Kings officials are maintaining their public silence this morning/early afternoon, although I suspect that either way, this Ilya Kovalchuk saga is unlikely to go to a 14th day. Just as soon as there is any news to be posted, it will be posted…
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I need my life back…….
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Ergo Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
@LA67, Ohhhh…..I’m there with you.
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duck shooter Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
@LA67, lol same here. I can’t put my phone down. I’ve barely done any work since 6 this morning. Its like I’m getting paid to wait and see what happens. Lol I have hit the refresh button over 100 times… oh man when he signs ill be able to breathe…
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Luis Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
@LA67, I agree. I’m tired of checking my phone and pc for updates.
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laurie Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
@LA67, It’s like being pregnant again and waiitng 9 months for the birth of the child..only good news is that will not take as long..just seems like forever!!
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garry Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@LA67,
It’s gone on too long!!
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Aaron Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
@LA67, I had no life anyway, but yes this does need to end!!!!
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Thanks Rich. It’s starting to get a little twitchy around here.
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Go Kings Go!
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zdfun Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
@zdfun, Visiting this site 60 times/hr.
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Reba Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
@zdfun, the only way I’m not is by using Google reader.
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C’mon Dean, get it done!
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Rich,.
did i read that right?
You dont expect this to go on any longer?
Should be resolved today?
What is your take…where is he going?
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Kevin Y Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
@tcontreras,
Rich knows something we don’t…
Hopefully, Rich is just maintaining his silence until the Kings make a deal “official”.
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number1fan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
@tcontreras, I think what Rich means is that he doesn’t expect this saga to continue into tomorrow meaning either Kovi signs today or DL moves onto plan B for good this time which it is kind of seeming like the latter but what the hell do I know this story has changed about a million times…just a heads up Pierre Lebrun of ESPN is reporting on his twitter that he spoke with Lombardi again and DL declined comment on the Kovi situation once again and that there is clearly no deal in place between the Kings and Kovi…
http://twitter.com/Real_ESPNLeBrun
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i got a good feelin’ ’bout this. i can’t wait ’til the season starts. KINGS are gonna be an elite team.
GO KINGS GO!!!
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I don’t know if this public silence is good or not!!!!!!!
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hockey junkie Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
@Nick,
i agree…..the waiting one way or another is wearing my patience thin. Don’t know how DL does it.
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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH. BANG!
>——->-O
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Joey No-No Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
@Joey Drillings, don’t do it! Point the gun @ ME!!!!!!
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gene cowles Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@Joey No-No, Joe JOe dont do it, point the gun at Kings Management and tell them to sign KOVI. ITs beyond stupid now. Alot of peoples lives are close to mental bread dounds. ITs getting bad. Help DL Help us to overcome this waiting game and sign KOVI today.
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What makes you “suspect” a conclusion is likely today?
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mrbrett7 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
@wavesinair, I actually think that means this will end by tonight, which, for the Kings, isn’t good news, depending on if you want him in LA.
Why? They wouldn’t announce this during the MLB All-Star game.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
@mrbrett7, Why would they care about the MLB All Star game? Is anyone even watching that isn’t there in person?
Could be an even better idea to announce it during the game; avoid some of the media circus
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mrbrett7 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
@VanKingsFan, In the US and in LA? Yeah, people are watching more so than who signs Kovi, yes. Especially on day like today when Steinbrenner passes away, and that is ALL you are seeing on ESPN.
David Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
@VanKingsFan, Its not about fans, its about the media. If AEG is about to commit 100 mil to a player, they want the media to be all over it. How can the media be all over it when they are covering the all star game?
King86 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
@wavesinair, maybe DL’s back up trade plans are getting tired of waiting on hold? Time to sign IK or move on!
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Dayman Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
@wavesinair,
for what its worth…Helene wrote in one of her postings it would be after the All Star game
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AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Rich knows something we dont…
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I don’t know if I want this to end. This is fun!
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tornado12 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
@Kevin Y, Mel Gibson? I bet you like to be tied up and whipped too huh? lol
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puck73 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
@tornado12, wanna go another round about Bruce Mcnall ?
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tornado12 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
@puck73, After that tremondous first round? The fans wouldnt take anything less!
???????????????????????????
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Reading that this probably won’t be going any further isn’t going well with me.
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rich knows something
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As long as the cap hit isn’t too big (7 to 7.5 MAX), I’m on board. Otherwise…..
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I can’t imagine DL not saying anything unless he’s close to signing…otherwise why not just say “It’s over…it’s really, reaally over and he’s not coming!”
Patrick Elias (Ellias?) had a great comment on this. He initially said that Kovalchuck should take his time because of the pressure, but then said that it shouldn’t take this long because as a free agent, knowing you have only a couple of options, he should have had most of his homework done before-hand, making his decision easier.
The Kings and Jersey are probably close in their offers otherwise he wouldn’t have come out here in the first place.
Why the hell can’t they just spill it, one way or the other…enough already!
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Bingram Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@shades, since both teams were looking at an extended contract (13 to 17 years), I would expect the deals are virtually identical for Kovi. Kovi gets the bulk of contract dollars in the first half of the contract. The balance of the contract will depend on how long he wants to play after age 35.
Come on Kovi, sign the contract, be a King.
Go Kings!!
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DougS Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
@shades,
I think you’re right about that. At least, I think that silence means that DL hasn’t given up, even if a signing is not imminent.
If you’re DL, you maintain silence for very good reasons until you know for sure one way or the other. You don’t want to say anything that might piss off the other side and change the way they feel about you. You don’t want to celebrate prematurely and then wind up with egg on your face. You don’t want to get your own hopes up too high. And there’s the good, old fashioned jinx factor.
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I was the only guy out of my friends to bet this gets handled tomorrow and not today.
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If “HE” says “NO”…offer him a ride to LAX later on tonight and drop him off at Echo Park with a 2 way radio…give him 10 minutes….he’ll be calling and saying…ok, ok…I changed my mind”…”I want to sign in LA!!!
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Oh well, doesn’t sound good to me. C’est la vie. Bring on Gagne!
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SPIDEY35 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
@Dave, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, PLEASE NO
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Whatever happens, I think we just want a yes or a no so that Dean can continue to look for a way to better our team instead of wasting his time dealing with this.
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Action Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
@Sebastian,
Yeah, kind of a “crap or get off the pot” type situation at this point.
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hockey junkie Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
@Action,
agree…make up your mind Kovi!
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The anticipation is driving me crazy. Sign that man already.Then I can go on vacation and relax.
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Kwaz Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
@Justicemaster,
I think I could relax easier if he doesn’t sign here. If he did I think I might be too excited to make it to October!
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If it is going to be over soon it means that we probably will not b signing him. They havent called a press conference or anything and I have a bad feeling. As long as he does not go to another team in the west. I can’t even think of him being a Quack.
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Whether it happens or it doesn’t, I believe DL will have made the right decision.
A good, fiscally sound negotiator knows his spending limit before he enters the negotiating room. A bad one will allow himself wiggle room that usually leads to talking himself into raising his limit, which usually ends in a decision he’ll regret later. I believe DL is a good negotiator and will not make this mistake.
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Depression slowly setting in……..
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Wouldn’t it be great is the Kings did indeed get Kovy- but it would be even better if the Kings sign Frolov as well.
In the playoffs and most of the season, when Frolov had the puck in the offensive zone, NOBODY could take it away from him. Many individuals have not given the credit that credit is due…Frolov was playing with linemates that did not jell with him- Frolov was indeed a workhorse in the corners, and he did not have any “finishers” to skate with. Give the guy a break and resign him.
I would indeed appreciate Frolov coming back to the Kings for added depth.
Go Kings Go!
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jamesonafterawin Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
@Danny Ingamells, Indeed and agreed with. I remember Fro lossing the puck a few times, but I also remember yelling for some puck support. One guy can only hold on long enuff until the other teams says to itself, well if his team aint going to get the puck from him, we will.
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ILLEGALSTICK33 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
@jamesonafterawin,
When you get tired of watching one guy hold the puck and dance around the net for 5 minutes by himself you don’t want to go and give him support. Thats why you were crying for puck support. The other guys on his line got tired of getiing open and SCREAMING “PASS THE PUCK”
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SPIDEY35 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
@Danny Ingamells,
Totally agree with you and I really hope that if the Kings do sign Kovalchuk, Frolov will want to stay and play with a fellow russian.
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Get’er Done DEAN!
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Hey Rich, What is the site traffic like since July 1st? I know I am on 6-8 times a day.
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Anticipation? Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
@Big Rob in Dallas, 6-8 times a day? 6-8 times an hour for me..
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sounds like DL gave I.K. a deadline.
Im sure when Rich called DL this morning,.he got a “we will know by tonight,.”
so Rich does know something,.he knows I.k. has been given a timeframe…
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Jess Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
@tcontreras,
Interesting thought.. And you might be right.
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I think it’s fairly certain to assume that Kovi would be in town for two days and would fly back tonight or tomorrow morning. Either way, I can see the headline now.
“Kovalchuk returns to his home wihtout a contract”
He may need more time to think about it he may say thank you to DL and staff for their hospitality and good luck.
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To say that it will likely not make it to a 14th day, Rich must know something only an “insider” would know. As ant outsider, I see no reason that this will end soon.
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If its not going past 13 days how would Rich know unless he is signing here. He wouldnt know if Kovi was going to sign elsewhere.
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EASportsmgt Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
@RLane420,
Ah, well he could also know that he wasn’t signing here by maybe being told that it doesn’t look like a deal will be done……
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RLane420 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
@EASportsmgt, How does that mean it wont go past today. To me that means Kovi is off the market.Not that we have passed on him for the third time.
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EASportsMgt Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
@RLane420,
I believe it means it wont go past today for us Kings fans on here. Meaning Dl will offically go to plan B, start using up the cap and then make it improbable that Kovi signs here.
I believe it means it’s over for the Kings and not for Kovi.
Of course I don’t want to put words in his mouth, I’m just saying.
tornado12 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
@RLane420, I agree. We have told him NO before what like 10 times now? Today is A major turnging point of our franchise! Not that we sign Kovi, all our work is done, but being able to lure a FA of his calibure under OUR terms? That bodes well for us all! GO KINGS!!!
illegalstick33 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
@EASportsmgt,
13th day it ends??? Not a good number!! 13 ohhhh noooo I fear the worst!
