisfied with the direction we are headed, I dont care about IK and I dont want IK. Dean will do his job. I’m happy with the team we have and to continue building. In DL I TRUST!
[Reply]
thound Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
@fsd1,
And as a fan since 72′, I’m not saying I am disappointed in the direction the club has gone since his arrival, far from it.
I am saying that despite his success in building through the draft and development so far, that Lombardi IMO, has areas he REALLY needs to step his game up in to get the Kings up over the hump. In the areas NEEDED to augment the draft and development side of things.
I guess what I am saying is that Lombardi shouldn’t be getting a 100 % pass from fans just yet. He needs to start following through on a few of the FA’s he targets.. he’s got to get that first foot through the door.
Sometimes not getting it done, is simply not getting it done… not “hey, he did a great job not doing anything rash”
I am not saying this specifically regarding the Kovi situation, but there are times you can plays cards TOO CLOSE to the vest.
EternalOptimist Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
@thound, I really think the amount of travel during the season for West coast teams plays a huge factor in signing players. I can’t remember the last big free agent to sign out here besides Scott Niedermayer (and that was because his brother was on the Quacks).
Hamhuis signed with the Nucks since he is from that area. Guess we will have a leg up on the first superstar from Cal
[Reply]
Rich,
Will there be any updates on what Kings plan is moving forward? Do you see the Kings pursuing a gritty, 2nd line LW like Ryan Malone? Any chance we take Kaberle on a 1 year deal? Or will we take 2nd and 3rd tier free agents like we did in 2007?
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
@Dominic Lavoie,
Dominic, I can help you out. You don’t need Rich to tell you that we won’t take 2nd and 3rd tier free agents like we did in 07 as they were bridge players and wouldn’t even be able to make the team now.
As for Malone or Kaberle…. your guess is probably as good as mine, or Rich’s or anyone else’s.
[Reply]
My take on Kovalchuk
1. He stated things would get done fast
translation – some team, maybe L.A will offer me the max
2. Kovalchuk didn’t get the offer he thought he would, hey if Atlanta offered him 100 mil, other teams would too!
3. Grossman or whoever his agent is leaked a story about the NYI offering him 100 mil
translation – Snow shot this down saying they were thinking of offering him something but had not tabled an offer
4. Day 4 – D.L is sick of the mindgames, sees he has lost out on other signings he wanted, gives final offer and prepares to move on
5. D.L all but out, rumors leak of Kovy taking shorter term contract for around 8.5 mil a year
my thoughts – D.L is back in but not letting media in on it as he doesn’t want a bidding war, as well as doesn’t want to be asked about whats happening as he doesn’t need the orginization looking desperate
why I think this – Kovy’s agent already stated he wants to stay in the NHL. If he was signing with Jersey it would have been done already as they can use the 10% overage. I think Kovy didn’t get what he thought he would and is hoping the Kings up their anti. He does have a point as there is not much out there of his ability to trade for and all the good free agents have signed. He can afford to wait a little while longer.
[Reply]
Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
@funky,
While I would like to think this is the case, it is more likely the Devils are just trying to make sure they got partners to trade with since signing Kovalchuk will bump them over the cap.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
@Traded for a Pick,
tend to agree w you… in fact lamoriello is someone who is very precise and attends to all details, and i’m sure that’s exactly what he’s doing…. no way do i expect to log on here and see… ‘shock… kovi comes to the kings’
[Reply]
EternalOptimist Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
@Traded for a Pick,
Yeah, it’s over. Don’t think he wants to be the first free agent to get booed in his first game with a new team
My take is that it was his intention all along to resign with the Devils. It would’ve been nice if he actually announced this to save us fans all the pain and frustration! But I do give him props for resigning for less than what Atlanta and the Islanders offered… at least it shows that he does care about winning. I wonder if DL would’ve been able to convince him to sign with the Kings if we had made the trade for him. He probably would’ve been the difference in beating the Nucks. Would’ve a series win have given us the edge to resign him? One can only wonder.
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
@funky, I think you are quite right. I think DL called his bluff about their immediate signing with NJ. NJ although they can sign him, have probably realized that their subsequent salary dump that is forthcoming with that signing may not be as easy as they thought. Since other GM’s know they have to unload players I could see some other GM’s (Burke comes to mind) who are trying to exploit this and trying to force NJ into a bad deal just to get under cap later.
This drama is far from over in my opinion.
[Reply]
brian Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
@EASportsMgt, i agree with you philly is over the cap and a number of team are almost maxed out with the need to add a player or two.
[Reply]
Posted his name a few days ago, but something worth considering for the Kings:
Maxim Afinogenov: Age 31 (by the time the season starts), 24-37-61 last season, and played for $800K last year. Those numbers would have put him second to Anze Kopitar on last year’s roster, and the guy can flat-out skate. I think he’s a good option for the Kings to consider, and would help address the lack of speed on this team. Not Kovalchuk by any stretch, but the fact that he was able to bounce back with a good season after many considered his career over says something about his character. I think the Kings give him a 2-year year deal and see what happens.
[Reply]
PakiFro Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
@KingMe20,
do you know what his numbers without kovalchuk on the trashers? i’m not being fecitious, i really am curious.
