Brad Richardson has avoided arbitration and signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Kings.
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wow…only one year?
[Reply]
kingsxstevenxkings Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 9:31 am
@Jorgen,
Not to turn this into a Kovy thread, but the kings are probably trying to save money and headaches until they know exactly what Kovy will cost so players like Richardson are only going to get a small contract to keep them here but allowing them to ask for more next year
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@kingsxstevenxkings,
Maybe he was willing to forgo a raise for the “privilege” of playing with a not so super super star.
I heard rumor that Doughty and Kopitar had offered AEG four years of their services for free just for the potential of sharing a locker room with a superstar of “team busting” caliber.
[Reply]
Ej Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
@USHA#17, what? No locker room of his own? How about your very own anti-super-star blog somewhere?
jpuck Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
@USHA#17,
not so super? he is soooo much better than ANYONE on the Kings roster. I am a die hard LA fan and love every player BUT not even kopi can take over a game like this guy can.
Kopi puts up 30 grinder/sniper goals a season (with the exception of his fast break goal against Dallas when he scored the hat trick.)Kovi’s skill is unreal.
Watch this video and eat your words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8UHs0wyptE
just my opinion Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
@USHA#17, Careful, your tongue will get caught in that cheek.
I hope that if he does sign he won’t be a problem in the room.
Back to Richardson, YAY!
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
@USHA#17,
Sorry, would love to have a player like IK but with out being saddled with another losing Kings team after a couple of years.
Look even if he’s great and just unlucky he has never taken ownership of jack, never won a thing and is moving past his prime.
A point a game in NJ sounds good but who’s to say that wasn’t more about driving off season talks then about carrying a team.
What’s he worth to you?
According to teammates he wasn’t much of team player. And, if he’s at the top of his game now, where does he go from here?
-J Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
@USHA#17,
“According to teammates he wasn’t much of team player.” Really? I haven’t heard or seen that. If you could, please let us know where you heard/read that (e.g link???). Thanks.
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
@J
Sorry must have been 4-6 weeks ago. Think was a Bleacher Report linking to various sources. But I took a minute and found these for you:
“It is worthwhile to point out that although he is Atlanta’s captain, Kovalchuk has never been heralded as a good teammate. That’s important for a team looking to add him to the mix.”
“People watch him and they say he’s a selfish player,” Waddell told The Sporting News. “But he wants to have success and he wants to win. His determination and the will to win make him selfish on the ice.”
— F. Servialli; phillynews.com
“I would be cautious as a GM signing him. If Kovy is willing to play No. 2 or No. 3 on the depth chart, that’s ideal,” former teammate Bobby Holik said. “You have a super-talented player, but to build a team around him would be a mistake.”
Why? There are concerns about Kovalchuk’s willingness to play within the framework of a team. At times, he’s a liability on defense and bringing him in risks disrupting chemistry.
“It’s not that Ilya doesn’t want to win,” Holik said, “but he wants to play the way he wants to play”
—Holik quoted in the Sporting News:
My opinion? If we land him it may be great—I’ll remain a loyal Kings fan.. If we don’t however it may not be much of a miss. Here is my problem: He’s crummy 5 on 5, Great 5 on 4, has a poor plus-minus for all his points and picks up a lot of points against weak opponents and lastly he’s going on 28…will you still love him when he’s 38?
-J Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
@USHA#17,
Thanks. I remember reading all that before For me, i don’t take away from those that his teammates say he’s not much of a team player. Only one of those quotes actually came from a teammate, and even that doesn’t say he’s not much of a “team player”. The rest is just speculation or somewhat stating the obvious- seriously, the guy is one of the premier goal scorers in the league, of course he’s going to want the puck on his stick, which is why he appears selfish. If he didn’t score, then that’d be a problem.
Living on the east coast, i’ve seen quite a bit of him over the years and i’m not so concerned about his +/-, 5 on 5, etc. ATL has never really had good defence or goaltending, and stats like +/- are substantially determined by the other players on the ice. Tom preissing was +40 one season with Ottawa, for ex.
I don’t know about him putting up a lot of points verse weaker opponents (i haven’t looked too closely at his game by game stats) but given that the kings have historically had trouble with weaker opponents, that’d wouldn’t be a bad thing if true
As with every single FA signing, trade, draft pick, etc, there is always uncertainty so only time will tell if this turns out to be a good move, assuming it does happen. I agree, though, if it doesn’t happen, it’s not the end of the world.
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
@J,
Actually, I feel all points you persent are valid and for the most part I agree with you.
Since you asked and I could not provide the link I felt it necessary to show that I wasn’t pulling this stuff out of a hat.
I am not a rabid anti-IK. I do question this guy as a team player who is willing to skate 200′ and have concerns over a long term contract.