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number 6 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
@illegalstick33,
Not just that, but the date is the 13th. Could be interesting.
Remember in the movie “Breaking Away” the car salesman pushing the car out of his driveway that had been brought back by an unhappy customer…he was yelling “Refund?! Refund?! Refumd?!”
Well, that’s me with my F5 key…”Refresh! Refresh! Refresh!”…
It’s gonna be a long day…
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jamsonafterawin Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
@King Homer, Alternative: Right click the page and click Refresh. Don’t miss anything.
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Let’s brace ourselves for bad news.
Assuming Kovy is out (permanently this time) what roster upgrades are available? It seems like this has been a thin free agent market, so that only leaves a trade scenario. Sorry to be redundant but last season (playoff wise) we were short in 5 on 5 scoring and third period defense. What we may be faced with is another season much like last season. Improvement but not enough to be true cup contenders, especially as Vancouver and San Jose are likely to be just as good if not better (if San Jose get decent goaltending). Would we be better off not doing anything and trying to get help from a couple of the guys in the minors?
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John Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
@ForumFan,
This season’s upgrade: Gagne.
Next season’s upgrade: Parise.
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Kwaz Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
@John,
That would work for me. I don’t know how we could pry Parise away from NJ though.
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John Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
@Kwaz,
Me neither. But if they sign Kovalchuk, they won’t be able to keep Parise
I have a feeling Kovi is leaving LA unsigned. Such a shame if true and he really did want to play in LA. Flip side, no reason to tear apart the team.
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I think alot of us are missing one point of having good young talent. Good young talent puts you in a position to become a better club to attract a stud player via free agency. If you have to lose one of these young players that is not proven, you must move them to acquire a better asset. We don’t need a puck moving defensemen. We have Dougthy, Johnson, and Hickey. Let’s not forget that Hickey had a good run with the Monarchs 2 seasons ago.
Most are arguing that we need to keep Simmonds. Schenn’s potential cap hit seems to be a hot topic as well. Both of these guys are expendable. Schenn is unproven and didn’t even dominate at the WJC’s and Simmonds is heart and soul but is not a stud.
I’m tired of this IK thing just like most of us. Don’t get hung up on unproven talent. The good teams move these “POTENTIAL” talents for proven players. That’s why the good teams are always good. I’m all for losing 1, 2 or 3 of the potential talents to sign IK. In the end IK makes our franchise better and more valuable.
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They need to make a decision already, it’s killing me smalls!!
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BAZINGA!!!!
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I know no one wants to hear this but they won’t announce it until tomorrow, not if Grossman has a say in it. The slowest day in sports news or the day Steinbrenner dies and of the All Star game. Hmm. Let’s hope no one else dies and steals our story.
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he is going to russia
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Wow imagine Kovi Kopi and Fro in one line??? I think silence is good in this case. They are waiting for the big announcement in LA. So everyone can hear.
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ShortHanded Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
@Pat,
Fro is a left wing too. I would not think that TM would set the line up that way. Power Play with Kovi on point and Fro on the left maybe.
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Full Strength Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@Pat,
More like kovi, kopi, and smyth. Finally, Kovi would open up space for Kopitar and vice versa. And smyth will get them the pucks and handle rebounds. Great 1st line if you ask me.
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Pierre Lebrun’s Twitter
“Just got off the phone again with Kings GM Dean Lombardi who again declined to comment whatsoever on the Kovalchuk situation”"
“Clearly though, there is no deal at this point between the Kings and Kovalchuk.”
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maybe dl is re-reading tolstoy again…
maybe ik is re-realizing his priorities…
so i guess the def con meter is back to 4 instead of 2…
RICH…
yr using the “red” phone, right…?
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I suspect he’ll sign on the 17th day…
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Kovy being Kovy
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I wonder when this is done and if he signs here what effect that will have in the locker room. ?
I hate when stuff like this is dragged out and then there is anger from within …GKG.
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EASportsMgt Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
@David s,
Knowing some of these guys I can tell you they are all 100% professional. They understand it’s a business and they don’t get invloved in this drama. I can see a guy like Greene instigating and wanting to get updates for the fun of it actually but in the end they know it’s business. If he signs they will be happy and welcome him with open arms, if he doesn’t they welcome whatever other player management brings in. It’s that simple.
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DougS Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
@EASportsMgt,
That’s a good point, and it reminds me of something Rich said around the time of the trade deadline about team chemistry; namely, that if the players think a guy will help them win, they’ll welcome him into the clubhouse. That’s the bottom line.
If Kovalchuk becomes a King and performs as advertised, none of this will matter. And if he becomes a King and disappoints, none of this will matter, either, because the fact that he isn’t scoring goals will be more important.
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I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS TO BE OVER!!!!!
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Get your Molotov cocktails ready for riots baby, Ilya is coming to LA!!!
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I just threw up in my mouth. I can’t stand this. My business has taken a back seat to this whole soap opera. I don’t want this to be over for the sake of being over. I, along with all of you, want Kovi to sign in L.A., but God help me if this goes on any longer.
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I think the reason Rich thinks it’s unlikely to go to a 14th day is because Kovi’s stay in L.A. will be ending soon and this thing will be resolved one way or another.
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jammer06 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
@King John,
No its because Kevin Costner told Rich he was going to make 13 Days part 2 about the Kolvalchuck story so he has to sign today.
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just imagine if this site had ads, Rich could have a nice bonus
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This is fun and unlike other teams the blogs just keeep coming. Thanks Rich for a fantastic job. You are the best and we the fans appreciate your hard work. Go Kings
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See what happens when you speculate Rich, everyone starts to Assume
I’m waiting till I see that he’s signed somewhere
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Bob Bobson Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
@jammer06, you mean ASSume?
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broncokings Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
@Bob Bobson, no he meant ASS-U-ME
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I think what Rich means is that he doesn’t expect this saga to continue into tomorrow meaning either Kovi signs today or DL moves onto plan B for good this time which it is kind of seeming like the latter but what the hell do I know this story has changed about a million times…just a heads up Pierre Lebrun of ESPN is reporting on his twitter that he spoke with Lombardi again and DL declined comment on the Kovi situation once again and that there is clearly no deal in place between the Kings and Kovi…
http://twitter.com/Real_ESPNLeBrun
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RLane420 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
@number1fan, 1st part fact from DL no comment. 2nd part speculation from LeBrun.
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Oh, Rich. I catch myself looking for clues in what you’re telling us, then, I remember your messages are based on clues you’re getting from the Kings’ suits and what they tell you is probably based on clues they’re getting from Camp Kovalchuk. It’s like one of those carnival mirrors that just goes on and on and on . . . . . .
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I just can’t see this NOT getting done at this point. If the two sides are that far apart in money, does it really make sense to bring the guy out to wine/dine and tour the city…no. “Oh gee, look Kovy, we have beaches, how about dropping your price tag by a few million?”
Give me a break…the Kings will get this done, they have to…and they know that.
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So Rich, what is your over under now? It was 65/35 yesterday for the Kings to sign Kovalchuk.
What percentage is it now?
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Get it done! I can’t take checking this site every 20 minutes anymore, driving me crazy! And It sound like I’m not the only one pulling my hair out. This has gone on alot longer that 13 days, been going on since Kovi turned down atl offer. Press confrence today, nobody cares about MLB allstar game, and I like baseball.
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My intuition…
It takes lawyer type talking to get the papers signed and aggreeing to the details.
no I dont want that bonus Id rather this one etc. Each change means re typing the contract…
Or maybe working out this and that little detail
Something like this Im sure.
Im very optimistic at this point.
His wife wants to be here tooo..And she will say Ilya compromise !!! And HE WILL ..Russian women are very convincing. And if she is even a little bit like my russian wife, she wont accept NO.
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King John Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
@ezepace,
You mean “nyet”
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Danielle Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
@ezepace,
As one of those lawyer types, I can fairly comfortably say that they probably don’t even go into writing a contract without all the details worked out. Are there wording tweaks once one side presents the other with a draft contract? Sure. I went back and forth with someone over one sentence a few times. But by the time the lawyers are drawing up a contract, the deal is done and it is just working out the wording, not the terms.
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Any news yet ???? ( eye twitching ) ( hands shaking ) Anything yet Rich ?? how bout now ????? OOOOOOOH GOOOOOOOOOD PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE MAAAAAAAAAAKE THIIIIIIIIIIS EEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDD !!!!!I’M ready lord, whether its good news or bad !!! This seems just as bad as when our son was in the hospital born just a micro preemie and not having any news for over a week !!! But that I didn’t want to end . And see 2 yrs later here I am going thru the same pain …. Why DO I Love This Sport And The Kings SOOOOoooOOo Much !!! its so Painful !
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Promise him that we will trade for LeBron
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I hear some of the great fans talking about trades etc etc. Who do you all think we should trade for and who do we give up? We need some big bad ass’s to help protect our forwards. The only forward who will drop the gloves is Simmons, Clune and Westgarth and Clifford if they make the team.
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I’ve got a call in to Paul the Octopus, but he won’t return my call. Apparently he thinks I’m calling from Detroit….
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ryan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@rontheking, best post all day
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RoyalPain Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
@rontheking,
I thought Paul was the Walrus.
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rontheking Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
@RoyalPain, Paul is the Oracle. Paul is ALL. Paul is Juraj Mikus in disguise.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/419715-world-cup-2010-paul-the-psychic-octopus-retires-after-final-prediction
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I think some of you are missing the key factor in all of this. Kovi want big green in his wallet. And the Kings are not willing to pay a arm a leg and whatever parts are left on a body.
I right along side with everyone and to either move on or sign the guy. But if we are going to have a team that is going to raise the cup season, either make the proper moves to make it all happen.
This soap opera is getting old really fast.
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I’m going to assume the worse… The disappointment will be easier to handle!
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Keeper Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
@Crownme87, Yeah, I think I’m going to take that same route. Sucks, but I won’t be as bummed out.