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
@PakiFro,
Took a little digging, but following the Mar. 4 trade of Kovalchuk, Afinogenov went 5-8-13 over the final 21 games. He played in all 82 games last year, and he was scoring 0.61 points per game without Kovalchuk versus 0.78 with him. His post-Kovalchuk numbers are numbers are a bit lower, but putting him on a line with a good center like Kopitar might bump them back up.
On the bad side, he was a -17 for the season, but not unexpected on a team that had a lot of holes defensively.
[Reply]
I think its interesting when people bring up Chicago. Cup winners who now had to trade a big chunk of their team because of cap reasons. I subscribe to the 10 year theory of sports. If your team wins a title, they get 10 years of good will, forgiveness, etc. Would you take a championship and nine years of futility, or ten years of fielding a competitive team with no guarantee of a championship? I’ll take one when I can get one.
[Reply]
EternalOptimist Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
@sstephen17,
I don’t agree with the thinking that Chicago loaded up on free agents just for one Cup run. Yes, they overpaid for Huet(probably the worst contract) and Campbell(seriously overpaid but still an above average top 4 dman). The Hossa signing still looks good today. Even though they lost Byfuglien, Versteeg and Ladd, they are extremely loaded with talented, cheaper prospects at forward who are ready to step in. I still think they are the favorites to win it again next year.
But I do think they will miss Byfulgien’s physical play and presence more than they realize. Power forwards with his potential don’t come along very often.
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
@EternalOptimist,
Here is an interesting fact. Chicago has the most expensive defensive corp in the NHL. They have over 16 Million allocated to only 4 defensemen. That’s right, they are already the most expensive and they still need to sign 3 more Defensemen. I hope at least 2 of those are kids in their system because otherwise I see more salary dump coming.
[Reply]
EternalOptimist Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
@EASportsMgt,
You’re right, they are in a bind(to put it mildly)! I also didn’t realize that Niemi is a RFA and he is due for a big raise. Actually I have no idea how they can afford to keep Sharp, Bolland and Seabrook. The Huet signing really screwed them. I guess there only option is to bury him in the minors, or waive him and hope someone picks him up for half his salary to free up some cap space to sign a couple of dmen.
EternalOptimist Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
@EASportsMgt,
Rich Can you post a new topic so we dont have to be disrespectfull on Bobs post….Damn I want DL to talk!
[Reply]
gary livingston Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
@Chris Bond,
or people could just continue to post their thoughts in this thread…like it is meant to be used.
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After playing the final 27 games of the regular season with the Devils following a trade from Atlanta, the forward has decided to stick around and is on the verge of signing a seven-year, $60 million dollar contract according to a report in the New York Post.- The Boston Globe web site was the source for this.
[Reply]
Kristie Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
@mcsorelyfan, This is old news and was what was posted by the NYP yesterday. They quickly backtracked and changed their headline to the Devils being the favorite. Nothing has come out since then. Boston Globe is simply re-reporting what was said yesterday by the Post.
[Reply]
RealDrew Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
@mcsorelyfan,
You’re about 24 hours late my friend.
[Reply]
Hey Rich,
How many hits has your site gotten in the last week? I bet this time of year is a little bittersweet for you. You’re page views increase as well as the headaches that come from dealing with emotionally unstable fans.
[Reply]
RealDrew Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
@RealDrew,
YOUR page views. I hate it when people get Your and You’re wrong.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
@RealDrew, do you hear your old english teacher screaming at you inside your head?
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http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/devils/devils_still_waiting_on_kovalchuk_dmS83PNRgW3OLoYGr62AxJ
For all the addicted ones (yes, i have been too) if you read this article and read even a little between the lines as to what lou lamoriello says, it becomes to me exceedingly clear he’s signing w the devils in which case we can all just let this whole messy saga rest in peace….
or of course, there is always the slight possibility that he’s waiting for lebron to sign first, so that then he can steal lebron’s thunder.
the Only man in the world who could steal lebron’s thunder…. woooow!
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
@number 6, not that i care, but i don’t see how it benefits kovi to allow LL to deal a player under for cap reasons the guise of no desperation. pretty silly.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Sometimes I don’t proofread and the above is the result.
Take 2.
I don’t see how Kovalchuk benefits by allowing Lamoriello to deal a player for cap reasons under the guise of not showing desperation.
It doesn’t make any sense to me whatsoever, yet this seems to be the logical conclusion by all the hockey sheeple out there.
[Reply]
Either DL is still in talks with KOVI or he doesnt give a s— about the fans (not letting us know whats going on). We need to bulk up and get meaner or we are going to get run next year. Wait and see all you fans who dont believe me. DL you are awesome and best in sports. Keep up the great work.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
@gene cowles,
OR (there’s a 3rd option) he’s working hard on trades/negotiating with other UFA…i.e. trying to make us better.
[Reply]
gene cowles Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
@John, you are also right that could be a option.
[Reply]
I will never surrender, I’m a delusional Kings fan for life.
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I really don’t care any more about where Koval”suck”(I say that because that is what has happened sucked the life out of me)winds up or goes, am more interested in what the KINGS are going to do next.
What about Souray, liked the Carter idea.
LOVE the core so don’t jeopardize them….
