Over? it’s never over…. « LA Kings Insider

Over? it’s never over….

Posted by Rich Hammond on 20 July 2010, 8:08 pm

The Ilya Kovalchuk mini-series has entered the third chapter, with the league seeking to nullify the contract Kovalchuk signed with New Jersey. Dean Lombardi said tonight that the Kings would remain interested in signing Kovalchuk should the opportunity present itself, but it’s likely that the union will get involved and seek to uphold the deal. The real question is, how long will this whole process take?

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1,625 Comments

CiscoC says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:12 pm

Dean – Just say NO!

[Reply]
Danny Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
@CiscoC, I totally agree with you. Hopefully this blows up in Kovi’s face and he has to settle for less. Don’t offer this greedy bum anything!!!!

[Reply]
Chris P. Bacon Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
@Danny,

No no no…Let’s do it Dean. It’s understandable why he took NJ’s offer, it was too massive to pass up. MASSIVE. NOT EVEN IN THE SAME BALLPARK.

Well now things have changed. It’s back on. Let’s grab this mofo and go for the cup.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
@Chris P. Bacon, Uh…no. I mean, did you see what he said after signing with NJ??? He never had any intention of signing with LA. He used DL and the Kings to forge a better offer with the Devil(s).

No way, he can rot in hell with NJ or the KHL….enuf is enuf.

Lloyd Christmas Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
@Chris P. Bacon,

No frickin way. Kovi’s no longer welcome here as far as I’m concerned. Get players who WANT to be here.

Robert Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:26 am
@Chris P. Bacon, so Lloyd u dont want to make past the first round we need kovalchuck unless u dont want to win a cup

Andy K. Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:57 pm
@Chris P. Bacon,

i agree with u Chris dat stupid offer was made to get kovi to go to NJ hes not only gna play like crap but now hes being a jerk all of a sudden cuz he WAS gna get paid 11.5 mil a year i dnt even think NJ has dat much cap space with Parise and Brodeur in their line up but in a few years when brodeur retires NJ IS SCREWED mark my words and kovi sed he wasnt gna sign with Kings because he was overexcited about da money even his wife doesnt want him to stay in NJ

King John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:37 am
lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol

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lollypop lollypop lollypop lollypop
[Laugh Out Loud, Laugh Your Pants Off Pal]
! =:-P ## $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Reply]
Dr.Gonzo Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:48 pm
@Danny,
yea, everyone just needs to forget about this self indulged drama queen. This guy has more baggage than all of my crazy ex’s combined 10fold!! So please, Rich continue your vacay and everyone else step away from the computer/ phone and enjoy the rest of the summer! I know I’ve wasted too much of my time on this douche. I say good day to you Kovy, good day indeed.

[Reply]
UglyinLA Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
@CiscoC,

I hope an arbitrator forces NJ to drop the last five years of the contract. Thats would increase the cap hit to $8.25M per year. Now that would be a hoot !! LOL

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
@CiscoC,

Agreed, turn and run Deano!

[Reply]
NOT IMPRESSED Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:28 pm
@src, I don’t understand you guys. You wanted Kovi so bad it was hilarious, but when he went with NJ all of a sudden he’s a primadonna! Dean actually interviewed Kovi afraid that maybe he was only interested in $ and not in taking responsibility for winning and losing. But Dean said after the interview he was satisfied and made an offer. YOu guys act like a bunch of women. Kovi is worth the price Dean offered, and we should be glad if he decides to take it.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:15 pm
@NOT IMPRESSED, What’s even funier is that 1/2 the yahoo’s in here bad mouthed Dean and AEG for low balling Kovi.Now looking at the offer,it seems DL and AEG’s offer was quite honorable.
KingKovi says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:12 pm

Come on Kovi it’s never too late

[Reply]
Jamer Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
@KingKovi, Stop dreaming. Why would he come back to LA. Wake up and smell the reality. All NJ has to do is restructure. NHL has no standing and the union will rule.
Let’s get on with what is remaining and don’t pickup any losers who only want sun and surf to round out their retirement.

[Reply]
Chris P. Bacon Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
@Jamer,

Any moment now Jay Grossman will be on the phone with Dean Lombardi. The saga is not over!

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
@Chris P. Bacon, His first call was to the NHL Players Association, not DL…..

Danielle Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
@Jamer,

I don’t understand your comment that the NHL has no standing here. The NHL absolutely has standing and was well within its rights to block this deal. Lamoriello all but admitted this deal was structured to circumvent the cap and that they took advantage of a loophole (which the league had previously examined in other contracts).

The union is in an interesting situation here because they have a duty to represent all their members and deals like this tend to hurt all but the players who are getting them. I also doubt an arbitrator would uphold this contract. The CBA is clear on circumvention in Section 26.3 – “No Club… may… enter into any agreements… including without limitation, any SPC… if [it] is intended to or has the effect of defeating or Circumventing the provisions of this Agreement or the intention of the parties as reflected by the provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation, provisions with respect to… Team Payroll Range, Player Compensation Cost
Redistribution System…” The arbitrator is limited in their review and this agreement both is intended to and has the effect of circumventing the agreement and the intention of the parties to the CBA.

Still, in the end, the deal will get worked out. In the meantime, this is going to be fun to watch…

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:53 am
@Danielle, thank you, you understand, but let me expand. If Kovi is scheduled to get 11.5M then that number goes into the big pot to divide into the total revenue received from the clubs. So in essence, by taking a piece of the pie, one that is twice the cap hit, it pulls money away from all of the other players. There is no way the union can back this contract without saying “screw you” to the other 600 players. Even if the union does back the contract, do you think that Kovi might have a bull’s-eye on his back for the next 9 years, especially in that conference? He will likely be beat to crap and done in 3 years.

Grossman is in big trouble. He got poor Lou to overpay his other clients with the promise of delivering Kovi for a 10 for 10 contract with a minimal cap hit. Grossman was not playing the Kings for more money, but for more years. That way it looks like the same length any team would give. If the contract changes, someone is going to be pretty upset. Ahh, the best laid plans of mice and men.

Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:33 am
@jet,

Trust me, given my background, I understand the union’s position better than almost anyone on this board. It is not so easy for it to just wash its hands of the situation because there are bigger issues that come into play. But the reason you state is exactly why the PA has a bit of a dilemma here and how it proceeds is not exactly a slam dunk.

And before we blame it all on Grossman, Lou was just as complicit. It takes 2 to enter into a contract and he very well could have refused to go along and structured the contract more reasonably, just the way Lombardi did with his offer. Lou and Grossman both have a lot of explaining to do and both may find themselves in a bit of hot water. Grossman will probably take a harder fall than Lou, but Lou should not walk away from this unscathed…

jet Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:11 pm
@Danielle, Grossman has taken a big hit with respect to his credibility both among clients and GMs. I would venture to guess that his career is essentially over.
Lou is going to skate with the “I was just following orders” line. This may be worth the hit if he gets Kovi for 8 years for 50M.

Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:26 pm
@jet,

I think Grossman’s career is going to be dependent on the outcome of any investigation. He could be disciplined by the league and could lose his certification. But if the league does not take any sort of action, I think he’ll be just fine. His clients may see him as someone who really fights for them to get them what they want. They may not trust him as much anymore or, on the other hand, they could figure he got caught once, he won’t get caught again.

As for Lou, well, he already started laying the groundwork for the “just following orders” defense when he first talked about the deal. I doubt, tho, that he gets Kovi for 8 years for $50M. Kovi knows he can still get big bucks and they’ll find a way to structure the deal within the cap. And if they don’t, he’ll go to a team that will.

It’s interesting, really. People who were begging for Kovi to come here now hate him and are saying Lombardi needs to stay far away from him. Really, I don’t think he is the bad guy here. Was he complicit in this? Yeah, to an extent. But how many of these guys really understand the intricacies of the CBAs? I’m sure Lou and Grossman said to him “here’s a way you can get the money you want and, while it’s a little bit hinky, there is a loophole in the CBA that lets us do it.”

Jammer06 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:30 am
@Danielle,
If I wasn’t already married to a Danielle I would definitely want your number.
Going back to the union side lawyer info, how much consideration do they give the fact that there is no current arbiter in place when they consider whether to grieve. I mean if Kovi loses a whole season due to the “selection process” I would think that’s even worse than screwing the other 600 union guys for this one contract that will likely never be repeated. With no defined leadership I can’t imagine they would decide they have a strategy to fight for the next CBA here and now.

jet Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@Jammer06, While I agree with you for the most part on the Kovi issue, I have to say I am in full, 100% agreement with you on your the Danielle assessment. Intelligence and a hockey fan are a hard combination to find.

Danielle, Let’s see if Grossman can deliver the 10 for 10 contract that Kovi left Atlanta for.

AH Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
@KingKovi, The Union is fractured and week. If the legue wants this deal dead, it will die. I do agree, however, that NJ needs only to restructure the deal to gain NHL support.

[Reply]
josh says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:12 pm

That is just F’ed. Don’t mess with my emotions that way. I was just starting to settle back into life without K.

[Reply]
The_Guv_ Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
@josh,
LMAO. I hear ya bro. Freakin brutal!!!

[Reply]
the deal Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@josh, we already have K.

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:20 pm
@the deal, yes, as of a week ago it was 98% done right?

[Reply]
5thLine Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
@josh,

“Everytime I try to get out, they keep pulling me back in!” – Michael Corleone

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
@5thLine, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU enjoy!

[Reply]
gralx Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
@5thLine, “how’s your Japanese?”-basketball/airline commercial

[Reply]
EJ says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:12 pm

Whoa!

[Reply]
TK says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:12 pm

Just when I thought I was out….they pull me back in.

[Reply]
Bob Bobson Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
@TK, This!

[Reply]
ike says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:13 pm

Bwahahaha!!

[Reply]
Kevin Y says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:13 pm

WE’RE BACK IN IT!!!

[Reply]
LBlocal says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:14 pm

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW..

You leave your computer for 2 lousy hours… And all chaos breaks out.

What an escapade…

gKg!

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
@ALL, Check out this gem from Quisp.

http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2010/7/20/1579746/something-really-bad-nobody-is

CBA contracts; a topic of discussion between TL & GB while spending quality together in LA last month?? Hmmmm…. A Mike Murphy conspiracy?? (JUST KIDDING)

gKg!

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:31 pm
@LBlocal, Wow thanks for sharing, and as always a shout out to Quisp that makes what I know is 500 pgs of legal verbage easy to understand.
Now I understand the look on Lou’s face during the press conference and why he was verbally distancing himself from the contract. He felt the NHL Koval-oscopy invasive procedure coming.

[Reply]
neil says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:14 pm

was it over when Germany bombed oh never mind

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
@neil, *LOL*

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
@neil, And no it wasn’t!

[Reply]
Tony Granato #21 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:14 pm

Oh geez. This is beyond ridiculous. In the end, though, I’m sure NJ and Kovalchuk will resolve it in a way that’s acceptable to the league, despite the bizarre nature of the contract. Let’s not even think for a moment we have a chance to get him.

[Reply]
OneTimer Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
@Tony Granato #21,

Must say I agree 100%.

But…
- It will be nice to see the Devils have to sell off even more CAP space.
- It will be nice to see Devils fans lament even MORE of their favorite players having to say “buh-bye” because of this (now worsened) mega-deal.
- It will be nice to see Kovy make less(?) money.

Just to clarify- I’d love to have Kovy on the Kings, but ONLY on a deal that is fair and right and does not pull any of this RIDICULOUS manipulation/circumvention of the CBA contract. I really am not expecting Ilya to be a King … but New Jersey simply can’t get away with this blatant highway robbery.

I WILL say this – it is NOT often (if ever?) you can use the word “fail” and “Lamoriello” in the same sentence. Amazing.

[Reply]
broncokings Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:34 pm
@OneTimer, F*CK Kovi, all about the money, was excited about the possibility but nbow after being played I hope he burns in Hell and someone breaks his legs…

[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:40 am
@Tony Granato #21,

I think you’re right!

but… should we hope otherwise??

[Reply]
Jessie says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:15 pm

I don’t want to hear any of this!!! I’m done with Kovalsuck.

[Reply]
Bobby Scribe says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:15 pm

Dean would remain interested? After Ilya’s comments? Here is our take on it: http://www.lakingsnews.com/2010/07/20/the-league-has-rejected-the-kovalchuk-contract/

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
@Bobby Scribe, I think that pretty much says it all….

[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:05 am
@Bobby Scribe,
Caught your rant to my post on Lombardi Quotes 2, interesting to find out that someone who writes about the Kings should know more, but I guess just anyone can write what they want.
Out of curiosity did you catch Helene Elliot’s article yesterday? If not here is the link:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-kings-elliott-20100720,0,5270410.column?track=rss
I found a few things very interesting there. It’s funny how I was filled with “if’s” and “assumptions” and Helene goes and writes an article basically proving every single thing I said. Let’s re-cap shall we?

I wrote:
“Kovi wanted the most money upfront and NJ paid it, That’s it.”
Leiweke said:
“NJ offered more money. Simple as that.”

I wrote:
Lieweke stated that the offer that Kovi originally made to them would hamper their ability to re-sign the younger kids, their core.
Helene wrote: Quoting Leiweke again:
“We threw everything at him we had while leaving the cap space necessary to sign our kids. He is a great player and I am disappointed he didn’t come to LA. It was not for lack of effort or cash.”

I wrote:
“you think because the final deal Kovi signed, and the fact that it was only a 700k cap difference means Lieweke was lying because it seems then it would be a cash problem and not a cap problem?”
Helene wrote:
The Kings didn’t know the structure of the Devils’ proposal and were surprised by the spike after the second season.

YOU wrote:
Until you have anything that resembles facts or evidence of your claims, you have nothing.

So let’s break it down for you to understand a little easier.
The Kings and DL were not aware of the deal NJ had offered… FACT
The original offer Kovi made which was better than the final offer NJ made would have hurt the Kings chances of re-signing their core…FACT
That it was not about cash…80 MIl over 15 years (although probably would have also been rejected) not about cash so that’s a FACT

So please, understand what you write, it’s embarassing to have to go back and publicly prove you wrong. I know what I’m talking about.

[Reply]
Matt R says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:17 pm

un-be-lievable

[Reply]
McDonalds says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:17 pm

Hahahahahahaha! That laugh is me going insane, not a laugh of amusmant

[Reply]
Ari says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:17 pm

who is stronger – the league or the union? Hope it is the league so we can get Kovi … but what are our chances of that happening Rich?

10%, 20%, 50% … should we hold our breathe?

[Reply]
Crosscheck Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
@Ari, why would you want him now!!!!

[Reply]
IntheSinBin Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
@Ari, Your all dreamers. Why on earth would you want this guy after what he said about the Kings? He said he never thought of himself anywhere else but Jersey. Just used the Kings to bump up his Jersey offer. This guy isn’t about winning Stanley Cups, but about seeing whether or not he can get a better contract than his Com rad Ovechkin. I’m totally serious. These two had a bet about it. Screw the B@st@ard !!! He’s Jersey’s problem know. The biggest blessing in disguise the Kings could have asked for. Just wait and see people. Will get our top six Forward and we got 4 d-men that could potentially be top 4 D-men. Schenn and a trade or two and we’re Stanley Cup bound in 2 years. Stay the course DL, your doing a great job!!!

[Reply]
king lopez Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
@IntheSinBin, What sit can i see what he said? Was it the presser?

[Reply]
madA says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:17 pm

HA! Karl Marx said it best.

“History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.”

[Reply]
JPKelly Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
@madA,

Hockey fans of the world unite! You have nothing to lose except…

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
@madA, *ROFLMAO!!!!* Ain’t that the truth??? Poetic justice……

IK reminds me of the famous saying that Winston Churchill said during WWII:

“I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma….” IK perhaps???

Of course I like this one even better and it’s for DL to send to Jay Grossman:

“I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly”.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:43 am
@Moondoggie,

Not IK but the whole drama (is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma).

[Reply]
Kevin Y says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:17 pm

In all seriousness… I think he still signs with NJ.

But at least we have hope

Wonder if Grossman calls up DL and says “hey, we were just joking… LA was always his first choice. Let’s work something out!”

[Reply]
Desdave Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
@Kevin Y, I agree more with this post than anything I have read yet…. well, two out of the three paragraphs at least. No, you have no hope, move along… but the other things, spot on.

[Reply]
Kevin Y Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
@Desdave,

Not sure if there’s much hope for us… but considering he’s a UFA, we can’t say our chances are as bad as they were yesterday. Now, it’s at least 0.000001%.

He’ll try to work something out with NJ (or the NHLPA will fire a grievance). IF, and ONLY IF, that doesn’t work, LA will get back in, I suspect.

[Reply]
BringBackTheShieldJersey Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
@Kevin Y,

So you’re saying there’s a chance…

JPKelly Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
@Kevin Y,

Well of course he still signs with NJ. But this time it’s because too many faces need saving. And saving face is far more important than… Cups, climate, schools for the kids, wifey’s vain ambitions, Brodeur’s sideburns, etc., etc.

Besides, who wants to see Simmonds wearing #71?

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
@JPKelly, Guys…c’mon, are you serious???? IK manipulated the system to sign with NJ, gimme a break! Is this the kind of player we want to be a Los Angeles King???

Personally, I just may buy a plane ticket just to come out 10/25 and boo his happy ass……

[Reply]
Carolina Kings Fan says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:18 pm

The entire east coast is talking about this. Had to jump back on site. WOW. Could it be a Hollywood ending? Now that you know the NJ deal and it was rejected, fix our offer and GET ER DONE.

[Reply]
Forecheck! says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:18 pm

Breaking News:

Bettman grows some b*lls, in other news…

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
@Forecheck!, woohoo!!!!!! i agree brother

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
@Forecheck!, Well it’s about time….Long overdue, don’t u think????

[Reply]
colokingfan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:32 pm
@Forecheck!,

“film at 11…”

>.<

[Reply]
goKings78 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:22 pm
@Forecheck!,

film at 11?

>.<

[Reply]
Old School says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:19 pm

Best thing about this is, there’s not a snowball’s chance in Palm Springs on a summer day at high noon, that Kovalchuk gets his much-desired $100 Million Deal now. No team is going to pay him salary-cap-busting money over a 10-year period. Bet he gets $8 million for 7 years. And I bet his agent gets a severe case of RA. You can’t just divide the $102M over 17 years – when Kovy is retired and no longer playing in 7-8 years, not even the Devil(s) will pay him $6M a year for NOT playing over the final 10 years of the deal.

[Reply]
Desdave says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:19 pm

Mark my words: This deal will be upheld.

It is no different than the Hossa deal, there was no problem with that. Similar contract, just longer term and more money… but the exact same structure. Heavily favored to the front end, with a graceful slide into an early retirement.

Kings fans truly are better off without this particular “Star”. You would be better off doing a big time offer sheet on a big North American like “damn it” Bobby Ryan, or trading for a known quantity like Sharp.

[Reply]
Forecheck! Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
@Desdave,

Don’t you think Bettman knows this? Bettman is putting his feet down and saying no more of these deals structured this way.

[Reply]
QUisp Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Not up to Bettman. It’s up to an Arbitrator. Period.

The arbitrator will listen to the arguments of both sides. But the Devils aren’t a side. It’s the league (Bettman) against the NHLPA.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
@Desdave,

Actually it’s a lot different. With Hossa his deal ended while he is in his mid/late 30s, with Kovi his deal doesn’t end till 45 which is well past what 99.99% of players in the NHL last.

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:25 pm
@KC23,

Hossa’s contract goes until he is 42.

[Reply]
Daniel Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
@Desdave, They will ask to shave off the last 3 years, making it a 14-year, $100 million deal, with a cap hit of around $7.1. I think it’s feasible to say he can play to 41.

[Reply]
quisp Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
@Daniel,

Yes, but NJ won’t offer that. That’s a million dollars more per year than their best offer.

[Reply]
Joel Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
@quisp, Don’t forget this is devastating in their attempts to retain both Kovi and Parise long term. You just knew that Lou was going to try to sneak in another front loaded deal right before the expiration of the CBA. Who knows what Lou does now.

Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
@Daniel, I hear Mother Russia calling…..

[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:44 am
@Desdave,

Only reason that the Hossa deal was valed, was because he was still earning $1 mill +, in his final year, from what I read. That is why. $550,000 for IK for the last final five, so they’d be under caused it to be under the minimum from my understanding

[Reply]
Forecheck! says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:19 pm

Its not over till we say its over! Go Kings!

[Reply]
Jesse says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:20 pm

I hope Dean pulls a Sylvester Stallone and goes OVER THE TOP.

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH FOR BEING DRUNK!

[Reply]
The Griffster says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:21 pm

Screw ilydiot kovalchuk

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:20 am
@The Griffster,

Sorry, the Devil’s gm, Bettman and Grossman beat us to it.

[Reply]
fourtunato says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:21 pm

I want you all to know, that even in the darkest hour, I never stopped refreshing.

[Reply]
Cup B4 I Die Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
@fourtunato,

Thanks for the laugh!!

[Reply]
Lilly says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:22 pm

I’m guessing next time, Lou waits until the deal has been approved to publicly admit he thinks it’s crazy and that he “rolled his eyes” about the contract terms

[Reply]
DLB Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
@Lilly, Do you think that part of him wanted to sabotage it on purpose? I could almost believe that. He made it pretty clear today: this contract is the anti-Lou.

[Reply]
Lilly Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
@DLB,

Yeah kinda. I was surprised earlier today when I read his comments before this story hit.

I think his even more telling comment is “you’d have to speak to ownership about that,” when asked about the money.

This contract is very anti-Lou. I’m sure he wanted Kovy back but I’m not sure he would have wanted it at this cost.

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
@Lilly,

There’s a very small part of me (wearing a tin foil hat) that almost thinks Lou wanted this to happen. He had to know this deal wouldn’t hold up. And is he really so arrogant as to basically say, publicly, “hey Bettman,F-U, I’m doing what I want and you can’t stop me,” without thinking there will be some sort of consequence. He didn’t seem to like the deal and what better way to avoid it than to let the league do it for him…

John Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
@DLB,

I think DL’s saying we’re still interested because he want’s to give Lou a heart attack

[Reply]
DLB Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
@John, Ha! It would be well-deserved, don’t you think?
capt jam says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:22 pm

Don’t do it, Deano! For the love of jack kent cooke, walk away from this money pit.

[Reply]
signzhitnik says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:25 pm

patrick sharp mumble mumble.. oh never mind. i almost washed my brain of kovalchuk. whats the scoop!

[Reply]
Ergo says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:25 pm

I don’t care anymore. Does that sound petulant? Too bad.

[Reply]
taz42 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:25 pm

Why on earth would the Kings still be interested in him. He made the choice to play in N.J. That’s not the kind of guy DL wants on his team. Remember the tattoo on the butt theme.
Anyway, I’m glad the NHL is finally going to try to put the skids on these long, front loaded type of contracts.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
@taz42, Amen….

[Reply]
scvking says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:25 pm

This is fairly surprising news, given that Bettman had the same opportunity to question similar contracts in the past year or two, and declined. Frankly, as much as I think this Kovy contract is bad, and violates the spirit (at least) of the salary cap, Pronger’s is worse example, and I suppose Hossa’s is very similar to the Kovy situation. It is pretty difficult to allow either of those and void this one.

That being said, the NHL looks ridiculous in this matter. They whined for, negotiated for, and even lost part of a season to get a hard salary cap, and yet (until this contract) sat on their hands and allowed the cap to be circumvented with idiotic contracts that were clearly contrary to the philosophy they claimed was necessary.

I believe that this will end up being nothing but posturing on the part of Bettman, and I suspect this contract will eventually be approved. It is hard for me to be the slightest bit generous to Bettman, at least in regard to doing the necessary and correct things that benefit the game of hockey.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
@scvking,

I agree with the basics of this…
But, the writing has been on the wall.

Next would be the 30 year contract.
After that would be the 5 mil-2 mil-550K times ten year contract to lower the mid-level player’s hit to less than 2 mil/yr. THAT’S what Bettman and the rest are afraid of.

[Reply]
scvking Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
But we knew it was headed that way after the Pronger deal, which is the far more offensive contract, and Bettman did nothing. The Kovy deal was the natural escalation of that contract.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:26 pm

Rich–

Coulda had 1000+ posts…
You ruined it!

:-O

[Reply]
Noble Savage says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:26 pm

Oh please. All this means is NJ cap-hit will be ridiculous!
Good news, screw Ilya and screw NJ.

[Reply]
ideaguy says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:26 pm

After his comments theres no way he’d sign for any team but the Devils without looking like a money hungry douchebag (that he is). I for one think he’s damaged goods now and don’t even want him crawling over to our team. I hope the NHL just invalidates the last five years of the contract and NJ ends up having to pay him the 102 (minus the last five years pitance) over 12 years instead and therby they choke to death on the salary cap hit that’s going to cause.

Lets instead sign Kariya and Selene to one year contracts each and hope that some chemistry re-ignites between them.

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
@ideaguy, you think he has a problem with that image. The one year theme is a good one. Selenne has something left I don’t think Kariya does, but if they sign to play together so be it.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
@ideaguy, I wouldn’t mind at all, in fact I like Kariya. But I agree, I don’t know how much he has left in the tank…..

[Reply]
stagger Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
@Moondoggie,

It’s Ducks or retirement for Selanne.

[Reply]
DLB says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:26 pm

I don’t think we really have a chance to get back in on Kovy…maybe it goes to arbitration, or maybe it gets re-negotiated. But forcing them to accept a more realistic cap hit would be HILARIOUS.

Sorry about your vacation, Rich…!

[Reply]
dwave says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:27 pm

Dear kovalchuk,
Please just sign a legitimate contract so I can get on with my LIFE!

thank you

[Reply]
Airwaves says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:28 pm

I personally think NJ will eventually get him. I don’t see him playing here after he made comments of always wanting to stay in NJ

[Reply]
Anti Kovy, Now..... says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:28 pm

Really Dean?

from nhl.com

>Kovalchuk wouldn’t confirm his other suitors, but one was definitely the Los Angeles Kings. He went on what amounted to a college-style recruiting visit to L.A. last week with his wife, Nicole, who had never been there before.

“Nobody put any timing on me, so I decided to take my time, to go there (to L.A.), met the general manager, a couple of guys on the team and that only helped me to make my decision,” he said. “I don’t know what I learned, but that’s how it should be. When you agree to stay with a team for the rest of your career, you want to be 110 percent sure you’re making the right decision.”

Kovalchuk made his decision upon returning from Los Angeles, and he firmly believes he will play out his entire 17-year contract even if, as he said, it means upping his training regimen in say 10 years, when he’ll be 37 years old.

“It wasn’t really about money,” he said. “It was more where are you going to spend the rest of your hockey life, but after that, when you spend that kind of time in a city you may stay there for the rest of your life. That was the main concern for us, what kind of area is here and what kind of schools are here. I have three kids. It’s really all about the family.”<

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@Anti Kovy, Now…..,
They must have turned the mic off before he said and “BEING PAID MORE THAN OVECHKIN”. That insistance on 100+mil and a large portion more than 10mil/yr just screams more than Ovechkin doesn’t it?

[Reply]
Daniel Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
@Anti Kovy, Now….., That is straight from the athlete’s script. They all say that. It’s always about the $$$

[Reply]
Kings win, Ducks lose says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:28 pm

The Devils could hardly afford the cap hit at 6 mil, no way they can do it at 8 mil! That leaves us or the KHL if the league wins here…

[Reply]
hockeysureshot says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:28 pm

HA HA HA HA HA! An absolute fiasco. The league had to do something about a 17-year contract. What’s next, 25 years? Good job by Bettman. Still feel that the Devils will get it worked out.

[Reply]
Steve S. Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Ironically this my strengthen the Devils position…

[Reply]
Sky says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:29 pm

If Grossman calls DL, he should hit the ignore button. Let NJ take a higher cap hit an have trouble signing players.

[Reply]
chuckrocks says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:29 pm

hahahahahahahah to funny, what a kick in the pants for him, Im sure they will still sign him but thats great and it made my day,good stuff.

[Reply]
JPKelly says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:30 pm

So, Mr. Grossman, how does it feel to have all that feces in between your teeth?

[Reply]
Airwaves Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
@JPKelly,
LOL!

[Reply]
Kovi = I don't care anymore! says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:31 pm

Dude, I am done with this… I say we start looking at other possibilities. Wish he would have signed with us, but the topic has reached its max. Rich, who other is DL interested in signing??

[Reply]
9nichols9 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:32 pm

The only thing that is going to happen is that the union and the league are going to re-structure the contract between IK and NJ. He is not going to play in LA. Why do we need that kind of baggage in our future?

[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
@9nichols9, Spot on.

[Reply]
AK47 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:32 pm

Deano, please forget about this guy and just move on.. We need some scoring help and clearly this guy has no intent on signing with the Kings, just uses us as leverage. Move on, look at who’s available on the market (Hemsky? Sharp? Savard?)

[Reply]
Mr. Nuff says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:32 pm

If Dean will still consider this guy… It’s the second time I’ve doubted him. The first was extending Cloutier.

[Reply]
kingfish says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:33 pm

HA HA HA
all of you cry babies can go lay down in your cribs now. Our deal probably would have been bounced too. Interesting numbers out there about devils financial situation as well which show how broke they are going to be doing this. But thats ok right???? We wanted the kings to go broke too trying to sign this guy. some people are unbelievable.

GO KINGS

[Reply]
Lilly Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
@kingfish,

I’m not sure ours would have. 15 years is already a precedent thanks to DiPietro but at some point, the NHL has to put a number on how many years. Maybe to them 15 is the number. Plus, Dean said twice in his radio interview earlier today 13. He could have misspoken. The NHL investigated Hossa’s and this one surpasses that one in obvious circumvention.

The real issue is that the NHL hasn’t publicly stated what their definitive number of years is and that is probably why this will end up going through.

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
@Lilly,
yeah good point, it might have gone through but my point was too all of the crybabies on here that are mad because AEG didnt buy them the kovalchuk doll, that NJ cant technically do it either. so there is no need to keep crying about it. its like when your siblings are fighting over something and your parents (NHL) say
“nobody’s getting it!!!!” now get in the damn car!!!

[Reply]
King lopez Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
@kingfish, LOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!! Kovalchuk doll!!!! funny stuff!

Lilly Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
@kingfish,

I’m not sure ours would have. 15 years is already a precedent. At some point Bettman has to put his foot down. I think the investigation of Hossa’s was a warning.

The problem with Bettman’s argument will be that a limit on the number of years has never been declared

[Reply]
Lilly Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
ugh! sorry for the double post. Computer froze up and I didn’t think the first one went through!

[Reply]
Slapshot Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:28 pm
@Lilly, Ha I refuse to read your second post then! How dare you sir!! Good day!
HBshakes says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:34 pm

(I posted this on the last post, but i think it’s interesting)

A LITTLE FINANCE 201:

The timing of Kovi’s cashflows is extremely important and is getting slightly overlooked. We’ve been looking at things in terms of the overall cashflows ($102mm) or the cap hit ($102mm over 17yrs = $6mm). But the number which should be most important to the player is the present value of the contract… i.e. $1mm today is worth more than $1mm in 17yrs.

So let’s run some simple numbers assuming a 5% discount rate:

1) The current front-loaded Devils contract that got voided has a present value of “only” $77mm

2) If the Devils simply paid the average salary of $6mm/year over 17yrs to make this voiding of the contract problem go away the amount of cashflows would be the same over the life of the contract BUT the present value of the contract drops OVER $9mm to $68mm. SERIOUS DOUGH FOR KOVI TO GIVE UP!!!

3) The Kings offer of $80mm over 15yrs has an average cap hit of $5.33mm/year but we don’t really know the timing of the payments (i.e. how front-loaded is it?). That being said it is relatively easy to construct a series of cashflows that has the present value of the Kings contract to be $61mm.

All I’m saying is that in terms of Kovi thinking about what is in his pocket today, the King’s offer is not $22mm lower than the Devils… it’s MUCH tighter

which means either:
a) making another run at things may not mean we’re completely blown out of the water
b) I don’t think the Kings are as “cheap” as some people are making it out to be

[Reply]
Steve S. Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
This is a spot on analysis. One of the more dismaying things about this whole fiasco is the blurred distinction between fact and opinion…

[Reply]
Steve S. Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
This analysis is spot on. What has been so dismaying about this whole fiasco is that the distinction between fact and opinion has been confused…

[Reply]
HBshakes Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
@Steve S.,
Thanks Steve! Yeah I work in fixed income derivatives on wall street, so present valuing the timing of cashflows is what I basically do for a living…

Hopefully people start realizing that simple averages and total dollars aren’t the only ways to value a contract from a player’s perspective…

[Reply]
Steve S. Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
oooops..sorry for the redundant comments…this server is getting too bombarded with guys Jonesing for hockey in July…

[Reply]
Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
@HBshakes,

One thing we do know about our offer is there weren’t any years at 11.5! So it wasn’t as front loaded as the deal with the devil!

[Reply]
HBshakes Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
@Kings win, Ducks lose,
Agreed. I used a max number of “only” $10mm for the first 3yrs in my hypothetical salary structure for the Kings because as you allude to, Deano didn’t want a super high payout year b/c that would be used (rightly or wrongly) he felt in his Drew negotiations. But again I did that more for illustrative purposes to show that it’s not too hard to have a “reasonable” structure get close to the Devil’s number

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
@HBshakes,

What the NHL doesn’t like is the contract extends until IK is 45. All the other contracts similar end before the player is 40.

[Reply]
Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
@KC23,

Maybe Kovy is the new Gordie Howe/Chris Chelios

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:08 pm
@KC23,
Not exactly. Hossa’s is till he’s 42 if I’m not mistaken.

[Reply]
lucky_luc_20 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:34 pm

If the contract is re-structured in a way where he is not happy….just remember – IT WAS NEVER ABOUT THE MONEY!

Hahahahahahahahahaha

Whatever!

[Reply]
David s says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:35 pm

who cares its over give him his contract ….over it.. time to move on with OUR team and not worry about the other idiots till the season starts ……..GKG…

[Reply]
Joey No-No says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:38 pm

Oh for the love of Christ! Eventually the league was going to have to put its foot down…surprised they chose this contract. Oh well, it should be interesting.

GO KINGS GO!!!

[Reply]
RobRoy says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:39 pm

I’m over it! Kudos to DL & the Kings front office for not caving in. IK seems more motivated by dollars than playing for a contender. Glad management didn’t jepordize the chance to resign the young core of talent down the road. More fish in the sea & we’re young.

[Reply]
KB says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:41 pm

Best case scenario: They restructure the contract and Kovy doesn’t get his 95 mil in 10 years but in 11 or 12. No way we are in it.

[Reply]
luc20rules says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:42 pm

This signing Kovi is more argues than engaging in a major land war in Asia. As all things in this process I believe it will be stalled for atleast a week.

INCONCEIVABLE!

If Sharp is off the table with Chicago trying to shed Cap does that make Hossa available? At this point I would try to get Hossa over Kovi if Chicago is reasonable, they have been with the other cap shedding moves.

[Reply]
Lucky_luc_20 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:45 pm

looking at the contract – it was clear as day that he wasnt going to playout the length of his contract – I am glad they took a stand….should have done it with Hossa but thats not here nor there….

[Reply]
Peter says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:45 pm

A couple of things occur to me now. First, the league had to take a stand because this BS has gotten totally out of control. Second, if the players association files a grievance, Kovi could see this dragging out all summer, and if the Kings go elsewhere, he might have to take a greatly reduced contract with NJ, because they may be the only team still interested at that late date, and he’s not going to want to do that. Third, if NJ does get him with a new contract, they may have to dismantle their team, and that may not appeal to Kovi, cause then his chances of getting a ring are slimmer than they would have been with the Canes. So, I would suggest that DL get together with Grossman and offer him a face saving deal that is slightly higher than we offered the last time. And if he’s got any brains, he’ll take it. Last comment: I never thought I’d be reading hockey news into mid July. Do you realize we’re only about sixty days away from pre season? Wow! No hockey withdrawals this summer!

[Reply]
kingfletch says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:47 pm

Glad they denied the deal, he will still sign with the Devils cause he wont want to look like a moron. I hope the devils have to eat it now. Lou said to much at the press conference saying these deals should be allowed, so the NHL was like your right! You cant even hint that you think the player wont play the deal out or your in violation. Other deals that were made the GMs never hinted anything was wrong, Lou did.

[Reply]
stagger Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
@kingfletch,

Great point.

[Reply]
KC23 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:49 pm

Consider this folks … Lou (Devils GM) had a huge part in writting the current CBA. What if he knows Bettman will reject it and this way he gets the Kings out of the way and forces IK to settle for less?

Can’t wait to see how this turns out. My guess, is IK will be the one left holding the bag.

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
@KC23,

Interesting theory. The league did release a statement after the Hossa signing saying that they were going to intervene on similar loophole deals going forward, so while I’m surprised that the league actually took such a high-profile public stance here, I am really proud of them. OMG I just heard myself say it- Gary Bettman did something right?!

BTW, I’ve got a bag Kovy can hold for wasting two weeks of my life, but let’s face it, I’d still sign him in a heartbeat to our 15yr/80mil offer.

Here’s one last theory- AEG put us through this just to drive up hits to the website. I seriously refreshed this page every 20 mins for two weeks straight!!! Just when I thought I was going to get productive again…

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
@KC23,

Interesting theory. The league did issue a statement after the Hossa signing that they were going to review similar loophole deals going forward. I’m surprised that they chose to take such a high-profile public stance in this particular Kovy scenario, but I’m really proud of them. OMG I just heard myself say it- Gary Bettman did something right?!

And BTW, I’ve got a bag Kovy can hold for wasting two weeks of my life. But let’s not kid, I’d sign him in a heartbeat to our 15yr/80mil offer.

Here’s one final theory: AEG put us through this to drive up hits to the website. I seriously refreshed this site every 20 mins for two weeks straight!!! Just when I thought I was going to get productive again…

[Reply]
yobro Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
@KC23, And the greedy bastard deserves to. All about family-my arse!
Go Kings

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
@KC23, I really don’t see IK changing his mind and coming to LA. At worse, he’ll accept a short term contract, 2-3 years to get through the 2012 CBA and go from there. But he won’t go back to LA, no one, not even OJ would do that, would he???

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:29 am
@Moondoggie,

Wasn’t the point I was making. The Devil’s gm realises he way over paid, has buyer’s remorse … calls out his buddy Bettman by saying his own kind of contract needs to be stopped with the next CBA agreement … this sets up public opinion that Bettman suddenly gross a pair a stones … which he has never done before … and nulls the deal.

Where does that leave IK? No deal at all unless the league aurbatrator can somehow force the Devils into paying the same amount in less years … making the Devils take a huge cap hit.

Wow, I can’t wait to hear how this turns out.

[Reply]
Johnny Forecheck says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:51 pm

Its all about the money, I COULD HAVE PUT OUT A 20 YEAR 120 MILLION CONTRACT FOR KOVULCHUK TO PLAY FOR THE SASKATOON BEAVERS-HAWKS AND THE NHL WOULD HAVE VOIDED IT TOO…IT WAS ALL BOUT THE MONEY NOTHING MORE, HE PARLAYED THE KINGS AS LEVERAGE.

[Reply]
LAKings33 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:52 pm

Maybe this is a sign/2nd chance for Kovy to do the right thing and sign with LA

[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:45 am
@LAKings33,

Why would you or any of the ‘Kovi-maniacs’ want someone on our team who clearly does not want to play for us?

I mean, we are talking about a player who has accomplished nothing but personal benchmarks in the weakest division in the NHL, and who lacks discernible leadership skills and a sense of team loyalty.

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:52 pm

You like Apples Kovi, How you like them Apples? HHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Sucks to be you numbnuts.

[Reply]
Sydor25 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:52 pm

The Devils and Kovalchuk will just submit a new structured deal with the same terms and money. $102/17.

Nothing will change with the cash, term or cap hit. It will just have more cash in the final 6 years and less in the first 11.

[Reply]
DrHockey Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
@Sydor25,

I doubt it that means Kovy will be receiving less money if he didn’t plan on retiring at age 44. Same terms but restructure means kovy would almost certainly play to 44 (to get his full payment) which I doubt he wants to do.

[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
@Sydor25, You may be right, but is Kovalchuk going to want that? If his big bucks get pushed back a number of years, he may never see them if he retires at a “normal” age. Plus, is NJ going to be wanting to be paying him $6,7,or 8 million per year when he is 40 years old? I think not. They got some problems here.

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
@Sydor25,

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the key issue here is the length of the deal, because those back end years are only in there to lower the overall cap number. If the league wins this, they could either 1) force a shorter term deal, or 2) redistribute the $102 mil over the 17 years, but then that deal becomes much less attractive to Kovy because he won’t play nearly that long, so the true dollars he would actually earn would drop dramatically. Now you’re possibly in the ballpark of the Kings offer, and if the money were about equal, wouldn’t the Kings be significantly more attractive than they were when they were paying $22 mil less?

[Reply]
Big Rob in Dallas says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:54 pm

I have to admit I’m kind of addicted to checking this site every two hours. I don’t know if I was more bummed that Kovi was signed by NJ or that the whole saga was over.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
@Big Rob in Dallas,

I know what you mean. This is actually even more interesting to me. There is gonna be some late nights for Grossman, Lou, the players assiciation and Bettman to be sure.

I wonder if DL is laughing is butt off right now.

[Reply]
Johnny Forecheck says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:56 pm

IT WAS ALL PART OF THE LOU LOU PLAN: BID WIN A OBSCENE CONTRACT KNOWING GREEDICHUK WOULD BITE…PUTTING ON A DOG AND PONY SHOW IN NJ TODAY…KNOWING BETTMAN WOULD REJECT THE CONTRACT…KNOWING GREEDOCHUK WOULD HAVE TO SAVE FACE(AFTER ALL HE SAID AT THE PRESSER) BY SIGNING A NEW LOWER CAP CONTRACT APPROVED BY THE NHL.

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:28 pm
@Johnny Forecheck,

Stop yelling.

[Reply]
sstephen17 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:56 pm

Tomorrow is going to be really interesting. If NJ, Kovi, and/or the NHLPA files a grievance, it isn’t something that is going to get resolved in a matter of days right? Even if the deal is upheld (likely considering they didn’t do anything about DiPietro or Hossa’s deal), at the very least its going to throw a monkeywrench into free agency as a whole, but more specifically the Devils and Kings. IMO, Kings need to walk away. It just wouldn’t feel right. It’s like asking a girl to the prom, having her refuse you for another guy, only to come back to you because they other guy’s dad wouldn’t let him borrow the car for prom night.

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
@sstephen17,

I respectfully disagree.

1) I’ve taken plenty of girls home that way, and I sleep plenty good at night

2) It wouldn’t feel as good, but you still wouldn’t sign him if you could? You’d feel plenty better when we can score 5-on-5 for the first time ever.

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
@KingsFan, Haha, good one. Like they say, winning cures everything and if Kovi helps the Kings do that, I’m sure no one will care how we got him, lol.

[Reply]
capt jkam says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:56 pm

I wonder how much TL had to “donate” to the NHL Commissioner’s Retirement Fund to get that deal voided.