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number1fan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
@Crownme87, You are smart in doing this haha I will follow your lead…This saga will come to an end with Kovi not being signed…This is all about money and there Kovi keeps demanding more than we are willing to pay its as simple as that…don’t read into this post as the Kings are going to have Kovi signed by tomorrow because that is not the context it is in. All it says is that Rich believes this won’t drag into tomorrow meaning that DL could very well come out and say later tonight that we are completely moving on from Kovi and going to plan B because we could not get a deal done and we dont want to drag it out even further.
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Keeper Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@number1fan, Let’s just all say it now…Kovi is not signing to LA…there…don’t you feel like the world isn’t coming to an end??? NOOOOOOO!!!!! PLEASE DEAN!!!!!!! SAY IT ISN’T SO!!!!!
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This is nuts! I WANT MY LIFE BACK, NOW!!!
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Ilya has seen the city, heard the offers and will now make his choice. I hope it’s today
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The DL keeps quite the better it is King Fans !
This is how it gets just b4 it all go’s down. Notice how
there is no more posturing in the media that’s cuz they are gettin’ down to the real deal . They don’t have time for anymore BS, they both know the time is at hand to get it done ! and yes this will end tomorrow so Kovi and the Kings can have there day in the sun .
[Reply]
Peter Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
@mat, You’re on the money Matt…. When they couldn’t get it done, DL was quick to say so. It’s going to happen. I can feel it in my bones. Bartender! Drinks all around!
[Reply]
He is not coming !!!!!!!!!! If he wanted to be here it would have Been done!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He going to ………….
[Reply]
Come on Kings, end this saga tonight by signing Kovi!!! Ahhhhhh, I can’t take it anymore!! I need a beer!!!
[Reply]
Talk about a site getting hits!
They have NO Idea!
I have had to recharge the battery on this before the end of the day..all week.
Remember what they say
“Patience is a Virtue “.
[Reply]
FROM THE RINK: (whatever the hell that is) Why Ilya Kovalchuk should sign with the Los Angeles Kings: “The core talent of Kopitar, Doughty, and Johnson are under 23. Brown is 25, Simmonds is 21, Quick is 24 — and that’s not even counting Jonathan Bernier(notes). That’s all-world talent with plenty of cap space to spare. You add Kovalchuk and his 40-50 goals per season and that is one frightening team that will surge upward for years to come.”
Just food for thought. No rumors, just looking ahead.
[Reply]
We really are a fickle bunch…everyone changes their theories quicker than the wind blows…Kovy will be a King. If DL and Kovys camp were not “close” on the deal, Kovy would not be flying to LA personally. His reputation (as well as grossman’s) would be severly tarnished if at this point, after all the drama, Kovy doesnt sign. Quite frankly it will be a huge PR disaster. He’s going to look like a greedy diva…and Grossman is simply going to look utterly incompetent. If he signs here, as I think he will, he is going to look like a humble pro who wants to contribute to the kings becoming an immediate SC contendor. We already see some of the PR working…reference Browns and Stollos positive comments about Kovy and Kovy’s desire to be a king, etc. If after all this Kovy doesnt sign here then he never deserved to be here….this type of character belongs no where in our organization.
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
@KellyHrudey,
There are many theories on this all of them speculation and all of them most certainly end with a PR nightmare for Grossman. However it could also be as simple as, both parties want to have a relationship but they are far away. So let’s meet in person, and see if we can come to some understanding.
If he doesn’t sign, it’s not all bad for IK. He can say he went out of his to come down and meet with team officials. After discussing for a few days, the Kings could not offer a contract that is inhis best interest and understands that Dl needs to do what’s best for his team and the young kids they have here.
They both walk away as winners.
Let’s just hope this doesnt happen, however I think it’s likely.
[Reply]
flex Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
@KellyHrudey, ..Are you realy our good old golie?
[Reply]
Kwaz Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
@KellyHrudey,
If Kovalchuk signs somewhere else the most he will have to deal with, in PR terms, is Kings fans booing him at Staples (If he ends up in the NHL) and a few negative articles written about him that he won’t even read.
[Reply]
Rich,
With all due respect, after a 13-day process, why would you expect it to magically end today, unless you know something?
[Reply]
Sparman Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
@JackKentCooke,
Oh, you don’t know the significance of 13 days? tsk, tsk
[Reply]
The all star game is today they won’t announce anything today. Not that I know what a baseball is used for. Just hockey in these veins.
[Reply]
This is ridiculous.
Are there players we are overlooking because of the IK situation? Forget this fool. Let’s move on.
When is DL going to sign a top 4 D man?
Let’s look at what cost the Kings in the playoffs…a top 4 D Man.
[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
@Snoop Dogg,
ummm….actually it was 5 on 5 scoring with an RJ in second place.
[Reply]
CharlieHuddyAward Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
@Tookie,
ummm….actualy it was Ryan Smythe – dude is too slow – can’t transition.
[Reply]
yobro Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
@Tookie, Right you are. After Harry went down and RJ moved up, that was pretty much it. Harrold really impressed me , I hope he sees more time this season.
\
Go Kings
[Reply]
Why all the gloom? Kovi could have gone to Russia if he just wanted the money. He could stay with the Devils if he wanted to continue to have his family live in hot, humid Miami…. but he took the trouble to come out here with his agent and take a meet with the Kings, see the sights, look over the real estate bargains, enjoy the mild temperatures, check out the Pacific ocean, and meet some of our young talent that will take him to the cup more than once in the next ten years. He’s not a dummy. He knows if he comes to LA he’ll be out of the shadows of Crosby and Ovechkin (who is one really ugly Russian). He’ll reach god like status in the West…. I tell you boys and girls, he’s gonna sign… and if not tonight, first thing in the morning……..
[Reply]
ForumFan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
@Peter,
I really hope you are right. It seems obvious he has a strong preference for the Kings which makes the wait even more baffling.
[Reply]
I haven’t seen anyone post this yet:
“Kovalchuk not only met with the Kings brass on Monday but with players like Dustin Brown(notes), Matt Greene(notes) and Jarret Stoll(notes). Said Stoll: “”It seemed like he cares about being here and hopefully playing for the Kings … He wants to win, and that’s the most important thing for anybody to say and to think.”
[Reply]
I could probably round Russ Anderson, Butsy Erickson and Larry Playfair if the Kings need depth once Kovi signs. But Kovi will not sign. We are LA. WE do things the hard way.
[Reply]
Well its official the news is. No News. OMG I bought a house, two cars and got divorced in less time than this deal or no deal is taking.
Oh ya,
and the ex got all the above
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
@EST.67, My point exactly as to why the Kings should keep Kovalchuk as a long term girlfriend rather than marry him!
[Reply]
I actually thought that if there was a signing to announce, it would be tomorrow. The MLB All-Star game is tonight, but tomorrow there is NOTHING going on in sports. (unless LeBron can change his mind…)
[Reply]
Now I know how it feels to be that girl that doesn’t get a call back after hooking up the night before…
[Reply]
fiveholio Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
@TB, and we’re still sore
[Reply]
Hope it does not end today, I just don’t know what the hockey world will do without this BS… I think at the finish line he will sign with St. P-burg, and we can go back to our boring life, or just getting a blog how he is spending his earnings in Russia….
[Reply]
I’ve been looking at this think from every angle possible.
My feeling is there’s a 50% chance he either signs with the Kings or goes elsewhere.
[Reply]
Yog S'loth Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
@nykingfan, Going out on a limb there?
[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
@nykingfan, but there is only a 25% chance of that.
[Reply]
shades Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
@nykingfan, LMAO
[Reply]
Yankees owner Joe steinbrerbnner Died !!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
@Beeze, now if we could just get rid of al davis.
[Reply]
Anonymous Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
@chuckrocks, Al Davis is a robot he will never die
[Reply]
TG Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
@Beeze, way to be up to date on hot topics, and botch his name.
[Reply]
Wow!!! There’s a ton of new rumors floating around the net now, some not so favorable.
[Reply]
I have a brand new bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey that I am either going to drink to celebrate with or mourn with. Kovi the choice is yours, you can make me a happy Irish drunk or a angry Irish hitman.
[Reply]
I think it’s over. Turn out the lights. But hey, I’m an optimist…
[Reply]
I’ll tell you one thing that might make Rich believe this can’t go on much longer….
LeBron James
Dude has lost MILLIONS in endorsements because of the way he handled HIS free agency. Kovy knows he’s being painted in the same light. People are getting fed up. Waiting too much longer could do serious damage to his marketability and promotional side of his career.
I’m sure we ALL know Kovy is a much more upstanding citizen than LeBron, but it doesn’t matter if the majority of the public thinks he’s a primadonna. It will hurt him and I believe the man he’ll have to thank for that is is agent, Jay Grossman.
Rich could possibly know something as well, but I think some assumptions can be made here without insider knowledge.
POLL TIME!!!!
Should be one or the other:
Will Ilya sign with the Kings?
Yes-
No-
Simple poll. I’d like to know what the split is for readers here. I think he’s coming. I think it’ll be a deal between 8-12 years with a cap hit of 6.5-7.5mil/year. Solomon will call Quisp to finalize the numbers.
[Reply]
KellHrudey Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@Cynic, YES
[Reply]
EST.67 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@Cynic, I think he will sign. about 8.3 mil for 7 yrs. and front load the deal. Would not be suprised if DL does not tell us the $ amount.
[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
@Cynic, … iLyA (it’s destiny)
[Reply]
Atomic Steve Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
@Cynic, Yes, i think he’ll be a King.
[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
@Cynic, No, Devils Advocate (get the pun)
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
@VanKingsFan,
My thoughts:
Tonight they’ll be an announcement of the press conference tomorrow.
IK will be a King for 6.5-7.5 mil/year for 10-12 years.
This site will go down for several hours after the news.
[Reply]
flex Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@Cynic, YES,but please no less than 7.2m. We need him “in good moral shape ) I said Moral,at this point this is more important than $$$$$$$$
[Reply]
scvking Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
@Cynic,
Yes…at $6.8 hit for 6 years.
[Reply]
He’s gonna go to SJ..
[Reply]
SPIDEY35 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
@Mike L, That’s not funny
[Reply]
Is this gonna be like the Gulf Oil Spill….we can seemed to get it CAPPED!
[Reply]
….and the news that will be posted day 13 will be that the Kings will be holding a press conference tomorrow morning….
go kings!
[Reply]
Hey rich watch the typos mate your gonna break a lot of hearts!!