[Reply]
This is like putting all the Kings fans in one room and then slowly suck the oxygen out. A little light headed at first, followed by complete dementia.
I hope ownership and the front office is enjoying this. The cost is going beyond cap concerns…
[Reply]
Okay folks…
If the Kovi deal is waiting for cap space, and obviously it has not yet come, do we believe NJ would just waive someone to get the deal done?
With each passing day, the NJ Devils look more and more like buffoons…
I’d love to get Quispie on here to run the Devil numbers like he did the Blackhawk numbers, and figure out what they have to do to put us all out of our misery.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, The deal is NOT waiting for cap space to clear. The deal, if there is an offer, is squarely on IK’s shoulders. Nothing is stopping NJ from making it happen other than there’s simply not enough money on the table yet, which is very likely the case. Wait, wait, wait.
[Reply]
I’m with everyone else that this is dragging on is well sucking the life out of me. However, the longer this drags on the more I think we’re actually still in this game. If it was basically a done deal we’d have heard it by now. I think the longer it goes (don’t know how much more I can take of this) the higher the likely hood we get that SHOCKING post by Rich “Kovi to the Kings!”.
[Reply]
Quispie help
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
@broncokings, Here’s all you need to know…”But during the summer, you’re allowed to go 10% over the cap. So if they spend that, too, you’ve got $9.5MM $10MM to spend on IK. And that assumes Lamoriello is comfortable going into the season with 12 forwards and 6 defense. And it also assumes Lamoriello will be comfortable spending the rest of the summer shedding salary ($6MM worth – $5.94MM actually) in order to make room. $7MM or more if Lamoriello wants a roster of 22.”
from:
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2010/7/2/1549966/michelle-kenneth-thinks-the-devils
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
@wavesinair,
Buyers Remorse?????????
Sweet Lou may be smarting a bit from the abject failure of the IK experiment at the end of 2009-2010 season.
Suppose LL gets back to Kovi’s agent and says, “No deal, son… Enough is enough.”
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Everyone’s guessing but that’s what I think. Either that or Grossman said it’s not enough and Lou and Dean are in the same boat…offers sitting on the table but not budging. Who the hell knows though.
DL stuck to his guns. I’m good with that. In a day of salary caps each player has a price tag. DL put a number on Kovy’s worth and stuck to it. Yes I would love to have him skating in LA, but not at the cost of losing one of our kids next year or in two years. DL knew he needs to control salaries, because there are quite a few young guys that will demand hefty raises over the next few years. If he ignored that then all he does is set himself up for a situation like Bowman was faced with in CHI. Throw sick money at FA’s (B. Campbell, C. Huet) and then your stuck with few options.
LA moves along as they did last year. If anything it puts more time and opportunity for the current roster and prospects to step up to the challenge.
[Reply]
flex Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
@whiskeypete,… DL put a number on Kovy’s worth and stuck to it. Yes I would love to have him skating in LA….Well ,…with Dl numbers maybe he still can skate here…(me too…can skate) even browni can skate…but we need much more than that.Dl can not dicide the price for Kovi
market will….do not wory about salaries of other
“rising stars” with this roster you can not go to far and because of that “those kids” would not ask for to much money.#2 we have enough space to sign Kove(of course IF we really want him!!!)
#3 ..how you can compare kovi with Huet and B campbell??) Most of us know this guy is worth around 8m…what Dl did…insult only.
This guy is in his prime,like to play here,is the one we realy need!!!
[Reply]
Rich, any insight into why Lombardi has been less than forthcoming with the media? Combine what you and Helene got and you don’t even have a cohesive paragraph.
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Conspiracy Theory Time:
Since nothing has happened yet, maybe Uncle Lou has players in mind to trade and the only likely team to take them is Los Angeles. Lou approaches DL and DL says take a hike, knowing full well that the Devils WILL have to clear cap space with few suitors at this time to entertain them. Since Lou cannot making the cap space before the season starts without getting raped by the other side, Lou will be forced to walk, thereby leaving IK with only one option. It is just like DL says…”We are not A choice.” To complete that sentence “we are the ONLY choice.”
Probably all just some fun thinking while we wait for some real news, but it’s certainly better than anything Eklund has posted.
Hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend. Go Kings!
[Reply]
flex Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
@Kristie, There is talk in NJ about Langenbruner.
So,maybe…
#2 …I think Kovis wife is involved…she really likes to be here…close to Victoria Backham…#3Kovi is shucked from Dl offer…and needs more time to calm down#4 ..who knows maybe he already signed with devils and part of the deal was to remain quate…to make us…you know.
Rembember Pronger wife, our old body Vishi…so people love our LA LA land …it’s not nesesary about wining…also that Roneck guy..he almost become Rerising TV star…and stole 5m from our “smart” organization.
[Reply]
AEG are geniuses.
Somehow get the shyster Bettman to pass the salary cap.
Now you can’t let your GM spend your millions on players he wants because of the very cap you stuck on hockey.
Brilliant!
Let’s just sign Fro for 3 or 4 years. The homegrown guy.