Since however I don’t for a moment believe DL will blow up the systems he has labored so hard to put in place I am not all that concerned either way.
Cheers!
PS Really happy Richardson will be with us next year!
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
@J This might be of interest in respect to his numbers if not in general. Certainly better then plus/minus.
Analysis of his 5 on 5 play
http://www.behindthenethockey.com/2010/6/28/1541891/do-you-really-think-ilya-kovalchuk
Explanations of what the numbers mean (I like the second link):
http://hockeynumbers.blogspot.com/2007/11/corsi-numbers.html
http://vhockey.blogspot.com/2007/10/corsi-numbers.html
Thanks! #17
Audible41 Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Soooooo….what happened to the guy??? He signs but the Kings don’t show him listed on active roster or prospect??? So is he going to play for the Kings or not? This guy came back and showed that he is definitely one of the reasons that the Kings were successful. He is a grinder and has a never give up attitude. What are the Kings waiting for?
SCREW Kovy, he’s not what this team stands for, just let him go be happy with his money…what ever happened to playing for love of the game? Like RICHARDSON does!!!
[Reply]
Glad to hear! Glad too have you back Richie!
[Reply]
Rich, any word on Frolov or any other potential signings?
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 8:57 am
@niracle.on.manchester, still blurry-eyed this orning that i could not spell my user name properly. dumm. LOL.
[Reply]
EJ Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 9:01 am
@niracle.on.manchester, uh, if Rich had news to report, don’t you think he’d report it?
[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 9:40 am
@EJ, Uh, no. He has to wait until I ask him.
[Reply]
EJ Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
@miracle.on.manchester, ah, so you’re on the payroll as well.
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:37 am
@niracle.on.manchester,
Frolov’s agent sent a statement indicating its 99% certain that he will not be in LA next season.
[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
@USHA#17, so, there’s still a chance?
[Reply]
5thLine Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
@USHA#17,
So what was all that 1 in a 100 talk?
[Reply]
After the one year, will he be a UFA or RFA?
[Reply]
RealDrew Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 8:55 am
@Ike,
I think he’ll still be a RFA because he’ll only be 26 next year, but with the CBA expiring, all bets are off.
[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
@Ike,
I was wondering the same thing but was too lazy to go look it up.
[Reply]
Congrats Ritchie… Next up, Kovy?.. Please…
[Reply]
Quinn McCauley Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 9:10 am
@Dr. Gonzo, Please we have only lost people, Jones (no loss) Ivananas(No loss) Frolov ( I want frolov back) Odonnell ( we needed another year until we get some more D! We need Kovy and and another Dman badly!!
[Reply]
Decent compromise. I thought he earned a cool million.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:26 am
@wavesinair,
i thought he would, too…
i think he would have one his case…but those arbitration hearing can get ugly…
so maybe it’s best that he didn’t have to go through…”we love you, but…..” early in his career…
[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:31 am
@variable,
ugh…what’s wrong with me today…?!
“one”…”won”…
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:52 am
@variable,
I feel this Club (and system) is a good fit for Richardson and offers him a framework within which he can thrive and develop the consistance that will drive up his value going forward.
The system afforded a “breakout” year for him why ruin a good (and fun) thing at an early stage in a career?
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:54 am
@variable,
The Club (and system) is a good fit for Richardson and offers him a framework within which he can thrive and develop the consistance that will drive up his value going forward.
The system afforded a “breakout” year for him why ruin a good (and fun) thing at an early stage in a career?
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:02 am
@USHA#17,
Its really not that I believe that I have to say it twice to get my point across…
Its about THE WAY THIS BLOG FUNCTIONS (or not) AND UPDATES!!!
Are the IT guys listening, Rich? Thanks!
YES on 19 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
@variable, Was he asking a million in arbitration? I think that’s fair because he’s only had one good half a season so far. Hopefully it’ll give him motivation to get an even higher contract next time.
[Reply]
Richardson took a pay cut so that there would be enough for Kovalchuk.
[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:38 am
@Sydor25, So did Juraj Mikus. Actually Juraj didn’t need to take a pay cut; he has all the money in the world already…….
[Reply]
guuny Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
@Moondoggie, Juraj has no need for money, when he wants something it presents itself
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5thLine Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
@Moondoggie,
Stay thirsty my friends….
[Reply]
Nice to see another RFA is locked up, pretty bummed it wasn’t long term but oh well, Richie deserves that contract, he had a great year! 900K is a bargain, nice work management
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 9:19 am
@AK47, agreed. Do you know what he made last year? he is a hard working player that ALWAYS finishes the check and can help to turn the momentum when we need some energy and get the other teams D lookin over their shoulder. He is so versatile, can play any forward position on any line. a real asset to the team. Plus, how could you not root for the guy after what he went through his first season with us, cuz he pretty much sucked that first year. Also, after next season does that mean he is UFA?