[Reply]
Rich,
Let me try this a different way. Why do you think the Kovalchuk saga is unlikely to go to a 14th day?
[Reply]
MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!!!
[Reply]
I decided to go look up the Devils blog and articles on the situation and it calmed me down a bit to see that it seems like they have given up and don’t really care. They have other players they want to lock up.
[Reply]
It’s official, he is signing with the Quebec Nordique, because his wife likes whaling and full nude strip clubs.
[Reply]
The_Guv_ Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
@Joey Drillings, I’ve heard that about Russian women. LOL
[Reply]
For the record, or for purposes of humiliating him if he’s wrong (please let that be the case), Matthew “My Source Tells Me” Barry says no deal. Done. Kaput.
[Reply]
I think Rich is saying: “He’s coming to LA, but I can’t tell you yet. So go back to work!”
“Just as soon as there is any news to be posted, it will be posted” meaning the post is already drafted and as soon as Deano goes public, it’s up
[Reply]
Just got a fortune cookie at Pick Up Stix and it said, “A new relationship will start soon. You will be blessed.”
It’s looking good cause my fortune cookies are due to get one right!
[Reply]
SIGN HIM!!!!! I NEED TO GO TO SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Oh yeah, KINGS FOR LIFE!!!!!
[Reply]
Well this is sooo getting old!!! i don’t wanna see Jumbo Joe come play on our team cause he’d probably lick balls but i’m so over this Kovy watch!!! either you wanna play here for 100 million or you don’t!!! is he even worth that kind of money, for reals?
[Reply]
Honestly? When I parse Rich’s post, it sounds to me like he got told stuff on the record (“We have no comment”) but was also told something off the record. Therefore, he can’t come out and tell us what it is, but he can drop a hint.
So I’m going to guess that he has off-the-record info that Team Kovi is supposed to respond to the Kings’ last, best offer by the end of the day today.
[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
@DougS,
Clearly this is exactly the case. Anyone thinking otherwise is overcomplicating it.
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
@DougS, I concur. Endgame.
gkg!
[Reply]
AM570 PetrosAndMoney
I’m hearing the Kings could get something done today with Kovalchuk. In a spot to be locked up, would really have to get sideways no to go-M
posted 20 min ago
[Reply]
Jonathan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
@joelfink,
Unlike certain guys with Scandinavian nicknames, Money has actually gotten some rumors right.
On the 11th, he initially reported that the two sides were meeting face to face, save for the fact he thought the Kings front office folks were going to meet Kovalchuk in Florida and not vice versa.
[Reply]
TB Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
@joelfink, Derrr….what now? “In a spot to be locked up”? what do you mean by in a spot?
[Reply]
PetrosAndMoney I’m hearing the Kings could get something done today with Kovalchuk. In a spot to be locked up, would really have to get sideways no to go-M
From Money’s Twitter
[Reply]
Just got word – Kovi has just signed on to do Dancing with the Stars. If he’s doing that he’s gotta sign with LA
[Reply]
HA HA HA! Well played Mr. Hammond, well played.
[Reply]
Let’s move forward here…sign DD, Simmer and Richardson. The kings are the only team that hasn’t made a roster moves to improve since July 1. If DL is protecting the eggs in the basket then pose it that way to Kovi…this is what it will take for you to be part of this team or move on…sign some grit and make a few trades..
[Reply]
I havent posted much this summer but I think Kovy will sign with the Kings and it’ll be announced Wednesday… just a gut feeling. I can’t help but picture all the Western Conference GMs and coaches and fans straining their brains sending Kovy psychic messages like “Go to the KHL! Go to Jersey! Go anywhere but LA!”
[Reply]
Ik needs to stop worrying about money and instead start practicing your stanley cup kiss and how to hold it in order to get the right photo. I hate that his camp acts like he’s not coming. 7 to 7.5 and living in LA is the same thing as 10 mil a year. Russia is cold it snows there and not just in the mountains.burrrrr.You don’t miss that living in Florida come on. NJ is already occupied by the Self proclaimed “THE SITUATION” and he’s got it pretty locked down. All I’m saying is Kopi,Doughty,JMFJ,Brown,etc. So what’s the problem kovi
[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
@Rasta B,
Plus he’s not a guido and Snookie ain’t having that!
[Reply]
Hell, I have been dealing with 80+ days of oil here on the Gulf Coast of Florida, I guess I can wait a few more days for Kovi.
Sincerely,
B-MEL
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
@B-MEL,
Most definitely puts things in perspective! Thanks B-MEL!!!
[Reply]
I’m beginning to think DL is throwing Rich a bone by holding out on all this info.
He wants Rich’s blog to average 300 replies per post as long as possible. Content doesn’t matter on the web, it’s all about volume. The ‘Hits if you will.
DL & Rich are working together here to optimize their placement on the first pages of search engines at the expense of our sanities.
[Reply]
kyle Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
@Cynic, hell, sanity took a holiday a long time ago. We’re into obsession and all sorts of other neuroses and psychoses too numerous to mention. And my danged refresh button is sticking from overuse!
[Reply]
PakiFro Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@Cynic,
Rich’s advertiser must be loving Kovi right now for that exact reason
[Reply]
I’m so tired of waiting for this thing to come to a conclusion,i’ve been a die hard Kings fan for over 12 years now and finally we have the team to be in a spot to contend.i’m from alberta,canada and i even fly out to watch games at the staples center.GOD DEAN!!!!DO THIS PLEASE WE NEED MORE FIREPOWER UP FRONT!!
[Reply]
I think it will be tomorrow because of today’s MLB All-Star game.
[Reply]
Hey Rich, for the sake of hilarity can you confirm that “unlikely” is not a type?
[Reply]
Jonathan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
@Jonathan, it figures I would make a typo out of type
[Reply]
off the wall question. why does it take so long for the post to show up on the blog?
[Reply]
i read on espn.com this morning that no deal was close and might be discussing a short term deal. you don’t go from not close to a deal being done in just a matter of hours. With Rich saying this will be over either way today doesn’t sound good. i hope i’m wrong but don’t think he’s signing here long or short term, time to start looking into trades.
[Reply]
Lets see if we can get up to 500 comments! Sign the contract already Kovi!!! I’m going to have a Steinbrenner if he doesn’t sign soon.
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
@demon, LMAO! You’re going to hell but that was totally worth it.
[Reply]
RICH HAMMOND, spill the news! We know YOU know something, now that the heck is it?
[Reply]
What we know.
#1 In Atlanta he was making 7.5m
#2 He got an offer for 101m from atlanta.REJECT
#3Got an offer for 60m for 6 years in NJ..Thinking (?!?!)
#4He want to play here…why???? ,because of LA beaches or he “feels” this team (FINALY!!!!) has a good future or both.I would say both,but before being pro-player ,this guy is HUMAN first ,with pride and very strong ego.Hey,remember he is Aries !!!! I AM !!!!
So,what we can expect from this “SHOW”…I think a lot depends on Nicol….I THINK ,the worse case scenario
would be Signing him with broken heart….means less than Kopi. Most of us would celebtate as victory.DL would be …”THE BEST” (???)…but ,BUT…
Can we expect 40-50 goals??? If Nicol says,do not worry honey,6m is enough for us to “SURVIVE”..here,then who nows.Some News makers will call him …looser or …something like that.Nothing good !!!
I think tommorow is the Final day of Big (I hope Good News) …Hey,We love our TV and radio comentators , Also Rick too . Thank you Man for an outstanding job)because most of the time they talk fair.So,lets be fair with this deal too.We can afford him.we need him,we deserve him …Victoria Bekahams life is getting boring,she needs something different..like Nicol kovalchuk.
Bob Miller deserve this.all those loyal funs who waited more than 40 years …deserve this.IF we miss this.than the best we can expect from this team,just another first round exit in playoffs…And the truth would be more money for AEG (not for young kids) and less (again ana again ..for us ,funs)
[Reply]
UglyinLA Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
@flex,
I’ll say this… if the Kings ever win a Stanley Cup, they’d better put Bob Miller’s name on it too.
[Reply]
DLB Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
@UglyinLA, I like you.
[Reply]
flex Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
@UglyinLA, Well said. agree 100%
[Reply]
I don’t know why people keep on saying that he isn’t signing today because of the All Star game. Baseball has NOTHING to do with hockey.
[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
@Who Knows?, Its true, first it was.. .no announcement because of the world cup, now because of the all star game??? Doesnt make sense; the Chewbacca defence.. “that does not make sense!”
[Reply]
zdfun Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
@Who Knows?, Right, baseball has NOTHING to do with hockey. But do you want Kovi’s story on the whole front page of Sport Section or sharing with the baseball all-star game tomorrow? (although I am not sure if people still reading newspaper now-a-days.)
[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
@zdfun, I couldn’t care less if it was in the newspaper at all to be honest
[Reply]
Mike S Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
@zdfun, I like this theory. Tons of people still get the newspaper for the sole reason of checking out the sports page. Considering that, maybe an announcement of Kovi NOT signing would come during the all-star game, effectively diverting as much attention away from it as possible and hiding it in the bottom corner of the sports page where it’s barely noticeable. Let’s hope the opposite is true, and they announce a press conference first thing tomorrow morning.
[Reply]
HeyChief Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
@zdfun, if the Kings do sign Kovy then the story would only make page 3rd of the sport in the LA Times.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
@Who Knows?,
I’ll take a wild guess that you don’t do marketing for a living.
[Reply]
Actually, the best use of the slow sports day would be too announce the signing tonight, then introduce Kovy at a press conference tomorrow.
Get on it Deano!!
[Reply]
How do the sharks get in on this? who’s going to trade for Thornton to help them? WTF is going on around here…
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
@Tookie,
They don’t. Matthew Barry made that up. He said he was hearing that SJ may now want to trade Thorton to sign Kovi. Its absurd.
[Reply]
I think DL hired some writer in Hollywood to make this as dramatic as possible.
[Reply]
I read several responses re Piere LeBrun’s comment about “no deal is done”….
Someone replied one part fact one part speculation.
I think if you dont read into the statement- “no deal done” there both factual.
Not to be to simplistic, but it is true, as far as Piere knows- there is no deal. And thats because DL does not want him to know of the deal at this point in time.