[Reply]
I sense that Kovalchuk and his agent has painted themselves into a corner. NJ knows that LA and NYI are out of the running. In order for Kovi to not look like the complete greedy idiot he is, NJ would have to offer a package thats worth more than Kovi turned down from LA and NYI. Knowing he is the only option left to Kovi, Lamoriello is in the drivers seat and he and Grossman are trying to put together a Kovi face-saving package. I am thinking something like a three year deal, tops, with a lower based salary of 7M but with huge incentive clauses that could drive the salary up to 10M.
[Reply]
JUST IN! SHOCKING NEWS WE HAVE A NEW KING{
WE HAVE A NEW SCORING SENSATION PLAYER ON THE KINGS!
JUST TRADED TO THE LA KINGS!
WOW! NOW THIS IS NEWS!
WAYNE THE GREAT GRETSKY
Sorry I am still stuck in the McNall Era of the early90s
The last owner who got us somewhere, i do not care what he did wrong in life… His wrong was he wanted to win so badly he paid a bad price for it.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
@sammuch, of course, the old end justifies the means arguement. Well, I can only say your thinking is everything that is wrong with our society today. Unfortunately, this ‘win at any cost’ attitude is contaminating the youth of our country. Soon, everyone will just take what they want. I sure hope you are alive to enjoy the fall.
[Reply]
sammuch Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
@jet,
Thats why Luc, Blake, Sydor, Granto, Sandstrom, Kurri, the Great One himself visited him in jail and they are still his friends today! Not to mention Buss still is his good friend and many other people in the NHL say that McNall is my friend.
Who are you to judge McNall!
If it wasn’t for McNall Kings just might not be here today! Look how hockey has grown in Cali… If he did not pull of that trade NHL it would still be a East Coast sport.
Yes the Great One did great things here, but it was McNall who had the guts pull of the best trade in history of sports.
At least he has guts! you do not have any!
You saying: Me saying, my thinking is everything that is wrong with our society today.
Stop judging thats whats wrong with you, friend!
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
@sammuch, thank you for proving my point
Taylor Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
@sammuch,
That jet guy, does not have any point to talk bad about McNall,All he prove was his own finger pointing back on himself!
Who her without sin, let him throw the first Rock!
sammuch Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
@jet, No, thank you
[Reply]
The issue of signing or not signing Kovalchuk is not what is bothering me. If he has priced himself out of the market, so be it. I take issue with the fact that we have done absolutely nothing. The Kings are the only team not to sign a free agent. While the team clearly improved last season, they can’t afford to rest on their laurels. In order to continue to improve, they need to add quality free agents. They certainly have the cap space to do that. I am fine with re-signing Frolov but that is not enough. They also need to sign one or two of the following: Stempniak, Afinogenov, Ponikarovsky, or even Paul Kariya or Owen Nolan. Arghhh, frustrated fan here
[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
@Ed, Really…Afinogenov? He has wheels and he can stick handle but no finish at all. Might as well bring back Vladimir Tsyplakov.
I would be frustrated if anyone on your list got signed.
[Reply]
NEW UPDATE FROM THE EAST COAST: For what it’s worth I’m listening to espn ny. They just said that IK is still deciding between NJ and the KHL. It’s highly unlikely they would just be saying that. So probably they are using the KHL to drive the price as no one else is left in the NHL to serve that purpose.
Clearly the Kings aren’t involved anymore (except for those out there still holding on to conspiracy theories) unless DL is operating thru a Russian spy… and that’s highly unlikely as the best ones are spending their time in court at the moment.
[Reply]
How about we sign the Ukrianians…
LW-Zherdev C-Ponikarovsky RW-Fedatenko
We can say we have the gretest ukriane line ever!
Now thats something we all can be happy about!
[Reply]
Sad Day to be a kings fan. Not because of Kovalchuk, if he wants the moon we cant give it to him, we do need space for doughty and one of the goalies if they continue to shine. But to add no one of conse
[Reply]
Sign Stempniak or Svatos ! !
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Sad Day to be a kings fan. Not because of Kovalchuk, if he wants the moon we cant give it to him, we do need space for doughty and one of the goalies if they continue to shine. But to add no one of consequence at all. Vancouver, Chicago, Anaheim, and San Jose will dominate us, and Nashville is always strong. Another 6-8 seed season i guess. Thanks Dean Lombardi, your just as useless as Dave Taylor. Lets hire the penguins GM or Brian BUrke (although neither would leave their jobs). At least they are agressive and smart with their moves and aquisitions
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
@Dustin, yahh, Burke is out there taking it to the other 29 GMs.
If I recall correctly, Burke was recently quoted as saying, ” I don’t need no 5 year plan to rebuild”. Okay then, let’s see who does better next year the Kings or the Leafs.
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
@Dustin,
These are the types of comments that truly get frustrating to read. For one DL made it clear that the trade market was where he anticipated to be busy. He never said he was going to go out and sign FAs to big contracts did he? He said he would make a play for a D which he did in Martin. He went after Kovi and didn’t work. So what. That’s why you build up draft picks. That’s why you have the number one rated prospects than any other NHL team. You gain assets and then use those assets to fill holes. Plain and simple. We can’t hold on to every single pick and expect them all to play for the Kings. In a dream world that would be the case but reality is that doesn’t happen.