[Reply]
sstephen17 says:

July 20, 2010 at 8:59 pm

Who is suffering more over Kovigate?

A. Kovi
B. New Jersey
C. Los Angeles
D. NHL
E. Rich Hammond

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
@sstephen17,

Hammond, easy. Right now he’s asking what the heck a guy needs to do to get a vacation, and this job is the bane of his existence!

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
@sstephen17,

It certainly isn’t Los Angeles. I’m thinking DL is happy as can be. This takes most of the heat off him from the fans (not me, I think he made a reasonable offer). DL was up against perhaps the best GM in the league. The guy who wrote most of the current CBA.

Lou may be even smarter than we think if he ends up having to pay less to IK. OTOH, Lou may have just ruined the cap space for the foreseeable future in NJ.

Can’t wait to see how this goes.

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
@KC23, I’m still unclear as to the actual offer the Kings made. Everywhere I’ve read, it was for 15 years but in his interview with a Toronto radio station, DL kept referencing a 13 year deal.

[Reply]
variable says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:01 pm

GUYS>>>>>>

WE’RE NOT BACK IN ANYTHING JUST YET…

THE NHLPA HAS 5 DAYS TO APPEAL…

IF THEY DON’T…THE CONTRACT IS VOID…

IF THEY DO….WELL…

AN ARBITRATOR WILL BE ASSIGNED AND RENDER A DECISION ON THE WHOLE THANG IN ABOUT 24-48 HRS…

SO THERE…(!)

[Reply]
James Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
@variable, If the NHLPA goes to bat for this guy… well that will say a lot about the NHLPA’s moral decline. If they stand up for this greedy creature fans won’t be on the NHLPA’s side when the next lockout occurs… since idiotic contracts like this make a lockout almost unavoidable.

They should just let the contract be void, and NJ comes up with a new one with a real length of time on it, and real cap hit, which will then force NJ to dismantle their team to make cap space.

Or the Kings can make another offer… this time lower than their last offer and tell greedy boy and his agent, take it or leave it. Hopefully he’ll leave it, because who really wants him at this point? He’s poison. He’s Pavel Bure. No, maybe he’s Valeri Bure.

He should just go home and play for the Russian mob.

[Reply]
lucky13 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
@variable,…7 more days of fun

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
@V,

Discussed this on the other thread…
Bottom line is that the NHLPA worries about the escrow on their salaries and the overages where the Cap is less than the salary paid.

The issue is the five years of 11.5 mil- 6.33 mil Cap hit. That money is in escrow… See Quisp’s article about Brown and the $9000 he’s giving to KoveeBabee.

Bet the max salary of 11.5 mil/ Cap salary can’t be less than 66%. If so, then the length of term must be shortened or K.B.’s cash must be deferred, and neither the Devils nor K.B. want to do that.

At stake is about 1.4 mil/yr of cap space for the Devils. Who would they have to lose to account for that?

This will not be a simple fix.

Kings are not out of it, but not in it for $80 mil, either…

Bet there will be an appeal by the NHLPA (remember advisor Donald Fehr?)… But, they will lose. The contract is a clear violation of the CBA. There will then be a lawsuit by Grossman against the NHLPA %/or the NHL. At stake is his commision, plus K.B.’s desire to retire after the 7 years of 6-6-11.5-11.5-11.5-11.5-11.5. Can’t reduce that amount, or KoveeBabee will not get his highest player in the game status.

But, reduce the term and keep the front end unchanged, NJ will have a deal. But will Sweet Lou go along, or just throw up his hands and walk away? 1.3 mil/yr. cap space likely is Langenbrunner, at least…

An arbitrator may come to a decision, but if no contract is in force in about a week, KoveeBabee will try for another front-loaded contract.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
@V,

Sorry if a repost…

@V,

Discussed this on the other thread…
Bottom line is that the NHLPA worries about the escrow on their salaries and the overages where the Cap is less than the salary paid.

The issue is the five years of 11.5 mil- 6.33 mil Cap hit. That money is in escrow… See Quisp’s article about Brown and the $9000 he’s giving to KoveeBabee.

Bet the max salary of 11.5 mil/ Cap salary can’t be less than 66%. If so, then the length of term must be shortened or K.B.’s cash must be deferred, and neither the Devils nor K.B. want to do that.

At stake is about 1.4 mil/yr of cap space for the Devils. Who would they have to lose to account for that?

This will not be a simple fix.

Kings are not out of it, but not in it for $80 mil, either…

Bet there will be an appeal by the NHLPA (remember advisor Donald Fehr?)… But, they will lose. The contract is a clear violation of the CBA. There will then be a lawsuit by Grossman against the NHLPA %/or the NHL. At stake is his commision, plus K.B.’s desire to retire after the 7 years of 6-6-11.5-11.5-11.5-11.5-11.5. Can’t reduce that amount, or KoveeBabee will not get his highest player in the game status.

But, reduce the term and keep the front end unchanged, NJ will have a deal. But will Sweet Lou go along, or just throw up his hands and walk away? 1.3 mil/yr. cap space likely is Langenbrunner, at least…

An arbitrator may come to a decision, but if no contract is in force in about a week, KoveeBabee will try for another front-loaded contract.

[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

once again, B…you and QUISPY are correct…:)

[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I might be wrong here, but I have to assume that both the Devils and Kovalchuk entered into the Agreement (Contract for Services) in Good Faith. They both have freely signed the document. OK, so I’m the Arbiter, and I say fine, the length of the Contract is legal under the CBA and the amount is what the Devils could pay. Kovalchuk, on paper at least, intends to fulfill his end of the bargain by playing for 17 more years. Okay, Good.

The Solution? Simply REVERSE THE NUMBERS! He plays the first 5 years at $550,00 per. Year 6 at $750,000 etc. When he’s 38-42, he’s up to $11.5M per year. And for his last two seasons, he gets $6M each.

Remember, Ilya, in USA you get your money the old fashioned way, You Earn It!

Seems fair to me.

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:46 am
@IceGuy,

That would be sweet revenge to us fans, but the arbitrator doesn’t have the power to do that. S/he either affirms the contract or voids it.

And, as I mentioned on the other thread, I don’t think Grossman has any possible remedy here. He dug his hole, he has to lie in it…

quisp Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:58 am
@IceGuy,

The argument is that the contract is not “in good faith” because its intent is to circumvent the salary cap, i.e. Article 50, which requires a mandatory penalty and requires that the contract be voided. There is simply no plausible alternative explanation for the extra several years at minimum wage tacked onto the end of the contract. The only explanation is their intent to circumvent the cap.

Nobody thinks Kovalchuk intends to play until age 44.

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:48 pm
@IceGuy,

Think Quispie:

“Nobody thinks Kovalchuck intends to play until age 44″, five years for what they pay a “Starbucks barista”…

I wanna be a Starbucks barista if it pays $550,000.00/yr…
Deke'r says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:10 pm

Once the union gets involved the deal will still go through afterall it means more money for the bloodsucking lawyers, who cares about the players or the fans. I wouldn’t want IK on the rebound anyway especially for less money….he’s all about the money so there goes his motivation.

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:10 pm

ha!!!!! i saw this coming this contract is way too big Kings still need to throw something but dont make it huge that we screw ourseleves Go KINGS!!!!!

[Reply]
johnny says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:12 pm

Holly Christ !!! Not again… The life as we know it stops in the NHL, please just go away and sign in St. Petersburg. The next move is Kings will hire the Devils GM, Kings are pretty good to hire idiots…
I hope the NHL will step in and send Gagne back to… So the Kings can sign the true best player available this year

[Reply]
thound says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:12 pm

No way the Kings should re-negotiate or re-enter talks with IK. Way too much history and baggage at this point. It just wouldn’t be healthy for the franchise.

That being said, this still doesn’t absolve in my eyes the major problems Lombardi has in regards to dealing with FA and building a complete roster.

I give him props for his diligence regarding the revamped scouting department and his rebuilding of the Kings farm system, but I still lack much faith in his abilities to be the overall architect of the roster year in and year out.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
@thound,

Agree 100%.

[Reply]
king dodger says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:13 pm

this just makes the cap hit larger, which makes parise leaving more of a reality.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
@king dodger,
My thoughts exactly.Parise is the player I wanted ever since New Jersey got into the bidding.

[Reply]
shane says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:13 pm

dont count on this one…if the NHL gets the contract thrown out, he’s heading back to Russia

[Reply]
King Doughnuts says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:21 pm

Let’s move on…. its over

[Reply]
xeropoint says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:21 pm

This has nothing to do with the END of the deal and everything to do with the beginning of the deal.

He makes (reportedly) 6M first two years. Then it jumps to 11.5M.

According to the CBA, you cannot increase or decrease the salary for any given year by more or less than half of the lower number of the first two years.

In other words, you cannot raise or lower Kovulchuks salary in that contract by more or less than 3M (from previous years salary) at any point over the life of the contract.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
@xeropoint,

It’s the beginning of this deal that fascinates me…

Why start low? That would seem to be to help the Devils in some way.

If you are right, there must be more front end year two money, say 9 mil, then they would be alright. But the end drops off fast, too… It would have to be lowered at 3 mil increments: 11.5-8.5-5.5-2.5-550K…

But, that creates deferred money.
Hmmmm.
Maybe we will know tomorrow.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I don’t know. The reported numbers must be wrong. Lawyers and agents and capologists couldn’t overlook something like this right?

The back end of the deal actually looks fine. It drops in 2M increments.

It’s OBVIOUS circumvention of the CAP, but I could find nothing in the CBA which specifically prevents what they did.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@xeropoint,

Yep.
4thliner says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:25 pm

Rich, quisp, waves, Bako, anyone, what is aav? I’ve heard that a couple times and I am not sure what it is

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
@4thliner,

I’m guessing Average Annual Value, but I have no evidence to back that up.

[Reply]
Patrick says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:25 pm

Read online that the unnamed source claims Bettman and the NHL will not accept the contract regardless of what a third party ruling is.

[Reply]
King Doughnuts says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:27 pm

Russia here I come

[Reply]
johnny says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:27 pm

Kovi is the NHL’s Lindsay Lohan, everything stops if he or she farts…

[Reply]
KellyHrudey says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:28 pm

Isnt Karma a *itch…

Who’s got the last laugh now Kovy?

Regardless of the outcome of the arbitration/appeal Kovy will HAVE to remain a devil. Especially after his song and dance during today’s presser claiming his ‘decision wasnt about money, it was part of being in a winning team…not in 10 years, but now’…blah blah blah…

Hopefully his contact will get pared down significantly…and he can live what he knew all along…that he was destined to be a devil

Good riddance!

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
@KellyHrudey,

If it’s true that his wife and he wanted to be here, then he just might get here. Let me tell you some things about my wife:

1) She would live in Timbuktu for $22 million more dollars, and

2) if the dollars were equal, she would live in LA over Newark. In LA, the garbage truck takes your trash to the dump. In NJ, the garbage truck takes your trash around the block and dumps it back on your driveway, plus extra garbage from NYC. Advantage: LA!

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
@KingsFan,

I’m convinced EZSPACE was a Grossman Agent-plant…

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

You’re probably right, it did read curiously- but I’m a sucker for hope. And I thought I read Pierre Lebrun saying that most folks around the league did think he wanted to be in LA, and I trust him as a reporter. I wouldn’t put it past any agent to plant something like that though.

Good thing my wife is out of town this week, or there would be no way I could be posting this much! I’ve dug your posts, Bako, nice job.

John Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

If true, that’s DISGUSTING! Some would say it’s tantamount to masterbastion. I say molestation…cus I feel violated just thinking about.

Though he was too obnoxious to be real. Kinda like the Nigerian Prince.

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@KingsFan,

Thanks!

King John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:58 am
@KellyHrudey,

And it was a deal with the Devil(s)…

[Reply]
Johnny says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:32 pm

Here we go… We should trow some hot dogs and beer for Kovi from the vendors at the Staple Center and call it even… They are good but very expensive !! Let se if Batman will void that…..

[Reply]
Kevin Y Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
@Johnny,

I think he would…

[Reply]
Johnny says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:32 pm

Here we go… We should trow some hot dogs and beer for Kovi from the vendors at the Staple Center and call it even… They are good but very expensive !! Let se if Batman will void that…..

[Reply]
KingsFan says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:32 pm

Another interestig free agent name I hadn’t considered is mentioned on espn.com today- Blake Wheeler from Boston. I don’t know everything about him, but I know he’s had an impressive first couple of years, he’s only 23, he’s 6-3, and a right wing (not as good for us as a left wing would be, but still). Boston is apparantly in cap trouble and may not be able to afford his expected arbitration award of >$2.8 mil/year, and might look to trade him. Anyone know anything more about him and have any thoughts?

[Reply]
Bonvivant1 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
@KingsFan, Wheeler was drafted by Phoenix and pitched a hissy and did not want to play in a non traditional market so they could not sign him even after Phoenix offered him the max for entry level contract. It is unlikely he would play for L.A. because of this.

[Reply]
blake Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
@Bonvivant1,
ya he’s a tool even in college i hated him complete pussy

[Reply]
KC23 says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:33 pm

I hope this screws the Devils bad. They deserve it with that fricken contract BS.

[Reply]
variable says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:37 pm

sounds like cap circumcision…

oy…(!)

[Reply]
Bob Bobson Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:09 am
@variable, Painful, but accurate statement.

[Reply]
crashin' da net says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:38 pm

This is great! DL do not sign Kovi!!! Let the NHL force LL to restructure the contract increasing the cap hit by millions. Then let’s take a a very select player(s) off of LL’s hands as he will have no choice but to deal. We’ll lend Kovi and LL a helping hand by an early evisceration of his team!!! I mean what a friends for? Charity? – fuggedaboudit……

Let them rot in that Newark Stinkhole. After what Kovi did? Perhaps his wife can act/sing on stage at the Garden State Art Center!!! More her caliber!!LMAO This made my night!

[Reply]
Kevin Y says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:38 pm

By the way, for those that are “really hopeful” he can come to LA, y’all realize that LA wouldn’t be able to sign him to a contract anywhere near the $6M he “got” either. It’d have to be $7M-$8M for us also, unless we signed him to a one-year deal.

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
@Kevin Y,

I think DL is on record saying that the highest cap hit he would pay annually for one player is 8-8.5 mil per year, which make this a possibility. Take our 80 mil offer but do it for 10 years, and there’s Kovy’s final NHL contract, or he becomes a free agent again at 37 and earns more.

At least until the next AEG board meeting, when we will change our offer to $1…

[Reply]
Kevin Y Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
@KingsFan,

What was the final offer… 15/$80M, right? That’s a $5.33M cap hit. I’d be surprised if NOW, all of a sudden (especially now that he knows what it’ll probably have to be) he decided to put that much on the table.

I don’t have a problem with a cap hit like that for a player like Kovalchuk… but considering the circumstances, I won’t think DL would do it.

Of course, the Kings are ONLY an option if Kovalchuk and NJ can’t agree on a re-structured form of the deal, which I still think will ultimately happen, with or without a grievance or going to an arbiter.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:02 am
@Kevin Y,

How about 12 years @ 6 mil cap hit.
We’d be paying 72 million over the life of it. Maybe that would work.

But Kovi wouldn’t go for it.

Kevin Y Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:47 am
@King John,

I don’t think it’s possible at all the Kings would be able to sign Kovalchuk now to a $6 million cap hit.

And yeah, Kovi wouldn’t go for it anyway.

HeyChief Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:52 am
@Kevin Y, the Kings aren’t the only option. Several teams have offered Kovy one year contracts. Our chances of getting him are slim. We should not be sidetracked by this clusterf**k. Let’s keep our eye on the ball and pursue other options.
the dude from the southeast says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:38 pm

just think, if kovy signs with the devils for less than what the kings offer, and the kings go to the cup to face the devils, holy crap that would be a series.

[Reply]
korab says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:41 pm

Is anyone else tired of the phrase “That being said” Just say it.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:09 am
@korab,

You’re absolutely right. I’m sick of it too. That being said, I kind of like it.

[Reply]
UglyinLA says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:42 pm

This explains why Elias, Parise, Langenbrunner and Brodeur all were giddy at the press conference… THEY KNEW !!

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
@UglyinLA, We’ll see how giddy Parise is when they trade him,because the new cap hit will make it impossible for New Jersey to keep him.

[Reply]
tbone says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:49 pm

So….anyways, Patrick Sharp would be a great fit! Stempniak has good speed. Do you think Kariya could produce 40 goals next season as a King?

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
@tbone, Kariya 40 goals.. it is possible if the other team pulls the goalie after a minute or so into the game…

[Reply]
alan says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:54 pm

Dude, he doesn’t want to be in LA.
He said most of the reason he went to la was for the fact that his wife has never been there.
Stayed with friends blah blah..
Kovalchuk also has a big man crush on brodour.
He ALSO said he took the 17 year deal because that’s his lucky number….. Dissed LA. He thinks were a team that can’t win. God I can’t wait till the kings prove him wrong

[Reply]
RJB Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
@alan,

Good luck waiting. We will be long gone when that happens or when AEG sells the team to owners who care about the game and its fans

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
@alan,
Do you think he was just saying that to save face?? Hes gotta say something to cover up for the trip out here. The money pulled him the other direction in the end IMO. Could be the kings were used as leverage but I dont believe that. I think he gave us a legitimate shot, NJ overbid and won. The smile on his face today was pretty funny, he was gonna get his big payday more in some years than ovie. I heard what money said on the radio, that guy is a clown blaming DL. I guess according to money we should have laid out the red carpet for the guy and kissed his hand. When he says the devils treat him well that to me is code for the owners there want him and they kiss his a$$. Dl is looking at adding a piece to the team not a sacred cash cow so no “special treatment”.
It has been obvious from the beginning from his time with NJ that the owners had lou go out and get him at the deadline.

[Reply]
Johnny Forecheck says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:57 pm

You know guys and gals I think Bettman felt bad for the kings…having SPENT TIME HERE for draft…seeing all the fans(sold all 11,000 tickets)…seeing the Kings as a potential SEXY TEAM LIKE THE LAKERS WOULD DO WONDERS FOR THE POCKET LINING OF THE OWNERS…HE KNOWS that southern calif. is a cash cow and media center of the world(Hollwood/ESPN), That would garner and reach the masses for a potential HUGE CONTRACT WITH ESPN! mORE REVENUE FOR THE OWNERSHIP!

[Reply]
Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
@Johnny Forecheck,

That’s pretty far-fetched…

[Reply]
Cry Baby says:

July 20, 2010 at 9:58 pm

Let him rot in the swamp…

[Reply]
SaveByCechmanek says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:00 pm

This is just like INCEPTION man! Did someone plant an “idea” somewhere or what? Kovi must be saying WTF??

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
@SaveByCechmanek, Ironically this might be the most reasonable explanation, lol.

[Reply]
BringBackTheShieldJersey Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:26 am
@sstephen17,

Still doesn’t explain how DiCaprio’s character went into the Japanese guy’s limbo. I’m still waiting for that explanation.

[Reply]
Pat says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:03 pm

I thought it was over.. But looks like God wanted Ilya Kovalchuk to be a Los Angeles Kings. Hope his salary is not insane..

[Reply]
sstephen17 says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:08 pm

As a player, what are Kovi’s options at this point? Can he just tell NJ, no thanks because of the whole appeal, arbitration, etc. that will follow this mess and simply listen to offers from other NHL teams? Or is he stuck until this fiasco gets resolved?

[Reply]
Bonvivant1 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
@sstephen17, It is unlikely that Kovalchuk will play for any other team. The league has to save face and force New Jersey’s hand by challenging the contract. The two parties will sit down and renegotiate a new contract that is more in line with the CBA. The leagues’ challenge will certainly set a precedent and perhaps change the way contracts are structured in the future. Unfortunately there is no stare decisis or earlier decision the NHL can base its challenge on in this particular situation. Other than the aforementioned Hossa and Pronger deals this contract will certainly raise a few eyebrows, and more than likely be nullified.

It grieves me to say, and this is no fault of DL, but they got played by N.J. and Grossman.

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
@Bonvivant1, Not sure how DL got played. Especially if this deal gets squashed or modified, one party is going to suffer and it isn’t going to be DL and the Kings. If I had to bet, I think the Devils will have to spread the money out more evenly over the 17 years. Cap hit will be the same but Kovi loses out on money unless he actually does play until his mid 40′s.

[Reply]
Jesse says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:08 pm

So here is a fun statistic I put together for those who care:

6562 players have played in the NHL ever.

8 players have played in the NHL at 44 years of age.

Statistically speaking Kovalchuk has a .001% chance he will fulfill the full length of his (old) contract. (Or 99.999% chance he won’t.)

I can go on about the players playing 44 years old and older and having short term contracts which limits these numbers more, but you get the point.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
@Jesse,

Nice work putting that together.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:16 pm
@Jesse,

a): Who are those eight players? (Great job, by the way…);

b): How much had each player earned in his NHL lifetime by the time he retired?

You can imagine how I visualize KoveeBabee’s potential career salary total in comparison to the Eight’s career salary totals…

In other words, no money = motivation… money = motivation.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:17 pm
–typo alert–

In other words, no money = motivation… money = NO motivation.

[Reply]
RJB says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:10 pm

Perfect scenario. League nullifies the contract with NJ and the Kings get a player for 5-10 years who does not want to be in LA. Sounds great…keep up the hope all. AND We passed on Heatley because he was not a good locker room guy?…

[Reply]
art Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:29 am
@RJB,
We passed on Heatley because we would have had to give up JJ and Simmer to get him. In this case we can add a free agent while keeping JJ and Simmer. That being said, we can’t afford the guy for a 5-10 year contract. We’d have to stretch it a bit to lower the cap hit and it prob would not get approved.

[Reply]
RJB says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:14 pm

Rich, is there nothing else to write about for the next 6 weeks…do we have to go through this BS everyday? Even when its over, dead, buried, put to rest, Etc Etc ETc

[Reply]
ForumFan says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:18 pm

BYE’ ‘BYE PARISE, AND TIP OF THE HAT TO QUISP.

How on earth do the Devils re-sign him if the Kovi deal gets re-structured? (as it should be as an illegal circumvention of the CBA). The thing that amazes me the most is that the NHL actually decided to do something. Fantastic breakdown on all of this by Quisp earlier today….very prescient.

There is no way that Kovi and the Devils don’t work this out, but the cap hit MUST be adjusted.

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
@ForumFan,
second that, quisp is a pretty smart cat

[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:11 am
@ForumFan,

[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:13 am
@ForumFan,

Quisp is a beast. I read that yesterday and was at dinner when my friend texted me it was nullified…just like Quisp said it SHOULD have been.

Very nice breakdown. Quisp must be independently wealthy with a lot of time on his hands to figure that stuff out is all I have to say. But I’m thankful

[Reply]
Trey A says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:21 pm

Lou is wacky

[Reply]
Mike C says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:22 pm

I agree 110% with anyone on here who said said forget this guy. He made his choice when he picked NJ. No matter what the NHL does regarding this ridiculous contract that should be nullified, I hope Dean has it in him to just move on. With all that cap space the Kings have and other teams “punished” for this sort of behavior, it will only benefit the Kings current strategy of growing a consistent winner even more.

[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:54 am
@Mike C,

I agree with you 100%!

GKG

[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:25 pm

Man this guy is like a .urd that wont flush!

After what this guy said today D.L. should get back in drive up the price then walk away.

[Reply]
Moondoggie says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:26 pm

Interesting article from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune….

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b4ZGF

[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
@Moondoggie,

Thanks for that. I’d of never seen it.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
@Moondoggie,

Nice article, thanks!

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:27 am
@Moondoggie,

whats up buddy

Great find on the article…thanks

It’s pretty sad how some teams just blatenly circumvent the cap with no regard to how others are proceeding with large contracts.
Good for the Wild doing it the right way!

[Reply]
fourtunato says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:27 pm

I’m not as smart as all you guys but I listen and read a lot. I was never hot on IK but was willing to get excited anyway since so many of you all think he was our saviour. But all day I’ve been hearing commentators on NHL network and elsewhere saying DL got the better of this deal and the Kings were the winners. We have a 100 point team with developing stars and good team chemistry. Throwing this me first, one way player into the mix with this outsize contract could mess with what we have.

Anyway, there is no way anyone in their right mind would want him to come here now. But perhaps we can get ZP next year when Satan er.. the devils have to dump cap space. I hope so. I love that guy.

[Reply]
Agamemnon says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:28 pm

This surely makes Grossman look a bit assinine. Does any one know who else he represents?
It also makes Kovi look like a greedy fool and an over-inflated ego. I cannot see him with the team tattoo. He’s all for himself…not a team layer

[Reply]
KOHO says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:31 pm

HOLD THE KOOL-AID!!!

Playing Devil’s advocate trying to read between the lines, it sounds like maybe IK didn’t really feel welcome here. Yes, I know he was brought here but by who? DL or AEG?

If it’s true that this deal was pushed on DL by AEG could it be possible that DL pretty much let the agent know this isn’t the way he’d build his team as he’s stated in the past.

Maybe DL might’ve been put in a situation where he had to play the part and his heart really wasn’t into it and it showed during the negotiations because he was being forced to possibly take on a player that he isn’t ready to bring on till he feels the guys have taken charge.

I know DL claims this team is ahead of schedule but with all the holes on the team being filled by younger guys…are they really?

And for those of you knocking IK about money…look at our owner and tell me he isn’t about the money..America is all about money. Don’t get mad when some foreigner comes here and takes advantage of living the american dream.

That’s why people come here and that’s why you won’t leave here.

[Reply]
Fourtunato Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
@KOHO,

America is not about money, its about freedom. And without money, freedom is pretty difficult to maintain.

[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
KA-CHING!

Freedom costs a buck-o-five!

[Reply]
Kingsfanone says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:31 pm

So does this teach them not to laugh so hard or be skipping out thinking all is well and lovely?

Don’t let that door hit you in the @ss on the way out boys.

Deano……..please step away from the phone. Kovi does NOT have a crown tattooed on his butt. Thank you.

[Reply]
popmex73 says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:34 pm

Let…him…go.

[Reply]
chuckrocks says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:35 pm

Juraj Mikus is the one who made Buttman reject this contract because nobody and I mean nobody can sign a bigger contract than Juraj Mikus….. I was mad when we didnt get him, but after what I saw this morning at the press conferance I no longer want this joke of a person.

[Reply]
KIng Lopez Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
@chuckrocks, There is the name again, why is Juraj Mikus talked about in this so much and why talk about him at all?

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
@KIng Lopez,

Clearly you suffer the fate of full and complete lack of knowledge of the Mikus. Your transgretions can be forgiven only if you soak of the knowledge of Mikus and accept His Greatness.

Or, you could continue to question the Mikus and disappear in a tiny puff of smoke.

[Reply]
king lopez Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:41 am
@Kingsfanone, LOOL!

Dan H. Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:20 am
@KIng Lopez,

Take the playing skills of Gretzky and Lemieux, the leadership skills of Alexander the Great and Stonewall Jackson, and the overall badness of Chuck Norris, with the immortalism of the almighty Zeus and you’ll have a semblance of what or who Mikus is.

[Reply]
Bob Bobson Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:17 am
@Dan H., All that, multiplied by eleventy!
Shutout says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:38 pm

I remember when Steve Young received $40 million over 10 years, then his team asked to pay him an annuity of $1 million over 40 years, which he accepted.

The Devils will get creative in their financing and keep him. They cannot embarrass themselves now after holding such a huge press conference.

[Reply]
Dominick says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:41 pm

Plan-B get Parise,and give them prospects who won’t hurt their cap space,as soon as their deal with the devil goes through.LMAO!

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
@Dominick,

If Dean could pull that off he’d go into The Hall right next to Lou!

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:42 pm

The NHL is presumably complaining that New Jersey is violating the “Circumvention” clause of the CBA.

The actual provisions that most closely apply to Kovy relate to the reduction of his annual compensation to $550 K in the final five years of his deal. But the drop to that figure is preceded by no year in which his salary is reduced by more than $3 mil — which is the operative 50% figure of the first league year of his agreement.

Hence, it seems like the deal is technically permissible. But it’s unquestionably designed to circumvent the NHL’s rules regarding player contracts.

[Reply]
UglyinLA Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:14 am
@tuan jim,

Yup, they toed the line on section 50.7. In contract years 11 and 12 they have a decrease of $3M which is the allowable maximum decrease.

This contract appears legally air tight.

There are several contracts (i.e. Pronger) that circumvent the spirit of the rules, but they allowed those and therefore they lose that argument too.

[Reply]
Danielle says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:43 pm

So I was looking at the CBA and this could actually get very interesting for a lot of people involved.

Section 26.8 lists some required annual certifications –
26.8(a) – In order to retain his status as a Certified Agent… each Certified Agent shall annually
certify to the NHLPA that during the prior year he has not violated this Article 26…
26.8(b) – In order to retain his status as a General Manager or CFO or Club President, each General Manager or CFO or Club President shall annually certify to the
NHL that during the prior year he has not violated this Article 26…

There is also another arbitration system under the circumvention provisions, separate rom the one that would hear the NHLPA’s challenge to the contract itself, that could be brought in if either the league or players association wanted to challenge this under the circumvention provisions (I doubt either would want to resort to this but who knows). If they do, there are some huge penalties under Section 26.13(c) if the arbitrator finds a circumvention has occurred by either a player or a Club -
(i) Impose a fine of up to $5 million in the case of a Circumvention by a Club or Club Actor, but in no circumstances shall such fine be less than $1 million against any Club or Club Actor if such party is… If such a fine is assessed against a Club… that Club’s Payroll Room shall also be reduced by such amount for the following League Year…
(ii) Impose a fine against a Player of up to the lesser of $1 million or twenty-five (25%) percent of a Player’s Paragraph 1 Salary in thecase of a Circumvention by a Player or Player Actor, but in no
circumstances shall such fine be below the lesser of $250,000 or twenty-five (25%) percent of the Player’s Paragraph 1 Salary…
(iii) Direct a Club to forfeit draft picks…
(vi) Void any SPC… between any Player and any Club when both the Player or Player Actor and the Club or
Club Actor are found to have committed such a violation withrespect to such SPC…
(vii) Suspend any Club employee, Player, or Certified Agent involved in such a violation for a period of time determined in the sole discretion of the Commissioner, the System Arbitrator, or the NHLPA, respectively.

Crazy.

[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
@Danielle,

we are all becoming so well informed/educated, it’s becoming the norm – happily…

believe it or not, this has already been discussed on here and other places/sites already…

but…

it definitely bares worth repeating…:)

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
@variable,

Was it? I didn’t see it said in any detail, but I also didn’t go through all of the posts (most of them, but not all) and I don’t check many other sites anymore, tho I follow most of the hockey writers on Twitter.

As a union-side attorney who happens to teach Sports and Entertainment Law, well, all of this is fascinating to me.

[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
@Danielle,

and yr perspective and insight is fascinating, as well…and very appreciated, especially coming from someone of yr experience and occupation…

i think i’m just a lil’ punch drunk from reading about this, contract law and every friggin’ site i respect takes on the whole saga of kolita….

an arbiter should have a lovely time deciding on this one…!

Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:56 am
@variable,

Thanks. After reading the comments and having some “discussions” yesterday with a couple of people, I was getting ready to take a break from this site until things settled down. Funny, many of the people who were most vocal 24 hours ago, claiming the Kings should have made this deal, have suddenly become silent.

I actually think it is going to be a pretty interesting case, if it actually makes it to the arbitrator. I still think the NHLPA will put itself in a precarious position if it fights it very aggressively. I would not be surprised to hear the Devils and Kovi reach a new deal before a hearing can be held. No case is easy for an arbitrator, but I don’t see how one can look at the numbers and not find it violates the spirit of the CBA.

But if it it does go forward, it is going to be fun to watch, both as a lawyer and a fan of the team that “lost” the Kovi-stakes (tho I still don’t think it’s a loss).

Denise Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:26 am
Hi Danielle,

I just wanted to thank you for all of your clear and informative posts on this issue. I understand that you are taking a break from discussion, but if you ever feel like taking it up again, Quisp would love to hear from you. He’s been analyzing the CBA over at his blog, and we’d all benefit from your legal expertise.

http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2010/7/22/1581805/one-argument-the-league-could-make

Thanks again!

Danielle Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
@Denise,

Thanks, Denise. I actualy haven’t taken much break from discussion (the one I got flustered with dealt with the fan perspective that teams should only look at the salary cap hit as opposed to the business reality that they need to look at revenues vs. spending) tho I am trying actually get some real work done today. I’ve actually posted a few comments over on Quisp’s blog (as DVLEsq). He does a pretty impressive job of analyzing the CBA, from what I have read, especially some of the money issues I have trouble wrapping my head around. I don’t always agree with his interpretations but such is the nature of these agreements. As someone pointed out either here or there, the sides like them intentionally vague because it allows room for interpretation. To me, at least, this is a fascinating issue that puts the union in a very interesting position. I’ll try to pop over there later today and see what the latest is.

xeropoint Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
@Danielle,

Yes, thank you for posting this! The more everyone knows, the better.

My angle was with what might actually be in violation with the contract itself (will not repost this). It didn’t occur to me to look for what the rammifications could be.

Nice job.

[Reply]
Cynic says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:49 pm

Let’s forget about the money for a bit and focus on just the human side of things…

Think about all the things that have been done and said since Kovy signed:

- Kovy says that now as he looks back at things, there was no other choice. A clear ‘distancing’ himself from the Kings. What he forgot is that included the fans as well.

- Kovy mentions to NHL.com that he took his time since his decision was a very important one to his family and his career, spending the rest of it in one city, he wanted to be sure. He came to LA and spent time with the GM, management and players and that MADE HIS DECISION EASIER. This was said AFTER signing in NJ. Talk about a slap in the face, especially to the PLAYERS who all said pretty nice things about Kovy to the public.

- Lou Lamorello’s comment at the press conference about the terms of the deal. He literally said ‘You have to talk to ownership about that one’. Talk about dodging the bus and pushing your owner in front of it! Basically Lou just stated that none of this was his idea and that ownership is to blame no matter what happens. I gotta believe if he wasn’t in the HOF, Lou is fired within the week for such comments. Doesn’t matter if he’s right about it. You just made your boss look like a tool to the entire NHL and you just made the player feel like a prostitute. Again, Lou’s right on both counts, but this is a PR nightmare now that the contract has been rejected.

- The sheer amount of time it took to do this, everyone is sick of it. Doesn’t help.

- Grossman looks like the sleaziest agent to ever slither the earth right now. This PR nightmare was started by him and with his actions, all most likely fueled by greed and nothing more. It will be devastating to the marketability of his client for endorsements unless Kovy saves a baby from a burning building or agrees to personally fund extra unemployment for the entire USA for an extra 6 weeks.

There’s lots more as we all know, but ALL of this equals one thing:

DEAN LOMBARDI, under NO circumstances do you even PISS in Kovy’s general direction, even if his 102 year old great-grandmother bakes you cookies and knits you a sweater out of 24K gold! We do NOT need a primadonna on this team no matter how much he scores. Your PR department will turn over 6 fold worth of employees trying to clean up this mess he’s already made. Don’t bother. Lou wanted to win, let him win. As you can see, he’s really enjoying it right now. (Rolling eyes).

Bobby Ryan
Patrick Sharp
Juraj Mikus
My Mom
Goldberg from the Mighty Ducks movie
ANYONE but this !@#%$^

Right now, you look like Benjamin Franklin. Sign Kovy after this mess, you’ll instantly become Benedict Arnold. You’ve shown restraint and fortitude to this point, just send the calls to voice mail.

While you’re at it, I’d notify any of your current players that if they have Grossman as their agent, you would advise them to find a new agent immediately because you will not be dealing with Grossman ever again. Set the standard and just forget about these guys. I certainly don’t want Kovy now. That dude is a cancer waiting to happen. Some of the worst PR after a signing ever.

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
@Cynic, I’d pay 20 bucks to see your mom on skates, center ice at Staples. Done! =)

But why didn’t you list yourself as an option? Wouldn’t you like an NHL salary??

Let me throw one new (old) name into the fray.

Marion Hossa. Yup. Another option.

gKg!

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
@LBlocal,

You’d get better value at a comedy club with that $20. She’d last about 5 minutes on skates. The club would be about 2 hours.

I didn’t put myself up there because all I can do on skates is stand in front of the net and let pucks deflect off of me into the net. We already have Ryan Smyth for that.

Another Luc Lunch story. Luc LOVES the Hossa Deal. He literally said he wishes we would have done that deal for him. Luc has a little pull with Dean, you might be right on the money with that. I’m not sure I want him though, does he still have that fire to win the cup now that he’s won it? Yeah, who am I kidding. I’d take that shot. Good call.

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
@Cynic,

Bravo!

[Reply]
ForumFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
@Cynic,

I can’t help thinking that DL’s comment that we would still be interested is just a way to keep the (cap) heat on New Jersey rather than a legitimate ongoing interest by the Kings at this point.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
@ForumFan, I’ve gotta agree with this. I’m sure DL must have called Lou after this thing went down and said “WTF Lou??? Are u kidding me????” Now DL can sit back and let ownership try to fix one of the biggest PR snafu’s the league has ever seen. My hat’s off to Bettman who let NJ sell it to the world today before pulling the plug on the whole thing. Timing is everything….Way to go Gary!

Now DL, sit back and watch the damage control take place with Grossman & the Devil(s).

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
@Moondoggie, This from Devils fans tonight.

http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2010/07/nhl_rejects_ilya_kovalchuk_con.html#comments

COMMENT 61 – DiVo
“Has anybody ever seen scanners, I feel like my brain is about to explode?!?!….How could the NHL do this to our fans and our players, flying Zach and Langer in, parading Kovy and his family around, letting him take photos and stuff outside the arena, and interviewing everyone…AND BANG, sorry you can’t do it, it’s not fair, it doesn’t count?!?!….HOW DARE YOU NHL, you should be ashamed of yourselves, you had plenty of time to reject this deal before our organization and fans had this day today…SHAME ON YOU Bettman, and all your people involved in this decision…Just because you don’t like the fact the Devils have now become an instant Cup contender every year now and you’re concerned that no one that’s not a Devils fan is gonna boost your ratings in the Finals doesn’t give you the right to treat our fans and organization like this…This is pathetic, and I swear on my life I WILL BOYCOTT the NHL forever if this gets rejected and Kovy leaves for Russia or somewhere else…This is a sad sad day for the NHL….”

HA! gKg!

Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
@Cynic, That was the best stuff you’ve ever written and some of the best stuff this blog has ever seen. My hats off to ya bud….I’m in total agreement, that was truly well said.

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
@Cynic, Africkingmen!

[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
@Cynic,

C…

you got heart and soul, my brutha…aint nuthin’ wrong wit dat…;)

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
@Cynic, a nice, funny, and well thought-out post, nicely done. But I just have to disagree with everyone who is recommending we now avoid Kovy like the plague.

Don’t forget the reason the vast majority of us wanted to go after Kovalchuk in the first place- because he makes our team BETTER. The 5-on-5 scoring, the PP, the league cache and ticket selling, all of it. Plus, his NJ teammates said they were impressed last year with his willingness to buy into their defensive system and be a team player, which they were unsure of when they traded for him.

If we can land this guy at a price we are comfortable with, why wouldn’t we add him? If Kovy were to sign here, DL and all of us get our cake and eat it too: We get a great player, and Kovy would have to eat SERIOUS public crow to turn down NJ now and come to us, meaning he would really, really want to be here to do so.

Based on what Scott Burnside just wrote tonight, it sounds unlikely that the league will win this in arbitration, but if so, I think there’s no reason to be bitter over business (it’s that and only that- business, not personal), and the logical thing to do is that which is best for your team. If we felt that Kovy was the best thing for our team before this fiasco, nothing about that fact should logically change now.

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
@Cynic,

Agreed %100 about gross-man. I was saying from the beginning kovy should fire this guy, he is a scumbag and is making him look bad.

To the other point about what kovy said at the press conference today about his trip to LA making it an easier decision and that he really wanted to play for NJ the whole time, I think he was just saving face and trying to patch up the damage that was done to his image in NJ when he flirted with the kings on his trip. Now that NJ showed him the moeny of course he is going to say I always wanted to be in NJ, this team can win now, NJ and lou are the best, best organization, etc etc. its kumbaya time now ya know what im sayin?

But I agree with you %100 kings should avoid this guy like the plague at this point. would be horrible for team chemistry.

And this is redemption for DL as he put forth what he thought was the best deal that would pass the smell test by the league
and wasnt overly financially irresponsible.

So hopefully all of the crybabies who wanted the kovalchuk doll and were mad at DL and AEG for not getting it for them will realize that our GM is a damn good one and knows where to draw the line.

GKG!

[Reply]
Ergo Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:42 pm
@Cynic, Thank you. That was the first time I’ve smiled since this whole debacle “ended” for the Kings.

[Reply]
rontheking says:

July 20, 2010 at 10:59 pm

I don’t think he’s really a free agent at all–he’s agent orange…he’s a zombie on a zamboni… He’s…Kovulchucky the evil russian doll! What a joke…oh well…hopefully the lawyers on skates can settle this.

(Die chucky die!)

[Reply]
Dominick says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:01 pm

This is the best thing to happen to the Kings since July 1rst.Now no one is going to be screaming that DL is a clown for not signing Kovi.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
@Dominick,

I know that YOU know this won’t stop some people from bashing DL.

Get your head outta the clouds, Dominick!

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
@xeropoint,
I know it won’t stop everything,but now that Kovi’s the bad guy you’ll see.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
@xeropoint,
I know that it won’t stop everything,but now that Kovi’s the bad guy you’ll see.

[Reply]
Man Is says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:02 pm

..So you’re telling me theres a chance? (dumb and dumber)

[Reply]
Pobo Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:27 am
@Man Is,

samsonite!

[Reply]
Man Is Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:46 am
@Pobo,

…..I was way off.

[Reply]
Jonsey says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:11 pm

No one wanted Kovalchuk more than me. I don’t think we have a shot, and I don’t want him. Too much bad blood is brewing. This is more drama than we need. Sign the kids to two year deals and make a few trades.

[Reply]
Bobby Scribe says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:11 pm

So, we did a little analysis of this madness…if this is a serious rejection that will mandate changes NJ could not live with, this whole thing could go to levels unprecedented. Click here for more:

http://www.lakingsnews.com/2010/07/20/the-real-and-surreal-of-what-may-lie-ahead-for-kovalchuk-and-the-devils/

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
@Bobby Scribe, Classic.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
@Bobby Scribe, Great reading! Next to what Cynic said above, that was some excellent stuff….

Let it roll….Stay thirsty my friends!

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
@Bobby Scribe,

Awesome, thank you for sharing!

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
@Bobby Scribe, Very thought provoking. Can someone (Quisp?) please clarify if the Kings offered 13 years or 15 years? Sydor25 posted at the bottom of that article that it was $80 mil over 13 years.

[Reply]
DougS Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
@sstephen17,
Rich reported 15 years, while Helene Elliott quotes Lombardi as saying 13 years. But both sources agree that the total value was $80 mil.