I think that made more since in my head than it does on the screen!!!!!!!!!
I TO AM GOING CRA ceeeeeee!!!!
[Reply]
Rich you know something!!! Spill it!!!!
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
@Brent,
You Betcha Rich does!
And, he ain’t telling nobody before it’s time…
[Reply]
Sydor25 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
@Brent,
He can’t, AEG writes his paycheck.
[Reply]
Dayman Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
@Sydor25,
I don’t think so, Rich has integrity
[Reply]
Just in case anybody cares, Daryl Sydor announced his retirement this afternoon.
[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
@deadcatbounce, who???? j/k
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@deadcatbounce,
Man now I really feel old. I remember when he first came into the league and we had this young dynamic defense.
[Reply]
DLB Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
@Dan H., Ditto!
Blake and Zhitnik and Sydor. Everyone kept saying we were SET.
[Reply]
illegalstick33 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
@DLB,
we were “SET” see run to stanley cup finals 93 for evidence. Then gretz got all political with his off ice transfers and killed the team. I think he pushed players in that never really fit and moved players out that could of helped.
puck73 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
@deadcatbounce, Was highly thought of when drafted but never lived up to the hype. a lot of Kings fans back in the day thought he was going to be “Doughty” like but the fact was that he was burnt like toast quite frequently in his own zone just like Randy Jones. But worst of all was none of us back then could understand why Barry Melrose would keep shoving this guy down our throats and yet had total disdain for Alex Zhitnik who he would send to his “chateau le bow wow” as he used to call it. Eventually Melrose started a rumor that Zhitnik was a drunk and then he was eventually traded to Buffalo. Daryl Sydor survived the Melrose era but did not survive Larry Robinson who could spot bad defensive play a mile away and was traded to Dallas for Doug Zmolek who was not the d man that he used to be. Anyway, good riddance Sid, you can fool these young Kings fans who didnt see you back then but you cant fool people who witnessed you play for the Kings from 93-97 !
[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
@puck73, I would have loved to have been as lousy a defenseman as you say Sydor was and have such a long career in hockey. Barry Melrose misused his players and played head games and proved to be such a sought after coach that it took nearly twenty years for him to get another try–and he blew that one, too.
[Reply]
Jay Grossman will tweet it before Rich finds out.
[Reply]
Im getting so mad I want to go punch a duck fan, but I cant find any of the three that exist and I live about 5 minutes from the pond.
[Reply]
ukking Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
@chuckrocks,
I think they fly north for the summer, something to do with mating as they can’t find anybody around LA that wants to taint their gene pool!
[Reply]
Jack Handy Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
@chuckrocks,
i know the feeling all too well.
[Reply]
I think all that’s going on with the Kovi visit is so the missus can have a look round LA. Remember a happy wife is a happy home guys, good news for us I would think, the LA life style must be better than NJ.
[Reply]
Tick Tock Tick Tock ….. GEEZ!
[Reply]
Come on Ilya — say “yes” or “yes”.
[Reply]
Question to all bloggers: If Kovy news breaks, which website do you think will have it first? ESPN, THN, TSN, other ?
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
@UglyinLA, http://lakingsinsider.com
gkg!
[Reply]
UglyinLA Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
@LBlocal,
Thanks LB. Thats a new one. I’ll make sure I click on that link all night long.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
@UglyinLA, that is what the negoiations are about….who gets to announce it first!!!
[Reply]
I’m going to be one really mad kings fan if the sharks move thorton and end up getting kovi but besides that get it done the best offer we can give him and if he rejects it move on we can’t wait any longer
[Reply]
Does anyone know if Kovi and his agent are still in town or it they are still meeting?
[Reply]
Scootty Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
@Redlights,
Apparently yes they are.
[Reply]
Seems pretty obvious to me that Hammer and the rest of the Kings staff spent the day pouring over Kolvalchuk Bobblehead Day details, then treating the new King to a loooooooooonnnnnnnggggg lunch at the Spearmint Rhino with the coupons that are always littering ESPN Zone corner.
[Reply]
For the love of G-D! Will this just end either way so that I can become a productive member of society again!!
[Reply]
COMEEEEEEEE ON Lets get this guy now! Now I want him again. WHY WON”T HE JUST SIGN WITH US ALREADYYYYY. And don’t answer that I’m just sick of waiting for him to make his decision.
[Reply]
You know what they say… No noose is good noose.
[Reply]
Been following this since it started. For pete’s sake, can you not be lead around by your noses with these “insider” snipes such as Thornton being moved….these guys are like the freakin pied piper. Until you hear from the Kings, Hammond or another reputable outlet nothing is real…they are yanking your collective chains. I’ll go away now
[Reply]
Watch us finally sign him and then he goes Cheechoo on us.
[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
@Cristobal,
You shut your mouth.
[Reply]
SD King Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
@Tookie,
I second that.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
@Cristobal, still making friends, i see
[Reply]
If what the guy up above said is true (too lazy to find it again) about Helene Elliot saying that a decision would come after the All Star game, that would explain why there is no announcement and why things are so quiet. Just a thought…what do I know.
[Reply]
I hear crickets over on Helen’s blog…
[Reply]
Seeing Ilya throw hooks on youtube got me thinking.
It seems guys take liberties on Kopitar too much and if he just answered the bell once or twice I think he’d find a lot more ice to work with.
Maybe that’s why Ilya scores so much. The guy doesn’t back down and won’t be denied it seems he’ll fight for every inch of the ice he can get…I want a guy like that on this team.
[Reply]
I don’t understand the fixation about things being delayed due to the All-Star game. I have a hard time believing in this era of instant messaging, twittering, and hand held computer devices that one event would take away from another. This isn’t like years passed where a press conference viewership would be determined by what else was in the “news cycle” or already on the air. I could be wrong, but I would think if an announcement was made at the peak of the All-Star game, iPhones and other devices would be blowing up all over that stadium and all the local bars.
I mean, if work hasn’t gotten in my way of keeping up with the news of this whole thing, I don’t think the yawn-fest that is the MLB All-Star game will keep me from getting the info.
[Reply]
Brent Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
@KingsFan in OC,
DL has the utmost respect for baseball and loves the game. Some of his philosophy has come from his contact with baseball for minor league player development. He quotes the Yankees clubhouse when talking about how to build a culture the right way.
He obviously cares and respects baseball. Therefore, I think it wouldn’t be a stretch for him to wait to announce the deal if there was one, until after the All-Star Game and Mr. Yankee is remembered the right way.
[Reply]
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Well, I for one have checked this site about a hundred times over the past week and have decided it’s about time to send me to Nurse Ratched, so I can hang out with Randle McMurphy & Chief Bromden.
Love the passion from you all and here’s to the 2011 season looking like it could be something special!
[Reply]
It’s a done deal ! Be patient, attorneys working.
[Reply]
Sky Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
@bear777,
link? Source?
[Reply]
Silence Dogood Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
@bear777,
There is a poster which is apropos. The poster depicts two buzzards sitting on a dead branch coming out of a cliff, one buzzard says to the other: “Patience my ass! I’m gonna kill something!”
Kill Deano! Kill!
My attorney could draft a Kovalchuk deal in 2 hours.
[Reply]
The build up of this thing for Kings fans is sure to cause an explosion regardless of the result. I will be standing close enough to take pictures but far enough away to avoid the flying body parts.
[Reply]
No kovy signing = unproductive at work due to constant refreshing in hopes of news.
Kovy signs = unproductive at work due to nerves of waiting for season to start.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
@DMG610, Wonder what the new LA area new claims for unemployment will be in July. DL get it done some of us won’t have jobs to by season tickets if this drags out too long. LOL
[Reply]
its weird, seems like those who have been reporting on this issue have been almost dead quiet today.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
@Dayman, Maybe there BOSS finally got pissed that they were just making stuff up.
[Reply]
People have suggested the signing has been delayed by 4th of July, Lebron James signing, World Cup, Baseball Allstar game…lol, i think when its signed we will find out fast. Pretty sure they are not planning a Kovalchuk day, they may plan a press conference but it will be leaked of the signing before that. Im getting married on August 13th i sure hope they dont put off the signing till after that, be a shame if he steals my thunder!!
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
@kingfletch, congrats, may your honeymoon last until the Frozen Fury.
yikes, bad analogy
[Reply]
To comment on someones question earlier about what number he would wear IF he signed with us if WS doesn’t give up 17 he could wear 71 like he has on other teams non nhl.
[Reply]
Why no announcement today?
Day 13, July 13.
13 symbolism
For the superstitious, this number brings the bad luck or the misfortune.
Hockey if full of superstition.
ie. Death of GS
[Reply]
OC Kings Fan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
@KINGSfan,
I think its bad luck to be superstitious
[Reply]
KINGSfan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
@KINGSfan,
How many letters in Ilya Kovalchuk ?
A: 13
DOW closed at 10,363 today. Add the numbers, uh-huh 13.
What else is in the news today.
BP oil rig… exploded on the 20th killing 11. That’s 31,,,, 13 backwards.
ahhhhhh.. I’m freaking myself out.
I think I’m gonna join FU KING in the cuckoo’s nest
[Reply]
This saga has become to me, what soap operas are to old women with 10+ cats. I just don’t know what I will focus on when its all said and done.
[Reply]
schlocktober Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
@luc20rules,
Then they will reveal that we had actually signed Kovalchuk’s long-lost identical twin and that Ilya has in fact been living on a tropical island for the last six months.
[Reply]
In other words, expect a deal revolving around Gagne and the like.
[Reply]
Looks like this day will end without an Ilya Kovalchuk signing in Los Angeles.
Kings writer Rich Hammond just reported that he fully expects a 14th day to arrive in the Kovalchuk saga, as the Russian sniper remains on the market. GM Dean Lombardi also continued his silence today, refusing to comment.
Stay tuned.
– Brian Compton
…………..
Didnt he just say on here that he doesnt expect a day 14?