Second I get frustrated with people who think DL should let us know what he is thinking or should tell us what he offered for Kovi. Are you guys crazy? That’s nuts. A GM who fails to land a big name player is going to come out and say “yeah I offered Kovi 8 mil for 13 years” or whatever. That is just absurd. He doesn’t and should never give us the fans that kind of info. Besides most outside the negotiating room would ever understand what was involved within that offer. Meaning they offer Kovi say 8 Mil, they have guys who run every single scenario every which way in contracts for JJ and Doughty and Simmer and other wildcards who like Richie have breakthrough seasons and they figure out what the true cost is and whether it will work. Scenarios that would blow your mind. So its not s easy as this much money for this many years, there is so much more than that.
[Reply]
Joel Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 12:43 am
@Dustin, Yeah, Burke is quite the genius. He turned Boston into a cup contender for the next few years…oh wait, he’s the Toronto GM?
It also doesn’t take a genius to draft Crosby, Malkin, Staal, and Fleury when you’re drafting #1 and #2 overall for 4 consecutive years.
Let’s not throw Lombardi under the bus for not making moves within the first 6 days of free agency. Aren’t there at least 3 more months before next season starts?
[Reply]
Kovy and Lou are roasting marshmallows right now trying to figure out who to dump rolston and elias on before they announce the trade.
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I know it’s a little off topic, but… doesn’t the goal song they play for the Blackhawks drive anyone else nuts? I HATE that damn song.
Maybe they can trade that song to the devils so we won’t have to hear it during the playoffs next season
[Reply]
Question… Does anyone know if Grossman is also Kovy’s agent for int’l signings (ie KHL)or just for North American agreements? I hope the latter…. wouldnt it be ironic Kovy elects the KHL and Grossman is left with nothing…
[Reply]
nate101 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
@KellyHrudey,
he has an agent in russia.i think its either devils or khl i really doubt he’s going sign here but who knows….
[Reply]
I don’t care where Kovy signs anymore, I just want him to sign somewhere. This whole saga is holding up more free agent signings and trades which wont happen until he decides what the F he’s going to do.
[Reply]
KellyHrudey Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
@Jack the Lad, couldnt agree more…we just need to move forward at this point.
[Reply]
nate101 Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
i also agree this whole thing messing up any deals..
[Reply]
Consider this…. Why not sign fro to a 1 year deal for between 2.5-3.5 mil a year. He is not getting any offers. This deal is good for him to prove himself for another contract year and the kings don’t have to commit long term money. He’s going to put in 25+ goals….. Thoughts?
Let him play 2nd/3rd line LW and give him consistent linemates
[Reply]
now I concern the relationship between Rich and DL.
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:13 am
@zdfun,
I think Helene got used…
Quispie’s on it…
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2010/7/6/1555774/yeah-well-i-dont-think-there-are
[Reply]
If you have read my posts today I have said several times Kings aren’t fully out of Kovi. Reports now say Grossman contacted DL today and they are still talking.
[Reply]
David Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
@EASportsMgt, Nobody is out of the Kovi sweepstakes until he signs somewhere. And what reports have you seen? All I saw was Matt Barry’s twitter post.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
@EASportsMgt, Deano called Jay’s bluff like a champ. I’m sure Jay has a few more cards up his sleeve, but it’s pretty apparent that Deano’s patience has worn very thin. I am very curious how long Deano goes without making a single move. I’m setting the over/under for Friday. I’ll take the under. Some kind of deal done before the weekend.
[Reply]
David Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 12:48 am
@wavesinair,
I say he signs somewhere tomorrow in the afternoon. I just hope its not as quiet tomorrow as it was today.
[Reply]
I didn’t read all 469 comments but I’m sure somebody asked the question as to why the Kings haven’t done anything yet. Is this going to be another year of NO free agent signings? Can a Stanley Cup ever be won by building thru the draft if you don’t finish dead last? I wonder…….again….and again…..year after year…….just saying. (I mean typing)
[Reply]
are we there yet???
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:11 am
@BringBackKingston,
ROFLMAO!
[Reply]
I still dont think we are entirely out of the Kovi race, and I thinkt there is something going on in the back that we dont know of, and THATS why DL is so quiet.
But, if we dont get kovi and move on to plan B, i.e trade for a scoring winger and/or defenseman, what are your thoughts of good options? I´d love to hear EASportsMgt thougts on this.
Do Pittsburgh still need to get rid of one of their 3 fabulous centers?
What if we would trade for Jordan Staal? Is that an option? I think he would be great for our team for years to come..
Gagne is good, but not a long-term solution. Ryan Malone is a great player with the charachter that DL likes, but he aint a flashy high-scoring 5 on 5 winger.
(neither is Staal, but gives us depth at center)
I would love Rick Nash or Jarome Iginla to come here, but what would be the cost of that?? I could sacrifice Brown for Iginla though, both right wingers.
Any other brilliant solutions?
If we are going to trade, there ara many options out there, just use your imagination.
If NJ signs Kovi, should we help them get rid of some players to get under the cap?
What about to trade for Elias, we could get him cheap since we know NJ is desperate. (especially if we “help” them sign kovi).
Give me some good responses to this?