[Reply]
DougS Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
@sstephen17,

Actually, I should double-check the article. But I’m pretty sure that the 13 years figure comes from Lombardi being quoted as saying that the Kings offer would have kept Kovalchuk under contract until he was 40, an age at which he might still be playing. 40 minus his current age of 27 = 13 years.

Lilly Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:50 am
@DougS,

DL Did a radio interview yesterday. He said 13 in that – twice I think.

Someone posted the link yesterday afternoon if you can go back and find it, give it a listen.

Cynic Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
@Bobby Scribe,

Nice read Bobby. Very thoughtful. You may have one point in a way to sign Kovy and severely soften the PR blow:

Kovy fires Grossman and IMMEDIATELY takes the Kings best offer, THEN publicly rats out Grossman and his antics to clear his name.

Hardly plausible in happening, but it really is the only way because of what he’s publicly said.

I was impressed by the SNews interview of DL that MoonDoggie put up (Thanks MD) where DL publicly states that he thought Ilya handled their questioning well. Interesting insight into their conversations. Dean will have to do a WHOLE LOT MORE of that if he expects to sign him though.

A WHOLE lot more!

I still say STAY AWAY! Wrapping crap in tissue paper with a bow is still crap. No thanks.

Thanks again for the read.

[Reply]
Minnesota Kings Fan says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:20 pm

“Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives….”

[Reply]
SantaMoniKing says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:21 pm

I am a very forgiving person and always give people 2nd chances but this is one I can honestly say I can’t forget. Kovi used the Kings as leverage, got the Kings to pay for a free Los Angeles vacation for him and his wife and then admitted he was never signing here or anywhere else but Newark. DL should not even talk to this guy if NJ doesn’t re-do his contract. We move forward now without Kovi and with whomever is on the Kings in 2010-2011. Yes we need a player or two but we can also win with the club we have now. We are all King fans & we are going to root for them no matter who is on that ice come October. I just hope it’s without Ilya Kovalchuk.

[Reply]
kluka68 says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:21 pm

It’s all started after Juraj Mikus picked up a phone and said: “Listen, Bettman….”

[Reply]
nate101 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
@kluka68, lol

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
@nate101, I knew Juraj was responsible for all of this!!! *LMAO*

[Reply]
VaporHockey Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
@kluka68, BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHa

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
@kluka68,

Juraj Mikus has NEVER ‘Picked up a phone’ in his LIFE!

He uses Skype. It has 5 letters. Just like Juraj. Just like Mikus. Just like Kings. (Just like Cynic (LOL)…..hey, just like Quisp (ROTLF))

He dials using telekinesis.

[Reply]
chuckrock Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:53 am
@kluka68, Juraj Mikus calls no one, they go and bow before him, even Gary Buttman.

[Reply]
Lappy says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:22 pm

Leave it to Kovalchuk, Grossman and Lou to make Kings fans sing the praises of Gary Bettman. Who says this summer hasn’t been entertaining?

[Reply]
Crownme87 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
@Lappy,

Seriously! This has been the most interesting and exciting offseason’s yet and we still havent signed anybody new! LOL

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
@Lappy, If Bettman prevails,Staples center may be the only place he does’nt get booed at when we raise the Stanley Cup,ahhh maybe not.

[Reply]
Matt RMatt R says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:32 pm

If he fires grossman and says it was all his idea and he was coerced into it (whether it’s true or not) then I’ll take him. Otherwise, he can shove it.

[Reply]
Moondoggie says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:36 pm

Everyone has made such great comments tonight on this fiasco……Here’s another one and this is excellent….Comments from DL and The Sporting News after IK’s signing….

http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/article/2010-07-19/loss-kovalchuk-sweepstakes-also-could-be-kings-gain?utm_source=bleacherreport.com

Enjoy!

[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:29 am
@Moondoggie,

Thanks buddy. That was a fine piece. I am really glad this guy is our GM.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:47 am
@fourtunato, Yea…me too. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out but personally, I think DL won this one. He made all the right moves and he wouldn’t sacrifice the team’s future. We’ve got a great team with what we have on the ice right now and there’s more help on the way from Manchester & juniors.

The future is truly bright for the Kings. IK would have been a nice addition but not after all that has happened. It truly is time to move on.

[Reply]
rontheking says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:37 pm

Of course! It makes perfect sense…lou (or his bosses) got buyers’ remorse and asked his buddy bettman to get him out of it so those devils could get a better deal…after all, if bettman isn’t the owners’ lawyer man, then who is he? The rich and powerful don’t leave these things up to chance…if they don’t like the way things turn out for them then they blow things up, make new rules that work better for them, and start over until they get matters settled the way they want them….

[Reply]
goldielocks says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:43 pm

Is Dean serious? ‘The Kings would remain interested in signing Kovalchuk’ It’s a joke, right? He won’t make us wait any longer, will he? Please say he won’t.

[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:53 pm

For those of you bashing IK for his comments lets examine the realities of F/A signings throughout the years. Every F/A that signs gives lip service about the location, the team. the tradition, blah, blah, blah. The player will never say it is about the money which it is because very rarely does a player of IK’s status take less to go to a particular team.

With that being said, IK had to say the politically correct things at the presser to show the Devils’ fans that he was there for them (and not the money).

As for the deal, IK in my opinion was closing in on the Kings as had been reported but the Devils got wind of the details of the deal and panicked to the point they went nuclear on the money and length. This is evident as there was no reports of any lengthy conversations between NJ and Grossman, then bam-o, a deal was announced overnight.

And this leads me to believe that Lou was having buyer’s remorse and it showed at the presser to which he gave NJ a way out which the NHL may have just afforded it.

As a previous poster had said similarly, me, my wife and even you and your’s would live anywhere and find the right kind of schools for your kids, blah, blah, blah for that kind of money.

I would take IK in heartbeat for the right deal and not hold the business side of the player-team contract talks against him. Because once he becomes a King, he will be a part of our one goal – to win the SC.

[Reply]
CaptainCrunch Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:08 am
@miracle.on.manchester, Very well said. Only disagreement is that I think Lou never wanted anything to do with this contract, and has already distanced himself by blaming ownership.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:31 am
@CaptainCrunch,
I think you should make a copy of your comments and check back on them 5-7 years from now. First of all, they will just restructure the contract. Second, my guess is that they will not win the SC in NJ…. and while I DID want him on the Kings, I think it’s a dream to think he was the missing piece. A guy with an attitude like Scuderi brings energetically the type of attitude one needs to bring to a new team (not saying that a player like Scuderi wins you the SC just to be clear) but one with all this baggage like IK? Thanks anyway. I was on to Plan B (imagining what it might be) once the NJ decision was announced and i have not changed that in spite of whatever.

[Reply]
losingsand Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:19 am
@miracle.on.manchester, i agree whole heartedly. I understand being frustrated about the situation and just wanting to move to plan B but thinking that signing IK would be a PR nightmare is laughable. You will see what he can do on the ice and people will forget about this fiasco.

i for one hope that NJ gets punished hard by the nhl and have to give up on IK. The more i read the more i get confused but what i won’t be confused about is how happy i will be if IK does miraculously find his way into staples come october.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:34 am
@losingsand,

Don’t worry. They might demand the contract be restructured….. but punished? Not likely. Plus at this point I don’t really care what he can do on the ice. They will restructure it to make everyone happy. Well maybe he now won’t get as much as AO so his ego will be affected, but otherwise my guess is it will continue on much as before with some basic adjustments.

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:36 pm
@number 6, hey u should care we need his tatics on the pp and as a lw sniper. i live 45 miles west of Atlanta and when i could see a thrashers game on tv boy, just seeing kovalchuck shooting those pucks it was amazing. plus he fits in on our front line kopi center kovy and smyth with drew and scuds on the backend boy goal city here we come
Matthew Meyer says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:57 pm

WOW… really

[Reply]
Rod says:

July 20, 2010 at 11:59 pm

After all that has happened in the last 3 weeks culminating in his signing with New Jersey, why would any Kings fan want this guy here?

We want players who want to be here and jump at the thought of playing for the LA Kings, not players who use the Kings as leverage to get better deals..

[Reply]
stagger Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:21 am
@Rod,

Totally agree. We’re better off without him.

I think he will have to eventually re-sign with the Devils.

The best part is (IF the contract is voided) that NJ and/or Kovy will be TOTALLY screwed with the decreased cap room and higher cap hit.

Actually what would be really cool is if he was forced to NOT sign with NJ, AND we tell him to FO as well, thereby forcing him to take far less from whoever his 3rd, 4th, or 5th choice is.

This is going to be very interesting to see how this pans out.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:35 am
@Rod,

I’ve been wondering that myself Rod reading some comments.

[Reply]
SaveByCechmanek says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:00 am

No way that Kovi DOESN’T sign with NJ for any money now. He put himself out there and had the man orgy press con with Lamorello. This is a momentary hiccup and even if the deal is voided by the NHL.

Keep moving away from Kovi. ITS OVER. By the way, just following up on my INCEPTION take, I think it was BAILEY who went 3 dreams deep and planted the idea on Gary Bettman.

[Reply]
Alan says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:01 am

“The deal is void until an arbitrator rules on the contract and that ruling must come within 48 hours of the grievance being filed. If the arbitrator rejects the contract, Kovalchuk again becomes an unrestricted free agent. If the arbitrator approves the contract, the league must do the same.”

[Reply]
King John says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:29 am

Like I said in the last thread, if Kovi wants 100 million, then the contract would have to be more like let’s say 12 years @ 8.5 mil/yr(avg) = 102 million to be valid. Take that cap hit! Who does he think he is?

I thought the league should void the 17 yr contract.
AND THEY HAVE! Hope the NHL wins this.

[Reply]
AH Kings Fan says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:37 am

Just when I thought that I was out they pull me back in….Over the past 3 weeks or so, I have spent countless hours visiting this website for an update on the Kovi situation. I feel exhausted from the roller coaster ride…excitement…frustration…disappointment
, excitement.

I really felt that Kovi was the key that would help take the Kings to the promised land. Fortunately DL would not budge. Do I believe Kovi is an incredible talent? Absolutely. But I completely agree with DL for not caving to the contract demands of Kovi. I would much rather have the team built from within and wait for the right player at the right price.

For those of you that said it is worth giving up a Simmonds next year to land Kovi today….you are wrong. Winners are not measured by talent alone. I truely believe that Simmonds is the LA Kings version of Derek Fisher. A player with indisputable character, a desire to win, and he is the type of player that will lead the Kings to the cup. In addition, why in the world would the Kings want that albatross of a 17 year contract as a measuring stick to sign probably the greatest D of his generation?

[Reply]
4thliner says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:39 am

If Kovalchuk comes to LA after this BS, you will find me watching hockey in anaheim…. and that’s after 31 years, born and raised with season tix

[Reply]
Subby Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:52 am
@4thliner, A true kings fan would never even think/say that. Unless that is your watching KINGS hockey from Anaheim like me and thats only when they are on the road or at Honda Center bahah ;P

[Reply]
kingfletch Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:24 am
@Subby,

One player doesnt make the team or organization.

[Reply]
just a gigolo Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:48 am
@kingfletch, Wrong
So the Kings would have won the game 7 in TOR without Gretz???
The Kings would have lost the game 2 in MON without that screwball Marty???
One player matters a lot.
But this should be over.
DL has to come out and say that the Kings would not even sign him for half of their last offer.
Screw Kovi and his agent and their gamesmanship.
DO NOT PLAY THEIR GAME.
LET IT GO AND MOVE ON.

chuckrocks Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:18 am
@4thliner, Juraj Mikus will not be happy about that comment, how dare you say that, I live 5 min from the pond and I would never switch sides and I have been a KINGS fan for well over 20 years.I would never side with a bunch of tarded fans that take the short bus to games.

[Reply]
King Lopez Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:05 am
@chuckrocks, There is that name again. Why is Juraj Mikus such a big deal? I have been watching hockey a very long time and never heard of this guy but only once. And thats when the kings picked him up. I even looked on you tube and there was nothing to show that this guy should be brought up in this hole thing. Please explain why this guy is thought of so highly.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:10 am
@King Lopez,

He also doubles as the worlds most interesting hockey player
Learn the name…study it..know it..live it!
You may not think it will come in handy now…but wait;you’ll see!
matthew says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:54 am

screw him, send him to russia and get somebody else (not frolov)

[Reply]
wavesinair says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:55 am

Since we are now all seated inside the darkened Theater of the Absurd… staring at the screen… waiting for what ridiculousness comes next, I bring you…

http://deepinsidethekings.com/2010/07/21/kovi-lost-his-market/

[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:30 am
@wavesinair,

Yes and if it works they get a disgruntled player who has no reason to play hard and who will surely be poison in the locker room. Perfect genius.

[Reply]
lowdrive says:

July 21, 2010 at 1:32 am

And I bring you the 5 Stages of Kovalchuk

[Reply]
lowdrive Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:11 am
@lowdrive, http://www.kingshockey.com/articles.cfm?id=505

[Reply]
MacSwede says:

July 21, 2010 at 1:50 am

hi all,

why does everything has to happen when i am away? starting to feel like rich. I am at the swedish west coast now, surfing the internet from a crappy sony ericsson telephone.

So, this aint over yet? man, do we still have a chance? if he signed here, what will the fans think? what will the players think? how will this whole thing affect the chemistry in the lockerroom? personally, I think we still end up not getting him. The NJ will change the contract.

But actually, I felt this coming. A contract until he is 44?? talk about avoiding the cba..

now, I am going to forget about this and go for a boatride..

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:26 am
@MacSwede,

MacSwede… one time I upset you. remember? I hope you don’t get upset w me this time, but really, who in god’s name would want Kovi now? I saw the press conference yesterday, and from what Kovi said and how it looked he never even intended to come to LA. And you would still want him? No way do i want him on our team speaking personally.
Now I just find the whole thing very funny…. well, funny and sad.

[Reply]
KC23 says:

July 21, 2010 at 1:51 am

Wow, things haven’t been this interesting since the rumor the Kings would get Gretzy. I remember not letting myself believe it. When it finally happened and was literally in shock.

I still think Kovi and his agent have played and are going to end up being screwed.

[Reply]
LALLEN says:

July 21, 2010 at 2:42 am

KOVI MEET KOBE.

[Reply]
blah blah says:

July 21, 2010 at 3:16 am

so theres some speculation that Lou set this whole thing up intentionally to trap kovalchuk to sign at a cheaper price. it might help to clarify this if we know how common it is for a team to hold a press conference (or even a public announcement) BEFORE the league officially approves the new contract. do you guys know?

[Reply]
THe Real Coach says:

July 21, 2010 at 3:34 am

Gentlemen and Ladies:

DL and Lou have nothing to do with this. The NHL, like all professional sports, is owned by the owners. Regardlss of where Kovi goes the owners saw his contract as setting a precedent that seriously effected their bottom line. So a few prominent owners made tlephone calls until the “NHL” voided the contract. I don’t blame Kovi or Grossman and neither should you.

The Real Coach

[Reply]
UglyinLA Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:14 am
@THe Real Coach,

I sense that the Governors of 29 other teams called Bettman once the details were announced.

Like I said yesterday, if the NHL allows the Kovy contract, DL should sign DD to a 20-year contract immediately. I think that window shut got slammed shut. Oh well.

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:30 am
@UglyinLA, Being 20 years old, I think you could actually sign DD to a 20 year contract and have the NHL OK it. He’d be 40 when the contract was up, which is when most players retire anyway. Well, it would go through as long as it wasn’t horribly front loaded anyway.

[Reply]
Kevin Y Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:42 am
@Matt R,

Yeah, that actually makes some sense…

Dean Lombardi could sign Doughty to the EXACT same contract Kovalchuk “signed” with NJ, and it might not be circumvention… might have to move some of the salaries around so it’s not as huge of a dropoff, but you can’t say he won’t play until he’s 37, because most players DO (and Chelios, also a defenseman, played last year at 97 years old).

tuan jim Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:02 am
@THe Real Coach,

I think you may be right.

The owners have a legitimate interest to protect under the CBA — either the salary cap matters or it doesn’t. And if it doesn’t, what the hell was that catastrophic lock-out about?

On the other hand, why jump on Kovy and the Devils for doing what has already been done before without the league crabbing about it?

I blame no one. There’s no question Kovy’s deal violates the circumvention clause. And there’s equally no question it’s been done before. Maybe all the publicity — and the fear that we’re now looking forward to 30-year contracts, so front-loaded that the last 20 years don’t yield enough to buy a six-pack of beer — makes Kovy’s deal the one “precedent” that needs to be challenged.

You could sense that Kovy and NJ could see trouble coming. Why else would Kovy make it a point to publicly announce he intended to play all 17 years?

There’s a lot to be said on both sides of this issue. If you were an arbitrator, what would YOU do?

[Reply]
Kings93 says:

July 21, 2010 at 4:20 am

I’ll never know this guy personally so if we have a chance to still sign him go for it. I want a cup in LA I don’t have to like every player for this to happen.

[Reply]
Lloyd Chistmas says:

July 21, 2010 at 5:38 am

“you mean not good like 1 out of 100?”

“I’d say more like 1 out of a million”

“so you’re telling me there’s a chance. Yeah! I read ya.”

[Reply]
kingfletch says:

July 21, 2010 at 6:22 am

Kovalchuk only said NJ was his only option after the fact he signed it, you cant go to a team and say well i would have rather played in LA but NJ offered more money. That being said he will be staying with Devils once they restructure the deal, i would be more then shocked if he bailed on them after the press conference. Unless the Devils really try to low ball him a new deal, which i dont think they will, would be bad PR for them if they let him go now lol.

[Reply]
Tmik Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:49 am
@kingfletch,

It aint a money issue

Miss Kovalchuck and him decided NJ Would be best to raise their kids in.

I’m not speaking from experience cause I’ve never even been to LA, but that’s a huge decision, and it’s important he makes the right call there for his kids.

It’s not about the money, not about the fans, the city whatever. It’s where is best for his kids.

[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:34 am
@Tmik,

I live i LA and My wife is from Elizabeth NJ, which is next door to Newark. I’ve been to NJ many times. Trust me, there is no way anyone decides to move to Newark unless its for 102 million dollars. Otherwise LA wins every time.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:16 am
@fourtunato,

Elizabeth and Newark are both really bad neighborhoods with extreme high crime rates.
There’s no way Kovy was ever going to live in Newark. He’s not living in the projects.
There are plenty of upper class neighborhoods in NJ he can live….
Disgruntled Kings Fan says:

July 21, 2010 at 6:28 am

To miracle.on.manchester, Dude, you are so right on with your analysis. This is a Miracle On Manchester. A second chance to sign him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sign this guy Kings! Do it! It will pay off no matter how much money you spend. You’re in L.A. You own Staples, L.A. Live, and 1/2 the free world. Hollywood will go crazy. The Kings will be the most exciting team in the league. All your games will be sell outs. Please Kings. This is a defining moment in your history. Seize it now.

[Reply]
Tmik Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:03 am
@Disgruntled Kings Fan,

Move on, Really. We’re not signing him, he’s not comming to play in LA. We’re working with plan C Now, so we’ll see what comes up.

[Reply]
Paul From Oxnard says:

July 21, 2010 at 6:31 am

Like Yogi said. It ain’t over till it’s over.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:16 am
@Paul From Oxnard,

It’s over. Live with it.

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 21, 2010 at 6:48 am

CORRECTION: To clarify earlier remarks that I made…. I’ve read Quisp’s blogs and while I stated that they will just restructure the contract and that will be that, he seems to think that it won’t be as simple as that. I have to believe that as the last two years are at $550,000 if they just eliminate two years and amertize that into the overall contract, it won’t be a huge upping of the annual cap hit. But Quisp knows one heck of a lot more than I or most people, so we’ll see.
All that being said, I still stand by what I said: I don’t see him coming to LA and I certainly wouldn’t want him in LA. Money was the most important thing to him. That’s fine, but after this mess I can’t see he’d blend in very well in the room.

[Reply]
scvking Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:15 am
@number 6,
I think this issue is far more complex than many of initially assumed.

From reading the same stuff you have, I think it is my understanding that NJ can’t restructure the contract until the process runs its course.

In the event the ruling is in favor of the NHL, Bettman MUST fine NJ at least 1 mil (and up to 5 mil) which will count against the cap.

It is more and more clear to me that this situation is very much up in the air. But I believe, based on the info I have seen, it is better than 50-50 that the NJ-Kovy contract will be voided, and he will again become a FA. And NJ will have a lower cap number when it is finalized.

[Reply]
Bart Crashley says:

July 21, 2010 at 7:06 am

Dosvedanya. Make him go to Russia for 17 years.

[Reply]
Tookie says:

July 21, 2010 at 7:15 am

*yawn*
He’s not coming here. Let’s concentrate on the making the team better through realistic transactions Dean. Kovi doesn’t like you Dean, find someone who does and is willing to play for you and wants to win as a King. I’m sick of kovi-gate.

[Reply]
MR 8911 in LA says:

July 21, 2010 at 7:28 am

If this contract is allowed to stand, then there really is no salary cap. You just sign any player to any amount of money and then extend the length of the contract out until you get the numbers to work. The league is a joke if it doesn’t stop this.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:48 am
@MR 8911 in LA,

If it not allowed to stay, Kovalchuk becomes a URA again. This is one of the most interesting deals in the history of the league.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:02 am
@MR 8911 in LA,
Yes my friend. The league is a joke. However listening to nhl live they tend to think that the league will take it to task but not really be able to do much about it. Several people on nhl live have said the same thing.
One in particular pointed out that there Are guys in the nhl who play until they are 44 (see Chris Chelios for one). Also, don’t know Mark Recchi’s age, but he too is getting up there. So if they take what I would term ‘radical action’ I for one would be very surprised.
But I certainly agree with your comments.

[Reply]
B says:

July 21, 2010 at 7:38 am

Hey Rich,

According to Dean’s interview with the Hockey News he said that the Kings offer was for 13 years. Could that earlier number be true that the Kings offer was 84.5 million over 13 years instead of the 80 mil over 15 that you reported on Monday?

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Idaho says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:01 am

I feel like a YO YO. LMAO

[Reply]
KingMe20 says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:03 am

Not sure whether this is good news or bad news to be honest. I think this is the first shot being fired in the next round of labor wars in the NHL, and it has the feeling of the league saying that they want to renegotiate the rules of the salary cap, which means another lockout could happen soon.

As far as the Kings getting back into this, I don’t see it. I think that if this goes to an arbitrator, and the contract is ruled invalid, he’ll end up getting a new deal with New Jersey. I don’t see the Kigns being back in this unless he comes way down on his terms and his salary (say, 4 years, $30 million = $7.5M cap hit). Would I want a player this good on the team? Of course, but after that press conference, it’s pretty clear Kovalchuk has no intention of playing in LA.

I am curious, however, to see what form of punishment gets dished out to New Jersey, Kovalchuk himself, and his agent. The NHL can choose to fine the team, strip draft picks, suspend team officials, suspend the player, and suspend the agent. That’s going to be a very interesting part of this.

[Reply]
gene says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:04 am

Food for thought. These past three weeks all we have talked about is the amount of money LA would have to spend to get KOVI over the next ten years. IF they wanted to keep there D men and Simmons they could not spend to much on KOVI. Who is to say Johnson, Simmons and Doughty will stay? It is a known fact Simmons is from the Toronto area. I.E. he might go to the Leafs. Johnson is from Michigan. I.E. he might go to the Wings. So who can say 100% even though we offer them large amounts of green backs they will even stay in LA? Food for thought.

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:07 am
@gene, Johnson will go to Pittsburgh as soon as he can to play with Sid, no doubt.

[Reply]
Krusher Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:11 am
@chuckrocks, JJ can be THE D-Man in so many places, why would he choose to play his career in DD’s shadow? I want to keep him, but I feel it is a longshot

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:18 am
@Krusher,

With the stuff that has gone down in the past several years (his father’s intervention, DL’s unfortunate comments, plus everything you have said) I would be hugely surprised to see him resign with LA. Wonder how DL will deal with the whole thing. If he sort of assumes that JJ will want to resign here in LA I think he would be naive.

D B COOPER Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:45 am
@gene,

since we HAVE JJ, you can’t make a current decision on ‘what if’.

i may be wrong, but JJ would be a RFA. it could go to arbitration, or match a proposal.

we would know JJ’s intention prior to losing him and he would get traded before he walked, should that be the ultimate outcome.

[Reply]
Jorgen says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:16 am

Since the entire Kings org. were so surprised at the offer from NJ and in light of DL’s comment to Rich on still being interested: If IK becomes a UFA again, will DL up his offer?

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:19 am
@Jorgen,

Up it to What my friend?

[Reply]
Jorgen Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:14 am
@number 6, well, that’s for DL to determin.

[Reply]
Moondoggie says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:32 am

Rich~

Guess u picked a bad week to take vacation…..

[Reply]
sstephen17 says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:38 am

And I thought it was going to be bad for NJ before I read Quisp’s blog. This one is going to leave a mark if NJ loses in arbitration.

[Reply]
notposimatt says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:47 am

where are all the crybabies who were saying deano was a chump for not getting the deal done, you are probally the same dudes whos houses are in foreclosure the man covered all his bases i give him credit for not letting the owner tell him what to do which is what happend in NJ just saying everyone needs to get off there high horses and just be a kings fan with what ever comes with that

[Reply]
john_oc Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:55 am
@notposimatt,

EXACTLY, i was telling everyone yesterday hes NJ’s problem now. These guys on here really dont understand how Dean is a bad ass poker player and didnt panic and offer everyones left nut to get him. Its like we got dumped by the hot chick in high school, but realized her new guy is a lying prick and wants to come back and we’re like no thanks you slut, unless you bone all my friends. Watch DL offer peanuts to make him feel like a whore.

[Reply]
Joe Dirt Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:03 am
@notposimatt,

I’m still here and I still have my house. Looky here smart guy, having Kovalchuk’s contract rejected by the league doesn’t change a thing. He still isn’t coming here. NJ will simply change the terms of the deal and by the end of the day Kovalchuk will still be a Devil….we still lost out. The contract can be changed to mirror what the Kings were offering and Kovalchuk will still stay in NJ. Bottom line is our GM FAILS to attract top tier talent year in/year out. P.S. spell check YOUR post before you attack people here with your low-brow insults.

[Reply]
notposimatt Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:34 am
@joe dirt
Oh nooo my spelling is bad god forbid bottom line is that Nj will have to change the contract and mess up there cap I’m glad dean didn’t just give the dude what he wanted. I don’t know about you but I’m glad we didn’t have this happen to us and it mess up our cap just sayin
Ps is the spelling better for you ? If not ill just go back to low brow insults

[Reply]
Bryan Agee Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:36 am
@notposimatt,

Very classy.

[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:32 pm
@notposimatt, Really bored now that high school is out for the summer?

[Reply]
D B COOPER says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:50 am

it really appears that Kovi should have taken ATLANTA’s offer, since no matter what he says, money appears to be his foundation for making a decision. not schools!!!!

We should all want only players that WANT to be HERE. we offered him the youngest team with the most potential( it is only potential, but we have some tools ), the potential to be contenders for a Decade, a western conference with an emphasis on SKATING as oppose to the Eastern, and a team with good chemistry and purpose. He said NO to all that. plus a house on the beach in MALIBU.

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:57 am

Talk about being in the hurt locker!
And you wonder why “Joisey” gets a bad name?

Kovi burned his bridges yesterday at the presser, stating he didn’t like the Kings and he wanted to remain a Devil all along (boy was that fun to write). He thinks the Devils are winners. He intends to play until he’s 44. His decision wasn’t about the money, it was about his kids’ education.

Reality Check:
“The Contract” is Null and Void. If the NHLPA does not file an appeal, the CBA states there must be actions and fines. Minimum action – no contract, Kovi is again UFA. Minimum fine, Devils pay $1M – $5M fine, and like amount deducted from their Cap figure for the coming year (even if “The Contract” is renegotiated!). This year’s Devils Cap Hit hit for Kovi could be up to $12M. Ouch!

Devils can be out Cash, Fines, Cap Hit and loss of Picks as well as loss of Kovi. Kovi can sign for a lesser deal from the Devils, but ego is bruised and he looks like a horses ass. More suitors form the NHL. Who would want the drama and stain of him? No big time endorsements for Kovi I’m afraid. If he goes to the KHL for more money, what about his beloved kid’s education? Or does he intend to be an absentee father – family in Joisey while he plays in Russia?

You know, I have to say I’m handing it to Dean Lombardi. He stayed the course and didn’t mortgage the Kings financial future. No way he takes a call from Grossman, except to say, “Who?”

And damnit if Deano wasn’t right (MUCH to my amazement) something did indeed come along!

And just so we all agree, no, no one would ever buy this script in Hollywood!

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:44 am
@IceGuy,

The wording is “MAY be fined” as opposed to “WILL be fined”. My guess is Bettman will let the Devils off the hook for the penilty minimum of 1 million.

If it is upheld as null and void, Kovachuk is still an URA, but now with no bargining leverage. Devils could just say, sorry can’t take that kind of cap hit so you’ll not be give that last 5 years of the contract.

[Reply]
YooperSkip Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:49 am
@IceGuy, I don’t say much, but I hope they throw the book at IK and the Devils. And his excuse of his kids education is a farce. I do not know how the CA public schools stack up to those in NJ. But I do know there are a lot of GREAT private schools in the LA Area and with the $$$ he was to get in the contract, he could easily afford to send them to private schools.
We shoudn’t touch him if he becomes availabe.

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:44 am
@IceGuy,

Therea re two different processes here – one for the contract and one to investigate the circumvention. Just because the contract potentially circumvents the contract, it does not necessarily mean that they will find a violation of the circumvention provisions sufficient to result in fines, etc. (I realize that is not necessarily logical, but we are in CBA-land, here, logic doesn’t apply).

The fines and penalties you reference are permissive and there is also a meet and confer between the league and the players association before it gets to that point. If they can’t agree, then it goes to arbitration and if the arbitrator finds circumvention, then those fines can be imposed. But if the league and PA agree on a different form of discipline, or believe, for instance, that there was a circumvention but not severe enough to warrant penalties, then it never goes any farther. So anything can still happen…

[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:17 am
@Danielle,
First of all good stuff Danielle, I’m very impressed. I love what and how you write. It’s easy for people to understand what you are saying although the subject is anything but.

In regards to the circumvention, the League must find the Devils attempted to circumvent the CBA. That is nearly impossible to do. To do that they must prove that at some point in the negotiations they discussed that before the final years of the contract, the last 5 primarily, that it was understood either explicitly or implicitly that he would retire and forfeit the final 550k per year on the contract.

I think simply proving that the contract due to the lenght in terms of years and how the money falls off towards the end, in it of itself is not enough to say they broke any rules. Lou also alluded to this in his comments saying that the deal did not break any rules. It actually didn’t. There are set precedents of other contract with the same structure, it’s just none of those have such a drastic fall off of income such as this one. That’s obviously where the problem comes in.

I don’t think NJ should or really could appeal the decision. I mean technically they can, but are probably better off letting the PA handle it. Which of course starts a whole new converstaion because the PA has issues of its own with filing a grievance here.
I’m curious for your thoughts, do you think the PA files a grievence or asks Grossman to go back and renegotiate the contract with NJ?

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:01 pm
@EASportsMgt,

Thanks. I may be a lawyer, but I hate speaking in legalese.

As I read Article 11, which deals with the rejection of contracts, they do not have to prove the intent, just the effect. So even if they did not intend for the contract to circumvent the cap, it can still be rejected because the effect is to do so.

The same is true for Article 26 – it uses the phrase “is intended to or has the effect of” circumventing “the provisions of this Agreement or the intention of the parties as reflected by the provisions of this Agreement”. That is also another place where it gets interesting because they are looking at the intent of the parties in the CBA negotiations, not just the actual final words of the CBA, which often are vague – basically, what the CBA means, rather than just what it says.

So it is actually an easier burden of proof for the league – they only have to prove the effect, not the actual intent. And that is why I think there is a realtively clear-cut situation here. Kovi could have fully intended to play 17 more years (cough *yeah right* cough), but the effect is clearly a circumvention of the cap, especially considering there is little chance the league minimum in those last 6 years will be as low as $550K.

I think the PA is in a really tough situation here. As numerous people have pointed out, these kinds of contracts hurt the PA’s members as a whole to the benefit of the stars. On the other hand, taking a stand here could set up strategy for the next round of CBA negotiations. So I think there are a lot of high level talks going on right now trying to determine what the best course of action is.

Grossman and Lamoriello, on the other hand, could find themselves in a pretty sticky situation given the certifications required under Article 26. I think their best way to save face and be able to file those certifications is to go back and rework the deal. As has been pointed out, the technically cannot tweak/adjust this contract because it is void. But that does not mean they cannot go back and use these terms as a starting point to come up with a new contract. At this point, the league probably won’t accept 17 years (I think they could have gotten away with it if they had been smarter about the numbers). Kovy is probably going to have to take less money and NJ is probably going to have to take a higher cap hit. Personally, I think that they almost should stick to their guns on 17 years and just back-load the contract a little more and shave some money off those $11.5M years. That would bolster Kovy’s statement that he intends to play for the full 17 years. Either that, or he should go with a much shorter-term deal of, say 7 years (which won’t get him the annual salary he wants). If they go to, say, a 10-12 year deal, then it just strengthens the argument that he only ever intended to play that long and never intended to play the full term of the contract.

It’s all fascinating to me… (and it would have been a great learning tool for my students had it happened 3 months ago).

EASportsMgt Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:31 pm
@Danielle,
I couldn’t respond below so I am responding here.

In terms of the effect, Is their a clear cut effect of circumventing the league rules?
One can argue that although the income falls off the last 6 years of the contract it is much different than Hossa’s deal that goes down to 1 Mil in the final 4 years which takes him to his 42nd birthday.
Dipietro’s contract I believe sets the precedent for the term in years, 15 being the most they allowed. That one takes him to his 39th Bday. So you have a precendent for years on the contract at 15, and a precedent for the income falling off in the final years in the Hossa deal.
So what did they do wrong? Nothing. They exposed a loophole, pushed the envelope by adding 2 more years, and dropping the income to the league minimum. I believe an arbitrator will make the final years go to 1 mil and shave the final 2 years. But that obviously has cap implications for the Devils.

But going back to circumvention. I don’t believe that in the language used, they brought up circumvention. I think they used “retirement contract” because again proving a circumvention is more difficult.

Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:02 pm
@EASportsMgt,

I am not sure what you mean by your question about is there a clear cut effect? Do you mean what penalties there are, or do you mean what effect they would be looking at to say that yes, in fact, there is a circumvention? If you mean the latter, well, I think they look at a number of factors. In this case, the deal is structured in a way that during the years he is likely to play, he is making an average annual salary of over $9M (or just under $8M if you assume he palys until he is 40), but the annual cap hit is $6M. There is too much of a discrepancy there. The CBA is structured to allow the team to use the average annual salary to calculate the cap, but the intent is that that average be a true reflection of what the player is making. By extending this those extra few years, they structured a deal where the average salary for the years he is likely to play far exceed the cap and he can walk away at a typical retirement age without losing much money. So they circumvented the intent of the provision.

I think the thing here is that they pushed a loophole too far to the point that it broke. The league warned everyone after the Hossa deal that these deals are not okay and rather than stick within the kind of guidelines that the prior deals had established, they pushed it even farther.

I don’t think the issue is just that the dollars drop off at the end – I think it is the fact that it drops off so drastically and for so many years (and to a salary that will probably be below league minimum at that point). Had the last 6 years been more gradual and not quite so low – for example: 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1.25, 1, 1 – then I think this deal squeaks through. But no veteran star-caliber player is going to play for league minimum for 6 years at the end of his career (unless it is on some sort of an incentive-based contract, maybe, or because he is really desperate or sees one last shot to win, etc.). The other deals that have been approved don’t drop below $750K or $1M at the end and don’t drop that low for more than a year or two. While that is suspicious, it is somewhat justifiable. Doing that for 6 years is just not justifiable for this caliber player.

The league mentioned “retirement contract” last night in its initial statements, but the official statement this morning very clearly used the term circumvention – “The contract has been rejected by the League as a circumvention of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.” http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=534725

KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:22 pm
@Danielle,

Great take Danielle. I think you are probably right. In the end, IK will have to take less and the Devils will take a higher cap hit. The NHLPA is in a real interesting position with this one, especially with the new CBA on the horizon.

[Reply]
Slapshot says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:01 am

I dont have time to read all of this, but that guy is now a JINXED player. WE DO NOT WANT HIM!!

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:07 am

Rich, here’s a personal poll just for you.

Pick One.

1. Wow, I picked a hellova time to give up smoking.
2. Wow, I picked a hellova time to give up drinking.
3. Wow, I picked a hellova time to give up sniffing glue.
4. Wow, I picked a hellova time to go on vacation.

Have fun out there.
We’re certainly having a fun time back here!

[Reply]
Johnny Forecheck says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:11 am

NEW YORK — National Hockey League Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly today issued the following statement regarding the free agent contract forward Ilya Kovalchuk signed with the New Jersey Devils: “The contract has been rejected by the League as a circumvention of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Under the CBA, the contract rejection triggers a number of possible next steps that may be elected by any or each of the NHLPA, the Player and/or the Club. In the interim, the player is not entitled to play under the contract, nor is he entitled to any of the rights and benefits that are provided for thereunder. The League will have no further comment on this matter pending further developments.”

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:30 pm
@Johnny Forecheck, WOW ! So according to that statement Kovalchuk isnt even a NHL player currently ! I hope the league forces the Devils to restructure this deal so it hurts all the parties involved. This deal is so typical of the greed and selfishness that has been going on in pro sports over the last 35 years and quite frankly i am tired of it. I really hope the current salary cap ends up meaning something or the league is gonna be in trouble again before you know it.

[Reply]
Cavy says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:29 am

I can’t believe any of you still want Kovi to come to LA. He is not worth it, and I don’t see him bringing the cup to any town.

[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:41 am
@Cavy,

Preach on!

[Reply]
Matt R says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:35 am

Does anyone really think that no one wants this guy now? This situation does not negate the fact that he is a fantastic hockey player, capable of scoring 50+ goals in a season. I, for one, would take him in a heartbeat, even now, if the cap hit was manageable. If DL thought the contract we offered him was workable for us, and Kovi comes back to us, take him, take him and never think twice about it. I doubt that will happen though. Fool me once…

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:41 am
@Matt R,

Even though he said after meeting our players it made it EASIER for him to choose Jersey?! Brownie would drive this kid’s face into the boards in practice every chance he got!

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:49 am
@John, And probably will when IK pays his next visit to the Kings…..

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:50 am
@John, Did he actually say that? Is there a quote anywhere?

[Reply]
Kevin Y Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:06 am
@VanKingsFan,

I heard that also… it was after the presser yesterday.

I can’t seem to find it though; I found in on the NHL.com front page, but they took it off from there after they reported on TSNs reports that they had rejected the deal.

But yes, basically he said that.

Matt R Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:30 am
@John, Yep. Scenario: Kings sign Kovi even after everything that’s gone on. Many Kings fans would be upset because they feel they were dissed by Kovi. Season begins, game one, Kovi scores a goal. Fans cheer. No one cares anymore.

I’d be willing to bet that at least half of what Kovi said that Kings fans are upset about was misunderstood because his English isn’t the best. Yes, he speaks English well, but even one word out of place can change the meaning of a sentence.

Besides, if we did sign him at this point, do you think he’s going to come here and say things like “aww man! I didn’t want to be here. I don’t like these guys”? He wouldn’t come here and be locker room cancer. He’d do a certain amount of damage control, probably explain some of his statements, and everyone would move on and be happy.

He also said it’s not about money for him. Bull. He said it’s all about family. I can buy that. But what’s better for his family, $80m or $100m? So in a sense, it is about the money. Is he going to die at 44 years old? He’ll have another 40 years after that to live anywhere on the face of the earth with his mountain of money.

Then why didn’t he take the $100m from Atlanta? Well, he also wants to win. From the second Atlanta offered that contract, he knew he could get that from another team. That was his negotiating point. So why not get the same, or similar, deal from a team that had some chance of winning?

“But New Jersey (the city) sucks!” Is there nowhere in the state of New Jersey that’s nice? Is it completely filled with criminals and tenement housing? Are the Kovi’s going to have to live in a shelter? NJ is like everywhere, there are nice parts, with nice schools. Same as LA. We’ve certainly got our horrible parts of town. If I make a wrong turn near Staples Center, I lock my doors.

Anyway, all of this is to say, unless he comes out and says “Los Angeles sucks, the team sucks, I hate all the players and would retire before playing there”…or something to that effect, yes, I would take him.

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:30 am
@Matt R, Wow, that was really long.

McDonalds Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:26 am
@Matt R,

Completely agree with everything you just said

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:33 pm
@Matt R,

Yep, it was…
But it made your point, well.

By the way, how many matt r’s can there be if there are multiple matt r’s including matt r and matt r matt r and notposimatt r…
?

Slapshot Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:24 pm
@Matt R, You think that was long scroll up and read the rabble by some lawyer O.o
RenoKingsFan says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:42 am

Funny that The Kings are getting 15-1 odds to win the cup while The Devils are getting 18-1 odds in an easier conference. Sorry Kovy but you’re wrong about which team has the best chance of winning a cup.

[Reply]
King Lopez Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:59 am
@RenoKingsFan, What link did you see that?

[Reply]
RenoKingsFan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:37 am
@King Lopez,
http://www.vegasinsider.com/nhl/odds/futures/
They’re both at 15-1 now but that’s probably because it was adjusted after he signed with NJ has it been the other way around LA would probably gone to 12-1

[Reply]
king lopez Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:10 am
@RenoKingsFan, Thanks
Michael says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:05 am

This is all making the October 30th home game all the more exciting…

[Reply]
andrew says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:21 am

There was no way he was playing the last 4-6 years of his contract. Just blatant. Best analogy I’ve heard is “Even if everyone is driving 10 miles over the speed limit, don’t be surprised if you get pulled over for going 20 miles over “

[Reply]
UglyinLA says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:24 am

I think Kovy’s contract is valid. The NHL cannot prove that Kovy doesnt intend on playing till he’s 44. After all, the NHL allowed a 36 year old Pronger to sign a 7-year contract which is basically a 4 year contract over 7 years. All NJ did was duplicate that contract but over 17 years. Its a farce but its legal as far as I can tell (not a lawyer I am). Therefore, as I state earlier, we should immediately sign DD to a 17 year contract before the next CBA.

[Reply]
OldKingsFan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:33 am
@UglyinLA,
Prongers contract counts against the cap because he is over 35. Not a comoarable

[Reply]
UglyinLA Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:56 am
@OldKingsFan,

Yes, you’re right…bad exmaple. Only if Pronger cant play because of injury is Philly off the hook.

I think Hossa’s contract is a better example.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:37 am
@UglyinLA,

I think a big part of it might be the disparity that exists between the average cap hit and the annual salary of the last years of the contract.
The annual cap is $6 mil..the last years of the contract are all under a million. It makes a strong case that they did it that way to circumvent the cap.
I’m sure there’s no smoking gun or anything, but try if your Lamoriello to spin it any other way.