[Reply]
Good move Dean. I was a big fan of this guy even before he started scoring goals last season. The criticism I saw was so unfounded since it seemed like he would never allow anyone to outwork him. He may go through another goal scoring drought at some point, but his energy will be enough to get him and the team through it next time around as well.
I hope he’s a fixture in the lineup and on the penalty kill for years to come. Congrats Riohie!
[Reply]
Ya richie! good knowing you’ll be back for at least one more.
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That’s a really reasonable price. I thought he would be asking for 1.5 mil frankly.
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Moondoggie Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:41 am
@Traded for a Pick, He was worth 1.5mil easily. But, these times are a changing…..again! DL still has a lot of work to do even if Kovi signs. We need another D and camp will be interesting. Where does EE go this year? Does Schenn make the club? Hickey? Voinov? Muzzin? Clifford? A major trade in the offering after Kovi signs? (my guess)
Still a lot of questions to be answered…..
[Reply]
Traded for a Pick Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
@Moondoggie,
I wouldn’t be surprised if they deal Williams or Stoll (if they think Schenn is ready) and maybe Ersberg for a D man. Shane O’Brien, Tim Gleason maybe. Both teams could use a decent center/winger (even if injury prone) and a cheap backup goalie. The 6-7 defenseman is likely to be one of the kids and Drewiske or Harrold actin as the spare probably.
And I would like to see Fro back, but I won’t hold my breath
[Reply]
Sweet!! I’m surprised though that he didn’t hit the 1 million mark. Now, it’s Kovi’s turn!!
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@Marbles, Don’t worry Kovi should hit and better the 1 million mark.
[Reply]
5thLine Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
@jet,
I knew he was all about the money…..
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Wish all the kings players would play with the heart Richardson has. Good move. Welcomw back Brad.
[Reply]
How did this deal get finalized if DL is in Denver(?). I guess it gone done over the phone.
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My favorite player. So much energy & hustle. I love him on the penalty kill – he almost gets a breakaway every other game. Well worth the second rounder it cost us. Thanks, Richie!
[Reply]
yobro Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 9:22 am
@Howe 9, Signing Richie,,,,, this pleases me.
Go Kings
[Reply]
Richardson worked his @$$ off last season…great to see him sign..he deserves it.
[Reply]
Guys,
I’m pretty sure Richie didn’t take a pay cut here, just accepted the QO Lombardi extended to the RFA’s. THANK YOU for avoiding arbitration!
Very happy to have him back though. This kids got some big balls and can play on every line.
[Reply]
kq949 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:25 am
@xeropoint,
He made $600,000 last year, so no paycut.
[Reply]
Trade bait ??
[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:44 am
@UglyinLA, Don’t think so unless a Dman is involved. He’s a great player and for that price…wow!
Guess we should thank the Av’s on that one….
[Reply]
UglyinLA Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
@Moondoggie,
The fact he is only $900K for only one year is what concerns me. If he was in the Kings long term plan you would think they would give him multi-years on his contract. This smells of a setup for a trade, with the acquiring team given the responsibility of negotiating a new contract in 2011/2012. Personally, I would hate to see Richie get traded…so I hope I am totally wrong.
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So Richie figures that 1) were signing Kovi 2) we’re winning the cup next year 3) no labor stoppage 4) he’ll get an even bigger raise next year.
Smart move from Richie Rich.
GKG!
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This is the year you really break out Richie. Welcome back. Really glad to have you.
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Heck Yeah! Highly underrated role player on our squad. Great news to wake up to.
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Moondoggie Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:45 am
@Gislaw, Highly underrated….well put!
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Right On! Welcome back Brad.
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Love this hottie!!!
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For a guy that exemplifies DL’s hard working/ tatoo on ass type guy you would think we wouldn’t nickle and dime the guy.
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Kudos to the Kings for inking Richardson. He’s a gritty, skilled forward that can eat up 3rd and 2nd line minutes and produce.
Good chances are that once IK is contracted with the Kings Frolov will consider staying with the Kings at a reduced asking price. Both played together on the Russian National team and they played together in the Olympics in 2006. There is a strong bond between Russian players. Since not too many teams have shown an interest in Frolov this bodes well for those of us who are hoping that he could come back. If they sign IK at $6.8 million that leaves about $7.5 million in cap space. Frolov could conceivably sign for $3.2 million and we would still have cap space to make a trade for a top four D.
Will Frolov take less money? The market has considered what he is asking and so far their are no takers. There is interest in the KHL for Frolov. Dean has all but killed any chance of signing Frolov through a preemptive no. That was then this is now. I have a suspicion that Dean knew that he would get IK. He had a number and length of contract in mind and now the IK camp is very interested. Patience has paid off. Atlanta was asking too much for his rights and Dean stayed the course. Now that the Kings are very close to signing IK and at a price that still leaves cap space there is a possibility that Frolov will sit down with Dean and look at a deal. Just a thought.