[Reply]
Dayman Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
@Michael_DD8,
Not sure what Brian read, but Rich never said “he fully expects a 14th day to arrive” total misquote
[Reply]
No matter what happens this summer reference KOVI, this is stupid. Like two little children not wanting the other one to win. For us common foks who live check to check and for those individuals who are unemployed because of the stupid economy; it is hard to imagine some one offering us $6,000,000 dollors to play a sport and not thinking it is enough money. Professional players are out of control. But it is the fans fault because we pay $10 to park, $5 for a hot dog, $7 for a beer and God knows how much for a seat in the nose bleed section. The sports world is upside down and the players dont care about the fans any more. Thats why I sit in my lounge chair and watch the Hockey games. I refuse to help the professional teams steal more money because the players are out of control. Have a great day KOVI.
[Reply]
KINGUY JOSH Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
@gene cowles, You can get a $7 beer?? WHERE?!?!
[Reply]
KingsFan in OC Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
@gene cowles, You are aware that the television station you are watching and all the advertising gives a heck of a lot more money to the organization than the revenue from beer and hot dogs, so your logic is a bit flawed. And, I don’t even think the parking money goes to the organization.
[Reply]
gene Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@KingsFan in OC, Man you are missing the point;if my prices are under what they are now, sorry, but I stand by what I said. Its hard for a family of 4 to go to a game and have to drop $150 or more. Its just out of control. Just like the movie theaters.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
@gene cowles, $10 to park, $5 for a hot dog, $7 for a beer. Hve you been to a game this century?
[Reply]
gene cowles Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
@jet, You are absolutely right, I haven’t been to a kings game in about two years and I wont go. SO if my prices are off sorry Jet.
[Reply]
While I respect Kovi’s right to take his time and the Kings’ right to negotiate the best deal possible, this delay has to be eating at Lombardi right now. The Kings have to replace O’Donnell, Jones, Frolov, Modin, Halpern, Ivanans, and Harrold on the active roster. Granted some of these guys are going to be replaced by the Manchester callups, but certainly not all of them.
I was originally in favor of Kovi and the Kings taking their time to get this right. But Lombarid can’t continue to improve the team around Kovi with a few free agent acquisitions, if the second and third tier free agents start getting picked up. Maybe there are some trade options right now, but there are still some viable free agents that aren’t going to wait around much longer. I’m in favor of keeping all options open; and that means stepping it up.
Memo to Kovi: If you’re going to sign on the dotted line, wrap it up so that the Kings can continue to replenish the roster, and not have to rely on surrounding you with 5-6 rookies.
[Reply]
Ersberg Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
@Joel,
[Reply]
Ersberg Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
@Joel, It won’t be tough for Lombardi to replace Jones and the rest of the crap you mentioned. Sure, he needs a #6 to replace OD, but he will replace him.
[Reply]
Joel Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
@Ersberg, Uh, I’m sorry but we need a #4 defenseman. Where are we gonna get that? Who’s going to pair up with Johnson?
They didn’t resolve that issue against Vancouver and they still haven’t. We’re not just going to pick up another Quincey off of waivers.
[Reply]
Ersberg Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
@Joel, Uh, fail.
Maybe if OD was a #4 defenesman we’d need one?
He was a #6, no doubt about it.
Joel Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
@Ersberg,
I agree that OD was a #6. But, Johnson paired up with Randy Jones for the most part. Randy Jones was our #4. The #4 and #6 both need to be replaced.
From the pairings that I’ve seen, Murray doesn’t feel comfortable making Green the #4 or even pairing him with Johnson. So again I ask, who’s the #4 when the season starts?
Matt R Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
@Joel,
Pretty much agree. At this point, if we can’t go any higher for him and he’s not going to sign, give it up and look elsewhere. It seems clear that we won’t go any higher and he won’t go any lower. Dean won’t ruin the team for him, but Kovi will ruin anyone to get his max contract. Let him ruin another team. Trade time!
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
@Joel,
REPLACE Randy Jones!!!
Thank god the guy is gone, he lost the Vancouver Playoff series for us. Why he was not scratched after game 1 is incredible to me. We don’t need defenders on our team that are afraid of the puck…..
Not putting Harold or Drewiske in those games (instead of Randy Jones) was the standout reason why we did not move on to the 2nd round of the playoffs! WHAT WAS TERRY MURRY THINKING!!!!
[Reply]
So now that it’s almost 8PM Eastern time, can we assume there will be a 14th day to this madness?
[Reply]
Just announce it already.
[Reply]
5pm deadline perhaps???
[Reply]
They are getting no where with this IK situations… Let him go DL and worry about getting a top 4 D-man and trying to trade for Gagne..
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
@Nick,
SPOT ON, Nick!
[Reply]
Does anyone have any idea if Kovi is still in LA? If so, that is a good sign.
[Reply]
I was reading a bunch about Kovi. What is scary if it wasn’t from Helene Elliott is that she ended a June 30th article with this “Their plans for Randy Jones are unclear.”. This after saying Fro, Halpern, & Modin will not be resigned, and OD disagreed with a expected reduced playing time next year. DL, R. Jones is the wrong type player for the Kings, we have PP quarter backs up the wassau.
[Reply]
BIG BIG NEWS!
Ryan Smyth just tweeted on his account RyanSmyth94
“BIG DAY for Kings Fans” and it has been taken down in the last few minutes!
[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
@Jonathan, anyone confirm this?? and is RyanSmyth94 just some dude named Ryan
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
@Jonathan, I saw this too.
[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
@Jonathan,
yeah??
[Reply]
Dayman Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
@Michael_DD8,
and it has been deleted. probably fake anyway
[Reply]
Garrett Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
@Jonathan, I just visited his feed and his last tweet is from July ’09…
[Reply]
Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
@Jonathan,
Ryan Smyth has a twitter?
[Reply]
Jonathan Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
@Traded for a Pick,
It is confirmed that the account was hacked.
[Reply]
Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
@Jonathan,
Dammit Greene!
From Helene:
“still nothing from Kings on Kovalchuk…no indication if that’s good or bad. no one talking officially or unofficially…”
[Reply]
Still nothing new posted??? Enough with the foreplay, let’s get on with it!
[Reply]
This from Helene on her twitter account:
“not confirmed yet but hearing that Kovalchuk to Kings is dead, this time for good. the reason: Kovalchuk wouldn’t compromise on money”
I’m depressed.
[Reply]
JZarris Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
@puddle, don’t be depressed, be happy. If the guy won’t compromise then he’s doing us a favor…
[Reply]
Paul From Oxnard Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
@JZarris, I agree completely. Time to go spend our money wisely. Enjoy the KHL Kovi! You’ll regret it.
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
@JZarris, You’re right. DL is doing the right thing by holding firm. But I still held out hope that it would work out. He would have been a perfect fit… *sigh*
[Reply]
JZarris Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
@puddle, I agree.
5thLine Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
@puddle,
RELEASE THE HOUNDS!!!!
[Reply]
Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
@5thLine,
RELEASE THE KRAKEN
[Reply]
McDonalds Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
@Traded for a Pick, Hahahahahahahahahahahaha
kyle Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
@puddle, if helene’s right all I can wish for him is that he’s hip checked through the glass if he ever plays at staples again…that and a torn acl or two. not that I’d be bitter or anything..
[Reply]
Hey Rich,
Just curious if you think this type of story makes your job easier or harder? It is the off-season and most notable free agents have signed but since you still have a job to, would you prefer following the last big name that leads to phone calls upon phone calls only to hear “no comment”. Or do you like knowing what you have and researching stories of “what (insert player here)are doing this summer”
[Reply]
Im not going to believe anything. AS far as im concerned we are at the same area as we were yesterday. NOTHING has been said yet from ilya, dean, or jay. Until i get a quote from someone of that caliber, im not assuming anything. Hopefully after work ill see something better
[Reply]
No team will give him the full amount he is asking for, if what we hear is even the correct amount.
Some money is far better than none. And with that I am closing the computer for the day and not reading anything but headlines from Rich until it is done, one way or another
[Reply]
How many goals will Kovi score for us next year?
[Reply]
HockeyRumorsSuck Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
@MK Ultra, Zero
[Reply]
Dr. Leary Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
@MK Ultra, zero
[Reply]
STARBUCKS IS RUNNING OUT OF COFFEE FOR ME AS I’M AT WORK GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH MY NERVES BECOMING INSANE! HURRY UP U RUSSIAN…
[Reply]
Go get you Gogarin Cup Biatch!
[Reply]
Well, I gotta believe that if the Mrs. wants to be here in L.A. then Kovi better sign a deal soon or there’ll be “big trouble for moose and squirrel”.
Go Kings
[Reply]
LGK is down, does that mean it’s over?
[Reply]
Otto Ped Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
@Qmungous, NO, it means there really is a God
[Reply]
AG Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
@Qmungous, What is LGK?
[Reply]
Qmungous Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
@AG, letsgokovi.com!
[Reply]
Kovalchuk should’ve figured out at least ten days ago that the money he was asking for wasn’t out there. This situation sucks. Lombardi needs to get to work on improving the team now without Kovalchuk.
[Reply]
Didn’t he know the money he suppose to get before he come over? Well, except DL is a low baller, and remove a zero on the contract.
[Reply]
Stop the Puck Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
@zdfun,
if the $$ kovi wanted was truly prohibitive then i agree we shouldnt have done nything.
but i sure hope DL didnt get caught up over a few mill over the course of teh contract…cos that would be a true shame if what kovi offered was a reasonable deal.
[Reply]
zdfun Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
@Stop the Puck, If he doesn’t sign with us, I don’t believe $$$ is the reason. If $$$ is a problem, he wouldn’t come here and ask for more $$$, he would just reject it.
I accept if he says he doesn’t like the weather or the facilities or.. the waitress…
[Reply]
Wasn’t Helene the same person who reported the Kings said no to Kovalchuk? Only to have talks resume a day later?
[Reply]
I wonder if we hired someone to skate around on the practice rink with Brown, Stoll, & Greene with a Gagne Fathead to get into Kovi’s head. Maybe DL could have decorated his office walls with Plan B player Fatheads.
This negotiations has had more deception to it on both sides than the WW II D-Day invasions. All is fair in love, war, & UFA signings.
[Reply]
Just red it on LGK ,
like we all did for the last 13 days
“it’s back on” and Hickey will be gone.Conclusion? TRUST NO ONE!!!! It’s all just rumors, wait until tomorrow. Or the day after tomorrow
[Reply]
Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
@kluka68,
…And the site crashed
[Reply]
HockeyRumorsSucksS Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
@kluka68, you misread on LGK. It was mat berry saying ” was the first to tell it’s back on and I was the first to tell you it’s dead and hickey is gone”. So the “it’s back on” part was referring to a couple days ago.