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 5:49 am
@MacSwede,
Hi MacSwede. I can only comment on the Jordan Staal suggestion. First of all, the Pens didn’t have him for the PO’s as he was hurt and that really affected their chances to repeat so it’s highly unlikely that they would put him on the market. Secondly, if there is one thing the Kings don’t need so much imo it’s a center who is ok offensively and strong defensively. Maybe not this year, but in the future I think Brayden Schenn will fill that Jordan Staal sort of role.
As for the other players you suggest, Rick Nash isn’t going anywhere. And the others….. it’s anybodies guess.
[Reply]
MacSwede Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 6:26 am
@number 6, Thanks for your answer.
I hoped you would come with some other suggestions?
It is hard isn´t it? It is hard to come up with good solutions that are do-able..
So before some of you (not number6) critizise DL come up with a solution for your self first, it is not that easy..
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number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:03 am
@MacSwede,
Hey MacSwede, good to hear from you. Yes, in fact this is exactly what I’ve been saying. No, it’s not easy at all. There just isn’t so much extraordinary talent floating around out there. Last season, remember there was Dany Heatley, and I had huge misgivings about him as clearly DL did as well.
I don’t know if you already read Helene Elliot’s article from yesterday’s LA Times, but just in case, here is the link again.
I think it illustrates just how difficult this is.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-elliott-kovalchuk-20100706,0,5891412.column
And it really is the old story… in a trade you have to give up something to get something. But do we want to give up Simmonds, or Quick/Bernier. I think not. Their stars are on the rise…. and to get something back such as a Gagne (just as a for instance). I mean that’s what a lot of GM’s are looking to do. Get a high possible reward and maybe give up someone who either is A) on their downward curve, or B) carries that injury history or C) as in the case of Cammy, will want megabucks to resign.
All of this to substantiate your very simple phrase. It’s not easy.
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:50 am
@MacSwede,
Hey MacSwede,
You know I don’t think whatever player we do bring in is going to be a big name player or any player people on here think it is. Did anyone expect for us to sign Modin and Halpern? Was Ryan Smyth a possibility before the deal? No
Same thing here. I don’t think it will be someone we think.
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F**k F**k, Kovalchuk. He isn’t worth whatever he’s going to get from Jersey (it seems)…he always seems to be a minus player…and all he’s concerned about is money.
GOOD F”NG RIDDANCE…please don’t mention his friggin name again in any context…unless it is to say that Kovi has been deported back to Russia or wherever he came from.
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Rich, Are we back in on the Kovy sweeps? News on the East Coast is that DL and Grossman spoke most of yesterday. Any truth to that?????
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MacSwede Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 6:27 am
@Carolina Kings Fan,
Yeah come on Rich! Lately you have been as quiet as DL about this..
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number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:05 am
@Carolina Kings Fan,
It’s really funny cause that hadn’t escaped my attention a few days ago.
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heres why kovy wont come to LA
ATL beat us 7-0 last year
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MacSwede Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 6:57 am
@Stop the Puck, Yeah I remember that horrible game.. I think Quick was substituted for Ersberg, and Ersberg allowed 2 goals in like 5 minutes..
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number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:06 am
@Stop the Puck,
whoops, responded to the wrong thread just above… I meant to respond to this one
yes I had thought about the same game…. really not the ideal way to woo a potential player is it?
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I may be an eternal optomist BUT… I still think he signs in LA.
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Why is everyone in such a rush to hire Free Agents. Free agents are not our saviors. If I recall, this was a pretty darn good team last year and did pretty darn well in its first year back to the playoff in what, a decade. Our nucleus tasted playoff victories and defeats for the first time in their careers. for the first time in over a decade we have a nucleus of young guys who can win. We dont need high priced FAs to start the season. As the season progresses we may have a better understanding of what we need to win it all. Until then, I think DL is doing just fine by waiting and seeing.
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What is this…day 7 of “As Kovy’s World Turns”?
This is brutal but at least it’s not as pathetic as the LeBron/Wade/Bosch disgrace.
Perhaps Kovy would like a 1 hour special on espn where he can announce his intentions and donate the proceeds to his favorite charity..”Kovy’s Wallet”
What the hell happened to Sports?????
It used to be about the competition…now it has become a reality show. I can’t wait for Kate plus 8 to get involved. Perhaps since he’s signing with NJ, he’ll get the losers from the Jersey Shore show to appear on his 1 hour “I love me” special.
Oh wait..news on LeBron as quoted this morning from espn insider Chris Broussard….LeBron has joined Kovy in the KHL…Chris Bosch is following close behind…he’s holding onto the toilet paper that was hanging from LeBron after he exited the meeting room Bathroom).
There is one problem…the deal is contingent upon Lindsey Lohan being released from prison and being allowed to travel to Russia.
sorry guys…just trying to add a little humor to all of this insanity.
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number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 8:21 am
@nykingfan,
Hahahahaha. See?! It eventually catches up with all of us doesn’t it? Oh my my. That was good though. You have a wonderful excuse to be as eccentric as you wish (the heat). But we don’t even need this. They were talking on espn (the wonderful mike and mike
or it might have even been last night, it’s blurring together. ANYWAY, they were comparing when in basketball it was Teams, rather than ‘star driven’. I do appreciate the extraordinary skill sets of many players, but still, there was really something to be said for the great teams. Even the Lakers w Magic and Kareem and Worthy, it was still a team, more so than what’s going on now.