[Reply]
emiami77 says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:24 am

Just heard on the FAN590, in Toronto, that New Jersey doesn’t plan on appealing the NHL’s decision. WTF. Seriously. I’m dyin’ over here. Could this have been all for not? Somebody, anybody, clear this up for me.

[Reply]
bobo Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:36 am
@emiami77,

I think NJ is just getting out of the way and letting the PA and IK handle this. They have nothing to lose right now. If the PA does not file a claim then Kovy will have to take less money. I think NJ wins in all this because they will just reduce the offer to IK. What else is he going to do, go to LA or the KHL, both places he said he did not want to go to.

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:40 am
@bobo, What if the NHLPA doesn’t want to file a grievance? Are they required to, even if they think an arbitrator won’t rule in their favor?

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:47 am
@sstephen17,

They are not required to file under the CBA. But there are certain duties under Labor Law they also have to consider, which makes it not an easy decision. I’d love to be a fly on the wall in those PA meetings right now…

emiami77 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:50 am
@bobo, some think that Lou and owners may have gotten cold feet afterwards. Again, speculations. My understanding is that if no claim is filed or an arbitrator sides with the NHL, then Kovi becomes a UFA again and the process starts again. I’m also of the mindset that if you stick a bunch of money in someone’s pocket and throw a microphone in front of their face, they will tell everyone that they are loyal to that team only. Money talks and bs walks…if what I suggested should happen, I’m sure IK will go to the next best offer. And legal one of course.

[Reply]
bobo Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:57 am
@emiami77,

I am sure he will too, but at this point everyone will know what is out there. The kings offer was made public as was the NJ offer. If NJ offers him what the kings did he will most likely have to take that. My point is that now we have a max and a min for IK, the max being NJ and the min being LA. NJ just has to go between there while not making it outside the Hossa framework.

UglyinLA Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:59 am
@emiami77,

Doesnt NJ and Kovy have the opportunity to submit another SPC for approval? although I dont see that happening.
hockeysureshot says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:29 am

Internet rumors surfacing about the Kings trying to acquire Gaborik. Don’t know what to believe anymore, but it appears that the Kings are actively trying to improve the club. This team is fueled by it’s young players and the Kings have done a great job of drafting and stockpiling talent.

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:40 am
@hockeysureshot, If we can’t afford Kovi at $7m cap hit, I’d be interested to know what would be going back to NYR, because Gabby is a $7.5 cap hit for four more years. We’d have to be losing some salary. We’re short on LWs, so probably not Smyth. It would likely be some either be Zues, Stoll, or Willy, plus picks/prospects IMO.

[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:46 am
BUT WAIT!!!

Didn’t Gaborik pick the Rangers over the Kings and use us to get more from the Rangers and say he’s happy to sign in NY?!?!?

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaa!

[Reply]
Joey Drillings Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:41 am
@hockeysureshot, the Kings are interested in signing Jari Kurri. There, now you can post this on another site as an internet rumour.

[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:00 pm
@Joey Drillings,

Nicely played.

[Reply]
king lopez Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:42 am
@hockeysureshot, What link?

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:43 am
@hockeysureshot, Of course, I’ve heard the same chatter, but it’s from Matt Barry, so there’s a good chance it means nothing (no offense, just that rumors often amount to nothing).

[Reply]
brandyn says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:51 am

I’d love to see Alexander Semin get traded here…

[Reply]
brandyn Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:55 am
@brandyn,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvq2bHVRaB8

[Reply]
andrew says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:58 am

At the last Breakfast with the GM, Lombardi made his disdain for soon-to-be UFA Kovalchuk quite clear. He characterized him as a one-dimensional player whose salary demands would not mesh with the Kings. Flash forward a few months and he unsuccessfully tried to obtain him. Sure DL could have been bluffing the fans, but more likely is that Leiweke got involved a la his infamous Jeremy Roenick manuever and pushed Kovy over Lombardi’s objections. I am most concerned that Leiweke yet again has seemingly butted himself into hockey operations, an area he knows so little about.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:07 am
@andrew, as did vanderbeek in new jersey…

kinda makes you think this was just a little game between billionaires, doesn’t it?

boys and their toys.

[Reply]
andrew Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:34 am
@wavesinair, except that vanderbeek has maintained a high profile since he bought the devils in an attempt to improve the squad. I suspect Invisi-Phil Anschutz has no idea who or what a Kovalchuk is. I would expect and welcome an owner to have a hands-on approach to his team. I would not expect his assistant to get involved in hockey ops, especially when Lombardi came here with the understanding that he and he alone runs the hockey ops dept. with no interference from folks like Leiweke whose knowledge of hockey is dwarfed by many folks who populate this blog.

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:15 pm
@andrew, Invisi-Phil, lol! Well done!

EASportsMgt Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:27 am
@andrew,
Good points, I do think Leiweke butted in but is that really a bad thing? Remember that there are two forces here. DL whose job is to put the best product on the ice for the Kings to be able to win, and Leiweke’s job who needs to make sure the Kings are profitable and viable franchise. Kovi brings with him a PR and Marketing cash cow. He puts people in the seats, he brings more sponsors, which makes the team more money. Making more money, means you are able to go to the max of the cap and spend your money on the top players. It’s about making money for Leiweke and about winning the Cup for DL, it’s also DL’s job as team President to make the two work together, never an easy feat.

[Reply]
andrew Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:58 am
@EASportsMgt, I only think it’s a bad thing because Leiweke has been a constant source of misinformation since 1994 when AEG took over. He has told me personally of plans to improve the team that somehow always seem to fall by the wayside. AEG is not a hockey company and the only reason they own the Kings is to fill Staples Center and help them develop downtown. I would suggest the Kings are far more profitable than AEG would lead us to believe since as a private company they are free to move around the Kings’ profits and losses any way they see fit to make their corporate books work the way they want. If the Kings need to pay Staples $10 million a year for rent in order to show a loss on the books that can be written off their taxes, it can be done. If the Kings are really losing millions annually, as AEG has told us for many years, than Leiweke has failed at the job description and no doubt would have been replaced years ago. I agree that Kovy would bring much needed PR here, but I disagree that would translate to spending to the max. AEG did not spend when there was no salary cap, and in fact they were the main proponent for getting the salary cap. Why? To reduce expenses. And now Leiweke blames the cap that he lobbied for as the reason they once again failed to land a free agent. Sorry Leiweke, you can’t have it both ways. Why would they spend to the max when there is a cap? AEG is all about making money. Sadly, I seriously doubt a Stanley Cup is on their to-do list.

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:11 pm
@andrew,

Actually, AEG owns the Kings for reasons beyond Staples Center and the owners and management (including Lieweike) genuinely are fans of the team. But, out of respect for the people I have had those conversations with, I won’t go into the details of what I know. Suffice it to say, the people I have talked to are close enough to the people involved (and not connected to the team itself) so I have every reason to believe them.

EASportsMgt Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:11 pm
@andrew, @ Danielle,
I would agree with Danielle as well. I had a drink with Leiweke and he talked alot about his passion. I have talked to others in the organization and he is very well respected. Yes there are some problems there. I agree with that, however I think if fans ever got to hear his side of the story they would know how committed he is to winning.

I don’t think people give him credit for his knowledge. He knows a lot more than people think and he knows how to run a business. Team has operated at loss and some of what you say is true. Part of it is fancy accounting that moves income around, but the fact that we don’t sell out the Staples Center night after night, and the fact that the Kings only have one playoff series in the last 8 to 9 years, is a major reason for that loss.
I think like any smart business, it’s not until you have made money for a while and have a nice war chest, when you finally go out and spend to increase your return. I really can’t blame them for not spending much now.

vicarious Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:43 pm
@andrew, My information is 2nd hand from people who formerly worked for Lieweke and of course from reading his comments on the radio or in the newspaper. He’s a marketing guy and loves to push a big star he believes he can market, a la Beckham. I’ve no doubt he’s passionate and wants to bring a big star to the Kings. And he’s not adverse to spending his boss’s money. IMO, AEG has not been cheap with running the Kings and I give them credit for making what I consider strong offers for Chara, Hossa and now Kovalchuk. Did not work, let’s move on. But its a reasonable inference Lieweke has pushed for the Kings to sign Kovalchuck or someone like him. The contract is so large he probably has to give an OK anyway, and maybe Anshutz too for a contract over some number. But they agreed to pony up the bucks and that’s a large contract which was offered.

I’m not sure Kovalchuck wld actually fit the bill as a superstar and IMO, like soccer, hockey’s a team game and usually the stronger team wins. The Kings, for whatever reason, haven’t been able to pull in a big gun since Gretsky and McNall did that by using money he stole from others. Sure I’d lv to see a player of Kovalchuck’s ability on the Kings but probably not at the price he wanted because that wld mean the Kings would likely lose other players they need to hv a strong team. And personally, I’d rather see the Kings build from within and put this superstar flirtations behind us as quickly as possible.

As far as Lieweke goes, neither of my friends had good stories to tell about his judgment and I still recall Lieweke going on a radio show and saying one thing I think it was Saturday night and the Kings doing the exact opposite the following Monday. I think it was around 2001 or so and about not trading a player, maybe the Blake deal. I give Mr. L some credit for trying to step back from the Kings and let the hockey guys do there thing. Smart move if he can hold to it.

If the Kings can re-sign Frolov, seems to me they’ll improve from last year’s team with some of the younger guys stepping in. If they don’t resign Frolov–a good player IMO but not Kovalchuck–the Kings have another big hole to fill.

Dan H. Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:09 pm
@EASportsMgt,

Yes, yes it is a bad thing anytime TL drops his nose into hockey operations. I respect your posts and appreciate them a lot so don’t take this as a slight.

I remember the Dave Taylor years when TL did more talking than DT and it was NOT good.

[Reply]
andrew Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:36 pm
@Danielle,

sorry but for some reason I was unable to reply directly to Danielle’s post.

I am well aware that AEG owns the Kings for reasons beyond Staples Center but I did not want to drag on my last reply too long. To be honest, I do not care if the owners and management are Kings fans. All I can go by are actions and since 1994 they have failed by any measurable performance to bring a winner here.
TB says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:58 am

I think the FDA also needs to investigate this Kovalchuk thing. I’ve become addicted to all things Kovalchuk. Any time his name pops up in a headline, article or conversation, I get a severe headache, stomach pains, and an insatiable desire to click refresh on my computer screen.

[Reply]
Joey No-No Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:25 am
@TB, I know a hook-up on where we can get some “Special IK”…let me know.

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:59 am

This one is a tough call.

It’s unfair to go after NJ and Kovy when other teams have done exactly the same thing. At the very least Bettman should have made it clear — BEFORE all these protracted negotiations began — what was gonna be tolerated and what was not. Otherwise, Lamoriello and Vanderbeek had a right to assume they could do the same thing Vancouver did, Philadelphia did, Chicago did, etc.

But it’s also unfair to create a market where player contracts don’t bear any relationship to reality. If Kovy is expected to play his last five years for entry-level money — and NO one expects him to — what’s to prevent GMs and players from making 20- or more-year deals with the last ten or fifteen years paid at chump-change? All this just to create the fiction that they’re complying with the the rules about cap space.

And here’s the don’t-ask-don’t-tell issue that’s gotta be crawling up everybody’s ass: If clubs are willing to pay this kinda dough each year — money that IN REALITY greatly exceeds the upper limit of the cap — why were they crying poorhouse during the lockout?

[Reply]
Ersberg says:

July 21, 2010 at 11:02 am

I thought after reading the article stating the NHL denied the contract, the Kings might have a shot at Kovalchuk. After reading the article on TSN when Kovy re-signed, I’m convinced we should stay out of this mess. For one, he doesn’t want to play in LA, and second, and most important fact is, he stated he has unfinished business in NJ.

We won’t get him even if LA still wants him. Lets get to training camp and see which kids make the roster. After that, we make our cuts, and fill any small holes that are left.

[Reply]
kingfletch says:

July 21, 2010 at 11:04 am

So the only offer better then what the kings offered was rejected lol. Cant get mad at the kings for not matching now. Im not sure why the rangers would want to trade Gaborik..doesnt make sense to me. Id take Gaborik for sure. Kovalchuk will be staying on the devils unless the Devils say forget it to him. If Lou really wanted him i think he wouldnt have said a word at the press conference. Infact the NHL warned him they deal might be rejected and they did the press conference anyway. (got that from realkyper on twitter.

I suggest all kings fans not bother hitting the refresh button waiting for Gaborik or Kovalchuk, we have wasted enough summer already lol.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:12 am
@kingfletch, True…so VERY true!

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:29 am
@Moondoggie, But it’s fun, lol. Who would have thought there would be this much hockey discussion in the middle of July?

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:53 am
@sstephen17, Really! It has been an interesting summer….

nykingfan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:45 am
@kingfletch,

Looking at this from a conspiracy theory…

Lamoriello is close to Bettman and has always been considered conservative.
He makes this huge splash of a contract knowing the NHL should and would reject it…possibly at the urging of the NHL.
The NHL now serves notice to the rest of the league that the crazy contracts will no longer be tolerated.
He now can either get Kovy to come to NJ at a reduced contract, or he gets out from under this mess that he probably never wanted in the first place.
I’m not saying I buy that, but with the NHL and Bettman, you never know.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:56 am
@nykingfan,

You know . . . that’s just devious enough to be true!

I didn’t know about Lou’s relationship with Bettman. And it is true that these multi-year front-loaded contracts are making a mockery out of the salary cap.

It makes perfect sense that NJ would get Kovy to commit in public and then spring a trap like this.

Dis ain’t just clever. It’s positively Byzantine!!

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:49 pm
@nykingfan,

Great post! Almost exactly what I posted last night about midnight on this same thread. Thanks for agreeing with my conspiracy theory!

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:50 am
@kingfletch,

Wasted? This is GREAT entertainment for the off season! Just because my productivity is down 99.9% at work does not mean it’s wasted (or at least, that’s what I tell my boss)

[Reply]
Duckhunter says:

July 21, 2010 at 11:33 am

Enough already! Deano, fellow brethren, lets move on. We need to focus on and attack plan b. We can’t let this guy control us like this….it’s embarrassing!

[Reply]
stagger Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:48 am
@Duckhunter,

This ^^

Walk away Dean.

[Reply]
tsaiguy says:

July 21, 2010 at 11:41 am

Rich,

It would be really interesting to see whether it was these kinds of Cap Circumvention concerns that limited the Kings offer? Lombardi noted the Kings ability/willingness to pay certain amounts of salary per year as a limit oh how the Kings frontloaded the deal. In addition, he noted that the Kings tried to allocate salary year to year on the basis of the average production of a player of Kovalchuk’s caliber at his age.

I would be interesting to hear some analysis on how these consideration influence the year to year loading of the Kings offer, now that the NHL has shown that atleast in this case, cap circumvention rules are not completely toothless.

[Reply]
Silence Dogood says:

July 21, 2010 at 11:45 am

In sum:

To Kovalchuk…or not to Kovalchuk…..that is the question.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

July 21, 2010 at 11:51 am

The more I read the ‘feel’ of this situation (after spending the night laughing my a$$ off), I’ve come to several conclusions:

1): NJ may have buyer’s remorse. Sweet Lou did not sound like a guy who is certain the deal is the best for his team, and I don’t see NJ clamoring to make this deal whole, at least not right away. They probably feel IK is over a barrel and eventually will have to accept less money in order to keep the Cap Hit in line;

2): IK and his agent are likely livid over this development. They figured they’d gotten the best of the current market and made out like bandits, only to find out they have no contract and no leverage. When I say ‘livid’ in lawyereze, I really mean litiginous. Grossman is likely to sue NJ, the NHL and the NHLPA if the original contract is not upheld. In their eyes, other players have had similar contracts, and they did no wrong. I actually believe they will challenge the validity of the CBA if it looks like they will get stiffed. By stiffed, I mean anything below 102 million total contract, and anything less than the first seven years of 6-6-11.5-11.5-11.5-11.5-11.5. After that, the contract is window dressing. It gives IK five years to be able to claim he’s the highest paid player in the game. After that, he’ll ‘retire’, voiding the Cap hit and the contract for NJ. He could always play in the KHL, at higher amounts, with a new contract.

As far as the Devils are concerned, they will not want to increase their cap hit, which would occur if any part of the end of the deal is altered, without corresponding drop in IK’s salary to compensate. IK and his agent will not agree to that without legal intervention. They understand, rightly so, that any alteration of the term of the contract will likely affect one of the first seven salary numbers and that will mean less money than the Atlanta contract, and will likely result in IK no longer being the highest player in the game. They also argue that IK and his agent are being singled out and that they are unfairly being made to pay for a flawed system, within which they tried to play by the established rules.

Rules of the road thus far have obviously allowed long term contracts with nearly non-existent salaries to flatten out cap hits. This system cannot just simply be outlawed for IK while being allowed for Hossa, etc. Perhaps a definition of what is allowable and what is not will be in order. But understand that Bettman has the power to RETROACTIVELY alter existing contracts under the Cap clause.

I believe the CBA will be under attack, and Bettman may feel pressure to retroactively alter some of the long-term contracts, as a result. How such an alteration would affect each involved team’s cap, I’m not sure, but the NHL will do ANYTHING to keep the CBA from being prematurely rendered null and void.

3): The Kings have little if any say in these proceedings, and thus have little chance to regain IK… UNLESS the Devils drop out altogether and there are no other suitors. Therefore, no comment from the Kings will be forthcoming. I wonder, however, if the Kings’ offer would be deemed acceptable, at the 80 mil/15 yr. level. It is conceivable that IK could end up with nothing else on the table. That would be late in the summer, however…

4): Arbitration is where this is headed, and the NHL will likely win the arbitration case. What happens after that is anyone’s guess…

I feel, though, that IK is about to lose a significant amount of money. He may even opt to choose a short-term contract over a long-term one, to preserve his salary but limit a team’s long-term exposure.

We shall see…

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:56 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Gotta agree that its looking a lot like Kovi will be taking the brunt of this. NJ is not even going to appeal the NHL’s decision to reject the initial contract speaks volumes. Looks like battle lines are being drawn by Bettman and the NHLPA if they decide to file a grievance.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@sstephen17,

I have a name for you:

Donald Fehr, advisor to the NHLPA…
The man who brought MLB to its knees and nearly killed baseball, but made some baseball players more than millionaires, made them their own Princely States…

Be afraid for the NHL CBA. A war is stirring…

[Reply]
Dadslad Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, absolutely, but the first shot across the bows was made by the NHL & owners last night in failing to validate the contract. Look back at Lou’s past history with the league and how he is the Dick Chenney of GM’s. Old school, staunch conservative on salaries & the need for salaries to be calculated as a % of hockey revenue (not arena revenue). The owners are sending a message now to players & agents in an attempt to set the tone for the next CBA. Don’t think for one second Lou ever thought this was going through approval.

KingMe20 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I agree. This is the deep breath before the plunge. I fully expect that history will regard this as the first shot fired in the next round of labor unrest in the NHL.

tuan jim Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:15 pm
@sstephen17,

I think the NHLPA will HAVE TO file a grievance. I don’t think it’s at all a slam-dunk which way an arbitrator will decide. It’s most probable the NJ deal violates the circumvent-clause. But it’s also clear that the NHL has very publicly NOT enforced that clause against others — thus creating a “custom and practice” basis for ruling in favor of the Devils.

Meantime, I expect NJ to do what it can to rework the deal to keep Kovy and pass NHL muster.

Nykingfan, above, says some people consider this whole deal part of a scheme to get Kovy at lower money. If there’s any way of proving that, the league and NJ might be in a helluva lot more trouble than a mere arbitration over a salary grievance.

I was not among those Kings fans anxious for us to get Kovy. Now I want him even less. Can you imagine what would’ve happened if DL’s front-loaded 15-year deal were rejected by the league?

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:23 pm
@sstephen17,

P.S. Or is it DL’s 13-year deal?

By the way . . . one piece of evidence MUST be weighed by any prospective arbitrator — that Kovy himself insists he intends to comply with the 17-year term. (Whether NJ really wants him for that long is another matter.)

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:26 pm
@tuan jim,

Filing the grievance is just a matter of form for the NHLPA. Most there hate the escrow of league players’ salaries whenever an individual gets paid more than the Cap hit (see Quisp’s comments). The NHLPA will file; it’s their job. The question is, can they win the grievance? I don’t think they will.

sstephen17 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:27 pm
@tuan jim, Sorry if this is a repost but the site didn’t respond. I read ESPN’s Burnside offer this tidbit that could get NJ into a lot of trouble if it’s true:

A source told ESPN.com on Wednesday morning that Devils president and GM Lou Lamoriello was aware of the NHL’s plans to reject the deal in advance of a news conference held Tuesday in Newark to announce the contract and still went ahead with the media availability.

nykingfan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:07 pm
@tuan jim,

But if Burnside’s report is accurate that Lamoriello knew about this before the press conference, it does give creedence to the theory.
If it was ever proven to have happened, it would be the end of Bettman and Lamoriello as well as some serious league image issues, not to mention legal issues.

DougS Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:11 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
If/when the contract is formally voided, I don’t think the Kings’ last offer will be the ‘start all over again’ point. I think we go right back to square one, and DL (if condescends to talk with Team Kovi again) starts from a lower point, both in term and $ value. Team Kovi will have very little leverage left; why not try to get him for cheaper?

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:45 pm
@DougS,

IF–and I consider this almost an impossible if–the Kings re-enter the KoveeBabee sweepstakes, DL must win it.

Another tease-and-dash will give comfort to all those who consider DL a milquetoast negotiator worthy of being banished…

[Reply]
DougS Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:08 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

Good point. And it stands to reason that if Kovalchuk’s ability to command the market drops too far, other teams will get in on the bidding and put a floor under him. But I still think DL would be able to get him for less than 13-15 years and $80 mil.
Johnny says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:03 pm

If you have to get in the cash and duration neighborhood at Jersey was in, do do it!

[Reply]
chuckrocks says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:14 pm

I was thinking, does anyone think that maybe Lou thought that Kovi was going to LA for sure and maybe the original deal was thrown out there so the Kings would have to pay a sh%t load of money to get him to sign, then once he found out that Kovi decided to go back to Jersey he sabotaged the whole deal saying what he said at the press conferance knowing he dosnt want Kovi at all and only the Devils owners did. Maybe Im thinking to much, maybe I should care less, maybe I should sue Kovi for the mental distress and headaches Im getting from refreshing and for my eyes hurting from reading so many fricking comments about his dumbazz……….oh ya and GO KINGS!

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:20 pm
@chuckrocks,

I would imagine Sweet Lou would soon lose his job if he indeed did what you said…

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:24 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Good I hope he does because Ive already lost my mind…………..

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:29 pm
@chuckrocks, oh ya and that Ive already lost my mind thing, thats an E5…….

EASportsMgt Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:02 pm
@chuckrocks,
I think the only problem with that theory is the fact that IK is on record as saying that the NJ offer never changed much. But let’s say that didn’t happen, for the fun of it, let’s explore that.
What if Lou saw the trip to L.A. as him losing the IK sweepstakes and then makes this huge offer. So that the Kings would then have to raise their offer more and possibly lose out on ther RFA’s. (Brilliant move I would say) Then Grossman tells DL, if you want him you need to pay a lot more. DL however doesn’t take the bait and IK takes the NJ offer. Now Lou is worried about the deal and how he can re-sign his RFA’s so after being told that the deal may not go through, still goes on with the press conference and makes comments to disassociate himself away from the deal and pretty much blame the owners. Almost washing his hands of it saying this wasnt’ my idea…….
I hope no one starts that rumor but it’s fun speculating

[Reply]
Tookie says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:15 pm

From a Kings perspective I don’t care anymore. Kovi said he didn’t want to be a King (paraphrasing “i want to be with NJ”), He felt more comfortable with Lammi than Deano, he felt Dean treated him poorly. He’s not going to be a King, and I don’t think Dean wants him for anything more than 5 a year. I feel bridges burnt here.

From a fan of the NHL perspective…THIS. IS. AWESOME!
How is this going to work out for the Devils? Will Kovi be working on a 1 year, get it re-worked with NJ? Will the NHLPA be able to get their way? Sooooo many more questions and angles on this one.

*pulls up beach chair, bucket of popcorn in hand”

[Reply]
MacSwede says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:24 pm

@number6, I dont seem to be able to reply on your post from this shit-phone, so I have to write a new one, so yes…I am upset I totally understand what you mean. I am very torn right now. In one way, I still want Kovalchuk to finally end up here, and in another way I allready gave up on him and started to look forward. Theres is some whispering about Rangers trading Gaborik to Kings to be able to sign Kovi. I would like that, though Gabbys contract is also a little bit overpayed, and he is constantly hurt. But the options on scoring wingers are growing thin, so what choice do we have? I made a personal list of players I would like Kings to attempt trading for..

To name a few: Tomas Vanek, Alex Semin, Marian Hossa or maybe Jason Spezza allthough he is a center, I would prefer a winger..

thougts on that number6? Or anyone else for that matter..

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:52 pm
@MacSwede,
MacSwede, it’s weird, I just checked in to the blog (which I’m doing less as I don’t have the time to go thru all the posts) and there was yours.
I Do have thoughts. This won’t be popular with many people, but here it is: when we (any of us) do things out of desperation or neurosis they tend to not work, or they work briefly. Call me naive if you wish, but I tend to agree w what DL said in his post NJ signing interview… other things will come up.
Now I absolutely agree that based on what is available Now may be very limited, we can never know how that will all change in a year, or even in January.

Things are always in flux. If you wish my opinion on Kovi, I have Absolutely no interest in him in any way shape or form. Bitter? No, I’m not at all.
If I ever had any doubts, this article salted it away for me.
I know you don’t live here, but I do and it spoke to me.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/21/sports/hockey/21hockey.html?_r=1&ref=sports

Even if you only get One opportunity to do this in a lifetime, who the heck needs more than one hundred million dollars to play a game? I will also consider the possibility that Kovi is already a millionaire. I’m not throwing stones or anything, but if I were Dustin Brown going on, what 3.5 million a year, I would Not be pleased.
There are just too many dynamics that I don’t like about this. To say he’s ‘greedy’ or whatever is not the point. To say there are many different dynamics at play that make this uncomfortable would be closer to the truth.

As for your point about how to get a sniper, I state again, that if we’re patient (and it may not even come this year), sooner or later an opportunity will present itself and DL Knows that we need help.
So there is my take.
P.S. Wishing you all the best.

[Reply]
goldielocks says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:32 pm

Who cares about this wh**e and idiotic pimp? Just walk away before you get a social disease.

[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:44 pm
@goldielocks,

I don’t understand what makes him “whale and idiotic”?

[Reply]
stagger Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:53 pm
@goldielocks,

“white and idiotic”??

[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:12 pm
@stagger,

Sorry. I meant a prostitute(IK) and an idiotic pimp(Grossman).

[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:41 pm
@goldielocks,

What about hooker. Could’ve used hooker.

Kevin Y Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:58 pm
@stagger,

Yeah, I was thinking “white” also…

[Reply]
Ice Shavings says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:46 pm

Can’t believe DL would actually make such a dumb statement. Kovalchuk used him like a tool, dissed the Kings, chose Newark over Manhattan Beach, couldn’t care less about winning, just wants the very last penny he can get from anyone, including the Jersey DEVIL, and DL would want this guy to totally screw up our good young team?
Sounds like we need a new GM. Doesn’t he know this nonsense with appeals, and union grievances and arbitrators will go on forever? Meanwhile, DL has not added anything to the Kings, he’s subtracted! But he still wants to be Ilya’s tool. Incredible!.

[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:11 pm
@Ice Shavings,

To me it sounded more like DL was throwing a red herring out there to mess with NJ and Grossman.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:43 pm
@Gary Livingston,

Exactly! Just a little dig at Lou.

[Reply]
YES on 19 says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:55 pm

I think it would be nice if, in the next CBA negotiations, they could agree that year-to-year salaries on any multi-year contract cannot vary by more than a certain percentage, but this would probably be found unconstitutional in the courts. Even so, I can dream, can’t I?

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

July 21, 2010 at 12:59 pm

To the in-house INSIDER legal corps:

Opinions.

Is there a time limit in the CBA that says Bettman cannot go back and retroactively declare other contracts in violation of Circumvention?

Just as the NHL “interprets” penalties for flagrant fouls (player A gets 8 game suspension, Player B gets 2 for similar offense), can it likewise interpret Circumvention?

If there is no NHLPA grievance filed, and the contract is indeed Null and Void, must Bettman levy fines/penalties, or is he at discretion to do nothing?

As above, if Arbiter finds for the NHL, and the contract is indeed Null and Void due t Circumvention, must Bettman levy fines/penalties, or is he at discretion to do nothing?

This getting way above my pay level.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@IceGuy,

as per waves legal corp, which is to say legally insane…

“Is there a time limit in the CBA that says Bettman cannot go back and retroactively declare other contracts in violation of Circumvention?”

No. He can.

“Just as the NHL “interprets” penalties for flagrant fouls (player A gets 8 game suspension, Player B gets 2 for similar offense), can it likewise interpret Circumvention?”

Yes. It’s at the discretion of the league.

“If there is no NHLPA grievance filed, and the contract is indeed Null and Void, must Bettman levy fines/penalties, or is he at discretion to do nothing?”

According the the CBA, he must fine them regardless of a grievance or arbitration finding. But apparently, there is still some ambiguity here.

[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@wavesinair,

Thanks, waves. Sure looks like a sh*tstorm brewing on the horizon for all parties on this one.

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:38 pm
@wavesinair,

Actually, the language of the CBA says he *may* fine them and it is only after a so-called “system arbitrator” has reviewed the situation. As I mentioned elsewhere, there are 2 different potential arbitrations in play here – one based on the contract itself (Article 11) and one based on the alleged circumvention, separate from the contract (Article 26). It is after the Article 26 arbitration that the fines can be levied and it may not even get to the point of arbitration. The Article 26 arbitration would kick in if the NHL (or NHLPA) investigates and concludes that there was a circumvention. After that, there is a meet-and-cofner process between the Commissioner and the Executive Director of the NHLPA. If they can reach a resolution about how to handle the situation, then they handle it. If they can’t reach resolution, then it goes to the System Arbitrator. If that arbitrator determines there has been a circumvention, then Bettman can unleash his wrath on the Devils, Kovy, and Grossman in his discretion.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:42 pm
@Danielle,

If that arbitrator determines there has been a circumvention, then Bettman can unleash his wrath on the Devils, Kovy, and Grossman in his discretion.

oooooooooooo, I don’t think many on this blog could wait too long for THAT to happen!!!

Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:09 pm
@Kingsfanone,

It could be fun to watch. Hopefully they’ll live stream it.
money says:

July 21, 2010 at 1:27 pm

I hope we end up getting him somehow just so i can see everyone here kiss his ass while hes on is way to scoring 50 for us.

[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@money,

I hear ya money…

What’s funny is people are starting to get on the Gaborik bandwagon…didn’t he choose NY over LA when he had a chance to sign here.? Where’s ll the money grubbing hate for him?

Most FAs don’t sign here unless we overpay and a guy like IK can help turn that tide regardless how he ended up here.

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

July 21, 2010 at 1:33 pm

This is troubling and untested ground.

“Attempts” to circumvent the CBA are also frowned upon.

During the investigative process the phone messages, e-mails, and other communications of the parties are subject to examination.

God knows what sort of e-mails issued from Staples Center to Grossman and back again. Is DL’s proposed 13-year deal NOT heavily front-loaded? Is it not itself an “attempt” to circumvent the salary cap restrictions?

Once you open a can of worms, you gotta be ready for them to crawl in all directions.

[Reply]
DaveinSD says:

July 21, 2010 at 1:39 pm

Tired of hearing about Kovi. Looking forward to seeing the contract extension to our boy Drew. It will be our BEST off-season news!

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:39 pm
@DaveinSD,

They’re saying that could happen after the arbitration period. When is that?

[Reply]
luc20rules says:

July 21, 2010 at 1:43 pm

NHLPA looking at options to oppose the NHL rejection of the Kovi Contract.

http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2010/07/nhl_players_assocation_issues.html

The plot thickens.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@luc20rules,

It’s the Devils website…
Need I say more?

They must protest; however, they may protest softly…

[Reply]
madA says:

July 21, 2010 at 1:49 pm

I just thought of something:

Why doesn’t the league just come out and say “We will accept this contract only if the $6M cap hit is valid for all 17 years barring injury/death.”

If the team argues this, they are basically admitting that they are banking on Kovy retiring to circumvent the cap. Kovy won’t give a crap because he us concerned with the dollars, not the cap hit. He’ll, if I read the CBA correctly, the league can retroactively do this to all these crazy contracts.

Or am I just being a dunderhead?

[Reply]
Kevin Y Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:02 pm
@madA,

Well, you know how they have the 35+ deal, right?

Maybe they should just change it so that it’s not necessarily if you are 35 when you sign the contract that it counts no matter what, but that it counts no matter what if it ENDS when you’re past 35.

That way, if Kovalchuk retired when he was 37(after 10 years/$95 million), the last seven years (at $7 million) would still have the $6M cap hit go against the team.

[Reply]
Disgruntled Kings Fan says:

July 21, 2010 at 1:50 pm

I agree with a lot of you. It’s a real longshot that Kovi will be here. As to moving on, think about this. If Anschutz won’t pay Kovi the big money, what makes you think he’ll pay DD or JJ a ton? As usual, a lot of you are drinking the glass of Hope flavored Koolaid. Will Anschutz do anything to win? No. Profit is #1, not team, not fans. The Kings are rarely in the playoffs. This group has shown they aren’t willing to do whatever it takes financially to change that. Be prepared for more mediocre seasons. If you want a comparison, look across the hall at the Lakers. They have a big payroll, and pay the talent to keep them or acquire them. Los Angeles being outbid by New Jersey definitely indicates a lack of financial support. 1 more comment: This guy can really score. You don’t get him. See how the current team generates wins, sell outs, and excitement. Not! There’s a reason why Anschutz is a billionaire. It’s called being tight with your money. Doesn’t make me super excited about the team.

[Reply]
just a gigolo Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:04 pm
@Disgruntled Kings Fan, You just got this %100 right on the money.
I have heard it ever since they let Gretz go that for the right player at the right time the money is going to be there and yet we hear it every year that all this is a big lie.
Dl was dumping on JJ in public and yet wants save his money to sign him!
You think that DD is going to sign here knowing that there will be other teams that will beat the Kings best offer by a mile!
There is only one thing we could do and that is not to spend our money on this team.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:21 pm
@Disgruntled Kings Fan,

Ridiculous is the only word to use.

DL was in it until the end with IK. If not for the Devils circumventing the cap he would be a King today and you’d be saying how much the Kings really do want to win now.

What gives you the impression that he won’t sign DD and the other guys?
Did they sign Kopitar to a long term deal and did Kopitar take the money?
Did they go out and “overpay” for Scuderi last year and get their man? Were they able to convince Smyth to waive his NTC to come to the Kings?

The object of the game is to make sure you keep your core together while filling in from the outside. The Kings are only going to win if Kopitar, Brown, DD, JJ, etc continue to grow and improve.
Bringing in IK by himself was not going to make the Kings a winner. Look at his time in Atlanta.
We didn’t have him last year..yet somehow we managed to get over 100 points and attendance was way up. How could that possibly happen without a big name free agent on board?
It’s called building a winner. DL’s doing a great job at doing that.
Try to take a step back in your hatred of DL and Kings management and look at how this team is building and improving year by year. You might just be surprised.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:30 pm
@nykingfan, Way to go Ny…good job man! I’ve missed seeing ya around, where ya been? Bet it’s an interesting time to be in Ny but then Ny is always interesting!

Take care dude….

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:51 am
@Moondoggie,

Whats up doggie

It’s all making my head spin. Hope all is good with you buddy.
NY is way too hot these days. I’ll be complaining its too cold in February..I can’t win!

KOHO Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:08 pm
@nykingfan,

Disgruntled is right on. DL knows his ass is up against it next year with two solid players and one incredible talent that will break this teams back once the offers start flying in for their services.

That’s why DL is threatening GMs with his if you take from me I will take from you comments. I don’t think rival GMs really care what he says it’s all about winning not empty promises. Without the financial backing no GM is going to fear DL and his inability to sign FAs and RFAs away from their respective teams.

AEG has never set a precedent before why will they set one now.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:36 pm
@KOHO,

I LOVE how you completely avoided this from nykingfan:

“What gives you the impression that he won’t sign DD and the other guys?

Did they sign Kopitar to a long term deal and did Kopitar take the money?

Did they go out and “overpay” for Scuderi last year and get their man?

Were they able to convince Smyth to waive his NTC to come to the Kings?”

THRASHED your argument before you even made it!

KOHO Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I love my kool-aid suicide how bout you?

nykingfan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:54 am
@KOHO

Drink up man…good till the last drop. Enjoy those Ducks games this year!

puck73 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:04 am
@nykingfan, Your posts are one of the few I look forward to reading because they are generally filled with reason and common sense. If you can make it out to LA this season and to a Kings game this year, let me know in advance and I will hook you up with a premeir seat or a seat in a suite. Also, same goes for the frozen fury.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:39 am
@puck73,

Thanks for the offer and kind words.
I’m going to try to get out there this year.
That sounds cool!
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

July 21, 2010 at 1:54 pm

For all you conspiracy theorists:
(Reminds me of the movie, ‘Parallax View’)

http://lakingsnews.com/2010/07/21/behind-the-scenes-of-the-kovalchuk-chess-game/

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Nice, if we sign Kovi I sure hope his wife sings well, because I would hate hearing National Anthem or God Bless America butchered 41+ times a year as a season ticket holder.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:59 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I do like reading Bobby’s editorials, they are interesting and deserve merit. No matter what, it will be interesting how this plays out but, unfortunately I still don’t see IK coming to LA. He has truly burned too many bridges on this deal. Firing Grossman however would be huge in making amends to Kings fans and the league in getting back some much needed respect and integrity.

This was one of the sleezest deals I’ve ever seen in sports……

[Reply]
EternalOptimist Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:27 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

Thanks for article… very interesting take on this whole mess.

I definitely agree with the idea that the NJ offer was solely driven by the owner. Lou is one of the best GM’s ever and there’s no way that he would do a deal like this that would shackle the team’s ability to compete in the future. I wonder if trading for IK was even his idea?

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:21 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

Excellent read! Hopefully Bruce Willis will be available to play Kovulchuk in the movie version, and Danny DeVito can play Bettman.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:00 pm
@rontheking,

Maybe CBGB can be in charge of the casting!!

[Reply]
Jamesonafterawin says:

July 21, 2010 at 2:06 pm

HA HA HA, screw him. I liked the idea of him comeing aboard, and I’ve learned allot since then, so like I said, screw him.

[Reply]
luc20rules says:

July 21, 2010 at 2:19 pm

This is a relatively untested dispute. The NHLPA is going to argue that front loading is within the CBA and the Hossa contract will be used as the precident as it was not disputed by the NHL.
Hossa was 7.9mil/yr for 7yrs, 4mil/yr for 1yr, 1mil/yr for 2yrs, & 0.75mil/yr for 2yrs. Hossa will be 42 at the end of his contract.
Chicago did not go to the extremes as NJ did none of the back end years are at minimum salary & they tapered it off at the end.
My guess is that the NJ structure of front loading was objectionable to the NHL by having both the maximum and minimum salary per year in the same contract for 5 years each, and the age of completion Kovi would be 44.
Looking at the Hossa contract the resolution will likely be a flat front load of about 9.8 mil for 8 years than a bell type flattening at the end 7. Meaning NJ will have to take a cap hit of about 7mil/yr. Still a sham, but equivalent to the Hossa sham contract.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@luc20rules,

I think the arguement for the NHL will be:

The Hossa deal only has 4 years of 12 with a low salary, none of the low years at league minimum, and the maximum salary spread between high and low dollars per year is 7.2 mil.

The Kovy deal has 7 years of 17 with a low salary (6 under 1 mil/year), with 2 of those years paying him under 1 million a year when he’s 38 & 39. Unrealistic since Sergei Gonchar got his 5.5mil/year deal from Ottawa that lasts him until he’s 39. The NHL easily made the assumption that Kovy will be better than Gonchar when he’s 39, so 550K/year is a complete farce based on current contracts. The spread between Max & min in the deal is a whopping 10.95 mil/Year.

Now I know what you’re going to say…Hossa and all the others have low numbers when they turn 38 & 39. True. Problem is, their contracts were done BEFORE Gonchar’s this year. I’ve always speculated that Gonchar’s contract was going to bite someone in the a$$. Looks like Kovy & The Devils are the first possible victims.

Now HERE is where the question that was asked earlier about the current CBA is SO prudent. “Can the NHL revisit those contracts like Franzen and Hossa that are already active and re-evaluate them, even void them?” I can’t find anything in the CBA that says they can’t, so this could be Grossman’s weapon in court, should it go there. The NHL may say that a new standard was set with Gonchar’s contract for older players, effectively killing deals like Kovy’s, that the other contracts may be grandfathered against BECAUSE the standard did not exist when those contracts were written.

Add all of this to the potential lockout season coming and there are going to be some SERIOUS repercussions if the NHL & NHLPA doesn’t figure this crap out soon and come out with a definite set of standards.

Invest in pharmaceutical companies, there will be a spike in Ibuprofen sales in the next 3 years.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:02 pm
@Cynic, I’m certain the Xanax manufactures aren’t complaining either…..

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:44 pm
@Cynic,

You raise a point that you can’t find anything in the CBA that says the NHL can’t re-examine the Franzen and Hossa contracts. In fact, the CBA expressly allows the NHL to go back and review them. I am not positive that they can void the contracts at this point (and I am now to lazy to go look it up), but they can certainly investigate the circumvention and, if it comes to it, levy fines, etc. But, as I have mentioned elsewhere, there is a meet-and-confer process with the NHLPA that kicks in before the circumvention arbitration, so it may never get to that point. It is possible that the investigations have already happened (I believe it did with Hossa’s contract) and that the league and PA met and conferred and decided to let it go at that time.

[Reply]
Kevin Y Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:29 pm
@Danielle,

I believe the NHL COULD void the Franzen, Hossa, or Pronger contracts, but there is no way they will. They already set that precedent.

And besides, according to the CBA (I remember reading this, but don’t wanna search for it) “All games in which the ineligible player participated in are forfeited”.

It’s like the USC-Bush thing. Imagine Bush signed a bad contract (the NHL CBA also says “no external payments”). NCAA would go back and retroactively forfeit all games in which the guilty party played in.

If you go back and voided any contract, you’d screw the whole league up.

Danielle Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:04 pm
@Kevin Y,

I actually went back and looked it up. They can go back and void those contracts within 60 days from when they knew or reasonably should have known there was a circumvention. So they probably could not go back at this point. Theoretically, if they investigated under Article 26 and found actual evidence of a circumvention, then perhaps they could seek to have them voided. But I think that in that situation, an arbitrator would say they should have known about it when the contract was submitted and that they had waited too long to do the investigation (unless it has been on-going all along). In those situations, they would probably not lose the games-played (that is a penalty under Article 26 and is in the Commissioner’s discretion) and if the arbitrator under Article 11 voids the contract, it is only going forwar, not from the contract’s inception the way Kovy’s would be.
Cynic says:

July 21, 2010 at 2:31 pm

From what I can see, this has not been mentioned, at least in the same paragraph:

There is a 2-fold sting for New Jersey here:

1- IF the NHL wins arbitration, they get the cash fine AND the cap fine equivalent to the cash fine for this year (I believe)

2- Restructuring the deal would certainly lift the AAV significantly which would leave Lou shedding salary like his hair if he wants to fit Kovy under the cap.