[Reply]
kluka68 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
@HockeyRumorsSucksS, thanks for clarification.I was thinking the back on part is about talk with IK.
[Reply]
Kovalchuk wouldn’t compromise on money”…Hellen twitter
dose not sound good.I have a bad feeling.
..again, why Kovalchuk should compromise? The compromise is two sided. The most important thing we need to know…Numbers !!!and then ,only then we can judge who is righ who is wrong.And I think when this thing is over,we have ALL RIGHTS to know the numbers,before somebody will “paint” and publish a book about.If the previouse numbers (63m) are true,means Dl are making fan of us and insulting Kovi….Let’s wait a few more hours ..then …One thing is for sure,this is rare opportunity and perfect timing for us to be real cup contender.NO MORE EXCUSE.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
@flex, If the offer was that far off par with NJ or NYI do you really think he would take time to come here? I know we are all on the outside and not even able to look in, but we need to remember if there is no story some reporters have reputations to make things up. As for actual numbers coming out, after negotiations are done. I don’t remember too many times that can actually be confirmed its just what someone feels comfortable releasing. I just don’t know if I would feel it was the truth. Look at Brian Murray at the Draft saying he was not upset that the pick he traded in the Phil Kessel deal turned into #2 overall Tyler Seguin. Ok Brian you would do it over again the exact same again
REALLY?
LOL
[Reply]
flex Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
@luc20rules, ..I said “IF..the published.numbers are correct.
..again ,let’s wait a few more hours.
[Reply]
Dave Gans' Flair Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
@flex,
Completely agree. Also, give my best to
Simka.
[Reply]
THIS IS ALL ON DEAN LOMBARDI… KOVY’S NOT THE PROBLEM, IT’S KINGS MANAGEMENT BEING CHEAPA$$ES OVER PONYING UP AN EXTRA MIL OR SO TO SIGN A SUPERSTAR GOAL SCORER… KOVY WANTS TO BE A KING, EVEN FLEW THERE TO TRY AND MAKE IT WORK BUT DL IS TOO STUBBORN AND CHEAP TO MAKE IT HAPPEN… THIS WILL END UP HURTING THE KINGS MORE THAN THE SAVING MONEY FOR OUR YOUNG STUDS BS.
ENJOY BEING JUST A GOOD 1ST RD PLAYOFF TEAM FOR YRS TO COME KINGS FANS.
[Reply]
Stop the Puck Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
@dorky,
yep
[Reply]
Sky Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
@dorky,
So you would lose Simminds or Doughty, or Johnson, or Bernier to sign Kovalchuk? You can’t have it both ways
[Reply]
Stop the Puck Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
@Sky,
if you tell me we can sign kovi, and all it costs is simmonds 2 yrs down the road, then i say abso-friggin-loutley!!!!do you know how many players the kings are able to develop into quality NHLers like simmonds? many. how many 50 goal scorers can we develop? 0. obvs if it costs doughty or bernier then no but simmonds is expendable in this situation.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
@Stop the Puck, I would welcome Kovi in a heartbeat, but to be honest I would likely prefer about 15 other top NHLers including Zach Parise at about #14 just, because he is a more complete player and almost as prolific a scorer. As for Simmonds being expendable, I disagree you it sends a bad message when you trade that hard working of a player. Brown, Greene, and Simmonds set the tone for how hard all the players should work to get better. All players are an assets of course, but some players are worth more than there stats represent.
John Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
@dorky,
As if you know of what you speak dorky!
[Reply]
Otto Ped Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
@John, As if you do
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
@Otto Ped,
I’m not claiming to know the interworkings of the negotiations like some dorky. Are you Otto Ped??
jet Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
@dorky, appropriate screen name
[Reply]
speedy Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
@dorky, dude come on !!!!!!!
He hasnt signed with anyone not just the kings
you think maybe its him (kovi) he thinks he worth more than the market will bare. A few teams in my opinion have over payed for d men but no ones pony up the big bucks for kovi… I think this problem is with kovi and his agent. Kovi is the problem not DL and his value is going down every day…
[Reply]
How about a little love for David Courtney announcing the MLB All-Star Game. Even though its at Angels Stadium. Someone has to talk to him about that part…
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
@Z,
Good call! Nice to give him props….
Way to go David Kovalchu…….
…..damn it…
[Reply]
Eric23 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
@Z, Courtney has been the PA announcer for the Angel since 1989.
[Reply]
I hope Elliot is not reading Ecklund or LGK…LOL
[Reply]
I hope Hellen is just bashing the Kings with her Kolvachuck deal is dead for good twitter.
[Reply]
At this point, until there’s an official annoucement from Dean Lombardi that Ilya Kovalchuk has signed with the Kings, or from another NHL GM that he’s signed with someone else, I’m not prepared to believe that a deal is “officially” dead or “officially” on.
I kind of feel like Hyman Roth: “I’m going to take a nap. When I wake up, if the money is on the table, I’ll know I have a partner. If it isn’t, I’ll know I don’t.”
[Reply]
My job would like it if there was some kind of resolution soon.
[Reply]
When are people going to realize if the rumored offers are true, DL didn’t actually offer Kovi 6.5 or 7m. That is just the cap hit. The contract is front loaded to get a smaller cap hit. It is reduced at the end when he likely won’t be playing anyways.
[Reply]
Personally, I don’t care for most of the negative comments that Elliott writes in the paper during the season, even when they win! So, I hope that she has no clue as to the inner core of these negations. With that, if the deal is done and she’s right, then I guess I’m forced to keep reading those negative comments in the future. But, I hope she’s wrong and we sign IK! BTW, if she’s wrong and released bad info, she should move to NJ!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
@Bob, What makes you think NJ would take her right or wrong?
[Reply]
And if the Kings don’t sign kovalchuk, I won’t go to the 5-7 games per year and spend $100-$150 that I spend. I know I’m a little fish when management sees stuff like this cause we as fans don’t have the discipline to make a difference and leave a half empty arena. If DL can look at these comment sites and see the excitement the fans have had over this, he should be able to realize how important this is to us. I guarantee this site and the other mentioned kings site will never have this many hits and comments in a 3 month span like it has had for the past 2 weeks. Unbelievable that DL has not been able to get this wrapped up…anyhow…if he does sign than I will show my loyalty.
Does anyone know the hiearchy for the information line? Does Hammond get information before Elliott??
[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
@demob,
LOL, I love these types of Kings fans… ‘if the Kings don’t sign Kovalchuk, I am renouncing my fandom!’ Gotta love it!
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demob Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
I didn’t say I was renouncing being a fan…I just won’t go to the games…I’ll always be a fan. I posted another message about that but it didn’t get posted.
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xeropoint Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
@demob,
So instead of trying to make the right decisions for the team, he should sign Kovulchuk at ALL COSTS because we are “excited” by it?
People think about it logically for once. Kovulchuk is a nice piece, but he is ONLY a piece.
You can say players of his calibur only come once in a lieftime all you want.
It doesn’t change the fact that 40-50 goal scoring wingers don’t mean as much to a winning team as they used to before the lockout.
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I think if Kovi is not signed for 7.25 to 8.25 mil a year! It is a insult to him… He is one of the top 3 snipers in the NHL and a lot of other snipers make more then what DL is offering per year to Kovi. If I was Kovi I would tell the Kings to take a hike if he is not offerd at least 7.25 to 8.25 mil a year before he leaves LA. Thats what he is worth!
Kovi turn down 10 mil a year, just to play for the Kings and they need to respect that! Kovi needs to respect the Kings if they do offer him 7.25 to 8.25 mil a year.
I think Kovi knows what he is worth if he think he is worth more then 8.25 mil he is only insulting himself and go back to the trashers for 10 mil and leave LA alone.
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5thLine Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
@sammuch,
i like grapes.
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tellmeY Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
@sammuch, i think the guy can take a little insult since we are the only team interested…seriously…if a human being is insulted making 7+ mill per yr…(which by the way is about $400k per month) to skate around and shoot a rubber thingy into a net then I am insulted also.
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Stop the Puck Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
@tellmeY,
if you dont like the amnt he is paid then there is no need to watch kings games, follow this site, etc, because all of these mediums that promote the game/ give the NHL revenue are why players make so much $$$.
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Is it bad that I’m 15 years old and and Angles fan, yet I am watching this more closely than the all star game
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Alen Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
@Matthew Meyer, Baseballs boring so no.
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Slapshot Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
@Matthew Meyer, Not at all Baseball died for me Mr Human Growth Hormones took the HR title from Hank Aaron.
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Matt R Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
@Matthew Meyer,
All-star game?
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According to the Los Angeles Times, the Kings offered 12 years for $63 million (a $5.25 million cap hit) or 13 years at $84.5 million (a $6.5 million camp hit).
I for one think that atleast one of these offers has to be complete fiction, and if one is complete fiction my guess is both are. It boggles the mind how anyone could expect there reputation to remain in tack after printing both? Really if the deals are front loaded the actual expected life of either could be as short as 5 or 6 years the rest is just to make the Cap Hit less. So really the 2 sets of #s tell us very little with out the yearly breakdown.
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Alen Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
@luc20rules, That’s what happened over a week ago, old news.
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If the below numbers turn out to be true and we do not sign Kovalchuk after all this B.S., Dean Lombardi and the Kings ownership corporation are going to be the JOKE OF THE LEAGUE!!!
“The Kings reportedly have offered two deals: 12 years at $63 million and 13 years at $84.5 million” – (multiple published sources)
If they were not willing to give 8+ million a year to a true sniper goal scoring machine they have just wasted all of our time…. I wish Bill Gates cared about hockey and owned the Kings!
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Count RockuLA Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
@King Cobra, Don’t you find it strange that Lombardi would be willing to offer an extra 21.5 million for only ONE extra year??? you actually believe this??
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kyle Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
@Count RockuLA, easy way to detect the clueless–look for overuse of capitals. As you noted, the additional year amount (and the commensurate cap hit) make no sense.
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Joel Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
@kyle, I actually think the use of capitals is refreshing. It draws greater attention to the arguments and makes me want to read again and reconsider whether I should disagree.