Hey, welcome to the ‘new nhl’ and the ‘new nba’ and the ‘new reality tv’!
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nykingfan Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 8:46 am
@number 6,
Whats up buddy
Yeah I was chalking it up to the heat.
espn has some set. They’re the ones who have taken “team” out of sports and have made it about superstars. Mike and Mike are a prime expample of what’s wrong with sports. If you aren’t the flavor of the month, they don’t want to know about you. Truth be told, unless you’re a superstar, I doubt those two have ever heard of you. They’re not the only ones there though. Everything about espn has come down to “where does this rank on the all time greats”? It’s always about all time great..and the greatest ever. they can’t just discuss team sports. I don’t think they know much about sports other than football, basketball and Tiger Woods. Yet I still listen to the idiots every morning.
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number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:12 am
@nykingfan,
OMG (as they say). YES! Me too. And I share your feelings to the max. But it actually concerns me about ME!! What am I doing? Not only do I not care for them, plus I can’t even follow their arguments amongst themselves…. but have you ever noticed that for every, what, 5 mins of ‘sportstalk’ – ooops, sorry, I mean superstar talk, it’s followed by I think 10 minutes of ads? As if that wasn’t bad enough, the ads are cranked up I don’t know how many db, but Too Many!
I’d better calm down. See, your post started to get me wound up. Stay cool my friend.
number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:41 am
@nykingfan,
Hey, I had to add this on.
It’s a tweet from Larry Brooks. I think you might be onto something dude… if Larry Brooks says it. Here is his tweet:
Hard to believe more folks arent entirely revolted by shameless display of NBA egos than are drawn to it. Maybe its the hockey culture in me
Have I not been saying that the Kings were still always in on Kovalchuk? You people should listen to me more often.
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Hey Fans-
Does this whole Kovy thing seem completely strange at this point?
Now, as far as what we know (and that is very, very little, in all actuality) the Kings are out of the hunt (according to DL himself), NJ is pretty much a lock, and the KHL has pretty much been a pipe dream.
Some rumors have ‘claimed’ that the Kings might be back in. I have to doubt that, only because I honestly don’t think anyone knows much of anything at this point.
Am I missing anything? Am I missing something? Are the Kings still a player? Why hasn’t the deal been closed between Kovy and NJ?
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number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 8:27 am
@scvking,
I DO agree with you. I said it before, I’ll say it again. I’m sure there are myriad details being ironed out. Just one possible example. Lou Lamoriello is spending quite some time to see exactly how he can make the $’s work, who he would eventually need to move, and what possibilities might be out there to do so. If there is something more in this then I’d be surprised. I really don’t expect a Hossa like ending to this.
HEADLINE: THE TRULY UNEXPECTED HAS HAPPENED AGAIN – IK SIGNS WITH TAMPA BAY AFTER STEVIE Y HAS COME TO AN AGREEMENT ON A TRADE TO MOVE LECAVILIER TO THE HABS.
Hey, if we’re gonna be silly on this blog while this is going on, we may as well enjoy ourselves.
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number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 8:29 am
@number 6,
My God, can you imagine if that actually happened? It’s not as far fetched as I first thought. What position does Stamkos play again?
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scvking Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 8:44 am
@number 6,
It just seems to me that a GM would have figured out the numbers prior to the offer being made. Hard to imagine that the details were not factored in beforehand. Who would make an offer of this magnitude without first knowing the answers to those questions you (and others) have mentioned? That makes no sense, although I am not taking issue with you in any way. Nothing about this (as it now stands) seems logical.
I too have thought that maybe there is a surprise team involved, but I can’t seem to grasp the concept of it. I seriously think this has always been only about the Kings, NJ and the KHL. I don’t think the NYI talk was serious or based in fact.
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EASportsMgt Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 8:52 am
@scvking,
Ok so why do you think NJ is a lock. Here’s a question. Everyone has written that NJ is just trying to figure out the $$$ part to make the deal work. But let’s think about that. You are Lou and you traded for this guy to be able sign him before July 1 and you mean to tell me that he hasn’t figured out this entire time he’s had him how he was going to make the $ work??? Something is wrong there. I don’t think Lou brushes his teeth without fully analyzing the brush and paste he is going to use. There is no way he hasn’t figures out the money part yet. Which leaves only that his partners he was going to trade some players to have backed out leaving him without the space and no one to trade assets to without giving u a top player
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scvking Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:13 am
@EASportsMgt
I was writing the ‘NJ seems to be a lock’ only in the conventional or accepted wisdom sense. And I also stated that I can’t figure this out because it appears so illogical. In my second post, I also wrote that the speculation that NJ is trying to iron out the details was crazy, that you would certainly believe that the offer came after the thought process played out, not before. That is what has me mystified.
I don’t know what to think, which is what I thought my post reflected. At this point, I personally have no idea what will happen or where Kovy ends up.
However, I don’t think that NJ had pre-deteremined trades lined up in the event that they acquired Kovy. Certainly they had anticipated which players they would likely move in the event, but I can’t quite get on board with more than that, that there were actually trades completed that would occur only if Kovy signed with NJ. I could be wrong.