Imagine if you will the AAV going up on Kovy’s deal by 1.5mil and their cap THIS YEAR going down about 2 mil. A 3.5 mil swing this year could really screw the Devils here. Yeah, Kovy could take a hit this year to help, but he has to make up the money somewhere for the deal to fit into what Grossman wants for him.

There is a BIG potential for NJ to walk away from Kovy unless Grossman stops being a greedy SOB or he gets fired by Kovy. I think Lou is of the ilk of DL and will simply tell his boss “It’s been a good run, but I’m gone if you make me screw up payroll to fit Kovy under these circumstances.” I believe Lou could leave before this is done. I believe it’ll all come down to arbitration, who wins and the fallout. If Kovy moves before all that, it’ll be because Kovy has had enough and fires Grossman.

[Reply]
ColoKingFan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:38 pm
@Cynic,

from what I’ve been reading the whole process of fighting the league could be a real log jam. the longer it goes the less leverage IK has.. he could lose a whole lot of money out of this.

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:00 pm
@ColoKingFan,

Nice! “Log jam”… Haven’t heard a better unconscious reference to how much Kovalchuk’s getting F’d in the A, yet!

Good Show sir… Good show!

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@Cynic, I was LMAO as I read the Lou Lamorilo press conference where arguably the hockey smartest guy alive was distancing himself from the Kovi signing, even before the NHL rejected it.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:57 pm
@luc20rules,

Nope.
NHL rejected the deal just before the presser.

Kid. You. Not.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:09 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Saw that too; that doesn’t bode well for NJ either. They knew going into the press conference that there was a good chance the contract wasn’t going to stick and they made the announcement anyway. Bettman, having no choice (thank goodness) stuck it to them anyway.

I still can’t believe Lou wants to truly go through with this deal unless he’s either trying to save face (I doubt) or save his job (I seriously doubt).

This whole mess has been a fiasco from the get-go. I’d love to see IK come back to LA only to have DL tell him to try the KHL instead. That it seems would be poetic justice.
ColoKingFan says:

July 21, 2010 at 2:33 pm

I for one would be scared ****less to offer this guy a 17 year guaranteed deal. You already cashed in, whats left to play for? If I thought for a second he was motivated by some sort of competitive instinct its a non-issue but the guy seems like a primmadonna to me. I hope to god Lombardi doesn’t get back in on this guy.. just let it go, go get someone less talented who wants to win.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:59 pm
@ColoKingFan,

No worries.
KoveeDude never intended playing the last 5 (if not 7 or years of his contract.

It’s so obvious, even the NHL had to admit it and vetoed the deal.

[Reply]
ColoKingFan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:08 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I’d actually be pretty concerned to offer him any deal whose length was such that he would never have to negotiate another contract again. I just feel like he’s a guy who’s success is just a negotiating ploy to get more money.

Use Kobe as an example. He wants to be the GOAT, right? So he wants the rings, granted its out of arrogance, but still, he’s a guy who wants to win at all costs – thats the guy you give the long term deal to. Regardless of why he wants to win, he wants to win, and thats the kind of guy I want on my team.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:36 pm
@ColoKingFan,

Hypothetical:

Would Kobi ever play for $550,000.00/yr for FIVE (yes, I said FIVE) years?

Not on your everlasting Nikes, he wouldn’t…

ColoKingFan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:52 pm
@ColoKingFan,

touche. lol.

USCG Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:22 pm
@ColoKingFan, hey hey hey no Kobe bad talking here. When it’s all said and done after the next 3 or 4 seasons, Kobe = Greatest Basketball Player of All Time.

ColoKingFan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:02 pm
@USCG,

man i love the lakers.. you will never hear me say an unkind word about #24 ever. ever. i was simply sayin the guy is a gamer, and exactly the type of guy you want around for a loooong time (even if he wasn’t the best basketball player in the world).
IceGuy says:

July 21, 2010 at 2:41 pm

Did I win the 500??

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:13 pm
@IceGuy,

Probably! Count ‘em

[Reply]
YES on 19 says:

July 21, 2010 at 2:46 pm

In another dozen or fifteen years or so, I would think that the minimum NHL salary would go up from it’s current level. How would that Impact guys like Hossa and Kovalchuk of their contracts for their final years call for them to be paid less than the current NHL minimum salary at that time?

[Reply]
Pumpernicholl says:

July 21, 2010 at 2:48 pm

Things can change so much with a pro athlete in 3 or 4 years, let alone 6, 8, 10 — or 17.

When you sit down and use common sense, signing even a major star player to 17 years is playing with fire to put it mildly.

When we think about 13 years, or 15 years, or whatever term the Kings offered — I have a feeling that down the road, as these years stretch on and on, we will feel we dodged a major bullet here, not signing this guy.

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:20 pm
@Pumpernicholl, Right! Look at NYI and DiPietro/Yashin. They’re screwed until 2015 on Yashin. And they’re screwed until 2021 on DiPietro if he can’t get healthy. That’s over $9m in cap space lost. They’ll be hurting for a long time.

I’m all for getting Kovi, or someone like him. But these megadeals are just stupid. Players need to realize that they simply need to make less money, otherwise, they’re eating too much of their teams cap making them unable to compete against teams with no superstars.

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

July 21, 2010 at 3:01 pm

Ironically, this sounds like a good way to keep other teams (besides NJ) from getting their business done.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:09 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Yes, like the Kings and 28 other teams…

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

July 21, 2010 at 3:06 pm

OT: Cookies used to retain the poster information, and now they don’t seem to. Is that a deliberate change, bug, or…

I deleted my existing cookies for LAKingsInsider in case that helped, but it didn’t.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

Been that way since the playoffs, dude…

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:32 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

Yeah, but I was in purgatory until a few weeks ago, and previously thought it was a feature of that. This is the first I’ve heard everyone else has been dealing with it.

[Reply]
PV Kings says:

July 21, 2010 at 3:29 pm

I cant believe everyone is forgetting this is the perfect player for our team, he is young, plays LW and can score(and a lot I might add). At the same time we dont have to give up anyone, and its a $6M cap hit, we were willing to get him at a $5.3M cap hit.

When he was in ATL he didnt have any supoprting cast around him and in NJ he was there for barely a half season and didnt get the chemistry in time for the playoffs.

By having him on the team getting the attention from the opposing team, that will free up Kopi, Brown and rest of the team.

As for the rest of the “core” I hope they stay knowing the Kings are trying to win. They only would leave if they didnt think they had a chance to win it all here. But by adding Kovi, you send a message to the entire team/league, we are here and we are ready to win it all!

[Reply]
blugator says:

July 21, 2010 at 3:44 pm

If I recall correctly, there was a rumor out there that the Kings were offering $100M over 15 years (which apparently was not true). I would bet that Grossman didn’t deny that rumor to NJ ownership, so shortly thereafter there was another rumor that NJ was at $100M over 17 years (which was apparently true). Kovi’s trip to LA was probably meant to make the first rumor come true so he could sign with LA. DL didn’t bite, so they went with Lou. Result, Lou was miffed at having been suckered in by the false 100/15 rumor. So, he subtly rubbed it in Bettman’s face to get the deal rejected. Interesting.

[Reply]
Jorgen Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:30 pm
@blugator, is that your math? 100/15 from the Kings…i better make it 100/17? That doesn’t make any sense at all…think about it.

[Reply]
blugator Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:53 pm
@Jorgen,

Yeah, at the time it was taking place, I also thought it was strange, but perhaps NJ just thought they needed to get close to lock him up, particularly since they already had him on the team.

[Reply]
DaveJonesCVINS says:

July 21, 2010 at 3:53 pm

I am glad we didnt sign Kovie! Yes we need to score more but with a little stronger goaltending and a pick up here and there to fit our chemistry as the season progresses, that will benefit us long term and who knows who might become available in a fire sale from another team, a jewel in the rough…

[Reply]
Mark1967 says:

July 21, 2010 at 4:06 pm

Tired of the Kovy saga, that ship has run its coarse…. The bigger problem is the AEG side of the story. We have been filled with BS from TL since day one. AEG swooped in and saved the day with the Kings…. The first thing they did was trade Gretzky…They were all very polite and said nice things about each other but that was the end result… Gretzky for a boat load of crap… We can blame the GM for the trade value which was nothing but bodies to fill jerseys. We heard how great a owner we had to take the huge financial losses and still do more. He built Staples Center with help from Ed Roski a real estate giant in the LA and LA County areas as a big downtown renovation which would be a real estate payoff and has done done very well. Look at the old parking lot and you can see the result. But where is Roski now? He is pushing hard for the NFL to come to The City of Industry which for all intent and purposes is a town which he controls through property and city council… AEG was trying again to get a team with someone else at the Coliseum….. A falling out? You never hear Roski talked about regarding the Kings and he is the man that made the Staples center happen! AEG got us Ziggy to open up the Staples center and then when salaries started to go up…. gone…We are rebuilding, we are just a few players away, we are losing to much money, we need the salary cap, we have the cap now we will be a force…. BS BS BS….. blah, blah, blah. DL has been the only person to have a plan of rebuilding that seems to be working. But lets be honest, DL doesn’t want to talk to the common folk much. He had a radio interview in Canada before doing anythig of substance here. He comes across very snooty and above you when you question his methods.. He didn’t win a cup in San Jose. He had some good draft picks and some terrible draft picks. Because he could not produce the winner that he tried to build through the draft he was ultimately fired. AEG doesn’t meld well with DL and the Kovy deal and the lack of previous FA signing show that we may have trust in DL, AEG is up in the air. We have now two years in a row missed out on the top FA available, but what bugs me the most about that is that we were “No where” in the Ball Park on what the deal was going to take to get done!!! Who is to blame for that? I can live with fact that it is a stupid amount of money and makes no sense… But we have been told repeatedly that we will be players in this market and never are! We are now getting the damage control response that we are still following the 5 year plan and that “Next Year” really is the year that we had all along planned to take that FA step…. Well guess what here comes the CBA…. And we will get more reasons than ever to understand why that will not happen!!!King fan for life but so disappointed with the current state of affairs! I feel better now!

[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:13 pm
@Mark1967,

Paragraphs and sentence structure are your friends when you want people to read something that long

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:31 pm
@Dan H., lol! Agreed!

[Reply]
Mark1967 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:50 pm
@Dan H.,

Hey there was a reason I got a C in English. LOL..

[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@Mark1967,

Listen man, I feel you. I really do and understand the gist of your rant…except this piece (and I paraphrase)

We weren’t even in the ball park for the top FA! it was too much money granted, but why weren’t we even close?

huh? I don’t get it…you wanted to get the top FA but at the same time you felt it was too much?
This doesn’t make sense to me.

[Reply]
Mark1967 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:08 pm
@Tookie,

DL said we were not in the ballpark on the Kovy deal. Kovy had been asking for 100 mil all along and to think you made a offer that was not close to that amount and then be surprised by the fact that someone meet that price puzzles me.

The final price was crazy with the terms. So now NJ must pay the price, and I so hope they do for trying to cheat the CBA.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:20 pm
@Mark1967,

If we were players in the market but didn’t make the playoffs, would you be happy?

Suppose we bought every top free agent and didn’t make the playoffs, would you be happy?

Fortunately, winning hockey games is still the point of playing hockey games. As the Kings earned 105 points last year and made the playoffs, there is some measure of success.

Not much success, though, in your evaluation.
Oh, well.

[Reply]
Mark1967 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:47 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I don’t want every free agent out there. I think the bigger problem is that DL has one plan and TL has “No Plan” and they do not seem to be on the same page at this time. We have some success this year and all of a sudden TL is in the picture again and needs to be part of the process to put the final touches to the team like DL isn’t capable. AEG methods haven’t worked so keep putting that energy into soccer .

[Reply]
Mark1967 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:00 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I don’t want every FA. I am just more concerned now than ever that DL is on one plan and TL/AEG is on a different one. We get a little success this year(I believe that) and all of a sudden TL is sniffing around the team again. Less TL and more DL.

I just have a strange feeling about the whole AEG part outside of the King’s right now. Too many pots on the stove right now.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
@Mark1967,

About AEG…

Perhaps. But, if the Kings are truly about no funds for players, the upcoming DD negotiations will reveal it.

Also, this KoveeBabee contrast dispute will go in one direction or the other:

a): Contract upheld, NJ/Kovi/NHLPA win–teams will openly circumvent the cap by adding useless years at the ends of contracts, using the ‘retire’ clause (eg., player ‘retires’ when the payments are unacceptably low; the contract is voided and the player ‘unretires’ in Jan or Feb and resigns with another team–or maybe the same team!);

b): Contract voided, NHL wins–there will be a new definition of the Cap, as determined by this case, in effect until the CBA lapses in two years…

Matt R Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:30 pm
@Mark1967,

Gretzky for Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif, and Roman Vopat wasn’t a great deal? Come on, that was one of the great trades of this or any generation. Of course, by that I mean that it was a total waste of a trade.

[Reply]
Freddy Fingers Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:39 pm
@Mark1967,

As Kings fans, we’d all love to see a top-tier FA sign with the club. But lord have mercy, I wouldn’t even give Gretzky that contract!

It’s nice to see the eductated speakers of the hockey world all coming out and agreeing this contract is ridiculous. The Kings DID offer Kovi a very generous amount of money…I can’t knock them for that, they impressed me there. But what more can you do when you basically have another team throwing offers that as we see now, AREN’T EVEN LEGAL! And we blame Kings ownership?

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:39 pm
@Mark1967,

I measure by results. We had a 100+ point season and got into the playoffs with some very young talent. We have more very good young talent just on the horizon. We have a ton of cap space to get deals that improve our team. We got beat out by one of the best GMs in the league and NJ mortgaged their cap space future to do it and the league won’t even except that it is a fair contract.

I think it would of been a good deal at what DL offered, but anything close to NJ’s deal is absurdly too high. This guy has won exactly 1 playoff game and a lifetime +- of -75.

He is great but he is no Parise, Crosby or Oveshkin.

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:35 pm
@Mark1967, Honestly, I was far more disappointed last year than this year. There were a few guys last year that were close to Kovi in ability and we missed out on all of them, but the young core improved and we added a couple of pieces some worked and Jones we won’t resign.
Even without Kovi we will get into the playoffs again and probably a higher seed and I think with JB pushing Quick the division title is not out of reach. If we are in the division lead at the trade deadline we will get that top 3 forward that will make Kopi into an elite player. That is when we can make a push for the cup. UFAs will call us not the other way around if we get in the top 6 team status.

[Reply]
TRUK says:

July 21, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Know what guys think both sides ( yes i’m a Devils fan )have been played – Espn reports that Lou was informed monday the contract was going to be rejected – so the press conference was a dog and pony show – my guess is that it took so long for kovy to sign with us cause Lou,JVB(owner of Devils),Grossman and a bunch of lawyers sat down and went through the CBA word for word and line by line to be absolutely sure the contract would stand up to Arbitration – so as i see it Lou told Kovy to go out and entertain other offers that way they can point to the kings offer of 15years and 80mil and say its not that far off the 17/100 he’s getting here -
as a fan i hate having my emotions toyed with – if this turns out to be a big scam from the agent ,management and kovy i might just have to watch from home and put my season tickets on stubhub

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:52 pm
@TRUK,

If this was a scam I believe it was Lou’s scam. Lou might be able to drop the offer to IK with little threat of another offer taking Kova away. The only serious threat was the Kings and he blew them off at the press conference. So now,IK may be once again a UFA, but now with no leverage to use against the Devils should Lou say … “sorry, the cap hit is too much, gotta drop my offer.”

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:22 am
@TRUK,

Yes TRUK. Well put, and although I’m a Kings fan, I was touched by the article in ny times which pointed out how much the folks in NJ are struggling financially. I find the whole thing terribly sad. Then people here who are inferring that DL didn’t step up to the plate and only offered a paltry $80mil. So to put in a ‘real’ offer to trump Lou’s it would have needed to be in the $115mil range? That would have been helpful wouldn’t it have?
Anyway, back to the point, I think your reasoning is astute and best of luck to you on a personal level. As for the hockey side of things, I’m rather over this.

[Reply]
King Taco Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:54 am
@TRUK,

The fact that the kings offered Kovy 80 million over 15 years does not support the NJ contract at all. Who is to say that the NHL would not have rejected the Kings’ contract if he signed here. Although I am sure the Kings’ proposed contract was frontloaded, I don’t think we know whether it was structured anything like the NJ contract paying the league minimum for the last five years. That is clearly an attempt to circumvent the cap in my opinion.

On that note, I completely agree with you that this was a scam by someone.

[Reply]
JimmyShine says:

July 21, 2010 at 4:50 pm

Lou has Jedi powers and the NHL is no match for a Jedi Knight. Just watch, you’ll see. Jedi Lou pulls crap like this all of the time.

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:55 pm
@JimmyShine,

Lou:
“Sign to this absurd contract you must..”

Kovi:
“Dah”?

Lou:
“mmmhumhumhum…”

Grossman:
“Lou Lamma no botha…”

Lou:
“Then in two days, sign for 60% of gross will you..”

Kovi:
“Dah”

Lou:
“mmmhumhumhum…”

[Reply]
MIller29 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:39 pm
@TVA333,

LOL!

[Reply]
ringo says:

July 21, 2010 at 4:56 pm

NEW YORK — National Hockey League Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly today issued the following statement regarding the free agent contract forward Ilya Kovalchuk signed with the New Jersey Devils: “The contract has been rejected by the League as a circumvention of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Under the CBA, the contract rejection triggers a number of possible next steps that may be elected by any or each of the NHLPA, the Player and/or the Club. In the interim, the player is not entitled to play under the contract, nor is he entitled to any of the rights and benefits that are provided for thereunder. The League will have no further comment on this matter pending further developments.”hmmmmm….interesting…he made up his mind..i say do not persue him anymore, to kovi its all about the money, we dont need that on this team…

[Reply]
luc20rules says:

July 21, 2010 at 5:16 pm

Wow, its weird reading 90+% of the blogger saying no to negotiating with Kovi now. Only a couple of days ago when NJ announced the deal it seemed as though 60+% of bloggers were asking that Tim Lewieke & Dean Lombardi be fired for not being able to get the deal done. Just makes me glad that DL makes the decisions, and AEG doesn’t mob reactions of fans.
My opinion hasn’t changed its about the right deal, and by that I certainly wouldn’t do close to what NJ offered the first 10 years(more like 8 years then curve it down).

[Reply]
stagger Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:39 pm
@luc20rules,

Totally agree with all your points.

DL was doing what’s best for the team this whole time. That contract was absolutely ridiculous, which was proven when the NHL rejected it. DL and the Kings made a legitimate, fair offer. The player chose to take a better, ridiculous offer.

DL and the Kings did what they were supposed to do.

Where are all the knuckleheads that were saying we should have matched or beat this offer now?

[Reply]
ringo Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:44 am
@stagger, i never thought we should overpay him and screw up our core, i would have loved to get him…at the right price…he made his choice he went with jersey, now it blew up in his face tough s..t!! let somebody else take the greedy ba>>ard!! its a shame he would of made us a better team but his charecter is not there, you can tell that by the way he choose the money over everything!!

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:41 pm
@luc20rules, by 8yrs I should have put 8mil/yr for 8 then curve it down for 5 years to get a good cap number.
Thing is Kovi passed the interview here. I think his agent Grossman is the one that may be pushing for the contract greater than Ovechkin & close to the Atlanta deal that maybe he advised Kovi to turn down.

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:43 pm
@luc20rules,

I’m with you.

A lot of kings fans reacted like they’d been left waiting at the alter in a rented tux, jilted by a supermodel. So now they think she’s a b**ch.

My feeling all along has been to avoid getting married by living together for a few years, have some fun, and see if you’re compatible.

If that’s not acceptable then you go out and fill your empty spaces as needed for short term gratification. Dean’s the man and he’s on top.

Kovi is just another supermodel (who will lose his looks, and then what?). The kings need a girlfriend–not a wife!

Does that make sense?

[Reply]
Steve S. Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:08 pm
@rontheking,

Spot on analogy.

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:29 pm
@Steve S.,

Thanks man! I take it you’re divorced too….

number 6 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:25 am
@rontheking,

Stonking!

[Reply]
SBkings Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:48 pm
@luc20rules, Most of our opinions are based off of what Kovi said about our team, whether his feeling’s were true or Grossman wrote it for him- he still said what he said. His feelings towards our team were not known till a couple of days ago. That is why you are seeing loyal King’s fans respond this way, because we have honor and pride for our team and we refuse to let a greedy, manipulative little punk to come crawling back after divulging that his intention was to never play here in LA and basically just used us for leverage.

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:40 pm
@SBkings, Let me ask you, If you signed that fat of a contract that was going to suck a franchise dry. Wouldn’t you suck up by saying they were the choice all along. Remember you are supposed to be in HELL for 17 years. Its better to be on the minions good side, right?
Quote Justin Williams about Carolina in a Season Ticket holders after game meeting “screw those guys right LA rules” LA fans ate it up. This to is sadly part of the business.

[Reply]
Kevin Y Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:31 pm
@luc20rules,

Possibly the best thing I’ve read on this blog post…

All those fans who called for DL/TL’s heads after not getting the deal done are now thankful we didn’t put ourselves in this position.

[Reply]
Vicarious says:

July 21, 2010 at 5:17 pm

Speaking for myself, I found this following hockey in the summer deal a lot more fun when people were extolling prospect Juraj Mikus with only the slightest of exagerations, not as this year has been where all are more or less upset that yet another high profile free agent ended up using the LA Kings for negotiating leverage. Hope AEG and the King’s brain trust put this K fellow behind us. And may a certain rich russian hockey player never win a playoff game for the rest of his career.

[Reply]
gralx Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:32 pm
@Vicarious, Be careful for what you wish…. He is not, not a King, yet….

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:40 pm
@gralx,

And Mikus–fingers crossed–still has his rights owned by the Los Angeles Kings…

He is in Europe, so goes the Legend…

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:41 pm
@Vicarious, I think Mikus grew tired of all the accolades and manufactured this entire Kovi situation. He convinced Kovi to court LA and then convinced Lou and Vanderbeek to sign Kovi to an ungodly contract and then the NHL to nix it. This is how Mikus has fun, by exerting his will on others around the league to get them to do strange, funny things that would never otherwise happen. Really, how else do you explain this whole Kovi thing?

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 5:50 pm
@Matt R,

Perhaps Mikus just wanted us to see how shallow KoveeBabee really is…

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:45 pm
@Matt R,

I was just typing a comment about Mikus, and was suddenly struck in the head with an un-cooked ham hock… To my surprise, when I turned sharply to witness the image of my assailant.. There was only a Mikus shaped hole in the door leading out from my apartment… Bewildered, I returned to my computer to finish typing my comment, when I realized… There it was before me… UNCAPITALIZED… the name… “mikus” [(Damn it… Not again).. Shouting out the second hole in my wall…. “Who the #@%*’s gonna fix this”)

[Reply]
sammuch says:

July 21, 2010 at 5:46 pm

I am all for Kovi to be s King, sitll!

I just DO NOT see it happening now!

Like i said at 7 to 8mil cap he still good at say 7 years.

What really bothers me is DL saying if I new those numbers I would have never ever dealt with this Kovi guy!

Helloooo, we mean to say, Kovi or Grossman did not tell you what other teams are ofering him????

Please, DL you are the GM and as a GM you do not nego a deal unless you know what the other sides are offering. You wasted all this time when we could have signed other FA! This means, you ether covering up your mistake or just did not want to sign ant other FA!

After what DL said on Kings.com I think AEG is trying to save ticket sales for the lies the last 15 years.

This time I was even fooled in thinking DL was the man and even his hands are tied! Behind is back too!

Now fro gone and LW we are very weak on the left side.

PLEASE JERY BUSS BYE THIS TEAM! bEFORE WE LOOSE KOPI,JJ,DD,BROWN,SIMMS, WHEN THEY TURN 27 OR 28 YEARS OLD!

[Reply]
stagger Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:21 pm
@sammuch,

Exactly how much GM experience do you have to be able to offer advice to an actual NHL GM?

Also, take a look at the free agents that signed with new teams after July 1st and tell me which of the deals you would have done if YOU were an actual NHL GM?

Me personally, I wouldn’t have touched one of those guys at the prices they got. After Kovy, there was not much out there, which is why guys were over-paid and why (I believe) DL was justified putting all his eggs in one basket.

[Reply]
Jorgen Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:38 pm
@sammuch, eh…what? IK was a UFA, why would DL wait to find out what someone else would offer? All the GM’s were in the same boat. Only Grossman knew everyone’s offer…and you can’t trust him. You need to make the offer you can live with. If the other party counter; you work towards the middle or stay pat.

DL had all the info he needed. He knew NJ’s cap gap, he probably even knew approx. how high LL would go…what he didn’t know was how much the owners wanted to counter.

[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:54 pm
@sammuch,

What? The only way DL would know what LL was offering was if Grossman told him or the Kings had a spy in NJ. Grossman would not give up that info unless DL was close to LL, in order to push him just a little higher. It’s negotiating 101 that you don’t give up info like that. It gives the other side an advantage.

The best way to negotiate anything, especially if you are going to have to go back to the same people year after year is to lay out the basis for your offer and stick with it unless some material fact changes.

If you are perceived to simply be trying to get a deal at the cheapest price, the player is not going to trust you on a myriad of other levels going forward. Sticking with your price based on a reasoned set of factors gives you credibility in the long term. Through this process DL gained that in spades IMO.

[Reply]
YES on 19 says:

July 21, 2010 at 6:09 pm

Buss already had this team and couldn’t wait to unload it.

[Reply]
Old Time Hockey Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:48 pm
@YES on 19, Only because he probably couldn’t use it anymore for write offs on the Lakers.

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused says:

July 21, 2010 at 7:26 pm

So any predictions on what will happen here? I feel that NJ is going to be able to keep him, but they will have a much higher cap hit. The amount of years will have to be changed and some of the dollar amounts per year.

[Reply]
Scaught says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:09 pm

Forget Kovalsuck. Sign Lee Stempniak.

[Reply]
Bingram Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:16 pm
@Scaught, I thought he did very well when he moved to Phoenix. And I believe he’s style would fit well with the Kings current roster.

Go Kings go!

[Reply]
kingfletch says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:13 pm

Please dont sign Lee stempniak, i live in Ontario and seen alot of Leaf games, and he wasnt that great. He is a player that can only play decent on the right team. He had a hot stretch on the Coyotes, dont expect it again. I would rather bring Frolov back.

[Reply]
Scaught Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:44 pm
@kingfletch, true, his production with the Leafs was less than impressive. But that team was (is) in disarray. He had more help in Phoenix, and he’ll have help in L.A. I also think his style of play would suit them. I’d give him a 2 year, 7 mil deal banking on him being the player after last year’s trade deadline. Better than speaking of this 100 mil insanity.

[Reply]
Scaught Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:48 pm
@kingfletch, re-signing Frolov wouldn’t be bad either, I suppose, but his lethargy in certain games is very frustrating.

[Reply]
Bingram Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:18 pm
@kingfletch, I love to have them both.

[Reply]
Alan says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:18 pm

hey just curious, how much was kovi making back when he was a thrasher?

[Reply]
luckyluc13 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:32 pm
@Alan, 7.5 his last yr with them.6.3 cap hit.LENGTH: 5 years VALUE: $31,946,500 from capgeek

[Reply]
Squadjob says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:26 pm

Either way you look at it LL played it very smart. The first potential scenario is the NHLPA will fight for him and win his case and LL keeps the original deal in place. The flip side is the deal gets struck down IK has to accept a lower bid deal deal from NJ. I just find it more than coincidence that LL let IK go ahead with the press conference (which by default isolated IK from going to work for any other team) with full knowledge that the deal was in jeopardy of being struck down. Either way Lou wins. Checkmate. Well played, no wonder he’s a Hall of Famer.

[Reply]
stagger Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:40 pm
@Squadjob,

Except that if the deal gets struck down, the Devils will be fined between 1 and 5 million dollars. THIS WILL COUNT AGAINST NEXT YEAR’S CAP.

This is very important as NJ was already going to be over the cap with Kovy’s cap hit.

[Reply]
Adam Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:40 pm
@Squadjob,

You’ve missed one point here and so do most other people. The league rejected this contract because the Devils were attempting to circumvent the CBA. If the deal does become null and void, from an arbitrator ruling or not, the Devils will face mandatory penalties. A minimum $1 million cap reduction for next year and LL, Kov, Grossman all could face suspension. In addition to the Devils losing draft picks. Also, if the contract is not contested or is ruled in favor of the NHL, Kovalchuk becomes a UFA again. It’s no guarantee that the Devils will be able to sign him to a contract he likes while simultaneously keep their cap hit low.

[Reply]
dMan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:42 pm
@Squadjob, have to disagree.

If anything, Lamoriello was forced into a contract situation by ownership (his words) that could come back to bite the team if the NHL levies penalties upwards of $5M against the cap. That’s not too smart and not Lamoriello’s style. As much as many Kings fans criticize Lombardi for being frugal that is exactly how Lamoriello built the Devils.

If an arbitrator decides the contract is void, the team could (though I doubt it) lose Kovalchuck’s services entirely.

If the contract is reworked to shorten the numbers of years then his team gets a bigger cap hit.

My guess is that the numbers are revised in a way everyone compromises allowing the Devils to keep Kovalchuck but with some downside.

Not sure I’d classify that as “brilliant.”

Probably Lamoriello’s worse move as GM.

[Reply]
dMan Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:44 pm
@dMan,
ok, maybe not worse move but not among his best! IMO

[Reply]
kq949 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:47 pm
@dMan,
minimum a well-deserving slap of bigger cap hit, and lower cap based on sanction amount. An embarassment for anyone that is a respected GM. I’m curious to see if there will be any sanctions again Lou, Grossman, et al

[Reply]
RJB says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:02 pm

Kings fans have nothing else to do Rich!

Keep the Kovy talk going with 700 comment threads. Its a nice touch. Main point (Should Be The Focus) DL has made zero moves this off season except apologize for missing out on Martin, Kovy, Gagne and Hamuous. Each year the BS gets thicker. Now we have a 34 Ryan Smith making 6.35 mil this year and he is worried about signing the kids who he knew were all going to come up together. This guy is the best we (Kings Fan) have had in the way of a GM but he is far from good. The only deal he has locked down this off season is his own, Terry Murray and a new Asst. Coach from…yes you guessed it PHILLY. New coach only because the old Asst coach was caught sleeping with his daughter. Nice organization we have here…But lets wait and see like we have for the past 43 years.

[Reply]
gralx Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:14 pm
@RJB, THIS is exactly what I have been thinking. I am not really that disappointed at missing out on Kovy. What I am most disappointed about is sitting here, yet again, yelling at my computer, “DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING, JUST D O S O M E T H I N G”. We have all been excited for the FA period, year after year. The last 3 or 4 anyway. The biggest name we have gotten is either Coutier (we know how that turned out) or Nagy (had 3 or 4 outstanding games amongst about 75 ugh games).

It was nice making the playoffs last year. But, after waiting 40+ years, we as Kings fanatics, want A LOT MORE than one and done.

I hate the term core. But I love the core we have right now. They are ready, just give them another piece or 2 to work with. Why in the heck should we accept the thought that next year we will be ready to add the pieces. We have waited much too long already. D O S O M E T H I N G!!!!!

[Reply]
ColoKingFan says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:14 pm

based on the hits to this site, among others (hockeybuzz, nhl.com, tsn, et al.) that I’ve made personally I’ve now adopted the theory that the league just keeps the IK story going to generate internet advertising dollars. Okay, admittedly that theory has a ton of holes.. definitely sounded better in my head.

[Reply]
TVA333 says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:29 pm

Any body else wanna talk about other long-shot possible outcomes for Kings on the left wing next season?

Because I’m thinking that even if the ORG (not at all a scientology reference for those wondering here’s a funny like if you’re interested… TEXTcomes with the FARM… We’ll still be contenders.. Maybe not for a CUP… But exhilarating to watch, none the less

[Reply]
ColoKingFan says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:41 pm

i know this is a hockey site, and i know im probably gonna get ripped by someone for this.. but this is the funniest thing ive seen in a while… makes me want to develop an IK version…. enjoy.

http://kissmyasslebron.bigcartel.com/product/you-can-head-south-but-your-mom-rides-west

[Reply]
Slapshot says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:44 pm

I thought for sure when I got to the end of this thread this issue would have been resolved! Damn I read every post, save the long winded ones and the only thing I have come to realize is that I need to go take a Kovalchuk. BBL

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:02 pm
@Slapshot,

Sounds like you are a mathematician and you need to work it out with a pencil.

I’m jus sayin!

[Reply]
matt monforton says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:45 pm

We will be fine.

We had a very successful season this year. Regardless of Kovy or no Kovy we will probably not win a championship next year. That’s not to say he would not help us or make us much more entertaining, but regardless this team is on a major upswing. DL will continue to improve this roster and we will make more strides next season and hopefully win a playoff round or two.
Once our kids truly learn to win in the big show we can make a MAJOR move to solidify our position to become not just a stanley cup contender, but a perennial stanley cup contender.

Patience will eventually be rewarded.

[Reply]
luckylou says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:47 pm

Kovalchuk said he made his final decision to sign with the Devils late on Saturday — the 17th of July.
“That number follows me everywhere,” he said. “I know it’s a lucky number for me. When we were talking about 17 years, I said, ‘Why not?’”
His father, Valeri, also died on the 17th.
Sounds as if he had no idea of the implications.I guess will will have to wait till 8\17.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:34 am
@luckylou,

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:10 pm

Have I read this right?

Two sources report us dealing with the Rangers. One says we’ve offered Justin Williams, Colten Teubert, and “a farm player” for Marian Gaborik.

The other source speaks more speculatively, saying that the Rangers want to package Gaborik and Drury in a deal that would get them, perhaps, JJ, among others.

Obviously, the first report is more to my liking — so long as the “farm player” is losable. It means an immediate cap increase of $4 mil, but Gaborik!! He’s coming off a career season — with more points than Kovy — though, to be honest, he always seems to have SOME injury down time every year.

Drury would have been a great acquisition — ten years ago. Now he costs a fortune and what he is he used to be.

Here I go, letting myself wander about, dreaming my out-of-control dreams, not doing myself a bit of good!
Where, oh where, is my Thorazine?

[Reply]
Puckin-A Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:22 pm
@tuan jim, Never has the word ” sources ” meant so little as in this past month. I haven’t witnessed one reliable ” source ” since July 1st. I don’t include Rich as a ” source ” he is actually a reliable reporter and there is a huge difference.

[Reply]
Mike L Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:36 pm
@tuan jim,

Drury wont waive his NTC. However Gaborik wanted to play in LA but he got a longer offer of 5 years from NYR and took it.

1st trade could easily happen because NYR want Kovalchuk and they could get him with that. I’d do that trade in a heartbeat

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:35 am
@tuan jim, Gaborik for Teubert and Williams ? If Sather is stupid enough to make that deal then I if I was Dean I help Jason Williams ( thats what Hazie calls him) pack his bags and then stick my foot up his ass and tell him happy landing ! As for Teubert, he has potential to be a good stay at home defensemen but right now his hockey sense is well below average and he is still not ready for the NHL. Also, if Sather mkes this deal then you can rest assured that MSG will fire his ASS !

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:50 am
@tuan jim,

We’re not taking on Drury’s abomination of a contract… not a chance.

[Reply]
Dominick says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:17 pm

Amazing that in the last 10 days there hasn’t been a single thread that hasn’t went under 150,in comments.

I feel like I’ve read an entire encyclepedia section of the library,and yet all I’ve learned is that Kovi Blows.

[Reply]
KFAN says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:36 pm

No way in hell should we be back in for someone that already has said ‘NO ‘ to us 4 times…How many times does it take for you to realize that his guy DOESN’T WANT to play for you?.. You have tons of prospects that may never see the NHL cause you have so many.. Why not trade some of then,maybe Willy, and Stoll aswell.. Would love to see Savard and Lucic on the same line with Brownie…Or Speeza or Richards…Sign Stempniak..

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:42 pm
@KFAN,

No Means NO, unless you get him really, really drunk then I think it means yes?

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:31 am
@KFAN,

It will take 17 times.

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:49 pm

I get the feeling that this thing is far from over… arbitration, new contract disputes, new agent, and a possible investigation to see how “we” were “98% about to sign Kovy” we suddenly he signs with NJ.

This whole thing wreaks of indiscretion including Bettman’s relationship with Lamorelli. What the hell is going on here?

The longer this thing goes on, the fewer options Ilya (and his agent) have.

Also, with a restructured contract meaning a larger cap-hit and a potential $1-$5 million dollar fine effecting the same cap, may make him unsignable to NJ.

Plus, I still have a hard time believing that Ilya really wants to play for NJ instead of LA.

So, question is: What if Ilya (and his wife) say screw it, we’re tired of waiting, LA offered us a fair deal and obviously that’s where we were meant to be all along.

Kovi fires his agent, denounces NJ for manipulating him, suggesting: “Kovi just pawn in game of life.”

Do we still honor the 15yr $80 million contract?

What if DL says (now that he has a bit more leverage) “Okay, we’ll still honor the contract but the no-trade clause (I’m assuming there was one) comes off the books after 7 (or 5?) years?

Is this still not the same superstar player that, 2 days ago, we were relentlessly glued to our TVs and computers astonished that we were about to sign such a great player. Someone that so many revered as being such a great fit to our team.

I, for one, still feel that Kovi’s a great fit to this team and can hardly fathom what an amazing ticket that it would be to see him on that top line with Kopi.

Just the possibility of a future Kovi-Kopi-Kozi line (KKK line? Triple K line?) makes me giddy.

And remember, “Kovi’s merely a pawn in game of life.”

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:03 pm
@We B Ilya’n,

az to kozi er you speakin of brandon kozun the evil elf king?

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:07 pm
@rontheking, Yes, the evil elf king. One of these little guys has to become a star eventually, right?

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:04 am
@We B Ilya’n,

Why not? If theo fleury and little ball of hate ray ferraro could do it, why not the evil elf kozun? You can’t argue with his ability to score. Remember muggsy bogues? He was a giant killer!

GloryHole Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:08 pm
@We B Ilya’n, What the hell are you talking about? Speed Kills!

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:31 am
@We B Ilya’n, Kovalchuk really wanted to play in LA, but signed with NJ? What have you been smoking? Call the guy greedy if you want, but I doubt he’s stupid enough to commit himself to one team for the rest of his hockey playing life when he’d rather play for the other. Duh!

[Reply]
oldthunder Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:48 am
@We B Ilya’n, nice blazing saddles reference as the pawn in big game of life. classic.

[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:24 am
@We B Ilya’n,

I’ve heard this “Kovy really wants to play in LA” statement probably 100 times over the past few weeks yet I’ve never seen it EVER in print from his name.

I heard him very clearly saying how much he wanted to play in NJ and there wasn’t really any other choice just this week. Now political correctness or not I can say I’ve seen him say that about NJ.

[Reply]
mikeyono Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:58 am
@We B Ilya’n, Does it have to do where choo-choo go??

[Reply]
Puckn-A says:

July 21, 2010 at 11:02 pm

In Soviet Russia contract voids you!!!

[Reply]
Elizabeth says:

July 21, 2010 at 11:49 pm

I just had an interesting thought…. a kind of warm, fuzzy appreciation, however undeserved.
Ilya Kovalchuk makes me miss Sidney Crosby.
It’s like a cloud has obscured the sun/son…
WHO WOULD’VE THUNK IT? Deep thoughts, indeed.
Here’s the thing.
Sid would NEVER have put us through THIS.
Furthermore, he’s a much better hockey player.
Just saying…

[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:23 am
@Elizabeth,

agreed!!!

[Reply]
pr0cess says:

July 21, 2010 at 11:50 pm

I think i was the only person to say screw that guy back when the talk started, when he went to Nj. IN fact i think im the one who coined “Kovysuck” I just felt there was something not right about him.

I got alot of hate for saying lets not bring him here and ect ect.

[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud says:

July 22, 2010 at 2:22 am

It amazes me every time i come on here people are whining and moaning about D.L.’s inability to sign F.A.’s while ignoring what D.L.or any kings G.M. is up against.

1.F.A means the player gets to choose between suitors where he wants to play to bad for the kings the players they wanted chose to play for other teams.

2.D.L.will not say it but the fact is he has to over come the stigma of the kings being seen around the league as a 2nd or 3rd rate hockey club,One trip to the playoffs will not change this,Only continued winning and time will cure this disadvantage.

I do not think we will get kovy unless N.J.backs out.

Now we start hearing trade rumors about other forwards

I am way more concerned about trading for a veteran top 4 d-man to help J.J. take his game to the next level.

Greene should be able to mentor one of our young guys.

Flashy forwards put people in the seats,Goaltending and defense win STANLEY CUPS i would prefer the cup if i had a choice GO KINGS D.L. stay with the plan.

[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:07 am
@Bkrs-Bud,

I agree with you! We do need to focus on another D-man!

However, we do need a goal-scorer, but if Willie and Smyth stay healthy all year, we could have a line to reckon with like we did at the beginning of last year… who can put up the numbers, Id love to see Willie Kopi and Smyth have another run at that line… hopefully all season!

SO ya, maybe the D-man is more important than a goal-scorer!

I do want to win a cup and agree with you on the fact that Defense and Goaltending wins the cup not flashy forwards!

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:40 am
@#1faninvegas,
I too agree, but with Willy’s history, no guarantee that he’s gonna make it thru a whole season w/o some sort of problem plus I’m not convinced that he’s completely recovered from all these past injuries…. by that I mean really at 100% in his body.

[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:10 am
@number 6,

True, agreed! But if Willie can get to the percentage bodywise, that he was at the beginning of the season and can stay healthy, than we got the line to reckon with. I expect Kovi will be bigger, better, and stronger… since he knows which way to practice now. With the “GETTING TO KNOW YOUR TEAMMATES” thing DB and MG set-up last year, and more players attending it this off-season than last, I think we have a chance to have 102+ points for next season. All I can so is speculate as a fan, the boys have to prove it… and I think they can!!

#1faninvegas Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:17 am
@number 6,

Oops! I typed KOVI (ick)

I meant Kopi will be bigger, better, and stronger

#1faninvegas Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:21 am
@number 6,

Oops, didnt mean Kovi

I meant Kopitar will be bigger, better, and stronger

#1faninvegas Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:42 am
my computer likes playing mind games. After refreshing the page, it showed it didnt show up, so after I retyped it… It appears! So sorry for the duplicate!

deelo Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:50 am
@Bkrs-Bud,

He also needs to overcome the stigma of the way he crapped on Visnovsky and how it still haunts him and the organization to this day.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:57 am
@Bkrs-Bud,

I wouldn’t mind getting Fro back.