King Cobra Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
@kyle,
Personal attacks against other blog commenters, and/or blatant attempts to antagonize other commenters, are not tolerated.
King Cobra Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
@Count RockuLA,
Hey Rock, No it does not make much sense. Notice I said “if” this turns out to be the case. I do know from factual history that AEG is cheap and they NEVER comes close to spending near the cap, then wonder why every game is not sold out. The Kings have the most rabid loyal fans in the world. If AEGy had better hockey business sense, this deal would already have been done, ticket & merchandise sales would be going through the roof and the domino effect would begin. If you build it, THEY WILL COME!!!!
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David Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
@King Cobra, Show me a better deal out there. oh wait, there isnt one!
And the 12 years $63 was never confirmed.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
@David,
How do you know there is not one??
Seems like Kovi and his family want to be here, but are just being low balled.
You have the perfect storm to sign one of the 3 best players in the world – we are the team he want’s to play for, we have the cap room and no other teams seem to be able to afford this guy at his moment in history. How often do you think this opportunity is going to come around??
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deadcatbounce Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
@King Cobra, Bill Gates would still have to work under the same cap as everybody else does. Sorry…
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King Cobra Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
@deadcatbounce,
Gates would spend up to the cap, AEG NEVER HAS…. SORRY you all seem to always overlook this FACT.
Tell me we would not be better off with a one man billionaire owner that was nuts about hockey, instead of some corporate conglomeration that really does not give a rats behind about the Kings, winning or the fans…..
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John Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
@King Cobra,
We would not be better off with a one man billionaire owner that was nuts about hockey, instead of some corporate conglomeration that really does not give a rats behind about the Kings, winning or the fans…
Happy?
deadcatbounce Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 7:10 am
@King Cobra, Bill Gates would spend up to the cap just because he can? Is this how he became one of the richest men in the world, by spending money just to spend money??? Wow, get a clue, dude!
Kovalchuk wants Bettman-type money:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Gary-Bettman-makes-7-2-million-more-than-you-th;_ylt=Aj7pPO8eHyvGHagzI.ndo7t7vLYF?urn=nhl,255500
what an absolute disgrace.
How long will we rubes support these owners and their toadie commissioner?
It’s disgusting.
Turn off your computers, go outside, spend time with your loved ones.
Hey. An idea. Go play some hockey!
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Slapshot Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
@Cristobal, He has to be the most over paid person in the world!
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Matt R Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
@Cristobal,
He’s also the lowest paid commissioner of all the major sports.
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I guess this is going to day 14.
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She says he wasn’t willing to compromise on the money. IF that means he still wanted 10mil/yr. then he can take a hike and they were smart not to sign him. HOWEVER, IF he was willing to take a good bit less and they still expected him to sign for a good bit less than actual cap hit of 8mil annually then they are naive and don’t deserve him.
Fact is, we don’t know what the truth is.
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David Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
@number 6, She also said “hearing things” and “not confirmed”.
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number 6 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
@David,
Maybe so David, but IF the rumor that he won’t budge on the money (which was quite clearly the issue from the beginning) is true, then I am truly expecting this whole sorry episode to end (as far as the Kings go) and he’ll sign with whoever he signs with.
On a poll on tsn there were four choices. The fourth was
a darkhorse team and over 25% selected that. It wouldn’t surprise me.
Maybe he still signs with the Kings, but honestly, at this point I’d have to say that I would be very very surprised. I feel the chances of him signing with LA would be now around 10-15% max (and that’s Max)! Hope I’m wrong.
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No one has confirmed anything yet. Right now it is all rumor and speculation. Even Rich is quiet…:)
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Ahhh!!! got the AC running and Whiskey to settle the nerves. hopefully i don’t pass out before nothing happens
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I don’t know what to think anymore. Part of me thinks he’s signed sealed and waiting to be delivered. Other part is that hes just too damned stubborn to see what he can truly have here
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Thing that bothers me is everything helnee has posted was been confirmed later by rich hammond. Sure they have stopped talking and re-engaged a few times, but if the face to face deal doesnt work i would think its over for good as well. I hope someone is leaking false info or she thinks hockeybuzz is a good source. Kovalchuk or not the kings have done nothing to improve the team over the summer, so plan b better be engaged instantly if plan a does indeed fall apart.
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shades Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
@kingfletch, sorry about posting some similar comments…I was composing before I saw your post here with which I totally agree.
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shades Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
@shades, sorry again…I forgot to submit my rant and it didn’t even post…so I would just like to add )(*&#(^%(*#$*@&^(#@^(*&^ Kings!
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I’m sweriously going to go all “Mel Gibson” on AEG when this is through!
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The longer we wait on this post, the more negative the comments get. HAVE A BEER, CHEER UP PEOPLE!
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shades Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
@Darren, that’s what I tried and it just made me more like Mel Gibson.
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Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
@Darren,
Way ahead of you. 4 deep already
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Here is the deal! Russians are very superstitious people. Today is the 13th and there is no way Kovi would sign anything today. Wait for tomorrow morning announcement…
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Dayman Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
@AMilgram,
he was suppose to get married on the 17th, but the priest or whatever said it was bad luck to get married on a tuesday.
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“To throw my 2 cents in, I hear lines of communication remain open between Ilya/LA and talks aren’t dead. Sounds like BS poker continues…”
http://twitter.com/RealKyper/status/18484000821
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This just in!! Drum roll please…
Kovy has just selected….
To kick back a few more days in the So. Cal sun and milk this for all it’s worth… It’s Lebronilicous!!!
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kings fan for life Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
@COKingsFan, And how do you know this?
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Why don’t we ask Jimmy Carter to come in as a ‘special envoy’ to help expedite the negotiations?
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PuckHead27 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
@kozak, Carter is from Georgia and he wants Kovy back in Atlanta.
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MrMister Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
@kozak, we need Billy Clinton at this point.
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Has anyone noticed that the poll question on our Kings’ home page has been changed to,”Who was the Kings best free agent signing of the 2000s?” I wonder if thats a subtle sign that Kovi has chosen L.A.? Just a lil observation.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
@ShreksLilBrothr,
Sounds like wishful thinking…
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ShreksLilBrothr Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
@King Cobra, u never know…
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I’ve just finalized my own talks…with Dr Kevorkian! I’m done until this is done!
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Just saw on the ticker at the bottom of TSN’s SportsCenter TV show that talks have broken down again.
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Holy Mackerel! 416 post thus far… This is wild and wooly…
I know that this comment is getting redundant but, I just can’t see ol’ Kovi playing for any other team.. The Kings just make sense for him..
But once this is all over, I think that Kovi/Grossman/Dean-o need to host a symposium on hardball business negotiations… People will be referencing these negotiations until the end of time.
I for one, respect the hell out of all parties involved in this battle, and though I too needed to charge my phone twice at work today, I seriously think that this is one of those situations that needs all of the time that’s available to resolve, with both parties satisfied. No tilted scales… Just simply contented…
That being said… Drink up! Sierra Nevada Summerfest 6ers on sale at Ralphs for 7.99
Cheers you guys!
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Maybe he will sighn durying 7th inning stretch. Maybe be is there
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Kings fans held hostage – Day 14
Ted Koppel reporting from Staples Center
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It’s f’n hilarious how many people keep saing DL low balled this ego maniacal freak! Do you REALLY believe he got low balled & said to himself “hmmm maybe if I fly out there & wine & dine the brass & players, they’ll up their offer”??
Really?!
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John Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
@John,
Wait, that would some pretty magical egomania! Maybe he DID say that to himself…WOW people, we don’t want this guy!
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@King Cobra, way to steal my name….ohh, and….I like Turtles…
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According to TSN, tas have vroken down for a third time…BRUTAL!
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lakingsfan19 Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
@AG,
Yup everyone is reporting it except this site, which once again will be a day late. I don’t blame Hammond, I just think Lombardi isn’t giving him any info.
*This probably won’t be posted because Hammond picks which response can be posted. Even if it’s true Hammond?? You still don’t post these type of responses? What a joke.
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Let’s hope Deano can close the deal like Broxton.
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Let’s hope Deano can close like Broxton!
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I wish my name was considered “a reputable source” and i could just easily say, “Looks as if the kings reached a deal”, them i am sure this sight will go crazy once again with “YEAH!!!” or w/e you do to cheer. Orrr, if i wanted to make it more interesting ( not that it already isnt ) i could say that, ” Looks like talks between Kovi and Kings arent as sweet as they seemed” and make everyone on this site cry…
OR , we can wait till there is a real response, from someone like ilya… or Dean…or Jay…Or hammond FROM dean…Until then, someone tweeting something doesnt mean a thing to me, and shouldnt for you guys either..Cause its been 14 days, and the kid isnt signed.
Stop the specualtion, stop assuming, i want kovi here , he will be if it can happen.
Yes? No?
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looks like I am the only one who is talking about the pride and ego of Kovi.I am 100% he can not overcome that.Now KHL Option seems very real for me.I do not think NJ can make enough “room” to sign him…(but who knows,maybe they now our ownership better and they are sure Kovi never will get the money he want.This is no pocker,no bluff.This is chess game,endgame calm calculation…And I feel we will loose again.This is business right.In LA we never have problem to sell tickets.a few years ago in Washington place was almost empty.Here ,the worse day …15000 funs.Why AEG would spend extra millions to get one of best snipers in the world.After this broken visit,Kovi can go to russia without looking back.Sure ,stanley sounds better,than Gagarin.We know that ,he knows that too,but again,why he should accept less than he deserves.I AM SURE HE KNOWS, how much this team can afford to pay him that is why he did what is possible.But ,..sorry , he do not know LA funs very well. very forgiving ,very patient and somebody over there will create a beutiful lie and most of us will buy that.Hey,this is LA,Hollywood…we have enough placees to go and have fun…Kovi or no Kovi.In Hockey division Aeg businees never stragles.In this last draft Dl “give up” 2 picks ,because we have more than enough…what for.In couple of years,do not be suprised,we will trade DD ,because he may become…let’s say annoying (???!!)…Remember Lubo,..yeh sure Commi…Zigi…We can label any player(greedy,cancer in room,…),create storeys and start new rebielding prosess.37.89% newer,than old new rebielding plan.End of the story.
I wish I am wrong.maybe …But I feel Kovi is another history.
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