[Reply]
Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:03 am
@, Anon,
I hope you’re right. I’d like to see Frolov stay with the Kings. I think he wants that, too, somewhere deep down.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:26 am
@,
My dream team out of camp:
Kovalchuk-Kopitar-Smyth
Frolov-Sharp-Brown
Richardson-Handzus-Simmonds
Parse-Stoll-Laraque
Harrold
Doughty-Scuderi
Johnson-Kaberle
Hickey-Greene
Drewiske
Quick-Bernier
We could do some damage!
[Reply]
Blake Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@John,
sharp doesnt play center?
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CanadianKingsFan Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
@John,
You dont want Kaberle!! This is one deal I hope the Kings never make. As a matter of fact, there isnt really any Leafs we’d want at this point. Kaberle isnt a King, he’s afraid to get dirty, cant play in his own end, and gets points because 1) he plays TONS of mins in TO, and 2) its because they have no one else. I live here, watch the Leafs every game, please DL do NOT get Kaberle.
Treubert and Hickey would be great options. Would love to see them get Sharp!
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
@CanadianKingsFan,
I totally hear you – I just did’t know of another top 4 Dman available.
Maybe sign Mitchell? But he has concussion problems.
Dominick Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
@John, Stoll makes too much to be delagated to 4rth line duties(3.6 mill).I really like Stoll’s shot from the point on the powereplay.Also Schenn might take that 2nd center positon away leaving Stoll exposed for a possible trade(unless we can swap them around to stay deep).Richie and Brown had some good chemistry,and if(big IF)Fro came back he’d spend time on a line with Zues.
USA#17 Fro could score 30 in the right situation.
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:59 am
@, Frolov’s agent seems to believe that he will not be in LA next season but I also harbored secret thoughts that he might sign if a fresh wind blew through Staples.
I would like to see Frolov next season but do not think he is willing to be chastised for not scoring 30+ goals a years when, in fact he is a 20 goal guy with good defensive and puck possession skills.
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One year doesn’t surprise, management probably wants to make sure last year wasn’t a fluke! Either way good to have him back!
Go Kings!!!
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Danielle Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
@blckbsct,
Exactly. He had an amazing year last year, but he did start on the 4th line. Arbitration hearings can get really nasty and, from the team side, it would have been all about the team pointing out that last year could have been a fluke. This way, they save the animosity and he has a chance to prove that he deserves what he thinks he does.
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Huge piece of the puzzle. Wish it was for longer. He earned his keep, that is for sure. The Kings are getting a great deal even if its only for one year.
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Good price, and great to keep in the fold….
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Yay Brad! Good stuff, keep building on last year.
NOW! when do extensions start getting handled? We have a few guys becoming RFA’s next year I don’t even want to see make it that far.
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kq949 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:27 am
@Tookie,
Don’t plan on next year’s RFA contracts to be looked at until the IK contract (or not) and any other trade scenarios play out first.
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Taking the short 1-year term was Richardson’s idea I’m sure. He will try to position himself for realistically larger $$ contracts sooner in his career this way.
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happiness…is a warm contract…
great for richie…congrats….!
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Puckin-A Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:14 am
@variable, Check,check shoot,shoot.
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Love Richie on this. Says he will prove himself so much this year that his worth will go up. Wants to sign with Kings for bigger $’s next year. As for Ilya, if we get him and not Fro, that’s only about 8-10 goals/year difference. Is that worth the Cap hit? Is that an argument for Fro AND Ilya to be signed. That could be 80 goals per year.
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Harry Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:14 am
@HB Kings Fan #99,
Kovi – 2x 50 goal scorer
Fro – 2x 30 goal scorer
Though it would be nice to have both Russians on our squad…..
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USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:07 am
@Harry,
Good thoughts but thing is
Kovi – 27 year old 40-45 goal guy
Fro – 28 year old 20 goal guy
Perhaps Fro might have more space if IK played but I think we can expect Frolov to only get better on defense–which is OK.
But yes, it would be great if the team is kept together.
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Excellent! He deserves it. Let’s hope he picks up where he left off in 2010-11 and DL locks him up for a longer period before the season ends. Now, sign Kovalchuk. I am getting excited for next season!
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Sweet! I really dig Richie, he works his tail off and is also refining his already good skill set! I think he is worth more but I think he wants to show what pay scale he really deserves by doing his job night after night next season. I think you will see even more points and a great +/- . Then please make sure he stays.