His 19 goals this year were a career blip. I think he’ll come on like gangbusters next season.

And I like the rest of his game as well.

[Reply]
Kevco Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:23 pm
@tuan jim,
That’s why so many teams are rushing to sign Fro?

[Reply]
#1faninvegas says:

July 22, 2010 at 3:16 am

HERE YE HERE YE; I have an announcement:

Kovalchuk joins Ducktales to get close to the million dollars in gold coins!!!

Not about the money, my freaking backside!!

I said from day one, when all of you were drooling at the mouth like rabid dogs on crack, wanting this guy, at all cost, even getting rid of players like JJ and WS and heck, Im sure at that time you’d want to get rid of DD and AK too, however, that the Kings should stick to their plan and sign him ONLY if the deal is right, to help the kids, and still be able to re-sign the kids. However, when DL didnt get the deal done, ya’ll or most of you lambasted him. Even made rude ignorant comments that got pulled, because you all couldnt follow simple rules that was set up for this blogging site. Yet, now, the Devils, LL, and IK look like a major joke in the NHL and the fans. DL looks like GOD now in how he handled the situation. The whole saga is sickening, the contract was a joke, and LOL, it makes the Lebron James situation seem like a wonderful ice cream sunday on a hot day in Death Valley! I for one never really pay attention to other teams I only care about one team and thats the LAKINGS! However, this IK situation, has its perks… its making the off-season go faster than Jeff Gordon on a race track going 100 MPH+, faster than road runner chasing after Wile E. Coyote. When its all said and done, I personally am greatful, DL is our GM. He is smart, understands what he can and CANNOT do, and is building the Kings to be contenders for a VERY LONG TIME!! I am one that wants to hear Kings everytime someone talks about contenders for years. I for one, dont want to be a one year wonder…((cough Cough)) CHICAGO… I want the Kings to be the Detroit Red Wings of the late 90s to early 2000s. So, yes, Kovi would have been great to have, however, the money grubbing russian, I dont want anymore. He does not deserve to be in the same caliber as Ovechkin and Crosby. That’s my take on the money situation!

The other fact remains of why I don’t want this greedy little smurfette, is the fact he USED our team to leverage a better contract. He had no intention of leaving NJ… well, heck should have signed a deal with them first off instead of playing with the Kings organization and fans heart, mind, and most of all our passion. The fact you had them pay for a vaca so your wife can see LA… SAY WHAT?? You greedy man!! When you came to play in LA, you could have brought her to LA to watch you play and see LA… its not like frozen country. Kovi makes more money in one year than we do in a 10 year span. Pay the $100+ for a plane ticket, and bring your wife here with your own money. Geez… What a free loader… sounds like he needs a sugar daddy! =) Thats my take on this part!!

Lastly, you want to play for a contender… mmmmmm, last I checked you rotten no good user of a player who is still with only one play-off win in your pocket (as the Kings have two)… you sign with LA would put you and the Kings into an INSTANT contender for the cup. Since we are young you would have done nothing but bettering yourself to more rings than Mike Tyson, compared to the NJ Devils, who are close to losing their major players due to retirement, and going to the old mans home for NHLers! So you wanted a contender… LOL! I think you blew your chance!

So in closing I dont want this greedy arrogant no good SOB on this team. With me, he ruined his rep and his chances of looking good with me. As much as I HATE the SJ Sharks… IK just joined that hatred club. With him and whatever contract NJ can come up with one thing is clear with me: ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY- YEAH YEAH- THAT MONEY MONEY- YEAH YEAH!!

Thank you DL for not giving in!!!

So, I look forward to moving on to plan AA if need be, and see what the new kids have in store for us!!

GO KINGS GO!!

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:00 am
@#1faninvegas,

Nice rant! Thumbs up

[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:24 am
@src,

Thanks! I added some humor into the equation, because the whole thing is laughable. Hopefully, everyone can just put Kovigrubberchuk out of their minds, and support the team 100%. Scream at the top of their lungs opening game of the season! Root them on like no tomorrow… make the Kings believe and that they know we believe that they can and will succeed with higher expectations than last year… because, I BELIEVE in the boys!!

Go Kings Go!!!!

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:37 am
@#1faninvegas,

Dont you ever sleep in Vegas? Im in Norway 2:45 pm.

LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:36 am
@#1faninvegas, Tell us how you really feel #1!!.It’s just too hot out here in LV to get all worked up like that,haha.Oh two points here,the ducks have to be the most hated and your not the #1 fan in Vegas,that would be me,hehe so there.

#1faninvegas Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:37 am
@src,

Yes, I do… just an odd schedule I have…LOL

[Reply]
YES on 19 says:

July 22, 2010 at 6:02 am

So, I think that Kovalchuk has been driven into the ground enough now. Who would you people suggest the Kings go after? I mean, barring a guy like Kariya, whose best days are a distant past, and Stempniak, who’s only proven that he’s wildly inconsistent? I don’t believe the “Hawks will trade Patrick Sharp and I’m not so sure I want Marc Savard’s contract. Besides, as some have said, the Kings need to acquire a defenseman with a little bit of speed and puck-handling skills so that we don’t have to leave Green on the ice for stretches at a time. Any legitimate suggestions?

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:44 am
@YES on 19,
well, I’d be curious to at least see if Voynov or Hickey (maybe not immediately but after half a season in Manch) could make the jump. evidently they both have good wheels.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:04 am
@number 6, I hope that Hickey can stay injury-free this year so that the Kings can really see what kind of player they have. I get the feeling that, up front, Laktionov and Schenn have moved ahead of Moller, but I wonder if that might free up Moller to deal or maybe one of the other ones in hopes that Moller will flourish? I’m one of the ones who hopes that the Kings will bring back Frolov, but he’ll have to want to come back first.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:03 am
@YES on 19,
Well, all your suggestions imply more speed… and personally I’m getting tired of hearing myself harp on about how much this team is in need of a ‘speed upgrade’. I don’t know if DL is as convinced as I am, but I hope he is.
In any case, I don’t find the overall situation the least bit problematic because we didn’t get Kovi. Woulda been nice, but it didn’t seem to want to happen. If something has to be that ‘forced’ no matter the domain, I’m not really for it.
(two points made here… didn’t mean to veer off but this blog is still a bit Kovi heavy)

5thLine Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:02 am
@YES on 19,

The Kings have got to get better at scoring 5 on 5. This will take a lot of pressure off the defense and will allow Voynov or Hickey to make the jump. This is why filling that LW spot is so critical. It is about the position. Unfortunately, the best available at that position now as a UFA is Raffi Torres. If we are going to trade, we should wait awhile until the teams with real cap concerns become desparate.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:35 am
@5thLine,

I’d much rather see Clifford, Moller, Kitsyn or Holloway get a shot on the wing then bringing in somebody like Torres. Same on D with Hickey, Voynov, Muzzin, Drewiske, Martinez & Deslauriers. It wouldn’t be wise to fill the 5 holes with rookies, but bringing back Frolov & Modin & signing Willie Mitchell would fix that.

Jere Lehtinen anybody? He’d probably be pretty good with Zeus & Simmer & that’d kick Richie up to the second line wing.

[Reply]
Joe Dirt Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:39 am
@YES on 19,

Hopefully one of the kids impress in camp. In case they don’t I say give Afinogenov a chance. He has the speed and he has shown that he has potential to score 60-70 pts. Capgeek says he only made 800k last year with Atlanta. I think he’d be worth the gamble.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:10 am
@YES on 19, I am saying Kevin Bieksa

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:36 am
@VanKingsFan,

I’d love that! But how much would we have to give?

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:44 am
@John, I really don’t know. But I know that the mgmt wasn’t happy with his playoff performance, or his season in general.

He is a really good player but he was miscast on the Canucks. They asked him to be a puck mover, and a tough guy (without taking pentalties!).

The Nucks are above the cap though and so they would want limited salary in return; meaning prospects and/or picks.

YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:21 am
@VanKingsFan, I, too, heard that management wasn’t real thrilled with Bieksa’s performance in the playoffs. How mobile is he and does he have the ability to carry the puck?

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:29 am
@YES on 19,

Well he is NOT Drew Doughty or Jack Johnson.

But he is also NOT Greene or OD, he fits somewhere in between.

He is as strong as Matt Greene, and just as mean, probably meaner. But he is faster; and he has a bullet from the point; would be good on the PP. I would say he is about as good as Randy Jones as a puck mover, but better defensively and tougher/stronger.

He had tough luck last year (big laceration on his leg from a skate blade) and at times he had some mental lapses in the D zone. But a couple years ago he was the centerpiece of the Canuck defense.

YES on 19 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@VanKingsFan, Kevin Bieksa won’t be going anywhere. Sami Salo just tore his Achilles.

[Reply]
kingfletch says:

July 22, 2010 at 6:29 am

I feel bad for kings fans that are still hopeful to get Kovalchuk. He will be back with the devils in a reworked deal. Stempniak is a no way for me, living in Ontario i seen him play alot of games with the leafs and was not impressive at all. He is a player that was a goot fit in Coyotes system, not the kings. Id rather get Frolov back or maybe Maxim over Lee. Either way i think the next shake up will be a trade.

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 22, 2010 at 6:50 am

LOOKING FOR NYKF…. LOOKING FOR NYKF
If you’re out there man…. welcome to another glorious summer’s day in nyc. Aw, great to be here and on the cutting edge of ‘everything Kovi’ isn’t it? (if you detect any sarcasm there, you wouldn’t be wrong).
btw, if people really need your logic and reason wrt DL, well…..
Catch up w ya later.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:57 am
@number 6,

Whats up buddy…
I’m wilting in the heat waiting for the puck to drop on opening night. Perhaps it’ll be a little cooler.
Just no clue who will be on the team opening night.

Stay cool my friend..or thirsty…lol

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:30 pm
@nykingfan,

Question is:

How cool does it have to be in New York to give MSG ice a chance to freeze? Under 90? Under 85?

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

they don’t need ice at MSG..except when the Ice show is in town.
The Rangers have no need for the ice during the spring
brandyn says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:55 am

We get Gaborik… then we still have a gap on LW.. and top 4 d

[Reply]
King lopez Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:49 am
@brandyn, Is there a link were i can see this talk on the Gaborik thing?

[Reply]
lv is the way Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:15 am
@King lopez, it’s a bogus rumor some demented guy Eckland stated that stuff two days ago on his website. I would never believe a word a he says, if my life depended on it. If there was any truth to that rumor i am sure Rich would let us all know.

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:11 am
@lv is the way, You are correct my friend Eckland is a joke….. and thats an E5…..haha

EASportsMgt Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:32 am
@lv is the way,
You know I don’t like this Eklund clown anymore than the next guy, but he is doing something right. No it’s not the reporting of the Hockey news but he gets people to his site which his advertisers love and he makes money on it. If people were too just stop believing his stupid rumors that never pan out then maybe we can put him out of his misery.
Jeremy1Esq says:

July 22, 2010 at 9:14 am

Pride goes away as soon as the puck goes in the net. Who cares what Kovi said in the past, if we can get him for what we offered before, then get him. Our “core” is ready and he is the superstar that will make the team better and the Kings should have one.

This constant core and building is what on year 6 or 7 and all we have is a first round playoff exit to show for it?

As a 40 year King fan, I just want to puke and you fellow fans want to write off a guy because of things he said while trying to negotiate a contract? I guess losing has become part of our culture and we do not want to change it.

[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:41 pm
@Jeremy1Esq,

It’s the teens & 20 somethings that are all hung up on every word as if IK is part of a Twilight saga. Pick a side Team Lombardi or Team Grossman.

[Reply]
Rjb says:

July 22, 2010 at 9:48 am

Kovy stinks. 7 points in 5 playoff games. Surely couldn’t use that lack of production.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:51 am
@Rjb, Points don’t win games Rjb, wins do. The key stat there is only 5 games, on an incredible team (on paper). The Kings performed better in the playoffs than New Jersey did.

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused says:

July 22, 2010 at 10:33 am

If those numbers are correct for Kovi 7 points in 5 games that’s a little over 1 point per game. Last I checked that was pretty good. It’s how good the team plays not just one player. He is a great player but I don’t know if I eant him after he chose another team. We don’t know if it’s his agent or if it is really him being an Ahole. Time will tell but I think he will stay in NJ with a higher cap hit. What are our other options?

[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:11 am
@Dazed N Confused, I am still not exactly sure what Kovalchuk did wrong. He tried to get the most money he could – hardly the first professional athlete to do so. He made comments in his press conference about his man love for NJ, etc. – what else did you expect him to say? While I think it is hardly a realistic possibility at this point, I am one who would love him on this team at the “right” price. I could care less what he said or did up till now.

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
@rick,
Exactly..he would’ve said that about whichever team he signed with… Its just the players way of making the fans feel good. He would’ve said the same thing about LA if he had signed with us.. I wouldn’t hold it against him if he signed here…

[Reply]
EASportsMgt says:

July 22, 2010 at 10:41 am

Here’s a thought. What if the NHL told the Devils, that in order to prove you acted in good faith in negotiating a 17 contract and you didn’t add the final 5 years to circumvent the CBA, then let’s treat it as a 35 and over contract and make the cap hit stay for the duration of the contact regardless if he retires.

Do you think NJ will do it? I mean if they really think he will be playign that long then why not right?

[Reply]
jammer06 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:57 am
@EASportsMgt,
Lou probably doesn’t care at this point since he would be 80 by the time the contract even started to go to the downside. But it can’t happen and wouldn’t matter as the new CBA will change everything again anyway.
I’m hoping the union decides to stay out of it for kovi’s sake, the contract remains rejected and they submit a new one and the commish’s office only fines someone if the rest of the owners want it. (I’m sure Tim is a yay vote but not so much on the others)

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:21 pm
@EASportsMgt,

–GREAT IDEA!–

That solution gives everyone a way out, and does a great job of lie detection…

Betcha KoveeBabee and his Agent would object, on the grounds that the truth hurts…

[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:52 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
I think so too. Although it would be a great fix. The NHL can come out and propose an amendment stating that if you sign a okayer to a contract greater than 5 years, that takes the player past his 35th BDay, then the rules would apply as if you signed a player over the age of 35. It’s a quick and easy fix to the circumvention of the CBA with these long contracts.

[Reply]
scootty Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:39 pm
@EASportsMgt,

How about the NHL says, “Okay, so NJ and Kovalchuk say that he will play through the duration of the contract, how about we switch the whole contract around and have him play for the $550,000 years first.”.
Then we’ll see if Kovalchuk was telling the truth when he said, “It’s not about the money.”.

[Reply]
renoKingsFan says:

July 22, 2010 at 10:45 am

One things for sure; when all is said and done some one is not going to be happy with the outcome

[Reply]
chuckrocks says:

July 22, 2010 at 10:56 am

I think what really happend was that Kovi saw New Jersey for the first time in the day light and seen what a dump it was. Then he saw the show Jersey Shore on tv and saw what kind of “people” (im trying to be nice)live there so HE called Bettman and asked him to reject his contract so he wouldnt have to spend 17 years in that swamp. hahaha j/k.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:17 am
@chuckrocks, Do you live in the Los Angeles area? If so, then you’re aware of the dump the Kings players have to drive through to get to games.

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:26 am
@YES on 19, Ya I know some of LA is a dump also, thats why I live in Orange County…. It was a joke…you know haha funny.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
@chuckrocks, I hear you. I live in OC, too.

Doug D Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:31 am
@YES on 19,
Downtown LA is like the Shangri-La when compared to Newark NJ.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:58 pm
@Doug D, That’s what I hear, but at least the players don’t have to live in Newark. None of the Kings live in downtown, I don’t think, but I wouldn’t want to get lost on the other side of the Harbor Freeway at night.
Shane says:

July 22, 2010 at 11:12 am

I feel its a lost caus…LET IT GO!!! I just wonder if DL is going to do ANYTHING ELSE this offeason. So far we have 4 players thst are UFAs, lost our enforcer and a top 4 defenseman and while everyone pined for this guy, nothing has been done to improve this team. DL sure knows how to build a team, but its n wonder to me now why he never won a cup. I hope he gets the feeling back in his hans after sitting on them for so long.

[Reply]
gene Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
@Shane, I agree 100%. To all the LA fans what has he really done. In no way will this team as is get past the first round. We wasted three weeks while we kissed ass to KOVI knowing we could not sign him. We need a LW, D Man and a big bad ass enforcer. l would bet anyone JJ, Simmons and Doughty all three walk two years from now. Then where will we be? Way to go DL. You are still the same GM you were at SJ. NO results there either.

[Reply]
King Taco Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
@gene, I’ll bet you

[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:18 pm
@gene, I’ll bet ya @gene how much you willing to put on the table? 100? 500? Let me know

[Reply]
dana Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:03 pm
@Shane,

O’donnell was hardly a top 4 defenseman. The unrestriced free agents, will be replaced with younger faster and better players from the farm, and same goes for the enforcer, Westgarth can actually play. Know your facts b4 u rant.

What we need and have needed for 2 years is a sniper on wing and another shut down defenseman. IMHO

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@dana,

But word is Westgarth is a bunching bag when it comes to fights. Do we want that in our enforcer?

@Shane,

You are right, DL DOES know how to build a time! Just sit back & relax

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:26 pm
@John,

Hehe dur what I mean to say is, give him time to build his team

shane Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
@dana,

I know my facts…Odonnell isnt a top 4 but he was one of the Kins top 4…is Hickey gonna play to his level? Is Trevor Lewis going to be the force down low that Frolov is/was. My point being, is that everyone including Lombardi knows what the team needs, but he has made no steps forward to aqiring them. I’m hoping alks begin w/ “Poni” but Im not holding my breath.

I do think that Westgarth is an upgrade…getting 1 point next year would prove it.

Making just one move would restore some confidence. As it sits right now…this is not a western conference playoff team.

[Reply]
dubd8 says:

July 22, 2010 at 11:37 am

If kovy was deceived by devils mgmnt and by his agent, he has the perfect out. if uncle lou did this to trap the great kovy…well then all bets are off. if the devils come to kovy now with a similar contract to the kings alleged offer, uncle lou was ingenious to eliminate the competition first. I hope Kovy sees it that way…it was no accident that DL issued that statement about remaining interested almost immediately . It was no accident that lou was as uncomfortable as he was at the suppossed awesome day of announcing a career contract for one of the top 5 players in the nhl.There is definitely room here for other scenarios to play out. Im not saying its likely, but its a definite possibility that kovy may feel betrayed by this debacle. The contract was garbage, and anyone who believes that it was similar to that of ovechkin hossa or pronger hasnt done enough hw. The more time that goes by with nobody making any official statements, the more likely that something more major than what we might expect is going on. As long as he’s unsigned, as long as the king’s needs at wing are as dire as they are…kings fans should remain on the kovy train! He will absolutely carry us over the hump for the first time since the era of the great one. Kings fans are desperate for a winner, we deserve it. we watched as the ducks signed niedermayer and pronger, and we watched as they hoisted the cup…not fair for us! 43 years and no cup is just garbage…i dont care who they bring in, but it sure is frustrating to strike out year after year…one question dean…if were so far ahead of schedule, and this was just an opportunity based on how well our young guys last year, then why did we lose out on gomez, hossa, gaborik, and so forth. I hope the trend here is not the same as what proved to be your demise in sj. I hope the sharks fans that say DL just couldnt get the deals done arent right.

[Reply]
Bonvivant1 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:47 pm
@dubd8, Grossman the Devil’s camp new exactly what they were doing. They simply circumvented the CBA and came up with this ludicrous deal. Kovalchuk certainly does not feel duped because of his serious consideration of the possibility of playing for the kinks and his visit. LA is not a market where top free agents want to play. This is and always will be the case. We have to build a team from within the system and hope we are germinating a 40 goal scorer in the system. Simple as that.

[Reply]
Miller29 says:

July 22, 2010 at 11:43 am

I say we drive this thread up to over 1,000 posts and surprise Rich when he gets back. Wouldn’t it be funny if Kovi signed in LA while Rich was still on vacation? LOL

[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
@Miller29,

I think Rich is checking his laptop once in a while. He knows what’s going on.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 says:

July 22, 2010 at 11:49 am

To all you BANDWAGON fans..

Just because we didnt sign kovalchuk, doesnt mean you have to get rid of your “SEASON TICKETS”. You who say this are just people the kings dont care about anyways, and quite frankly the only people who care about you giving away your tickets, are the people who get your seat. so stop crying, and if you are a real fan, giving up your ticket would be the last thing i would ever do. I enjoy the sport, i enjoy the kings, therefor i will always keep my tickets. Try to say something to this thats logical to give up your tickets. What? Youve been a season ticket holder for 25 years? And your gonna give them up NOW? your good..

[Reply]
deelo Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:54 pm
@Michael_DD8,

LOL…it makes me laugh. AEG actually makes more money selling them at face value than to STH’s.

[Reply]
chuckrocks says:

July 22, 2010 at 11:51 am

Ok Dean I have an idea, lets give Kovi a 10 year 102 mill a year contract and then after he signs it you trade him back to Atlanta for Johnny Oduya, Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien. That would be fricking hilarious.

[Reply]
chucksocks Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:57 am
@chuckrocks, he will have a NTC.

[Reply]
brandyn Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:10 pm
@chuckrocks,

More like… MAKE A TRADE ALREADY

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@brandyn,

No offense but IMO many of your comments seem based largely on video game team management than real life.

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
@VanKingsFan, Ya no offence taken but it was a joke I dont play video games Im 38 and I have a life. GO KINGS>>>>>>>>
Real 9 says:

July 22, 2010 at 12:38 pm

GET-A-LIFE people!!!
none of this is gonna matter as the nation’s and the world’s economy are collapsing before our very eyes….

NHL teams will be playing before fewer fans this coming season, that’s for sure. This will result in teams not able to meet payrolls, which will result in more dire consequences, until there will either be no NHL, or players will have to accept DRASTIC pay cuts.

I’ve been a KINGS fan since ’69, so am not looking forward to this scenario playing out, but I’m afraid it’s inevitable. Listen to those who’ve been predicting a massive depression as early as THIS YEAR.
This may well be the Greater Depression; yes, worse than the collapse of 1929.

Ron Paul, Paul Craig Roberts, Gerald Celente, Bob Chapman, Doug Casey, and many others have a track record of being correct on economic forecasting, unlike the soothsayers of the mass media, such as MNBS.
Don’t believe them. Prepare for the worst.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@Real 9,

Are you that guy wearing the sandwich board on the corner of the sidewalk down town, screaming doomsday at everyone?

Seriously though, i think you are making it out to be more dire than it is.

The Kings had the highest attendance increase last year in the league. TV ratings were up in the majority of markets, which equals more money than attendance figures potentially.

If you take out the Coyotes factor, the attendance averages numbers look waaay better.

NONE of the Canadian teams are in serious trouble, and all averaged over 18,000 per game.

The main problem, is really only in the non-traditional hockey markets. Be smarter with your franchise placement and the league will look a lot healthier.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:12 pm
@VanKingsFan, It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but I think I have to agree with him. Did you see all the empty seats in Detroit last year? And now people have been talking about deflation again. I promise you, if we do go into a deflationary spiral, it’ll be all she wrote for more than one or two NHL teams, and all of us better have plenty of cash on hand!!!

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:16 pm
@deadcatbounce, I’ve seen your posts before. I take it your user name is taken from that ugly Wall Street phenomenon? I do agree with you to a point, but let’s hope that we don’t go into deflation or a double-dip. Everybody is going to have to be cautious, though, players, management, us…

Real 9 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:02 pm
@deadcatbounce,
you’ve got that right!
there is just not enough earning power from middle class folks like us to keep these sports franchises going the way they have been.
Here’s an interesting example:

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=40%25+of+workers+earning+minimum+wage&btnG=Google+Search&rlz=1W1SUNA_en&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=40%25+of+workers+earning+minimum+wage&gs_rfai=CKK0htK5ITJP4Bpn67AO24oDxCwAAAKoEBU_Q-s_2&fp=d16d7c6cc314ce60

rontheking Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
@deadcatbounce,

It’s cheaper to buy a house in detroit than a ticket to a red wing game! The octopusses are throwing THEMSELVES on the ice!

Real 9 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:52 pm
@VanKingsFan,
I truly believe you will see the trend of higher attendance reverse this coming season.
It is probably not widely known, but, at least in some states, 40% of wage earners are making minimum wage OR LESS; and the trend of low wages is NATIONWIDE.

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
@Real 9,

Wow, I had not idea….I’m gonna go slash my wrist.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:30 pm
@Real 9,

Things ARE looking difficult economically for this country. It is not wise to have these super-long contracts since we may have a different-looking economic picture in the future.

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast says:

July 22, 2010 at 12:44 pm

i trust with what deano does with this team at least we are making progress with the prospects and he got zeus and smyth to come here. to veterans who can score and watched as the kings went through their slump. tho he needs to make a trade i think only jj will run for it and leave.imo

[Reply]
EASportsMgt says:

July 22, 2010 at 12:44 pm

I have read several articles that question the ability for other teams to make any additional offers to IK during this time. As I understood it, the contract is currently void, and all GM’s were notified yesterday of the final decision from the NHL. The NHLPA has until the close of business Monday to file a grievance, which isn’t a sure thing because they would need to agree on an system arbitrator, which apparently they haven’t agreed on in the last 5 years. But if they do, then the contract will remain voided until the final ruling.
So I ask, does anyone else have any other information as to whether or not any other team can sign IK right now?
I asked some of my agent friends and they don’t even know if it’s possible. It’s unchartered territory.

[Reply]
jammer06 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:54 pm
@EASportsMgt,
The PA wouldn’t like it before they make their decision but the league would approve a 1 year max deal in a heartbeat. Would make the PA look like bungholes (publicly) if they greived.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@jammer06,

The NHL might approve a max one year deal but the NJ Devils would not… An 11.5 Cap hit would KILL the current Devils team.

See, that’s the problem, anyway. How can any good team pay northwards of 7 million Cap hit and field a team under the Cap? Creative financing is the only out to paying a fair salary (from the great player/agent/NHLPA point of view). That’s why they (great player/agent/NHLPA) will want to invalidate the CBA and open up salaries.

There is no simple solution to this Pandora’s Box of a problem…

[Reply]
jammer06 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:22 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
I didn’t say it had to be with NJ

King John Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:34 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

The solution is for players not to demand such high salaries. And for teams not to cave. Then if a player doesn’t like the market, he can play elsewhere like Russia.

Let Kovalchuk accept a reasonable salary.

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
@EASportsMgt,

I bet they have the same kind of detente that exists over the RFA’s (read: Bobby Ryan)…

Like that beer commercial, with the guy going room to room turning on and off lights–”No Touch! No Touch Lights!”

No touch RFA’s, no touch IK until this thing is resolved.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, That was the talk, that once Kovalchuk signed then dominos would begin to fall. We saw the trade of Gagne almost immediately after that, but once the controversy about the contract arose things froze up again. There’s got to be a point when the GM’s get tired of waiting for the Titanic to arrive, though, doesn’t there?

[Reply]
Jorgen Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, also, NJ or PA or NHL can challenge any deal struck during this response period. Why would any team or IK, for that matter, put themselves in that risk? Chances are the aquiring team and IK would lose their argument to uphold the new deal.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:47 pm
@Jorgen,

You know, that’s a really good point!
Betcha you’re right! That would include great player extentions, RFA negotiations AND trades.

Problem is, the IK Contract fiasco may extend into September…
Then, what?

Jorgen Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:33 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, you are looking at “if” scenarios. Let’s wait until PA decides what they will do. Their decision will drive future “if” discussions. Until then, it’s pointless to speculate.

Duckhunter Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@EASportsMgt,

Off topic of your question, but I was wondering if you have a guess on how long this fiasco will go on. Meaning, how long will this court battle go on if the NHLPA files a claim on Monday. Can this go until the beginning of the season? Will the Kings stand pat until resolved? I’m a little nervous we won’t make a move until this is settled.

[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:08 pm
@Duckhunter,
That’s a good question. If the NHLPA files their claim on Monday, we may be in for a long battle. The next major issue for contention is the system arbitrator. The NHL and NHLPA have not agreed on a system arbitrator in 5 years. So that process will have to be fast tracked in order to get a decision. However that isn’t easy either. With the implications that this deal may have on future CBA’s, picking the right arbitrator is going to be a major fight. This literally could drag on until the Opening day.

I think because of that, and a whole lot of other issues, I don’t see the NHLPA filing on Monday. I think they ask Grossman to restructure the deal or find other suitors.

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:16 pm
@EASportsMgt, Keep in mind, friends, for as long as this case goes..

“Kovalchuk cannot play under this contract nor is he entitled to any of the contract’s rights and benefits.” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly

gKg!
Harry says:

July 22, 2010 at 12:46 pm

It’s now 12:50pm. If Rich does not post anything new, this will go to 1000 comments

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:20 pm
@Harry,

I sense a lull coming on…
First, IK saturation syndrome (IKSS)…
Then, all parties are waiting until the 5-day mark, for the NHLPA’s response: Grievance, or no grievance…
THEN, there is this weird pall which has settled over NHL news, waiting… Waiting…

–I think we need a poll:

Should Tommy’s &/or In-N-Out Burger come up with their own Super Burger, a Big Tommy’s Burger or an In-N-Out Of Your Mind Burger, to counter the Big Carl Burger?

[] Yes
[] No

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
In other words–

I would eat a:

[] Big Tommy’s Burger;
[] In-N-Out Of Your Mind Burger;
[] Big Carl’s Burger;
[] Big Mac (jest kidding…)

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:45 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I’ve got a Tommy’ and a In/out burger here in LV but it’s not close to me,so I have to wait till I go to Cali for it.We do have a great sammich place called Cappriotties out here (great capicola),but I wish we had a TOGO’s.Damn I’m hungry now.1000 here we come.

LBlocal Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:51 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/photo.php?pid=342180&op=1&o=global&view=global&subj=29109892705&id=100000271825581

gKg!

ColoKingFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:33 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

You guys are killin’ me with this In-N-Out talk. You have no idea how bad I miss it! I would literally kill (a Ducks fan) for a double double and a strawberry shake.

All we have here is fat burger, which is fine, but its not a double double.

To answer the question – I think they should offer a double-double-double.. yeah 4 patties, son. mmmmmmmmm i can feel my arteries clogging just thinking about it.

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@ColoKingFan,

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=125761&op=2&o=all&view=all&subj=29109892705&aid=-1&oid=29109892705&id=100000994893033

And, believe or not:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30988823&op=6&o=all&view=all&subj=29109892705&aid=-1&oid=29109892705&id=1522863283

gKg!

ColoKingFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
@LBlocal,

im speechless… my stomach, however, is not.

Moondoggie Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:05 pm
@ColoKingFan, Have you guys had the Double/Double Animal Burger with Animal fries??? Now you’re cookin! You have to ask for it; it isn’t on the menu. But….just try it, all the In-N-Out’s make them. And once you do, you’re life will be changed forever. This will swing even the Tommy’s fans over, I’m talkin good!

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:29 pm
@LBlocal,

There ya go!
Those are votes for In-N-Out…

Michael J. Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
@ColoKingFan,

Never had the “guts” to order a 4×4, but now I’m thinkin’…

Animal style rocks!

Mike S Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@ColoKingFan, Try plopping a flying dutchman on top of an animal fry. You have to order them separately (something about them not being allowed to combine the meat and fries themselves), but man…that is awesome. In-N-Out kills Tommy’s and anybody who says otherwise is just plain wrong.
Miller29 says:

July 22, 2010 at 1:18 pm

Come on Rich, do not touch this thread….remember you’re main job is protecting the president’s nuclear football, not using it. LOL

[Reply]
Joey Drillings says:

July 22, 2010 at 1:21 pm

I don’t care what anyone says. IK will never be a King. What would happen at the first news conference? He says he meant he always wanted to be a King. Leiweke will never be able to convince DL to sign him now. Being that DL just signed an extension, he is safe. This is a non-issue.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:32 pm
@Joey Drillings, People say stuff like that all the time. When there was Dave Taylor night to honor his service to the Kings as a player, he said, “I’ll always be a King”, which he was until he left to join the Dallas Stars organization.

[Reply]
LGK!! Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:22 pm
@YES on 19, that’s because the kings didn’t offer him a worthwhile job. Secondly, the Kings didn’t retire his jersey because he wasn’t loyal for playing in LA for his entire 17 year career.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:14 pm
@YES on 19,

The decision to join Dallas was made only after he was let go by the organization.

Dave Taylor is the greatest King of all time, only to be surpassed someday by DD. He will always be a King, and will have a huge place in the hearts of many fans.

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:11 pm
@Joey Drillings,
Why should we care about a news conference? If Kovi were a King, the second he lights up the lamp in his first shift, I think all is forgiven. I mean, come on, this guy is a 50 goal scorer and contrary to some beliefs, IS a team player.

With potential cap hits, NJ may not even be able to sign this guy anymore. Our’s was the only offer even resembling anything else he wants. Do we just let this opportunity fly by the wasteside because our feelings were hurt?

They say Kovi might not even have more than an 8th grade education. Although he speaks well, does he really understand what he was reading at that presser? All he knew (or thought) was that he was going to be a Devil for life. What did he care what was said at that point? He was played, simple as that. Like I’ve posted before, “Kovi merely pawn in game of life.”

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:01 pm
@We B Ilya’n, The only problem….IK doesn’t want to be here; he actually said that during the Devil(s) press conference. We don’t need anyone who doesn’t want to be in LA; we’re looking for players who, like Dewey have the Kings crest tattooed to their butts, players to want to play for the Kings.

It’s that simple…..and it’s over.

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 22, 2010 at 1:39 pm

I’ve heard that Justin Acevedo is strong decking to his right and that his wrist shot can be quite good, also that Kyle Clifford’s main strengths come from the fact that his skating while once a liability has now come to the………… huh? I’m sorry… huh? Yes? Oooooops. You mean you guys are still talking about that Russian guy… Ilya Kovlochook?
Sorry to interrupt.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:49 pm
@number 6, I’ve heard that Justin Acevedo is so skinny that if he stood sideways and stuck out hhis tongue he’d look like a zipper.

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:01 pm
@YES on 19,

hahaha, yeah i saw him last summer at development camp and thought we was way too small and fragile.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:06 pm
@YES on 19,

hahahahaha….. now we’re talkin!

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:57 pm
@YES on 19, I’ve heard that too……

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
@Moondoggie,

Guys, I hope you weren’t taking that seriously. It was just a joke relative to the 24/7 Kovi watch on this site. That’s all. I wouldn’t recognize Acevedo if I stumbled upon him. I could have picked anyone. It could have been Trevor Lewis or Jake Muzzin. Wow. If I have to explain it obviously wasn’t a very good joke. Oh well.
Harry says:

July 22, 2010 at 1:52 pm

How about Selanne anyone?

1 year deal MAX 2 mil?

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@Harry,

Maybe…

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:09 pm
@Harry, Everybody says that he’ll play as a Duck or he won’t play at all.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:12 pm
@Harry,
No, I would think lesser of him if he did that to the Ducks.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:26 am
@Harry, Agree 100%. Selanne had 27 goals last year playing with Koivu, plus he was out for a while with a facial injury. Can you imagine how many goals he will score playing with Smyth and Kopitar? The other things that are great about him is that he excels on the PP and his hockey sense and experience are off the charts! I say sign him to a 1 or 2 year deal and this line will be one of the best in the NHL. Remember this though, this is what Dean would call a stop gap signing until are younger wingers are ready to fill this role.

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

July 22, 2010 at 2:02 pm

Forget Kovy. Any chance we had to make a deal with him is flatter than yesterday’s beer.

So who’s the next best left-wing on the UFA market?

Do I hear Frolov?

We’re better with Fro anyway.

[Reply]
Real 9 says:

July 22, 2010 at 2:13 pm

If you need more evidence that wages are being suppressed
listen to Alan Greasepan [Greenspan] actually SAY that is the plan.

http://blog.noslaves.com/alan-greenspan-recommends-wiping-out-the-middle-class/

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:19 pm
@Real 9, Serious? Rich isnt this against the rules? please piss off with your views outside of Hockey.

Learn to read

Comments that incite political, religious or similar debates will be deleted.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
@pr0cess, I don’t think he’s inciting anything, merely offering up a little social commentary. I do think that Greenspan was part of the problem, so I hope he can make it up by being part of the solution. Wonder if he likes hockey?

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:30 pm
@YES on 19, Nien! this post will soon be deleted, O and nice name /s

VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
@YES on 19, Whats 19?

And I only really like to see these posts if there is an attempt to tie it back to Hockey all the time

Real 9 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
@pr0cess,
Excuse me, but this has EVERYTHING to do with hockey. Without a strong economic base how can the NHL, or for that matter the NFL, MLB, etc. be expected to survive. The alternative is that they survive, but not in the present form. This is something that everyone should be aware of. I am providing this information because it appears to be something that hasn’t even been considered before on these threads, and it will affect us all.

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:45 pm
@Real 9, Van 19 is the Pot BS for cali, and 9 you can keep your views outside of hockey just there “outside” they have no fourm here.

Comments that incite political, religious or similar debates will be deleted.

kingfish Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
@Real 9,
its true thats the plan. but that link has NO source for those comments from greenspan. You cant just post a quote like that without a source, thats pathetic. not criticizing you real 9 but whoever wrote that is a clown.
@process
get a grip dude, this the USA. I guess you like chinas thought police.

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
@kingfish, LOL this isnt america, this is riches fourm, and the RULES are clear. Ive broken a few This BS has no place here. if you dont like it go play on the 101

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
@pr0cess,
funny huh??
why dont you start worrying about yourself and your actions and not what other people are doing and if they
are “Breaking the rules”. they love guys like you in china
you get get a great job there ratting out your neighbors.

YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:14 pm
@pr0cess, There seem to be a lot more comments on freaking hamburgers on this site than about the economy and its impact on hockey.

pr0cess Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:23 pm
@Kingloser, Ahhh whats wrong fish?? you hate china? Let me guess you dont like blacks to? You girls make me laugh

VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
@pr0cess,
Love it boys, keep up the banter lol

Lot of China hate though, not very good hockey players either.

pr0cess Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Ahhh now your breaking more rulez fishy, and losing your cool, dont take out on your wife, cause you seems like a douche to me. Keep QQing. Your tears feed me. Ya Van these fly by night posters are like that, bring there crap to are fourms and think they run the place. Its nice to see a Vet name posting. I do hope Rich is getting some rest. And rich sorry for egging people on i guess..

Real 9 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@kingfish,
Yes, the source for the comments is in the video, from AGs own lips.

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@Real 9,
i’ll watch it thanks for posting

rontheking Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@Real 9,

dude, I am down with you! this economy sucks so bad i can’t afford to go and see my beloved kings! it is all about the rich versus the poor but i still can’t hate kovulchuk because if it wasn’t for hockey he’d be in the same boat as the rest of us using his stick as a paddle. woe is me! the kings need to change their name to the kings of the middle class. i’m with you bro. everyone call your congressman and insist that the senate hold hearings on why kovalchuk left the kings standing at the alter in a rented tux for an ILLEGALLY trumped up contract when there WERE no weapons of mass destruction! I rest my case….

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
@rontheking, Actually if Kovi couldn’t play hockey he would still be in Russia (clearly worse off than us). As for Kings proclaiming it represents the middle class why ally with a disappearing segment of the population. The term middle class in this economy may be changed to just above poverty.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:47 am
@rontheking, The gap between the cost of living and minimum wage has widened so much over the last 30 years that these greedy politicians have fused the middle class together with the poor. When I was a kid in the 60s and 70s my mom could stay at home and raise me while my dad worked, and we were middle class. Today, if you are middle class and have kids then both you and your wife have ta work. This greed and selfishness started with certain politicians in the Reagan administration and created crooks like Charles Keating and Bruce Mcnall who screwed people out of their eyeballs ! But I will tell you what, Bush and Cheaney took greed and selfishness to a level that Reagan couldnt even imagine ! Cheany in particular is the biggest crook we have had in the whitehouse since Sparrow Agnew. Dick Cheaney makes Bruce Mcnall look like a pick pocket and is every bit the rotten bastard that Bernie Madoff and Kenneth Ley are ! This pains me to say being that I voted for Reagan and Bush each twice ! Maybe thats why I am now a registered independent voter now. Quite frankly, I am sick of both the Democrats and Republicans !

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:02 pm
@Real 9,

This post is designed to get the comments to 1000

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:07 pm
@John, meh its a sad atempt at it. Ill stop policing the fourm as Rich hates that. I know it will soon good p00f so.

[Reply]
Ari says:

July 22, 2010 at 2:38 pm

Rich-

Please start a new thread/post … I can’t take it anymore

I have checked back about 18 times a day for the past two days … “Over? it’s never over” … tell me about it! lol

Never ending saga – only a few days and it feels like months … I need to get on with my life … please DL, sign someone … ugh – I need to know that the Kings are going to kick arse next season!

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:25 pm
@Ari, Rich is on vacation from what I understand, so he is probably just checking websites and like us that do the same nothing is happening. I doubt anyone suspected this site would have this much activity in the offseason. I personally hope Rich has a great vacation and someone else is monitoring the site, so he can recharge and do the as great a job as he has last year.

[Reply]
Ari Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:10 pm
@luc20rules, You are right – the man deserves a break – and wouldn’t you know that the week he takes an off-season vacation is the week of kovy madness!

I just need closure … I moved on when he accepted NJ … and now there is that ever-so slight chance … having us sign say Stempy or someone would help…

[Reply]
Utah Chris says:

July 22, 2010 at 3:13 pm

I’m counting down to 1,000 posts whilst contemplating the slim to none possibility of a power forward coming to the Kings to supplement…. alas, IK is not in the cards even with cap room.

[Reply]
YES on 19 says:

July 22, 2010 at 3:31 pm

@VanKingsFan The 19 in my name happens to be my favorite number for a number of reasons. The guy who mentioned something about California’s pot initiative is getting political, don’t you think?

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
@YES on 19, LOL nice, you fail but nice try

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
@YES on 19, haha zing

19 is quite possibly the greatest hockey number of all time, besides #99!

Best #19′s

1. Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings
2. Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche
3. Larry Robinson, Montreal Canadiens
4. Bryan Trottier, New York Islanders
5. Jean Ratelle, New York Rangers
6. Rick MacLeish, Philadelphia Flyers
7. Butch Goring, Los Angeles Kings
8. Paul Henderson, Toronto Maple Leafs
9. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
10. Brad Richards, Tampa Bay Lightning

[Reply]
Blake Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:48 pm
@VanKingsFan,

richards is on the stars?

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
@Blake, I was cut and pasting from a list that must be old.. sorry folks

Blake Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
@Blake,
No worrys, gotta have something to talk about ha

YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
@Blake, Yes, he is. He was traded from Tampa Bay a couple of seasons ago.

YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
@VanKingsFan, Thank you for doing some of my work for me. Yes, that’s one big reason. Another is that it happens to be the day of birth for my best friend’s daughter, who happens to be developmentally disabled and I’m an advocate. There are others as well, not really worth mentioning here but, yeah, you kinda got the idea.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Maybe you were thinking of Mike Richards for Philadelphia? Brad plays for Dallas unless he got traded and I didn’t hear about it.