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number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:15 am
@EASportsMgt,
EASportsMgt….. Now I see why you are EASportsMgt.. because you do make a very good point. The only reason that I can think of though is that LL signing Volchenko and Taillander (partly to reshape And woo IK) went further than he’d at first thought he would in terms of expenditure. I don’t know but it is a thought. Just grist for the ole mill.
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nothing is over, yet. including starting the season and adding changes to our team.
i’m still thinking, altho a center, but a position change is possible, Marc Savard.
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Little Known Fact
The first testicular guard, the “Cup”, was used in Hockey in 1874
And
This was in my email this morning..
it is off topic but wanted to share..
Hockey Humor cause we could all use a laugh ..
Little Known Fact
The first testicular guard, the “Cup”, was used in Hockey in 1874
And
The first helmet was used in 1974.
That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.
Ladies….. Quit Laughing
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Completelylostmymind Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:13 am
@hockey jockey,
Stop laughing? Why?
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nykingfan Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:16 am
@hockey jockey,
Forget the brain..protect the head at all costs! LOL
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brian Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:27 am
@hockey jockey, point if information eddie shore wore a leather helmet in te late 20′s and 30′s.red kelly and a few other wore the plastic helmets in the 60′s
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For those out there still interested in Kovi–
This is great stuff!
(Thanks, Quispie!)
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2010/7/6/1555774/yeah-well-i-dont-think-there-are
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Tookie Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:25 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
I thought he was about 80% right on this article. Then this morning we are back in on Kovi…I’m bumping it to 90%. Pretty good stuff again by Quispie.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:29 am
@Tookie,
The question I have for myself is:
How long can I hold my breath?
I’ve already passed out three or four times this week, on this subject…
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number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:32 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Thanks So Much Bako. That was really good. I think one of my favorite parts was :
Kovalchuk’s Russia-based agent Yuriy Nikolaev had told Sport Express earlier this week that it was more likely that his client would remain in the NHL, but also confirmed that he was talking to SKA St. Petersburg. Sport Express reported Sunday that Kovalchuk had a four-year, $36 million offer from SKA St. Petersburg and that the 27-year-old sniper was looking for $40 million total for the four years.
I realize that he is one of the most appealing free agents ever, but his Wizard Of Oz agent can not seem to get his head around the fact that you can’t create a frenzy when there aren’t enough realistic suitors to create said frenzy. I’m sure it’s a huge disappointment for them.
Speaking for myself, I know I’d be disappointed if someone only offered me one million dollars for my work (not)
oh, quelle vie… quelle vie
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:42 am
@number 6,
Mais, que doit-on faire?
Que sera, sera…
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Barrie G Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 10:13 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Read that. Quisp brings up some good stuff there. Everything right now is speculation but at least there is logic in his post.
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Tweet eight min ago from Helene LA Times
helenenothelen: Kings and Kovalchuk are “re-engaged” Lombardi says. Kovy to make first counter-offer today. This gets stranger and stranger…
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number 6 Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:35 am
@Doug,
The question is…. do we really even want him at this point. And I don’t say that because we feel hurt or let down. I really wonder if he is what we need. If he plays anything like the way he negotiates, we could be NJ Devils West (as in, the way the Devils played with him last season).
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scvking Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:45 am
@number 6,
Hell yes we do, but ONLY if the numbers make sense for us. Lots of people bagging on Kovy’s agent—isn’t he doing the job he is supposed to be doing? I’m not giving him a pass necessarily, but the agent is supposed to get the best deal for his client. I think that is what is going on. We are impatient, but that is not a concern for the agent or Kovy. I could care less about the agent or how he plays it, but I do care about us getting Kovy with a deal that works for us. Everything else is water under a bridge.
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Tookie Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:50 am
@number 6,
I have no doubt in my mind he will make this team better, none. I only ever worried about being able to sign the boys down the road we’ll need to win. If Deano is happy to sign him, I’m OK with that.
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I’m thinking that Kovi is still in play. He has longed to come to LA and made it known and I think Lombardi is just playing hardball.
Unless, he strictly wants the max salary, he’s not seriously considering the Islanders offer as the team won’t be competitve in the near future.
Although NJ is a decent team, with what they would have to give up to get Kovi, they would suffer.
I can’t believe that NJ is seriously interested as signing him would put them over the cap and
they are still in need of a few players (including replacing Paul Martin).
And more importantly, the fact that the deal to NJ that has been suggested for the past few days hasn’t been “finalized”, makes me believe Kovi is still available for LA.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 9:55 am
@MartinRW,
Yeah, I’m still thinkin’ Kovi…
The only thing I hate about this process is the way the agents play they press. Rumours are planted for effect, confirmed or denied for effect, all from the ‘source close to the negotiation not authorized to speak publically’…
We, the emotionally involved audience, live and die with every cold, heartless manipulation.
It’s our own fault, I guess.
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Dan H. Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 10:01 am
@MartinRW,
Where has he “made it known” that he wants to be in LA?
If that was the case, the deal would be done.
He’s whoring himself to find out how much people will pay. That’s it.
Unless there’s a source that says with direct quotes “I want to play in LA. It would be great” I’m not buying it.
He’s only choosing from the few teams that have the room to sign his over priced ass.
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