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lololol…..
i saw this headline from espn’s insider nhl rumor page…:
“ISLES LOOKING AT YASHIN”
hahahahah…unbelievable…!
i serious love the wangers…always good for a laugh…:)
[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:29 am
@variable,
i seriously love to use poor syntax of late…
“i serious love the wangers”…
i think i just made a pret-tay, pret-tay kewl t-shirt…:)
[Reply]
FU King Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:20 am
@variable, Hahahah, you have been dubbed a grammatically challenged Elmer Fudd,
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The 100 year war ended on this day 1792. The Kovi war is only on its 17th day. Oh well, at least we got Richie!
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Devils’ Martin Brodeur understands Ilya Kovalchuk’s discomfort as free agency decision drags on
http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2010/07/martin_brodeur_happy_he_hasnt.html?utm_source=twitterfeed
&utm_medium=twitter
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variable Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:23 am
@Harry,
yeah…but does marty understand our discomfort as free agency decision drags on – in this heat…???
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USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:19 am
@Harry,
I think Brodeur is uncomfortable watching IK getting bounced around and given the cold shoulder.
This s harbinger of free agent negotiations in the years to come.
You can bet other current and future free agents are watching as IK’s greed allowed NJ and LA have charted a new course in free agent negotiations.
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Just one year? Well better than nothing and what a deal… for management.
Now please help rest my fingers from pressing refresh every 15 mins! Please sign Kovy while I’m in LA!!!!
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A fair contract. Thanks to Richie for being reasonable. He only played 1/2 a solid season, but he sure did play one helluva solid 1/2 season. This one year deal gives him the opportunity to prove to Kings Mgmt that this was not a fluke. I’m confident he’ll do it.
If Richie turns it up another notch consistently for a full season, he’ll most likely see this number double next year.
I agree with Waves, he earned this raise this season.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:33 am
@Cynic,
agreed…:)
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USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:28 am
@Cynic,
I agree. About the 1/2 season is that he stepped in key moments that were often game changing.
I like that last year’s achievements weren’t built upon meaningless goals while playing 200 feet.
If this continues he will be worth a good deal more then $900K
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:44 am
@USHA#17,
“I like that last year’s achievements weren’t built upon meaningless goals while playing 200 feet.”
Isn’t it funny how that standard, which were BOTH happy didn’t happen here, is more the norm than the exception in the NHL when it comes to contracts?
Yet I find it funny how we end up with labor related lockouts when this is the norm. It just shows me that players tend to believe their own hype drummed up by their agents more than they should. I’m pretty confident Ilya would have been done MUCH sooner if Grossman was out of the picture.
A great example is Frolov. Does anyone here really think, especially with his personality, that he believes after last season (especially) that he is worth 5mil a season? LOL! No wonder he doesn’t have a team yet either.
I think the agents deserve more of the credit for being more of the problem in the NHL than we say they are.
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
@Cynic,
Question, can’t quite tell, do you mean I got Richarson right and the NHL ingnores the quality of the goals but got it right in Richardsons case?
I agree feeling Frolov played pretty well last year. If he had added another 10 goals to that play then we talking dough.
He had to know what this meant to his free agency so I think we pretty much saw his best game which was not bad at all…
Re: Grossman
By past standards I think they played the game correctly but caught in the perfect storm, the rules changed and they didn’t adjust, at least not at first.
Mistake 1
A failure to account for the new era of cap imposed long term planning required to keep a team together and completive.
Mistake 2
Trying to play two like minded friends off against each other.
Mistake 3
Arrogance
The one thing about winners…Ovechkin, Crosby, Samulson, Modano, Hull, and Howe carried carried their teams to cups. Kovalchuk has only carried dollar signs.
Maybe he can win something with the Kings but who will be carrying whom and at what cost?
Announce a small press conference to officially “announce” the Richardson resign and hiding behind the curtain….Kovi!
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Andrew Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:54 am
@KingCobra, That would be off the hook!
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Mike L Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
@KingCobra,
too bad there aren’t press conferences for RFA signings like this.
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I have to check this site from my PS3, I think my games are getting jealous!! My TV is going to have lakingsinsider’s home page permanently burned into the screen. I am contemplating just getting fed by iv so I don’t need to leave my room. Is there a 12 step program for this behavior?
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chuckrocks Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
@Puckin-A, yes, its called a 12 pack of your favorite beer.
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Puckin-A Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
@chuckrocks, Know of any liquor stores that deliver in El Cajon( east San Diego) ?
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OAHUKINGZFAN Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
@Puckin-A,
hey thats how i check too, ps3. lol my screen is barking since last week.
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Puckin-A Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
@OAHUKINGZFAN, Haha sweet! I check in between my NHL 10 games but will get stuck reading/posting for hours lol
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Good deal Richie! glad you’ll be back for the upcoming campaign. On some nights last season, Brad was the hardest working forward out there. GO KINGS GO
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Real 9 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:52 am
@Goring 19,
I agree, love his forecheck…..tenacious!