Michael J. Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@VanKingsFan,

You forgot Jim Fox!

[Reply]
deadcatbounce says:

July 22, 2010 at 3:37 pm

Anyone know where Rich went on vacation? Things are crazy here; I could use one myself. Dean Lombardi probably could as well…

[Reply]
SebaS says:

July 22, 2010 at 4:02 pm

Seriously guys.. 800+ posts again? It’s like watching Seinfeld

[Reply]
goldielocks says:

July 22, 2010 at 4:09 pm

I don’t wanna mention that Russian’s name anymore.

But what exactly is 40+ goal scorer’s effect?
If we got proven 40+ goal scorer simply Kings has additional 40 goals season?

The math is never simple like that. What if this guy, as a proven goal scorer, scores 40+ goal but the others goal production decrease because this guy’s demand to have a puck all the time? Let’s say he scores 40 goals but the others get minus 20 total, overall total stays plus 20 goals.

So the question is, what’s the difference between a very selfish 40+ goal scorer and a very good team player with 20+ goal skill?

I’m not talking about the assist number here. There’s something we can’t see on numbers. I’m talking about what kind of player has a positive effect on the team.

If you think this cocky Russian guy simply brings 40 plus goal production and everything will be good, dream on. Last time I checked, Flyers did great job to shut this guy down and I didn’t see any positive effect he brought to Devils.

So I say forget this guy and let’s move on.

[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:20 pm
@goldielocks, I’m with you about moving on without He who I will Not Mention. But in my opiniona a guy who scores around 50 goals is usually a “Game Changer”. it’s the type of guy who would score those 6 or 7 goals a year that nobody else on your team could have scored. So I suppose the team with “That Guy” hopes he scores that 6 or 7 goals in the playoffs or in games that really make a difference to your seeding in the playoffs. Also other teams might always put there best players on that guy to free up other guys on other lines to score, but I think Kopi already achieves that.

[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:14 pm
@Ravens,

Very true. And I also think Kopi is ‘That guy’.

[Reply]
Ari Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:24 pm
@goldielocks, I WISH Kopi was that guy – but alas he is not … I thought he would be by now, and hopefully he gets there in another season or two, but without having a high-scorer on his wing to show him the ropes … he is at a huge disadvantage and unlikely to take that giant step forward from 30 goals to 50 goals.

LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:08 pm
@goldielocks, G-locks that would probably be true if he never had any assist but he has consistantly had 40+ assist most of his career(this one who shall remain nameless).He had more assist last year than goals,but he’s not like some of the guys I’ve played with,you know 31 goals,2 assists in 10games.

[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:50 pm
@LVKINGS88,

Now that’s not a bad number, is it? But Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin, Sedin sisters, even Kopitar had better number in that department. I’m still not so sure about this guy is a good team player.

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:36 pm
@goldielocks, Kopi’s # are 12th in goals,20th in assists,17th in points and 128th in+/-.Kovi’s # are 6thin G,28th in A,11th in Pts and 83rd in +/-,that’s all this year of course.I think that he would of helped with the all around #s of the team.The guy may have made a bad choice on his agent, the team he chose and probably his choice of words but I would not question his skill or his will to win.I won’t get into the other players #s because his #s were KINDA in the ballpark, I only care about the Kings players and their #s,and on that part I think it would have improved the team,buuut only if the contract was right.
Michael J. says:

July 22, 2010 at 4:20 pm

So, who is the greatest King of all time?

[Reply]
Old Time Hockey Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
@Michael J., For me that is a tuff question, but I would have to say Marcel although some will say, Rogie, Butch, Luc or even Wayne.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
@Old Time Hockey,

OK, since I didn’t get to see Butch play too much (I was just a kid then) my vote goes to # 18, with #20 a close second.

I loved that way that Taylor played every night. I don’t remember ever seeing him take a night off, back down from anybody, or coast into the corner to avoid a hit.

Had Luc never left it might have been him.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:55 pm
@Michael J.,

I’ll second the motion. Taylor was great. Also the ones Old Time Hockey mentions.

LBlocal Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:31 pm
@Michael J., Donald Waddell =)

gKg!

[Reply]
luckyluc13 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:37 pm
@Michael J.,need the question even need to asked…Juraj Mikus…of course

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:27 pm
@Michael J.,
Miko Makela… I just like saying that

[Reply]
Keyser Soze Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:25 am
@Michael J.,

Marcel Dionne….6 seasons with 50+ goals, and 2 seasons of 40+

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 3:05 am
@Keyser Soze, Agreed, Marcel also had 731 career goals, only Howe,Gretzky,and Brett Hull had more. Its Funny, we talk about guys like Ovechkin and Kovalcchuk being awesome, tell ya what..when these guys have 8 fifty goal seasons like Marcel then I will call them awesome !

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 says:

July 22, 2010 at 4:59 pm

Hey what do we get when we each 1000 posts? I hope it’s a 50 goal scoring left winger.I’m sure all we’ll get is a cookie,or a McFlurry.

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

July 22, 2010 at 5:07 pm

I’m thinking that what we’re going to end up with is two kids in the lineup (at least). 1 D, 1 F. Who depends entirely on camp. I think that’s gonna be it, and one trade of some kind. Maybe Fro, too, but probably not. However, as this summer is going, Foxy might suit up again. Bob & Rich in the booth?

[Reply]
Miller29 says:

July 22, 2010 at 5:34 pm

Come on 1,000!!! Keep it alive guys, we’re almost there!

I Rich’s vacation can’t be more eventful than this. Does he get a just week off?

[Reply]
kjchip30 says:

July 22, 2010 at 5:51 pm

I think its over….I bet there is a tumble weed rolling through the front offices right about now

[Reply]
KB says:

July 22, 2010 at 5:52 pm

So this Gaborik thing seems to be bogus. I was more excited about him then Kovy. Anyone heard anything legitimate about a possible trade?

Anything recent?

[Reply]
wavesinair says:

July 22, 2010 at 5:55 pm

Wondering where Rich is?

Here you go… and no, I’m not kidding.

http://deepinsidethekings.com/2010/07/22/wheres-rich-hammond/

[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:59 pm
@wavesinair,

Wow!–Mr. Investigative Reporter….

[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:03 pm
@wavesinair,

Nice find.

[Reply]
BluLiner Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
@wavesinair,

Wow – sleuther or stalker?, I’m impressed either way. Also, the photo is great.

[Reply]
5thLine Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:21 pm
@wavesinair,

Then there’s no excuse for starting a new thread for us to dwell on….heehee….

Maybe this will be the catalyst for that new thread….

On a completely different and irrelevant topic….

I read this comment on a blog regarding ESPN’s coverage of the LeBron James “The Decision” special: “unbiased as a care and feeding manual for the male organ by Rosie O’Donnell”

Sorry, I just really like that quote…

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:34 pm
@wavesinair,
Waves… You’re awesome man!

And the best part will be when the kids at the camp come to do a little homework on Rich after class, and find the last 4-5 threads with hundreds upon hundreds of posts!

Thanks for the find! Kudos man.. Kudos

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:18 pm
@wavesinair, Impressive! Maybe part of his assignments are to blog on this site lots of new nicknames have joined us recently. LOL

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:38 pm
@wavesinair,

That is a fabulous link and great detective work!! Thanks for answering my question!

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:49 pm
@wavesinair, Tip of the hat to ya, Waves PI.

May I add. Rich, our ‘Master of Kwan’, may also be here..

http://www.einhornbeer.com/ =p

gKg!

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:50 pm
@LBlocal, LBL, I’ve been to Germany three times,when I was 13,17 and when I was married,and you know what?the only thing I remember was the BEER,even at 13.Almost every town has their own BEER,but I think that’s all I remember.

[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:17 pm
@wavesinair,
I bet those kids are going to be really upset when Rich Hoffman doesn’t show up!

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:03 pm
@wavesinair,

You see there…….you just can’t hide any damn place anymore with the internet and Google.

Well done wavesinair!!!

(and nice pic of a youngish RICH!!!)

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:54 am
@Kingsfanone, so true. it was actually VERY easy to find. how many journalism camps can there be?

[Reply]
KinguyJosh Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:09 am
@wavesinair,
I applaud you. This is awesome.

[Reply]
TVA333 says:

July 22, 2010 at 6:44 pm

Hey guys..

Did anything ever happen with that “charter bus to Vegas” Idea? I believe it was EASportsMgt’s Idea.. But I could be wrong. Sounded like a great idea!

But if it doesn’t pan out (even if it does).. We should definitely work out a grouping at the “Walk of Shame”, for a meet and greet/double-double pre-game feast?!

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:46 pm
@TVA333,

I think I just broke the record for “Most Times the Word IDEA Has Been Used in a Paragraph”.

[Reply]
TVA333 says:

July 22, 2010 at 7:02 pm

Just saw this Pic looking for a new hat…. Had to laugh.

CLICK HERE

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:23 pm
@TVA333,
Great picture, but the caps should be upside down like the rest of this mess.

That’s what I call a “cap-hit!”

[Reply]
5thLine says:

July 22, 2010 at 7:28 pm

OFFICIAL: All things “Over? it’s never over….” thread. (DON NOT START A NEW THREAD)

NEW THREAD: All Things “ALL THINGS” Thread. WARNING: Don’t even think of starting new thread that even remotely resembles the ALL THINGS thread. Your account will be deleted and you will be eternally banned.

[Reply]
John says:

July 22, 2010 at 7:53 pm

Obviously, we’re pushing for a grand! So…

Does the fact that we don’t treat Marty McSorely like Billy Buckner make us:

A) the greatest hockey fans in the World.

(we love the boys no matter what, we cherish the role Marty played so well, we know it’s all about the team, etc.)

or

B) the mothaF%$KING stupiest fans in World!

(we don’t know the game enough to realize that was a dumber play then Buckner’s, we don’t get that The Cup was ours if not for “The Stick”, we forgive McSorley, etc.)

Bill Buckner was a pariah & HATED by Boston fans until the curse was lifted! Marty McSorley is MUCH beloved amongst loyal Kings fans & we’re still cursed!

Why?

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:13 pm
@John, Because it was just a penalty… we could have killed it off and still won that game.

I think the impact of Mcsorly’s on the overall outcome was less than Buckner’s

Also .. who the hell cares about Buckner anyways.. he never watched Gretz back all those years

[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:25 pm
@John,

I’ll never forgive McSorley and I don’t know why more people dont treat him like a goat. I think the fact that he’s a really nice guy and is easy to approach helped out a lot over the years.

But why he had an illegal stick in the last two minutes is inforgivable.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:06 pm
@Dan H.,

McSorley’s no goat. It was obviously a mistake to have an illegal stick on the ice at that point in the game. Most coaches wouldn’t risk calling it. From what I understand Marty himself didn’t know he had a bad stick, but Montreal was following his gear with radar.

If you wanna burn him at the stake for it, go
ahead.

But I agree with Barry Melrose –

Without Marty we wouldn’t have gotten to the finals in the first place.

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:43 pm
@tuan jim,

As jim (was it jim or a different color guy then?) and bob miller noted at the time it was supposed to be the coach’s job to make sure that nobody had any illegal sticks on the bench or on the ice in the third period. Melrose was right–it wasn’t mcsorley’s fault…it was his!

Miller29 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:49 pm
@tuan jim,

Agree totally with this. Marty is an awesome guy who really took the game to heart and played it with a passion. I loved his intensity.

McSorelyfan Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@John, if you ask Luke Robitaille about that game his stick was just as illegal as McSorely’s. Everyone’s stick was; it had never been questioned. Barry asked Luke if his stick was legal and Luke, per his own admission, just cracked up laughing.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:05 pm

Lets all take a moment to think of the poor souls who bought NJ Kovalchuk jerseys already… and chuckle a little bit

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:44 pm
@VanKingsFan, agree agree lets bathe ourselves in this glorious…i mean horrible moment*snicker*

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:58 pm
@VanKingsFan,

Oh they may get to have a player for them that has Kovalchuk on the back, but there may be many more of the OTHER ONES wearing their jersey that won’t have the names on the back they thought they’d have.

And there will be many chuckles aimed Jersey way!

[Reply]
kingbruin Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:45 am
@VanKingsFan,

I may buy a new new jersey jersey just so I can say “new new jersey jersey”.

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:20 pm

Collector’s items?

[Reply]
ezepace says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:22 pm

Ill help to 1000

My fav kings:

Gretsky , Dionne , Ziggy , Bernie Nichols, Vachon, Hrudey , Zhitnik , Taylor , now Kopi n Drew.

Interesting thought, although Gretz was my favorite he didnt play all that much defense either . He was too busy passing and keeping the puck and scoring.This relates to why Ik can still be valuable even if he has not done as much on defense in the past.

PS I dont want to again read from “bako’ that I’m a plant by grossman either.( I cant stand grossman and think he messed up our chances of getting IK.) What I said was fact and shared with all here. Bako your a bright fella and entitled to your opinion , but you just happened to guess wrong this time.

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@ezepace,

I got nothin’ but love for ya’ Buddy. But I have to say, I think you just further revealed yourself to be an employee of Grossman Inc!

First of all, any real Kings fan’s list of fav players would go something like this: Lappy, McSorley (pre-’92-’93), Lappy, Lappy, Lappy, McSorley, then all the guys with their jersey in the rafters, Lappy again, then some of the guys on your list. Zhitnik??? Good defenseman, not nearly enough balls. And over Daryl Sydor in the same time period?

Another personal fav: Tony Granato: little guy, huge balls. Mattias Norstrom: All balls, especially for a former European wide-rinker. Zhitnik????? Better throw in Sean Avery into your list then. Although, Avery did at least have balls, he was just a mental midget.

And just to really stir the pot on this site, Rob Blake needs to be in people’s fav list too. The guy was the only player we had for 7 years (’94-’95 through ’00-01), and gave everything he had every time he played. You can’t blame him for wanting to go to Colorado to win a cup after that. The San Jose thing was definitely lame though, no argument there.

Just giving you a hard time ezepace. Sort of, unless you’re a Grossman plant And BTW, if Kovy did have any balls, he would come to LA now after being absolutely manipulated and screwed over by NJ.

[Reply]
McSorelyfan Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
@KingsFan, what YOU said… agree with all of it. I saw lappy down by 6 and woprking his butt off. I’ve seen Lappy UP by 6 and working his butt off. Alwayws felt like my ticket price was justified wjhen I saw guys work that hard… matty Schnieder was another one…

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
@KingsFan, another fan favorite was Eric Lacroix.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
@KingsFan, Only one you are wrong about is Darryl “THE TIN MAN” Sydor. Zhitnik was a much better player but Melrose had him traded to Buffalo for Boucher and Tsygurov. After the trade Melrose told some reporters off the record that Zhitnik was a drunk and had ta go. Sydor, Watters, and Huddy were known as the famous “ESCORT SERVICE” because they were famous for escorting shooters up close to Kelly Hrudey. I still remember when Sydor was drafted and people thought he was gonna be awesome, fact is, he couldnt carry Drew Doughty or Jack Johnson’s jock !

[Reply]
Chris says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:26 pm

My fav King ever has got to be Ziggy

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:31 pm

Favorite Kings for me is Lappy. This guy was hard nosed, tough, funny, and gave a 100% every night.

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:50 pm
@Dazed N Confused, for me its a toss up between Deadmarsh and LUUUUUUUUUC.

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:13 pm
@chuckrocks, Those are great choices as well. I have one more as far as personality goes JR. When we went to tip a King he was all about signing and posing for pictures with as many fans as possiable. We have had some great players on and off the ice, but Lappy laughed at my Jersey. It’s a play on words and I am the only one who has it.

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:03 pm
@Dazed N Confused,

Vote for LUBO! lol! But Cereal Chuck… Luc trumps all!

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:13 pm
@TVA333, Don’t forget “LUBO cookies.”

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:52 pm
@Dazed N Confused,
How could anyone not like and admire Lappy? There are too many players to have just one favorite though.

[Reply]
Gislaw says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:32 pm

I never wanted the Rusky because I just had this feeling that he was not the guy. Going into spring my dream additions were either Marleau or Ryan…however unlikely both seemed.

It would be absolute poetic justice if Ryan found a way into our organization so that he could continually piss into his old pond.

[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:06 pm
@Gislaw, Can we all declare a moratorium on the derisive comments about Kovalchuk’s country of birth? “Rusky”? Come on…..

[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:25 pm
@Gislaw, Let’s declare a moratorium on derogatory comments about Kovy’s national origin. “Rusky”? Come on…..

[Reply]
Gislaw Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:35 pm
@rick,

I’m a Rusky!..although I’m from Iceland… It is not offensive in any way.

[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:58 pm
@Gislaw, My apologies. I have always thought it was derogatory, but I could be out to lunch. With that said, there have been any number of comments on here describing Kovy as “that Russian” or something similar – almost always in a post slamming him. Where he was born has nothing to do with any of this. I have vented now…..

fourtunato Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:15 am
@Gislaw,

Regarding the whole “Russian” thing. I adopted my boy from Russia so he is “Russian” by ethnicity but 100% American by culture. If you met him you would never think he was a Rusky. (which is not derogatory. so if the point is not to crack on “Russians” because of their ethnic origin, I agree. That is beyond stupid. But to comment on the Russian culture, which is very screwed up in so many ways and produces some very screwed up people, that is different. We can all have an opinion about what a culture does to people without being racist. Russian communism produced a really weird blend of laziness, apathy, conceit and materialistic craving in generations of Russians. And it shows even today.
ezepace says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:41 pm

Im on vacation but not tired of reading about Kovalchuk.

It isnt over till it is over, so I read. So I know.

Today I went on a long hike in the mountains and contemplated this whole situation. Here is my take:

I’d take him in a heart beat, as would most here after they saw him play. If he doesn’t score a goal in a game he averages an assist. That would translate to more goals per year for the kings contra to what was commented on earlier. I could imagine both he and Kopi going over 100 points each.

Yes it is now slim that we get him, but I’d welcome him openly. And contra to what you may believe I heard he would like to play here !!!! I posted this in past and wont repeat it other than to say it was from a source I deem reliable, that heard him say exactly that. Of course he said what he had to say with NJ. With some good pr and a bit of apologizing and then scoring a ton of goals he would be easily forgiven, in my opinion.

One big point is I hope he realizes that Lou Lamorillo used him, mislead him and embarrassed him by knowing the contract would be turned down and going ahead with the introduction. To me this is WOW and personally Id never accept such manipulation. LOu set him up. Ive read al the posts here and all the news available.

So I hope he fires Grossman and forgets NJ .Then he has to ask himself who else really wanted me and who else did I want to play for?

Answer ? dahhhh The KIngs

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:55 pm
@ezepace, EZP, “IT’S OVER JOHNNY,IT”S OVER”

[Reply]
blugator Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:27 pm
@ezepace,

Isn’t it funny how on very rare occasions, a person’s name fully describes who and/or what that person is. Case in point … Grossman.

[Reply]
Kings Fan in Temecula Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:21 pm
@blugator, lol nice

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:55 pm
@blugator,

Yes, isn’t that the truth? His full name must be Jay Ilbird Grossman after this joke.

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:52 am
@blugator,

GrossmanPointBlank

[Reply]
ezepace says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:45 pm

Question for the legal advisors.

Can a player fire an agent ? How likely is he to get sued for such an action?

Grossman stands to lose a big commisssion if this happened. And he did spend a fair amount of time I sense. What are the ramifications of this?

Thanks

[Reply]
Tmik Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:09 pm
@ezepace,

An Agent is in simple terms, Mostly just a Sports Lawyer.

Like any other Lawyer, You can simply choose not to use his council. Likely if Kovalchuck and Grossman have some sort of Contract, He (Kovi) likely has a clause in there saying something like, if the player feels the agent was not acting in the players best interests, or yada yada legal Gibberish, The player can terminate use of the Agent’s services.

[Reply]
MIller29 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:58 pm
@Tmik,

I wonder if he has a longterm contract since he’s been Kovi’s agent for the past 9 years. Some people are suggesting Kovi is a simpleton with no business sense, so I assume if there was a contract it would totally be lopsided in favor of Grossness.

[Reply]
lv is the way Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:34 am
@ezepace, To your question a player can fire his agent, with a snap of a finger. A agent only gets paid if you sign that big fat contract. Like someone said he is just a sports lawyer.

Grossman is way out of line and so is Kovy for even asking for that long of a deal on money. How many rings does Kovy have..? last count 0.. So lower the money and term and make it more reasonable.

[Reply]
ezepace says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:47 pm

Ahh yes I forgot Marty Mcsorly.

[Reply]
ezepace says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:52 pm

Another player I liked but didn’t untill he became a king
was Dave Tiger Williams

[Reply]
Michael_C says:

July 22, 2010 at 9:00 pm

My favorite king is by far Drew Doughty.

[Reply]
ezepace says:

July 22, 2010 at 9:02 pm

OMG I forgot Lucky Luc….I had season seasons for many of his years and I introduced my kids at age 3 to hockey. My daughter wanted to marry Luc. At that time she was like 12 and he was like 21

[Reply]
ezepace says:

July 22, 2010 at 9:03 pm

opps season tickets

haha i learned as a Dr you aren not supposed to say ” oops”

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast says:

July 22, 2010 at 9:51 pm

top 10 fav kinghs players
1. luc
2. kopi
3. frolov
4. blake
5. gretzky
6. doughty
7. avery
8. visnovsky
9. norstrom
10. ziggy

[Reply]
TVA333 says:

July 22, 2010 at 9:52 pm

Well if Rich is tied up til the 30th… We should definitely hit over 1000 comments on this thread… Especially since we still have 3 days until the union deadline on Kovi… I don’t know about yall… But I’m just looking forward to VEGAS!!! Viva…. Los KINGS!

[Reply]
Bobby Scribe says:

July 22, 2010 at 10:06 pm

So, we did an analysis of Grossman’s recent interview…reality or comedy?

Click here: http://www.lakingsnews.com/2010/07/22/interview-with-jay-grossman-reality-or-comedy/

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:07 am
@Bobby Scribe,

Great job, I enjoyed it! You are spot on with the commentary.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:57 am
@Bobby Scribe,
Scribe guy…. that was well done. I like the way you dissected his comments. Funny, he probably thought he was being a mini genius with his comments. ‘boy am i smart…. i Love listening to myself talk’. I’m sure he doesn’t go on these blogs but a tiny bit of chagrin if he knew he was shown for what he was really all about.
In fact, IF the MONEY wasn’t such a big deal, why did he have to get more than AO (as imo he isn’t the player AO is), why did he have to get 1mil more than what Atl offered?

Geeez. And they think this isn’t transparent? Think again my friends.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:12 am
@number 6,

Transparent is a good word. Very similar to Richard Pryors line of “who are you going to believ, me or your lying eyes.”

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:08 am
@number 6,

More than that.
No matter what Sweet Lou thinks he accomplished with his bogus presser, the bottom line is that he can’t take money off the table and get Grossman onto his side. That $102 million total is non-negotiable! As a result, Sweet Lou & Co. in NJ are going to have to increase their cap hit…

They ain’t gonna like that in NJ, at all…

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@Bobby Scribe,

Great article. I feel that the content of your site is really getting better and better. Good job.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone says:

July 22, 2010 at 11:13 pm

Since they recently answered the “which came first, the chicken or the egg” question, the only unanswered riddle seems to be has anyone actually seen Rich Hammond and Juraj Mikus in the same place simultaneously?

That being said…….

[Reply]
gr81scores says:

July 22, 2010 at 11:46 pm

After visiting LA because his wife was more interested in the city and then signing with the Devils and then getting the contract nixed, I don’t see how this guy winds up in a Kings uniform. DL, time to move on and look for players that actually want to play in this city and for this team. Good riddance, Mr. It’s-not-about-the-money. Of course not, it never is! Wake me up when Hockeyfest is here. I’m so sick and tired and pissed off for wasting my time thinking that this guy was actually going to come here. At every game when we host the Devils, I will boo the hell out of you every time you’re out on the ice. Then again, you’ll probably be on the injured list by that time. Boo-hoo-hoo. So what da ya think? Am I pissed or what?!!

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:13 am
@gr81scores,

I officially diagnose you with extreme pissedoffitisness. Take two Bombay Sapphires each night after work and tell me if your symptoms clear after 2 weeks. If you do not feel any better after a few days I will write you an additional prescription to see Dr. Johnny Walker who is a pioneer in the field of medicinal beverages. I have found one-three dosage cups in the morning do wonders for coping with Kovi.

[Reply]
smokie says:

July 23, 2010 at 1:24 am

if a kovalchuk falls in the forest will anyone care?

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:13 am
@smokie,

Short answer: NO

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 says:

July 23, 2010 at 1:54 am

Jesus , look at the NJ site, there in a complete panic about this contract.

[Reply]
Kings Fan in Temecula Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:31 am
@Michael_DD8, DO they even have a blog??

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:14 am
@Kings Fan in Temecula,

No, they just have a bog.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:00 am
@Miller29, Ha

wayne Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:36 am
@Michael_DD8,
What exact site are you looking at? There seems to be a few.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:23 pm
http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2010/07/devils_gm_lou_lamoriello_its_i.html#comments

That is where all these NJ fans are going crazy! pretty funny to read what they have to say.

[Reply]
src says:

July 23, 2010 at 2:48 am

#920. When do we reach 1000?

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:14 am
@src,

Hopefully by the end of today!!

[Reply]
sammuch says:

July 23, 2010 at 5:19 am

Hmmmm…. the last time we had a 40 and 50 gls season from a player was in 1994? Thats the last only time we made it to the finals.

I think we only made the playoffs just 4 timws since 1994.

Who says we do not need a goal scorer…hmmmm

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:51 am
@sammuch,

Yes, we need a pure goal scorer. But why would you want a guy that has publicly said he doesn’t want to be here. That’s like your girlfriend/wife cheating on you, getting dumped, then coming back pretending she always wanted to be with you in the first place. I just don’t get it.

[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:13 pm
@AZ King, if my cheating wife/girlfriend scored 40+ goals, could skate between and around defenders at will and play LW…i would take her back, no questions asked.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:25 am
@sammuch, Please check your stats. The Kings missed the playoffs in the 1993-’94 season.

[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:35 am
@sammuch,

How many 40+ goal scorer did Chicago have last season? None. Kane’s 30 is the most. But I admit our current roster has the lack of finishing touch. What we need … quality over quantity.

[Reply]
fourtunato says:

July 23, 2010 at 5:59 am

I’m just posting this so we can get the 1000 mark. I want to see what happens. Will the world end?

[Reply]
Likeice Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:16 am
@fourtunato, here I’ll help you with one more post, but you are responsible with wat ever happens.

[Reply]
oldthunder Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:03 am
@fourtunato, that is for Juraj Mikus to decide…

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:16 am
@fourtunato,

The world won’t end for a couple more years. What we are doing now is keeping it afloat by reaching 1,000.

[Reply]
nykingfan says:

July 23, 2010 at 6:53 am

Favorite Kings:
Andre St.Laurent
Luc
Bernie Nicholls
Kopitar
Simmonds
Doughty

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:01 am
@nykingfan,
god, i vaguely remember andre st. laurent
so… good hot morning again…. just wait till tomorrow!
i didn’t even know why i logged on again today…. what could there possibly be to read that’s new? don’t know if you read bobby scribe’s article above, but if not then you should. it’s well worth the read.

until later my friend……
sorry, what did you say yesterday? stay….. focused? or was it ‘stay thirsty’….. not a good idea on a day like today.
how about….’stay the heck away from all things kovi’!! yes, i like that one.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:04 am
@nykingfan, Yo dude….I wasn’t going to do this but what the hell…..It seems that all the Kings were my favorites….I’ll try to list the ones that stick out in my mind tho…..

After Gretzky, they’re in no particular order, just guys I enjoyed watching play over the years for the Kings….

1 – Gretz (what more can you say???)
2 – Bernie Nicholls
3 – Adam Deadmarsh (reckless abandon)
4 – Felix “The Cat” Potvin
5 – Rogie Vachon
6 – Tony Granato
7 – Tiger Williams
8 – Kelly Hrudey
9 – Luc Robitaille
10 – Eddie Joyal
11 – Bill “Cowboy” Flett
12 – JP Kelly
13 – Drew Doughty
14 – Marcel Dionne
15 – Dave Taylor
16 – Charlie Simmer
17 – Terry Sawchuck
18 – Jari Kurri
19 – Paul Coffey
20 – Rob Blake (until he took da money)
21 – Marty McSorley (except for the illegal stick)

That’s pretty close but I’m sure more will come to mind as the day wears on. Hope all is well with ya dude. Are the Devils sending IK back to the left coast??? Didn’t think so….

[Reply]
A King fan in Mexico, Really Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:18 am
@Moondoggie,

How about Dannny Maloney?
Score and fight well

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
@A King fan in Mexico, Really, Another great King, Maloney could skate and fight….Those were some fun years….

Big Rob in Dallas Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:30 am
@Moondoggie, I became a fanatic when I thought that the line of Gretzky, Sandstrom and Granato would dominate the NHL. If only Tomas wasn’t so brittle.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
@Big Rob in Dallas, That was such a great line to watch! They were really fun.

Jeremy1Esq Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:04 pm
@Moondoggie,

Jimmy Carson has to make that list.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:01 pm
@Jeremy1Esq,

I actually liked Jimmy Carson. Melrose didn’t play him that much in the Stanley Cup Finals. After the McSorley illegal stick incident, we lost the 3rd game, so now we were down 2 games to 1. The 4th game was classic. Anyone remember, we should’ve won it! We came at them and at them, but Patrick Roy was unbelievable. The game went into overtime tied, and the Kings went at them and at them. Tomas Sandstrom got stopped point blank by Roy and Roy winked at him. Then Jimmy Carson hit the pipe directly shooting off a face-off (caught Roy by surprise). If he scored, the series would’ve been tied 2-2. But then in a following sequence, the Kings put pressure in their zone, shot the puck, it went around the boards and down the ice and Montreal picked it up went down and scored…. we lost the game and series. But it was really close to getting it tied. And then who knows?

Puckin-A Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 4:38 am
@Moondoggie, Norstrom????? He was our only light during the darkest of times. I will always hate Blake for not waiving his NTC, and then bailing to the Sharks. What a douche, totally screwed us from getting a good player during the trade deadline. Matt Johnson was fun to watch if you enjoy fighting.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@Puckin-A, I know, I know!!! I really liked every player that ever put on a Kings jersey. Just look at some of these names…shoot even Sawchuck was fun to watch even tho he was past his prime when he was with LA. Matty was such a good captain. He served the Kings well, particularly during some of their lean years. I was hugely disappointed to see him traded but DL picked up a high draft pick if I remember correctly.

I also liked “The Grim Reaper”, Stu Grimson. Man he could throw them! I found this on YouTube; there are some classic fights between Grimson, Probert & McSorley…..It’s a must see!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyqLIg1ARoM
LA67 says:

July 23, 2010 at 7:04 am

Hockey belongs to the Cartoon Network, where a person can be pancaked by an ACME anvil, then expanded – accordion-style – back to full stature, without any lasting side effect.
- Steve Rushin

[Reply]
909kingsfan says:

July 23, 2010 at 7:37 am

Ok seriously i wanted that guy to sign with the kings it didnt happen and now we all know he didnt wanna come here after all . Can we all just start talking about possible trades . I was also wondering what our chances would be to get parise or stamkos next year? i think they are worth overpaying just enough to get them in a LA Kings Jersey.

[Reply]
Harry Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:02 am
@909kingsfan, Stamkos?

It’s like having other teams ask for Doughty.

[Reply]
909kingsfan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:44 pm
@Harry,

i know i just dont wanna hear about this guy anymore we need to make some moves even though DL keeps sayin were still very much in our course of wat?

[Reply]
D B COOPER says:

July 23, 2010 at 7:42 am

has no one mentioned BUTCH GORING?

the most exciting Kings player in my mind.

unbelieveable on breakaways!

[Reply]
John says:

July 23, 2010 at 7:42 am

Lou’s DIRTY:

NEW YORK POST: Mark Everson reports the Devils went ahead with the press conference formally announcing their signing of Ilya Kovalchuk even though they knew the deal would be rejected in order to “seal their position and set in motion the chain of events which will likely lead to arbitration”, which could force the league to accept the deal. It also doesn’t seem likely that circumvention penalties will be levied against Kovalchuk or the Devils.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:19 am
@John,

If I’m the league, I drag this out as long as possible and levy heavy fines against NJ. This is a slap in the face of the NHL and should not be tolerated. The harder they come down the more serious it will be taken.

[Reply]
5holer Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:56 am
@Miller29, @John The league needs to step up and quell the CAP Revolt with a Big Bang! So many earlier contracts smacked of rule bending, stretching and breaking. This one takes the prize for being so blatent, and obviously a nose thumber by Lou! He did it knowingly for all the reasons you mention and more. Lou must be a Control Freak! Any doubts? With D Fehr lurking in chambers, look out for Big Boys War! Lines drawn now. Stoppage coming for certain, if NHLPA fights for this bogus deal. Arbitrator is assigned/selected by whom? Does CBA say NHLPA has selection say? If so, done deal and NHL gets to crawl away and cry like a school kid…but then war is certain. Its way bigger than Kovy, NJ, Kings or any other individual or team. The league is at Stake as we know it! Lawyers are certainly going to do alot of billing here…to all parties! Much crime is on table, but who moves to stop it all? Hey Gary, roll your sleeves up, round 1 bell is about to ring on Monday! I got Gary and Daley on this one! Any Takers?

[Reply]
Slapshot says:

July 23, 2010 at 7:43 am

Ok I am taking a big old kovy on this thread. It has just become to silly without the HAM here to give us meaning and direction. With that being said (HA I know someone in this post hates that one)this post will not break 1000 and it is now closed due to silliness.
Thank You.
Good luck and remember we are all counting on you.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:21 am
@Slapshot,

But remember, the thread will live on forever!! Muhahaha….(or until Rich shuts it down on the 30th—awwwww)

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:50 am
@Slapshot, I just want to see if my computer will explode when it rolls over to 1000

[Reply]
OakParkGeoff says:

July 23, 2010 at 7:46 am

On the way to 1000…..

Favorite King vote has to include Dave Taylor…A King of Kings…played his heart out all the time!!

[Reply]
ShortHanded says:

July 23, 2010 at 8:28 am

How bout we vote on which NHLer has the hottest wife?

[Reply]
dana Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:21 am
@ShortHanded, Charlie Simmer did, he married a Playmate of the Year, cant remember her name, but I am sure one of you out there can help…approaching 1000…woowooo

[Reply]
hockeyfanb4gretzky Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:50 am
@dana, Terri Wells was her name.first crush at the age of like 7 years old.

[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:50 am
@hockeyfanb4gretzky, I remember her. Playmate of the year 1980, Lucky Simmer!
fourtunato says:

July 23, 2010 at 8:31 am

Mike Smrek was to the Lakers as Juraj Mikus will be to the Kings. With Smrek just sitting on the bench, we could not lose. When Juraj is playing even 30 seconds a night, we will not lose.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

July 23, 2010 at 8:49 am

Favourite Kings:

Tommy Sandstrom
Kevin Stevens
Deadmarsh
Luc
Jere Keralahti (crazy F**cker)
Brownie!

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:52 am
@VanKingsFan,

Good picks. I always liked Steve Kasper because it seemed like he never lost a faceoff. And of course, no one could draw a penalty like Granato!

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:35 am
@VanKingsFan, Sandstrom was my favorite player too.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

July 23, 2010 at 8:58 am

Cool write up on Kitsyn, our 6th round pick from this year.

Could be another steal!

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/12264/russian2010_draft_review/

[Reply]
Real 9 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:13 am
@VanKingsFan,
Maxim scores goals…..he promised…
a year in the OHA should really help bring him along to Canadian type hockey….and to learn to speak Canadian…

[Reply]
grega11 says:

July 23, 2010 at 9:01 am

964. now, what did i win?

[Reply]
luckyluc13 says:

July 23, 2010 at 9:03 am

Greatest King of all time…Jack Kent Cooke.He may have not played but he started it all.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:10 am
@luckyluc13, JCK…..Now he was a work. I loved Bob Miller’s book….I’m not sure where you’d put JKC, somewhere in between Steinbrenner & Charlie Finley when it came to pro sports owners…..

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

July 23, 2010 at 9:13 am

Speaking of the Bobby Scribe article on Grossman, the comments that slap Tim Leiweke about ‘strutting’ really seal the deal…

IK ain’t coming our way.

[Reply]
Howe 9 says:

July 23, 2010 at 9:27 am

Anze Kopitar is a good player. He signs autographs at the Toyota sports Center all the time. Drew Doughty loved being a King but he has gotten pretty popular recently. I’m worried he may want to try somewhere else. Jack Johnson may think he is better than he is right now. Handzus may seem quiet but he’s a pretty vocal & sometimes funny guy. Simmonds looks real skinny in person. Quick once said of Green – “He is one tough Motherf*****. Clune says some really funny things- but does he try to be funny? Brownie is the real heart & soul of this team, but please pass the puck on a two on one. Richie is an unassuming young kid who busts his butt on every shift. That’s about that I have to say about that.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:40 am
@Howe 9,

Doughty’s a King for life & his #8 will be on the wall!

[Reply]
Howe 9 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:49 am
@John,
I sure hope so. I remember two years ago when we thought the T.B. Lightning tanked the last few games so they could get Stamkos & we were quite upset that we now had the second overall pick. I guess it worked out best for both franchises, didn’t it?

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:44 am
@Howe 9,

YES it did! The fact that he’s such a happy go lucky kid & grew up a Kings fan bodes well for him playing here for a LONG time

VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:45 am
@Howe 9, One of my best friends grew up with Clunatic and yes, he really is that funny lol.

Doughty loves the Kings, we love Doughty, no reason to think that will change any time soon. Imagine if You made the NHL and the Kings drafted you. 2 or 3 years into it, would you start thinking about leaving? F No!

I would sign Zeus to an extension if we can for 2 more years, love him as our 4th line centre in 2 years, on the PK and in front of the net occasionally on the PP

[Reply]
Sebastian says:

July 23, 2010 at 9:36 am

Only 71 days until Frozen Fury!!!

[Reply]
Daniel says:

July 23, 2010 at 9:47 am

Meanwhile, the current Kings are busting their collective asses in gyms right now.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:50 am
@Daniel, Excellent point Daniel, more focus on actual Kings players, and less on non Kings players!

Kudos to any/all of the boys who get together this off season to bond, work out, train and talk about sweet moves they will pull this season!!

I am really liking the thought of Richie – Zeus – Simmonds line

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:25 am
@VanKingsFan,

That’s a killer stopper line that can actually put the puck in the net! I hope it happens.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@VanKingsFan,

I prefer a line of Frolov-Zeus-Simmonds.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:02 pm
@tuan jim,

Me too

But if we do sign Fro what do we do with Richie? 1st or 2nd line left wing? I’d be willing give him try on either

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:17 am
@Daniel, @VKF,

Both of you are making a good point.
Every time I think of a hockey player, I think of a superbly conditioned athlete who spends most of his life sacrificing pain, sweat and tears to get himself (or, herself, for that matter) in shape.

Their recovery time is always the summer. While we go to the beach or sit on our butts in air-conditioned comfort eating whatever we want whenever we want, these folks are spending at least six of seven days in the gym, healing, conditioning, bulking up. I find myself sympathizing with them…

There are the other sports, of course. Baseball comes to mind. These guys are nowhere near the shape of hockey players. I watched an Angels outfielder last night trot after a ball hit into the gap, uselessly waving at the ball as it flew past him… What a joke! I just can’t enjoy baseball like I used to.

I find myself wanting to get into some sort of shape, just so I don’t embarrass myself so much with my flabby gut next season. I don’t want the boys to be ashamed of me as a fan…

Weird, huh?

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

Bako, that’s cause you were watching an Angels game!! You wanna see some athletic outfielding, watch Matt Kemp do his thing in center for the Dodgers. The guy has the worst reaction time ever but somehow always manages to make the most unbelievably athletic play to get to a ball that looks out of reach.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:14 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

Actually, it’s because I read this…

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/725721?src=rss

Sitting is now officially a disease.
I’ve done enough of it, certainly.
Anxious says:

July 23, 2010 at 9:48 am

79 long days until the start of the season.

[Reply]
luckyluc13 says:

July 23, 2010 at 9:58 am

Got a good laugh from this…..Ilya Kovalchuk easily could play into his 40′s… http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=5403745.They talk about 4 guys who played past 40.All of them were basically done being productive once they got past 40..Don’t get me wrong,I would love to see Kopi and Kovi play together but only for the right price and length of time.

[Reply]
luckyluc13 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:14 am
@luckyluc13,better link.. http://es.pn/adZSvP

[Reply]
#1000 says:

July 23, 2010 at 9:58 am

I hate Kovalchuck, Grossman, and the NJ Devils. And I really would like to see the deal get voided, but it looks as though the letter of the law is not in favor of this. It looks to be a perfect storm of events the the owners were hoping to avoid untill the CBA could be reworked. This is going to be a very interesting legal battle should the greivance be filed. The NHLPA is absolutly right, however the owners can not afford to lose here. Not with Stammer and Dewey looking at contact extensions. If NHLPA wins Dewey gets a 25 year deal at a very managable cap hit, or if they loses we are back in the Kovy running (oh god). Either way this should be good.

[Reply]
DeaderFan says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:19 am

My take on the Kovi situation:
1) I really can’t blame him for taking NJ’s offer. If he retired after 10 years, the difference in salary would have been about 20 million dollars over that time. Not exactly chump change, even by pro athlete standards. Remember he turned down 10 mil/year with Atlanta, so the guy isn’t totally about money. 20 million more to play for NJ over LA would be hard to turn down since NJ is uayually a playoff team.
2) Having made the decision to sign with NJ, how can anyone blame him for the statements he made at the press conferenceEvery athlete says the exact same thing when they sign someplace, so I wish people would stop acting like jilted lovers.
3) I don’t think he intentionally used LA as a bargaining tool for a better deal. He said “in hindsight” NJ was his destination all the time. I feel if we could have come close to matching NJ’s offer we would have probably gotten the deal done. Having said that I think NJ’s offer was way too much. I also think ours was a little low when you look at what Kopitar and Smyth are making.
Just my two cents….
Oh and favorite King?
current: Kopitar
past: Deadmarsh

Go Kings..

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:21 am
@DeaderFan,

I focus on #2…
We are all jilted lovers, in this!

Come on, now!

[Reply]
pv kINGS says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:21 am

This should be the 1000 posting!!! Congrats to all for getting a 1000, we must be hard core Kings fans!
Go KINGS Go!

[Reply]
mrk says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:24 am

Let’s goooo 1000!

[Reply]
Andrew says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:26 am

am I the winner?

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Idaho says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:27 am

The next big news I’d like to read is DD’s life long contract as a KING.

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:28 am

out os question but where would schenn fit in with the first and our 4th lines pretty much set?

[Reply]
The Kinger says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:30 am

Hey here is a another angle, how about bringing back POS at a discount? I think he has figured out he is not all that good, but is a winger.

Just a thought to help us reach 1000!!!

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:46 am
@The Kinger,

I would only support that idea if they forced POS to shave off the ridiculous molester mustache.