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
@Goring 19,
Remember his takeaway on the forecheck followed by the spin-shot move he did to make Luongo look like a fool in Game 3 of the playoffs? Perfect microcosm of Richie’s game right there.
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Thanks for staying Brad. Even if you play a full season like you did last season, you are worth the increase. Now if you kick it up a notch like we know you can, well….world’s your oyster.
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It’s definitely nice to hear some good news!
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Hey Rich, do you think the Kings will add an NHL experienced enforcer or do you think Westgarth has that role locked up coming into camp. I know you are supposed to “win” the job there but sometimes spots are already “spoken” for. Your thoughts please?
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Welcome back, Richie!
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I like the contract. Perfect on a 1 year. I was thinking 1.2 per over 2 years. He is a heart and soul guy. I love what he brings but there are many others that can do the same job and Ritchie still has a lot to prove offensively to deserve a larger contract. This is a good contract for all involved and look for Ritchie to be that much hungrier
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nice signing dean-o! Looking forward to this year!
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This is a great deal that works for both sides. It’s up to Richie now to show that the second half of his season wasn’t a fluke. Man, for stretches there at the end of the year he was the hungriest player on the ice on either team. Love the energy he brings, as well as the versatility.
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Great signing but I wish it were for longer, 2-3 years would have been good but obviously DL knows what he’s doing. In any case it’s a great signing at a great bargain.
Welcome back Richie!
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Sorry – another kovi question. Will he demand the C away from Brown? Not sure how I’d feel about that! Brown is a solid leader and at his age he’s only going to get better. Thoughts anyone?
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Blake Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
@tommyking,
No
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
@tommyking,
Why do people seem to think that the “best” player is automatically the captain? It doesn’t work that way.
In other words, the chances of what you’ve described occurring are 0% unless Brown is somehow traded, which I would say has a 1% likelihood itself.
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DougS Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
@tommyking,
Very bad move if he does. And why would he?
In my experience of following hockey, the captain is someone who has gained the respect of other players on the team. New guys generally need not apply because they haven’t had a chance to bond with the rest of the team yet.
IIRC, when Gretzky arrived in LA, he made a point of ending speculation that he would become captain because Dave Taylor was already well-entrenched in that position.
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5holer Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
@tommyking, Since I have a source that says he is “unofficially officially” a King, it does not mean he is a team leader here. Few if any palyers know him I am certain. He was an Eastern Conference guy, so few in West know him well I would bet. LAKings have a chosen leader doing an admirable job so why change that? Would Kovy want to be the new guy and new “C”. Enough pressure with big deal, why add pressure with new team mates? See “@DougS” he is bang on with his comments! Not even Gretzky would do it! Chemistry has to filter thru with new guys first like DougS said.
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DougS Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
@5holer,
Not to mention that if you take the “C” away from a guy without him volunteering to give it up, it’s kind of a slap in the face. The Kings wouldn’t do that to Brownie unless they were really unhappy with him. I think the whole point when he was made Captain was that he would grow into the job and keep it long-term. He’s being groomed.
Of course, a year ago at this time, the Kings also brought in Smyth and Scuderi to provide veteran leadership. I get the impression that last season, they were team leaders, but kind of stayed in the background like older brothers who were willing to let the kid brother (Brown) take the spotlight. They had experience and locker room cred, but they also knew their roles on the team.
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5holer Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
@DougS, Right you are on all fronts. There is no doubt why Scuds & Smitty were brought in here. They are winners, seasoned vets who have been to war. Its doubtlessly Brownie’s team now. You don’t kick him to the curb and change (screw up) a good chemistry/room. Don’t forget Odie and the help he gave DD & JJ, but his game got too slow. Look for another Vet D-man to come in soon. D-men, Forwards & GTs are all different type folks. They tend to look to their fellow position players for bonds & commonality(I did it too, forever ago)then to the “A’s” & the “C”. Then take into account the multi cultures to further sub-divide the team. Its all gotta come together with one common goal.. A Cup or 5!
Steve S. Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
I think this is the only angle of the IK saga that has not been explored.
On most teams the captain is not necessarily the most skilled or highest scoring player.
I also don’t recall how good IK’s English is and this may be a factor.
I actually doubt he wants to touch this.
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Buster Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
@Steve S.,
He might be fluent in three languages:
Russian
English
Redneck
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I don’t think anyone has mentioned…
It is day #17.
LOL!
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.Only 900?…Anyway.I am glad he is back. Good news is it’s only for one year.Last year,finaly, Tm used the guy the right way and BOOM..I am sure he will be one of fun players to watch.Spirit man,that’s all we need.After another year of proof,he will move up to $1.5 million level.
Same with fro,put this guy in first line and expect 30goals. kovi seems close,but I hope he will get one he deservs.We need him “IN GOOD MOOD AND SHAPE”
And finaly,beside another D,I would like see Belanger back to line up….Spirit,speed,good face off..can produce..LARAGE ???to “late” ..let’s try this Clifford boy…He” cut the line ” in draft pick,maybe DL knows something….will see,much the same was with Tolbert..but who knows maybe one day…I think Voinov and Hickey are closer….and ..Muzzin???
I WAS HOPING FOR THE BIG NEWs TODAY….but seems that fishing is more important than…I know I know ,everybody has needs…
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AZ King Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
@flex,
Dude, how much money do you want to pay these guys for crying out loud? The bottom line is if Kovi was all about the money he would play in Russia. Secondly, if a player is only motivated by the amount of money he is being paid, and not the opportunity to win, I DON”T WANT HIM ON MY TEAM. I don’t care who he is.
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That is an excellent contract for Richie. He had a great season but I think he still needs to show some consisteny. If he can put anoher great season together… we’re looking long term next year. Good to have you back Richie. Go Kings Go!
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Good Deal !
Here’s hoping Brad continues moving forward
with the success he had last year.
GO KINGS GO!
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Per Helene Elliot…
Kings sign RFA Brad Richardson to one-year, $900G contract, avoiding arbitration…
$900G…is that $900 gazillion? Can we afford that? I think that’s too much for one player. Richardson is a good player and all, but we can’t dismantle the team for one guy.
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Ok so I (like most) expected him to sign for more but this is pobably a good contract for him to prove his worth. Anyway, I did a little number crunching and by using NHL.com official time on ice averages for last year I have some interesting figures to share. Assuming k-chuck signs and assuming it’s for about 8.5 a year he will make:
$103,658.53 per game and given time on ice last year about $101 per scond he is on the ice and the clock is running. Hahah, Richardson will only make$13.07 per second he is on the ice.
I picked the wrong career *dusts off skates and stick in closet*
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Ilya Kovalchuk’s lucky number is 17…today is day 17. Mark my words, today is the day!!!
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Mike L Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@FU King,
And then when tomorrow comes with nothing you’ll say? Remember Jeff Soloman is down south, Lombardi is with family and Lewieke is in europe so whose doing this deal?
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FU King Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 8:16 am
@Mike L, I’m stupid. You’re smart. I was wrong. You were right. You’re the best. I’m the worst. You’re very good-looking. I’m not attractive.
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5holer Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
@FU King, You are right. It is day #17. He was #17(=8) with NJ (#26=8 w/ATL). He has signed (or reached agreement in principal) with LAK, soon to be official. This is a superstitious hockey player(like most!) so this must mean something to him, if my source is on target. Who did not know he was coming here? To work this hard on both sides and for so protracted a timeline, you knew it was gonna get done. Put it in the books! Communications don’t have mile limits or time zone limits anymore, so lets wait for Rich to confirm it! LA? NJ? KHL? What decision was there?
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Anyone else like a line of Richie-Schenn-Simmer? I think that would be a great hustle and speed line to ignite the team when needed?
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Brad has come a long way since the day his name was misspelled on his game jersey!
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Subby Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
@edwood2, aha when was that?
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edwood2 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
@Subby, I believe it was shortly after he became a King. It was an east coast game, Toronto I believe. On his jersey it was spelled “Richarson”
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All this blather about $$$ in the event of a lockout. Don’t these guys have big enough salaries that the could set aside $$ in the event of instead of looking for handouts? If this is a proviso of the CBA, it should be expunged
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If anyone had NHL center ice last year and watched over half of Kovalchucks games feel free to enlighten us to how he plays nightly. However if not then save it, I can type Kovalchuck into youtube as well. Just messing around but some Kovalchuck comments on his play and chemistry factor seem unsubstantiated.
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Kevin Y Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@Puckin-A,
I haven’t seen much of Kovalchuk, really… I have Center Ice, but when would I want to turn a Thrashers game on?
Here’s my theory: Kovalchuk had such a huge role with the Thrashers… he was their main offensive threat, so he couldn’t go down in the corners or do all the stuff that everybody’s bashing him for. He needed to be in an area where he could shoot.
I’ve heard those same Kovi-bashers saying that he improved defensively after going to NJ, and Terry Murray has a strong, defensive-minded system, as we’ve seen in his two seasons here. If Kovi comes here, I’ve no doubt that he’ll be the perfect piece.
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dwave Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
@Kevin Y, there’s always room for an extra 50 goals.
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I order center ice every year and have seen kovalchuk play more times than I can remember. Last season TM made a comment about the ability at any time to take the puck and make something happen, I think he was referring to a goal Crosby scored… He was describing exactly how Kovi plays. Every time he is on the ice there is a chance his team will score. Cant wait to see him on a good team for a whole season…
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Rich, I don’t see anything on the Kings web site about Corey Elkins resigning, or for Cliche either. I know you touched on Cliche earlier, but it seems a pretty big slight for those two, in that the Kings site is ignoring them. Can you question someone in public relations about that aspect? I do see a blurb on Richardson. Wow, not a good way to treat your players.
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Glad to see richardson sign up for another season. he along with simmonds and handzus are the players that helped us get where we are last season. they play with their hearts on their sleeves.
too bad the fan fest isn’t until sept 11th. too bad they couldn’t keep kovis signing a secret til then. then in the last hour of fest they could say “can we have your attention please. we would like to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful season and appreciation for helping us make the playoffs. to show you that we appreciate all your support. we are proud to introduce to you the piece that we hope will finally bring a cup to LA, The Los Angeles Kings welcome our new starting left winger Ilya kovalchuk”
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Mike L Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
@CrossCheck,
Don’t get ahead of yourself he’s still not signed.
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Good to have you back big guy!
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cheapskates ~ should have locked him up for a couple years hes a good player
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Mike L Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
@trooper666,
Most qualifying offers for RFA’s are 1 year deals.
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Juraj Mikus doesn’t always drink beer….but when he does….he prefers…..
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Real 9 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
@IlyaShuchuk,
Maxim prefers blonds…..and Ariana beer…
trust me!
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There is one thing about this contract that I disagree with. He signed a one year deal and he is only 25 so when his contact expires he will once again become a RFA thus adding another name to the long list of guys that the Kings need to resign.
Doughty, Johnson, Simmonds, Bernier, and now Richardson will be RFAs on July 1, 2011. I sure hope we don’t end up in cap trouble by next offseason like the Hawks and are forced to part with some of these guys. In my opinion Doughty and Johnson are must signs. It’ll be really interesting to see what happens.
In Dean we trust!
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Aren’t we due for a “Day 17″ post?
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I am no longer bitter over not getting Kovy. Someone asked me if I were willing to trade Parise for Kovy straight up, because that’s what the price of Kovy will be. If we get Kovy, we will lose Parise next year on offer sheets, which is when he will be an RFA. Parise is a home grown, and no Devild fan would ever want to see him go. Plus I just bought am authentic Parise jersey, and there are no refunds. So, with that being said, I hope you get him, and I’m glad he’ll be in the West. We have enough stars in the East. We don’t need another to play against us. Good luck.
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KC23 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
@RickyM2,
Parise is my favorite non King in the league. I would definately not want anything to threaten keeping him if I was a Devil’s fan.
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And we wait….And Wait….and wait. What year is this?? I feels like I’ve lost 2-3 years of my life waiting Kovalchuk to sign
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Hell yes!! I love richardson, he’s consistent and fights till the end.
Now we need Gayvalchuk to sign with us and were set for the Stanley cup RIGHT ?
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Seriously… still talking kovi…. hardcore kings fans… praying on a signing… f- that rusky lebron…. let’s pay the guys who want to play in our sweater… I would rather watch a bunch of LOYAL players leave it on the ice..no matter the outcome…then one player playing for his wallet…
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KJCHIP30 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
@waiting4october, He obviously does want to play here. Put yourself in his position; he is one of the top players in the league, he is going to most likely sign his last “big payday” contract….what would you do? If he didn’t want to be here he would have already signed with NJ or he would have took the money that ATL was offering him. Lastly, I hate to break it to you, but all of the players are playing for their wallet….last I checked there aren’t any NHL players that are playing for free. Enjoy watching Kovalchuk for the next 10+ seasons…I hope you boo him everytime he scores:)
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waiting4october Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
@KJCHIP30, haha… not going to boo anybody… just sick of the hype… only getting one liners for the our other players… and blah blah with the whole wallet thing …yeah i get it… he will be good for the team…i was just trying to make a point… the only reason there are not any players playing for free is because i haven’t been signed… so what if i don’t have speed, size, strength or talent i am available…
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KJCHIP30 Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
@waiting4october, I hear ya, we are all getting a little tired of waiting. GO KINGS GO!!!!
Per Helene Elliot
“Kings agree to one-year xtensions w/Cliche, Lewis, Elkins and Clune…”
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Good sign! Richardson rocks! Duuuuuuude!
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Anyone else reading tea leaves? 2 weeks of nothing, and I mean nothing. Then all of a sudden a whole bunch of RFA, internal signings. What freed up the time/money to deal with the internal business? Hmmmmmmmmm?
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Kevin Y Reply:
July 17th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
@grakx,
You know, this thought never occurred to me…
Obviously, now DL knows they’re getting Kovalchuk and how much money they have to commit to him, so they’re starting small by signing these small deals, and are gonna come out with the big story tomorrow!
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If Rich doesn’t give us a “Day 17″ update then we are officially in the calm before the storm….GO KINGS GO!!!!
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