[Reply]
Chargersrt8 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:27 am
@Sebastian,

Maybe this is a dumb question, but who’s POS?

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:16 pm
@Chargersrt8,

Patrick. O’. Sullivan.

There is no such thing as a dumb question.

The Kinger Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:52 am
@Sebastian, LMAO!!! Agreed!!

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:23 pm
@The Kinger,

Yeah it’s no pornstache, that’s for sure.
Doc. Mark 1968 says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:32 am

I know many of you are trying to push 1000 so I thought I would contribute today.

No matter what happens this summer, there are two very important dates on the beginning of the schedule that will tell us much about the Kings this season.

The first is the back to back start for the first two games in the Northwest. Beginning the season this way will tell us much right from the get go. It will be tough if they go 0 for 2. Also, I do believe there is some unfinished business from the playoffs that our boys Westgarth and Clune need to address in Vancouver right from game one.

Not long after that we have another back to back against Chicago and Dallas, again on the road.

At this point we will have much to discuss about the 2010-2011 Kings.

[Reply]
ShortHanded says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:33 am

I wouldn’t mind giving POS a 1 year deal for small bucks. We all know he is good in shootouts.

[Reply]
deelo Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:38 am
@ShortHanded,

Kopi, Jack, Kovy.

We don’t need anyone for shoot-outs.

[Reply]
tcontreras says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:34 am

1000??

[Reply]
ShortHanded says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:35 am

1000?????

[Reply]
OakParkGeoff Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:45 am
@ShortHanded, Congrats

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:46 am
@ShortHanded,

Nope

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:57 am
@John,

Actually…

[Reply]
king lopez says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:36 am

Are we there yet??

[Reply]
MacSwede says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:43 am

Lets go to 1000!!!!

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:40 pm
@MacSwede,

Thar she blows!! I see Land ahoy!! We’ll arrive at 1,000, rest, pick up supplies, then sail out for 2,000/

[Reply]
Ose says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:43 am

Okay just to get there.

[Reply]
tron says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:44 am

“Wake me up when September Ends”

[Reply]
wavesinair says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:45 am

In honor of 1000 comments on a single post… here’s to Rich Hammond!

…and here’s the story once again for those who may have missed it…

http://deepinsidethekings.com/2010/07/22/wheres-rich-hammond/

(and thanks for all the kudos! i got a kick putting it together.)

[Reply]
Big Rob in Dallas Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:58 am
@wavesinair, that was really cool.

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:04 am
@wavesinair,

haha, you should be an investigator.

[Reply]
PakiFro Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:08 am
@wavesinair,

Stalker!!

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:29 am
@PakiFro, …it’s just a coincidence i’m driving up to san luis obispo right now… wearing a diaper… (bonus points if you get that last reference)

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:53 pm
@wavesinair,

I’m guessing that’s an astronaut reference! Great job by the way, that was a hilarious and informative read. I especially liked the graphic at the top of Rich meeting his mirror image.

wavesinair Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
@Lanny, Yes indeed. Lisa Nowak. She ended up getting probation for that stunt. I came up with that pic on a whim. I liked it too! Thx.

Moondoggie Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:10 am
@wavesinair, Thx Waves! That was a way too cool article on Rich. It’s great to see him giving up his limited valuable vacation time to give back to our youth; you just can’t get any better than that.

Way to go Rich! Thanx for your contributions to our community and to the Kings. We are all indebted to the service you provide. Great foto too!

I believe you have the perfect forum to use for teaching blogging!

[Reply]
Yerg17 says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:45 am

Favorite player has got to be Bernie Nicholls. Tough player but had a scoring touch. Forget Kovi, He’s gone and we need to work on others things!!!

[Reply]
big bob in NY says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:47 am

Deaderfan, I couldn’t agree with your points more. I think we could have offered $5-10mm and probably would have been able to sign Kovalchuk. It’s a lot harded to walk away from +20% cash difference than +10% to join a team and play in a city that you’d prefer.

Recall that Smyth’s contract ($6.25m), Handzus ($4.0m), Williams ($3.5m), and Stoll ($3.6m) all roll off in the next two seasons.

If signing Kovalchuk would have resulted in us not being able to re-sign one of the players above, I would probably be okay with that trade.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:59 am

That was a great job of Where’s Waldo-ing Rich!

Too late to just show up and bust his chops, eh?
(Jest kidding, Rich!)

[Reply]
dana says:

July 23, 2010 at 11:03 am

have to have extra posts, if rich deletes some of the more offensive posts….

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
@dana,

Good idea, here’s my unoffensive post contribution.

[Reply]
rontheking says:

July 23, 2010 at 11:17 am

…must…leave…post….

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
@rontheking,

Do not leave your post soldier! Winning this war depends on YOU!

[Reply]
dana Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
@rontheking, WWCD…What would Cartman DO?

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@dana,

He would stay the course and keep on yelling, “Go Kings go. Go Kings Go,” until “Turning him over one saw that he could not have suffered long; his face had an expression of calm, as though almost glad the end had come.”

[Reply]
5holer says:

July 23, 2010 at 11:25 am

Those in the know about the NJ Offer understood that NHL would reject it. Lou himself knew it & admitted it publicly. Lou tied up Kovy with 1st rights intact to finish negotiations later with his bogus deal! Brilliantly Criminal, maybe?! Talk about blatent circumvention of CBA/CAP and an overt act of fraud to all other negotiating teams. That’s my call. This could start a war, and perhaps it has with NHLPA V. NHL. We will have to wait until Monday to see the fall out with Lou & Kovy…tic,toc,tic,toc! Grossman/Kovy in sticky spot with NJ..could be collusion there or perception of same? Just asking out loud rhetorically!? A Winky deal to get him tied up and then, ‘we can work out details later’ thing? Hmm? Just musing! I trust no one in this situation. Kings showed a rational ‘bell curved’ offer with test case scenarios applied (Selanne, Yzerman, etc), but NJ collusion may have taken them out of it! If it opens up again by Monday, then DL must put best foot forward and move on him. Take emotions out of it…It is simply business as usual in the high finance zone! What should Kovy have said at Presser? “Its a bogus deal but I’m here anyway until the fall out”? Come on Kings Fans get your heads out of there! Who does not want this sniper? Only Cap space & Money would stop a team, any team! Currently he is what he is, a flaky Top Gun Sniper welcome in any dressing room! He doesn’t win cups alone, but he sure as hell helps alot as long you have right team…and we do! I believe it anyway! Any takers?

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:46 am
@5holer, Interesting prospective I will admit….

[Reply]
stagger Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:23 pm
@5holer,

Why would Lou take a chance at an up to 5 million dollar fine/cap-hit when he already was going to have to shed salary just to sign Kovy in the first place?

[Reply]
oso Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
@5holer,
“Take emotions out of it…It is simply business as usual in the high finance zone! ”

This is all it is. Dealing with people in the business world, I learned this a long time ago.

Take the emotions out of it.

[Reply]
fourtunato says:

July 23, 2010 at 11:29 am

Damn, I wanted to the the 1000th!! I go the head for ONE MINUTE and poof.

[Reply]
Tookie says:

July 23, 2010 at 11:37 am

Soooo boring now. Sick of Kovi, want Dean to do something, maybe just something small. Then we can discuss the crap out of it until something big comes up.

[Reply]
Paul From Oxnard says:

July 23, 2010 at 11:43 am

This will probably get lost in the shuffle, but if anyone missed any of the Kings playoff games vs. Vancouver, or if you just want visual evidence that a Kings team actually made the playoffs (as I need), the NHL Network will replay the entire series next week. Game 1 airs on Monday and the series will play through the week, one game each day with multiple airings. Air times will vary.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:50 am
@Paul From Oxnard,

As much as I’m jonesing for Kings hockey, it’s still too soon for me to experience that pain all over again.

Me <—– PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:31 pm
@Paul From Oxnard, As Carly Simon sang….”I haven’t got time for the pain……”

[Reply]
Paul From Oxnard Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:52 pm
@Moondoggie, Probably the only time in history the Kings will be associated with Carly Simon.

[Reply]
ColoKingFan Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:53 am
@Paul From Oxnard, we can only hope.
Cynic says:

July 23, 2010 at 12:19 pm

I had a strange, but cool experience yesterday.

I had an African-American couple, very nicely dressed, come up to my front door last night and hand me an invitation to a Jehovah Witness event. What’s strange about it is they simply handed me the paper and immediately said ‘So you’re a Kings fan?’. Of course I represented and said ‘Yes, 30 years and counting’.

Glad I did.

Turns out the guy was the Father of Alex Hudson, Forward for the University of Nebraska-Omaha Hockey team. http://omavs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3031&path=mhockey . Apparantely Alex and his family are really good friends with Wayne Simmonds and he visits with them here in Corona regularly (Alex & his family live here in Corona). We had a great conversation about hockey. Turns out they were at the Insider Suite night when Wayne scored in the shootout (Not in the Suite though). They know ALL about this website and read it once in a while.

Now I don’t know if it’ll happen, but this guy said the next time they have Wayne over to their house, they would bring him over to say ‘Hi’. That caught me off guard, but of course I’m just fine with that. I said ‘I’ll try not to react like a crazed fan’. That got a few laughs. Really nice people and big Kings fans. Who knows, maybe I’ll get to host Wayne for dinner.

Check out more about Alex though. He’s 22 and unsigned. Looks like a solid built guy. Not sure how he plays, but he models his game after Wayne so he’s gotta be a tough kid. Luc is very aware of him. I told Alex’s dad that Luc couldn’t stop talking about Wayne Simmonds and his work ethic and that if Wayne puts in a word with Luc, Alex might just get a shot.

Anyway, I guess it pays to have the Kings & LAKingsInsider.com stickers on your truck. GO check this kid out and if you can find any highlights, post ‘em.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:27 pm
@Cynic, Hey Cynic, its been a while but any picks today for random metal tune??

Just a quick social commentary on the above (very cool story btw). But I found it weird that you mentioned at the top that the couple was african-american.

Does it legitimize their story more since they were talking about Wayne Simmonds? If the couple was white would you have mentioned it?

Not having a go at you or anything, just thought it an interesting social thing that I think many of us get caught in.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:41 pm
@VanKingsFan,

Actually, it was more surprising they we’re Jehovah Witnesses.

No, it was just an observation. I actually think it’s cool to mention it. I like the fact that the stereotype of African-Americans not liking hockey is disappearing. Their son has been into hockey since he was 9. It just shows that color has nothing to do with anything really. Infact, in the Q&A I posted, Alex got asked that question about color a few times. He had an awesome answer for a Black kid that asked him a question about getting to the next level in this sport with his skin color:

“Being black has nothing to do with how you perform in hockey.”

Exactly.

And yes….I’ll mention ‘White couple’ if I’m talking about seeing them in Harlem. It’s an observation. Nothing more. See what I’m getting at?

[Reply]
Otto Ped Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:25 pm
@Cynic, So the couple was African American but the kid later in your story was Black…… hmmm

Cynic Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:54 am
@Otto Ped,

Move along. No racism to see here. It was a quote from Alex saying ‘Black’ and he is African American, Black, whatever. Does that make it different because HE said it? LOL!

…..hmmmm

pr0cess Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:28 pm
@Cynic, very cool story, i was almost turned of by the start of the story! Thank god for reading the full story

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I just had it click. UofN-Omaha is Scott Parse’s old stomping ground. Scott should put a good word in for a fellow alum. Read an article saying Alex could end up being one of the best hockey players to ever come out of the Omaha program next to Scott Parse. Sounds promising.

Here’s a Q&A player chat when Alex was with the USHL Tri-City squad: http://www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=673

[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:40 pm
@Cynic,

How do I get an LA Kings insider sticker?

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:45 pm
@fourtunato,

I actually had mine custom made at one of those vinyl sticker kiosks you see at the mall all the time. Cost me about $15. I have the name ‘Cynic’ and ‘LAKingsInsider.com’ below it. I did it just after Rich made the move to the Kings Organ-eye-zation from the Daily News to help promote the site.

I think it would behoove the LA Kings to get some stickers made for Rich & his site for the posters that want to ‘Represent’. If I get lunch with Luc again, I’ll have to mention that.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
@fourtunato,

Count me down for a sticker, hat, shirt etc..too!

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:17 pm
@fourtunato,

Actually, I’d like to see the Kings get behind Rich/LAKingsInsider.com more fully, with more merch and marketing directed towards the blog. There are still a lot of obvious technical improvements that could be made as well that I’m sure Rich would appreciate.

I’d like a Hammond Kings jersey also please (black and white 3rd alternate would be best). But first I need to know what number he wears. Maybe 22 for a double-double reference?

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:09 pm
@Cynic,

Nice story Cynic. That is some small world, huh? AND WHEN THE HELL DID YOU HAVE LUNCH WITH LUC??

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

About 2 months ago: http://www.facebook.com/#!/note.php?note_id=117164481658973

Awesome.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:14 pm
@Cynic,

Great story!

There are hockey players/fans/parents EVERYWHERE!
I’d love to live in your neighborhood…

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

July 23, 2010 at 12:19 pm

Remember the days when we used to talk about hockey, and match ups, and stuff like that.

Instead this is almost a business thread, talking about the CBA, money, contracts, the law, agents, owners, Managers, etc etc

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:27 pm
@VanKingsFan, Word im with you Van!!

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
@pr0cess,

Kinda makes sense though, since there are no match ups, or trades, or anything else to talk about at the moment…

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
@VanKingsFan, Ya its murder… but we can talk about hockey in some form? think the new NHL EA game should be coming soon

Naturallawyer Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
@VanKingsFan, it would be nice if DL gave us something to talk about. Instead, it’s day 23 of DL not improving the team yet.

VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:41 pm
@Naturallawyer, Ever heard the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”?

Patience is a virtue, the team has improved simply by our young guys steadily getting better and better. And there is PLENTY of time before the season starts to tweak the team, and add pieces where needed.

VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:29 pm
@pr0cess, They usually release the new one in September I think.

Funny story, I just had lunch in the sun on the front lawn of EA sports Vancouver head office (although they create the NHL games at their Burnaby office).

I find myself wondering the same thing every year. “It was so good last year, I don’t see how they could possibly improve!”

I would like to see goalie fights!

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@VanKingsFan, Nice and ya it would be cool to see the goalies fight, but i think if they keep working on the lifetime play think for a player that would be cool. Guess will see what they do
Miller29 says:

July 23, 2010 at 12:34 pm

Come on guys, do I hear 2,000 posts?

[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:41 pm
@Miller29,

I’m doing everything I can. I’ve got my office staff on it too.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:01 pm
@fourtunato,

LOL. Thanks, I, and Jimmy Stewart, owe you one.

[Reply]
Dave says:

July 23, 2010 at 12:41 pm

Awesome we’re finally past the 1k count.

On that note let me say that I wish Lombardi never would’ve got that extension. He did just enough to keep his job last season and with this failure he will be as good as gone if the team struggles or doesn’t resign the core.

[Reply]
Bryan Agee Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
@Dave,

It definitely will be a defining year for him!

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@Dave,

3 years was too long. How much is he making now? Can we take his salary and apply it to signing Kovi? Of course, I jest. LOL

[Reply]
brian Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:16 pm
@Dave, i think if the kings stumble out of the blocks he will be gone.extention or not

[Reply]
emiami77 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@Dave, DL has been the GM for just over 4 years. In that time he has turned the team around, drafted very well and stockpiled the farm. I think everyone is suffering from a Kovi-hangover and blaming DL for most of it. I’m sorry, but you can’t build a team in such a short time. We’re like the Blackhawk’s younger brother. Give it some more time. I don’t know about all of you, but I had to endure the mid to late 90′s and early 2000′s of some really crappy teams. Aki Berg, Jaime Storr, Stephane Fiset, Rick friggin’ Knickle…seriously. I am very proud to be a kings fan and I know we’ll do some great things.

IMO.

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:23 pm
@emiami77,

Rick Knickle!!!!!!!!!!!! That was awesome. Best post yet!!!

[Reply]
KingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:26 pm
@emiami77,

Rick Knickle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was awesome. Best post yet!

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:52 pm
@Dave, What are you talking about? Dean put up a legitimate contract and got beat out by an illeagal one. DL is exactly the GM I want running things for my team. The extension should have been completed right after the season to imply as much stability as possible. FA siging for a decade or more want to know exactly what they are getting into. The only things the Devils have on us is stability. If you are honest, then you will admit the Kings prospect over teh next decade are much better than the Devils are.
The extension allows DL and TM to play some younger guys this year which is going to make us great for many years.

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:10 pm
@jet,

Hear hear! lombardi’s da man!

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
@jet, This is the key. I’m sure most GM’s said wtf when they saw the Devils initial contract for Kovi. DL was operating under the spirit of the CBA when he made is final offer and only got beat by an offer that obviously circumvented it.

[Reply]
Chris says:

July 23, 2010 at 12:42 pm

I would re-sign Frolov and maybe go after Stempniak and/or Marc-Andre Bergeron.

[Reply]
Cynic says:

July 23, 2010 at 1:01 pm

BY REQUEST OF VANKINGSFAN:

My metal pic of the day:

VEKTOR – ‘Black Future’

Discovered this band by accident. Sci-Fi Old-School death thrash fror Arizona. Singer actually screams higher than Schmier (From Destruction) and King Diamond (Like I ever thought that was possible), REALLY technical stuff, incredibly good!

Here’s a clip from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsudyBzPGEI&a=4oVf-d_DwKAfgToUiCTo0M-knbyGLW6x

If you don’t have this, get it. Buy it, Torrent it, whatever. TELL EVERYONE! Unbelieveably good from start to finish.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:33 pm
@Cynic, From Radiohead straight into Vektor lol. Little bit of a change.

Wicked intro, and good wake up on a hot friday afternoon stuck in the office! Thanks Bud!

[Reply]
5 4 fighting Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:36 pm
@Cynic,
I’ll check them out, Nice Destruction reference. Been listening to them since ’85. And to keep the integrity of this post up to this site’s requirements, F Kovi!!! (if he doesn’t sign with the Kings) We don’t need him any way. Look how they did last season. Go Kings!

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
@Cynic,

Hey buddy!

Y’all oughta tell what you used to do for a living! Then they’ll know why you can outshout me at a hockey game!

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

LOL! Having 3 kids helps as well. Definitely the old days..

http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=26865

Guy in the middle. Vocals.

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

July 23, 2010 at 1:02 pm

This is for the the Insider’s Legal Line:

It seems as tho Lou knew in advance of the presser that Kovi’s kontack was going to be pulled by the NHL. If that is true …

Are there legal questions BEYOND the NHL vs Devils debate?

It’s starting to sound like Watergate’s “who knew and when”.
Is there a question of entering into a contract in bad faith? If Lou knew, did Grossman? And if Grossman knew, did Kovi? And if any one party acted in bad faith, is the contract not void independent of the CBA?

This could mushroom into a question that the NJ Attorney General might look into. And, if a resident of NJ bought season tickets based on the fact that it appeared as though Kovalchuk was going to play on the team, does he have any legal standing as an injured party?

And what about the Kings? Are they too an injured party on the basis of losing their opportunity to sign Kovalchuk to a contract, and because of that they were forced to move on to a “Plan B” because of a bogus contract?

Legal questions are way above my pay grade, but it seems to me that there could be a whole hurt locker full of bad news for the Devils, Grossman and maybe even Kovalchuk that has nothing to do with the NHL.

Just askin’.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
@IceGuy,

Throw Lou, Grossman, and the NJ owner in jail, never to return to the NHL. Kovi gets automatically signed to the Kings for half the ridiculous contract amount and must score 50 goals. For every goal less than 50, a year of mandatory prison time would be enacted after the expiration of the contract.

On a serious note, you raise some good questions that I, too, would like to know the answers to.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:31 pm
@Miller29,

“Throw Lou, Grossman, and the NJ owner in jail, never to return to the NHL. Kovi gets automatically signed to the Kings for half the ridiculous contract amount and must score 50 goals. For every goal less than 50, a year of mandatory prison time would be enacted after the expiration of the contract.”

Works for me, so long as it’s 50 goals per season and he’s uninjured for the 10-year life of the contract.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:39 pm
@tuan jim,

Yep, 50 per season and uninjured for the 10 years. I’ll add that addendum to the contract.

Andrew Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:52 pm
@Miller29, you guys are greedy. I’d take 40 goals and no injuries

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:41 pm
@Andrew,

At about $5 mil cap hit per season he’d still be getting 100 grand for each goal.

I want him to leap through hoops with a Frisbee in his teeth for that kinda dough.

Duffy Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
@IceGuy,

To answer your questions. Yes!

[Reply]
Jeffey Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:36 pm
@IceGuy,
We should all get reimbursed for our cell phone bills this month

[Reply]
ezepace Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:50 pm
@IceGuy,
Some great great questions !!!!!!
Long the lines of some things I was thinking yesterday but you took it a step further.
I stated Kovi should run from the devils as they used and misled and deceived him ….

[Reply]
king4life says:

July 23, 2010 at 2:00 pm

My fav players are:
Gretzky
Palffy
Kopitar

I have been a Kings fan for 30 years, and I have the jerseys of those three. I have a feeling I’m gonna have to buy a #8 pretty soon (waiting for the contract extention). Lol I’m not as dumb as those Dwvils fans who bought a Kovi jersey lol

[Reply]
tContreras Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:30 pm
@king4life,
I agree with the first 2,…
Kopi just isnt at Ziggy status for me yet.
I will NEVER forget nuumber 33. Flying down the wing…cutting inside,..automatic play…the defender knew it was coming, and still coudlnt stop on a dime like Ziggy,…
Wayne is Wayne,.he belongs on anyones favorites list,.
but Kopi? He just isnt there yet.
Anyone else remember a stud we had in the mid 90′s named Dimitri Khristich?
That dude rocked! He may have been hated by fellow players for having smelly feet on airplanes, or farting or something…but he rocked.
Another favorite would have to be Bernie Nichols and #9′s PumperNichol! That was awesome.
We cant forget Luc, or Kelly Hrudey.
These are guys that are permanently etched in my mind as KINGS.
If Kopi got traded tomorrow for Ovie, i dont cry.
The others guys ,…i cried.
*Special mention*- Jason Alison, Adam Deadmarsh (both short lived) Jimmy Carson, Jarri Kurri and a strange fondness for the Cat Potvin..

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:36 pm
@tContreras, You’ve got some good guys on that list…I’d forgotten about Ziggy; he was great, same for Alison. Those were some good teams…..

[Reply]
gralx Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:59 pm
@tContreras, I remember when I was in college. Go the day of the game and get a “student” ticket for 5 or 10 bucks (cant remember which it was) and sit in the upper level of the forum. Loved to watch Tiger Williams!!!!!

[Reply]
LBlocal says:

July 23, 2010 at 2:19 pm

Tweet – DChesnokov – “Traktor’s (KHL) Director said #LAK prospect (Vyacheslav) Voinov and #FLA prospect Dadonov will return to KHL if either can’t make NHL team this season.” 16 minutes ago via web

Uh.. Trouble brewing??

gKg!

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
@LBlocal, Saw this one coming; Voynov hinted at this last year.

I think he could really make the team this year; but he will have to bust ass at camp and really impress.

Could be a flag to try and trade him as the prospect in any upcoming trade packages.

[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@VanKingsFan,

How big of a problem is this? If he leaves we still hold rights don’t we?

If he goes to the KHL for a year, then comes back can’t he come to next years camp?

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:18 pm
@Tookie, If you ask DL thats not really the point. We own the Manchester Monarchs and the coach Mark Morris is of the same mindset and uses the same scheme as TM. We want to develop the prospects to be Kings.

But to answer your questions. Yes, so long as the prospect age limit (25 I think, not sure) is not exceeded.
And Yes, he would come to our camp next year he only plays 1 yr with the KHL.

VanKingsFan Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
@Tookie, Im not too sure, but I think this year coming up will be the final year of his rookie contract, meaning after this season he will be an RFA.

I don’t think he can leave the team for the KHL this season since he is still under contract. But with those sneaky russians who knows! Alexander Radulov situation anyone…

Cynic Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:21 pm
@LBlocal,

I say put him in part of the trade for Bobby Ryan.

VV would get along great with Lubo Cookie. If he’s disgruntled, I’d rather get value for him somehow than keep him and ruin team chemistry.

He could make the Ducks squad this year. They are shallow on D-. He could hurt a bit to give up, but the return would more than make up for it.

V.V. + Cliche + 3rd rounder = Bobby Ryan.

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:04 pm
@Cynic, BOOK IT! I’m in.

Voinov is signed to a 3 year, standard entry level contract. I’m not sure how he is able to jump to a competing “pro” league.. But, if this is VV posturing.. I say, pull the trigger.

Offer a trade package to the quacks. Voila.. Bobby Ryan 1LW for the next 10Plus years.

=) gKg!

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 7:01 am
@Cynic,

You’d be an excellent GM…. at least in terms of what you’d propose. Unfortunately all the other GM’s would just be laughing at you….. not with you.
Don’t take it too seriously Cynic. It’s not a criticism… but you can’t honestly believe that as a proposition.
Last night here in ny, some guy (a Mets fan) suggested trading Luis Castillo (a rather average and oldish 2nd baseman) for Howie Kendricks suggesting the Angels would like to make that trade. I’m an Angels fan and it helped me to understand some of the trade proposals we get up to here. They function brilliantly inside the universe known as our own psyche.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:21 pm
@LBlocal, Sounds like two spots available unless DL makes a trade. To me it’s down to Hickey, Muzzin and Voinov…My guess, I think he has a pretty good chance as Hickey has been pretty banged up and Muzzin really came on strong for the Monarchs when he was called up and in the playoffs…..

[Reply]
andy says:

July 23, 2010 at 3:28 pm

wow 1,000 comments is that a first?

[Reply]
luc20rules says:

July 23, 2010 at 4:28 pm

I just read an article that had a quotes from a lawyer from the NHLPA. I know what is he supposed to say, but he stated that the league tried and was unable to get term limits on player contracts at the last CBA. Also the precidents set by the Hossa deal will make next to impossible for the arbitrator to make the common sense ruling on behalf of the NHL. I don’t like it, but if this contract holds lets sign DD, JJ, & WS until there 50 frontloaded to get the low cap hit. Of course there is the CBA in 2 years where they could simply decide that the actual year’s salary is the cap hit. NJ can you say 11.5 mil in 2012-13?
If should forget Kovi and sign Bobby Ryan or James Neal, I actually think Neal wouldn’t get matched, but we should do try Bobby Ryan for a 3 yr just to force the Ducks to match first.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Restricted-free-agent-hardball-with-Bobby-Ryan-;_ylt=AgJu6VNwXU1cQHFBlCeAV8d7vLYF?urn=nhl-257648

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
@luc20rules, I’ve gotta admit, I love the idea of submitting a proposal to Bobby Ryan, I love it! But, then DL runs the risk of being raided himself….not worth it to me.

[Reply]
theloguer Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Yes……. Let’s forget about Kovi and make a serious move on Bobby Ryan, it would be a easy transition for him living in Socal already and we have enough cap space to get him the deal he wants (even if it is only for 3 years)… I hate the ducks with a passion and this would be a perfect stab in the gut to those chumps.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 4:54 am
@theloguer,

That’s SUCH a great idea!! Let’s go get Bobby Ryan. Now. I can’t wait. It’s gonna be so cool to when the Ducks make an offer sheet on Drew Doughty and we can’t match it. But at least it will make for some fantastic threads on this blog and some great reading for sure.

[Reply]
Gislaw Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:49 pm
I’m definitely on the Ryan boat. That kid can play, and he has all the tools to be a great power forward. He apparently turned down $25M for five years, which I think is a lowball offer for him. There was an article a while ago that suggested that he and DD are close friends now??? Doesn’t resonate well with me…friends with a Quack?…but either way, he is a great player, and any time we can give our southern neighbors a rough go I’m all for it. I doubt they would trade him to us though…perhaps an under the radar three way deal?

[Reply]
ColoKingFan Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:58 am
@luc20rules,

id love to see bobby ryan play for the Kings but an offer sheet is a terrible idea. the chances of it being successful aren’t good enough to outweigh the potential for the waterfowl trying to poach DD, JJ, and Simmonds in the very near future… not that they would sign any of them, but it could drive up the price big time.

[Reply]
Cristobal says:

July 23, 2010 at 5:29 pm

Rich.

The mobile version desperately needs a “skip to the bottom of page” button.

I nearly broke my arm scrolling down for 5 minutes.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:18 pm
@Cristobal,

LOL!

Actually, my thumb thinks it just got left behind inside a bowling ball…

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:49 pm
@Cristobal,

If you have a Blackberry, wait for the page to load then hit the “B” key and that will take you to the bottom. I’m sure your doctor/surgeon will hate me for telling you that, but we can’t afford to lose man-help on our quest for 2,000 posts!

[Reply]
RJB says:

July 23, 2010 at 6:32 pm

Oooh Noooo DL will now have to go after a top 2 Dman for Manchester…And we all know how well DL negotiates and fills the holes needed…Good luck Monarchs.I am sure AEG and DL will offer big bucks to all the top young college prospect kids to come to the North East and play for the affiliated Kings program only to lose out to teams like Hershey and or Toledo..just missed again….

[Reply]
John says:

July 23, 2010 at 7:06 pm

There went any hopes of acquiring Bieksa:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=328288

[Reply]
gene says:

July 23, 2010 at 7:41 pm

Rich Rich please put your beer down and write something new on the blog. It takes half a day to scroll down and write something new. You are the man.

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:13 pm
@gene,
ha ha pretty brutal scrolling on the phone all the way down
too

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:18 pm
@gene,

I don’t think they have beer at the nation’s most prestigious journalism summer program, where Rich is currently acting as instructor.

Well, actually I hope they have beer for Rich’s sake.

[Reply]
Doug D says:

July 23, 2010 at 9:52 pm

A few beers deep and the scroll down seems like a party!!!!

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast says:

July 23, 2010 at 10:20 pm

just a thought but who on our team would wear the playoff beard?

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused says:

July 23, 2010 at 11:45 pm

Sooooo is there any other new that we should talk about? Kovi news is old and I hope NJ has to rework the contract so it’s a higher cap hit. I would like us to do something to improve our tem. Any ideas?

[Reply]
Newf Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 1:11 am
@Dazed N Confused, I’d say trade Mikus for God…but that’s a trick question/situation pretty much.

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 2:24 am
@Dazed N Confused,
Trade every1 not named Kopitar, Smyth, Brown, Doughty, Johnson. Get team to salary minimun. Bring in Shamu to play goal

[Reply]
RoyalPain Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:34 am
@We B Ilya’n,

Yeah, why doesn’t a team just get a 650 lb dude, put him in net and tell him not to move?

[Reply]
ColoKingFan Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:44 am
@RoyalPain, “Operation: Dumbo Save” starring Don Knotts as Dean Lombardi.
KB says:

July 24, 2010 at 12:25 am

Should we care that the NHLPA hasn’t said anything yet?

Maybe they are getting all their ducks in a row before, using the weekend before they try to get this contract through.

Are they sure they want to set this precedent the year before the CBA is renegotiated? It might not be a good idea to set this as the standard. Maybe they lose this battle to win the war.

I’m not saying we even attempt to sign him. He went after the payday. We want someone who will work for the cup not someone who will cruise with a huge contract based on his previous (and younger) work. I’m now in a place that wants to see him get his comeuppance.

No word from the NHLPA? Makes for an interesting Monday.

[Reply]
SebaS says:

July 24, 2010 at 3:04 am

Mikus to Spartak Moscow
http://sportacentrs.com/hokejs/khl/24072010-amur_atlaiz_mosu_spartak_vienojas_ar_miku

[Reply]
Bingram Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 7:34 am
@SebaS, I guess that says it all! What did it say?

Go Kings go!

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 10:01 am
@SebaS,

HALF-TRUTHS!!!

This is from the KHL junior draft in 2009, Juraj was taken #60 overall because Russians know NOTHING about greatness these days.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/26531-Mikhail-Pashnin-taken-first-overall-in-first-KHL-junior-entry-draft.html

Now if your article is current, post a better link because it gave me a bad gateway message and I couldn’t get through. If he is going to the team, maybe the Kings will keep him signed. It would be in our best interest to do so. DL should give Mikus a lifetime contract, simply for the karma boost.

Repost your link or forever hold your tongue!

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:09 am
@Cynic, Sorry Cynic…

http://deepinsidethekings.com/2010/07/24/mikus-goodbye-to-a-legend/

Or am I?

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n says:

July 24, 2010 at 4:55 am

Favorite Kings of all-time? Assuming that all-time is until the end of the world or the end of the Kings’ Organization (Which ever comes first)…..

#12 Dave Taylor
A rare blend of skill, tenacity, and leadership. Played his heart out every game. Would’ve cracked the top 10 if not for the fact that he may be one of the Kings’ worst GMs of all-time.

#11 Mattias Norstrom
Best Kings’ defensive dman of all-time. Lead by example.

#10 Wayne Gretzky
Maybe not the greatest character ala Bruce McNall, but he did lead us to our first Stanley Cup Finals. Scored a couple of points along the way, too.

#9 Kelly Hrudey
Not the best goalie of all-time, but nothing stopped him from trying to be. Remember the purple underwear that he’d wear as a headband? Never had so much funny watching a goalie play.

#8 Bernie Nicholls
If not for the Pumpernicholl alone, how about a 70 goal season? Incredible!

#7 Anze Kopitar
Top assists leader and captain of the Kings’ Triple Krown Line, aka Triple K Line (see below), of seasons 2012-13 thru 2014-15. Art Ross Trophy winner 2013.

#6 Dustin Brown
Captain of the Kings’ dynasty of the 2010s. Leads the league in hits 10 years straight.

#5 Brandon Kozun
“The evil dwarf-king.” and member of the “Triple K Line.” Leads the team in points 3 seasons straight. Art Ross Trophy winner 2014.

#4 Drew Doughty
Norris Trophy Winner 2010-11 season thru 2019-20.

#3 Juraj Mikus
In May of 2012, returns to Hollywood and marries actress Mila Kunis. Instead of taking the name Mila Kunis-Mikus she just assumes the identity of Mikus Mikus. At the wedding, Juraj’s best man is himself. They go on to have 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, all named Juraj. Mikus is regarded by most as being one of the top 5 Kings of all-time, despite never playing a single shift. (Couldn’t Resist!!!)

#2 Ilya Kovulchuk
After the debacle of 2010 free-agency, IK confesses to Kings’ management that he is, in fact, part robot and that he was literally programmed to say those things he said at the Devils’ presser. He is thereafter rewired and signs as an L A King. The third member of the “Triple K Line,” he goes on to score 10 consecutive 50 goal seasons, retiring at the age of 45. Winner of the Art Ross Trophy 2015-2020, he becomes the second highest scoring LW of all-time, only 1 point behind…..

#1 Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuccccccccccccccccccccc!!!!!!!!!!!
Best Left Wing of all-time. ‘Nough said.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 6:55 am
@We B Ilya’n,

I must confess though that this one was very creative.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
@number 6, You know, that was pretty good. I love the Triple K line and the legend of Juraj Mikus too. My only thought on that, Mikus would have to be the number one Kings player and line as well since we all know he plays all the positions himself at once, including goalie. And, since he’s always on the ice (Juraj doesn’t need shift changes), it looks like we have 19 open spots on the team and no cap problem whatsoever. Signing Kovi all of a sudden isn’t a problem at all except that he’ll never get any ice time with Mikus on the team…..

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
@Moondoggie,

Mooondawwgay… I think you meant to give the kudos to We B Ilya’n instead of me. But I like your bit there anyway. Really good. Between you and We B Ilya’n s threads … Now we’re getting somewhere.

number 6 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
@We B Ilya’n,

One change relative to your very astute, astrological and asymetric little scenario here. I think DT might have not only been in the top 10, but he could’ve even been as high as four or five had he not, as you pointed out, been such a poor GM. Some of the moves he made just beggared belief.
The only ‘good’ one was getting Aaron Miller and Adam Deadmarsh for Blake. Pity. I could be entirely wrong, but I have to believe that Pierre Lacroix realized he was trading a guy to LA that had a proclivity for injury based on A) his injury history and B) the way he played the game

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 1:23 am
@number 6, That was the only good trade? SORRY,WRONG ANSWER ! He also traded Jo Stumpel and Glen Murray for Jason Allison..AWESOME TRADE. Also traded away minor leaguers for Ziggy Palffy..another awesome trade ! Taylors biggest flaw was he didnt draft well when it came to defensemen and Goalies. When DL came here he had to rebuild the whole back end of our team..slowly but surely it is coming along.

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
@We B Ilya’n,
ha ha ha ha.
Mikus Mikus!!!!

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 24, 2010 at 4:55 am

I agree that Rich needs to change the thread now as people are just writing anything just to write.

[Reply]
Miller29 says:

July 24, 2010 at 8:04 am

Rich,

the thread is doing fine, continue with the journalism class, we’ve got it covered. We’ll call you to fix it if the thread implodes at 2,000 posts, which means you have at least a few more days.

Oh yeah, Mikus for President!

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
@Miller29,
Mikus for President would be plan B. We already got Luc!

[Reply]
gralx says:

July 24, 2010 at 8:37 am

So, are we now seeing that messing around with Kovi for 3 weeks has caused us to not only miss out on the best free agents (yes, weak year for it), and we have missed out on Chicago and Philly giving away players, and all of the GMs are on vacation so not a trade in sight? (like my really long sentence?)

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:03 am
@gralx,

Pretty much sums it all up. But if we get Kariya and Selanne, we should be alright.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:58 am
@Miller29, Agreed and good pick-ups too if they’d like to play in LA again…..

[Reply]
Dorian Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:59 am
@gralx,

for the umpteenth time….we didn’t miss out on any other UFA’s. GM’s are capable of putting multiple offers out there. It’s not like we were solely focusing on Kovy. We made an offer to Paul Martin, Volchenkov, Hamhuis….they chose to go elsewhere for less money than we offered.

[Reply]
KingsFan78 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
@gralx,

What other free agents have the Kings missed out on? Hamhuis? He wanted to go home. Martin? He picked the Penguins, for $5 mil a year. Other than Kovalchuk, who have they missed out on up front?

Chicago gave players away, sure, but they all went east(except for a 4th line center). And Gagne didn’t sound like he wanted to come to the west coast. I’m sure the Kings could have gotten Gagne for half the price, just for the Flyers to get him out of the conference, but Gagne chose Tampa.

[Reply]
Simmer on the Cover says:

July 24, 2010 at 8:51 am

On a nonrelated note, I just finished this weeks edition of the Hockey News which Wayne Simmonds was on the cover of. The article was about how his family was poverty strickin and how they could barley afford to buy Wayne a hockey stick. Its amazing that he is playing in the NHL now supporting his whole family. Congrats Simmer!

P.S – Resing him Dean!

[Reply]
John says:

July 24, 2010 at 10:35 am

Would it be a disaster if we went to Frozen Fury something like:

Smyth-Kopitar-Williams
Richardson-Stoll-Brown
Lewis-Handzus-Simmonds
Clune-Schenn-Cliche
Westgarth

Doughty-Scuderi
Johnson-Greene
Hickey-Drewiske
Harrold

Quick-Bernier

And then retooled. That’s the point when GMs will be waiving & moving players for cheap.

Patience?

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:04 am
@John,I think this is the first time I’ve seen a line up that matches my own line up ideas.

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:06 am
@John,

Nope, but insert Parse as LW2 and Richy as LW3.
Also assuming Westy gets RW4 handed to him on a silver plater. Clune has to beat out Clifford.

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:10 am
@src,

I watched every playoff game for the Monarchs. Lewis does not impress me. Doesnt seem to be the sniper type. Plays however a responsible 2 way game. Gets knocked off the puck fairly easily and loses alot of battles in the corners. Dont see the toughness required. Has speed, and some skills, but………..Nothing shiney. At this point based on playoff performances, Cliche has the upper hand and Moller cannot be forgotten.

Feel free to disagree anyone.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:36 am
@src,

Yeah, good call – I don’t know why, I always forget Parse when drawing up lines. And that’s a diservice because he had a SOLID rookie campaign. You’re right src, he has what it takes.

I trust your analysis of Lewis. I wasn’t sure of his progression. Would he be good on 4th line duties?

I guess Clifford is the wild card. All depends on him & what kind of summer he has.

Dominick Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:08 am
@John, I don’t think TM will put 2 rookies on the 3rd pairing tho.Probably switch Greene and Whiskey.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:39 am
@Dominick,

Nice, I like your D pairings better!

You’re definitely right about TM & so many rookies. So we’d most likely have to sign a bridge player for the lower lines. Maybe Fernando Pisani?

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
@John,

I am not the expert on who can play where. I remember reading that Schenn either plays with the Kings or Plays Junior. Dont think he is old enough for Manchester? Hence dont see him being wasted in junior again.

Loki has major skills, but needs to grow as does Moller. Hence manchester for these 2. Cliche is ready, has FOs, a little grit and great 2 way player, can play center or wing. I personally see Cliche getting the nod over Lewis.

Kings 4th line:
Clune/Clifford-Schenn-Cliche/westy

IMHO

PS-lets not forget about the Swede that was signed. Apparently good, and projects to make the team, unless Hickey finally shows something. Hickey came off an injury with a long layoff and joined at the end of playoffs. Performed well. NHL ready????

Moondoggie Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:56 am
@Dominick, You’ve gotta consider Muzzin too. We have three, possibly four rookies that could conceivably make the team, Muzzin, Clifford, Hickey & Schenn…oh yes, don’t forget Voinov & Lotki, then there’s Oscar still hanging around and Bernier is a shoo-in too. This has to be one of the most interesting camps the Kings have had in years!

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
@Moondoggie, I think it’s interesting with players playing the top 6,Moller and Lewis especially.Their going to be playing for contracts in the upcoming season,so my thinking is they’ll be used alot,and assessed quickly.

Hate to waist Schenn on 4rth line duties,so I think he’ll be given a fair look before making a discision for the season gets really going(9 games I think).

Parse and Richardson will be moved around,with Parse playing a depth role.

John Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
@Moondoggie,

If the roster stays as is, the most competitive training camp in Kings history!

John Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
@Dominick,

4th line center might be a good way to ease Schenn into the NHL; being that ideally TM would like to roll 4 lines. He may even get spot PP & PK time, I don’t know. With the team we have now, it could be really good for him to practice & hang around the boys.

Can he go back to juniors? Can he go to Manchester?

Moller-Schenn-Cliche could be a good line for the Monarchs. src??

src Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:46 am
@John,

Unless a different Lewis shows up, I dont see him beating out Cliche or Moller. However DL may not want to waste Moller with 4th line duties and keep him in Manch. until there is an injury or something. Cliche shows more grit, back checking and apparently was one of the locker romm leader in Manch. Projects as bottom 6 forward.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
@src, Lewis might be a stretch for the season,but we’ll probably see him alot in the exhibition games.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
@John,

Geez John. The stark reality beckons. I have to confess that that is not a top 9 that is going to strike fear into opposing defenses and goalies.
I have no problem w the fact that DL has concentrated on goal and D, but that being given…. well, the only real ‘d’ who has cracked the lineup so far is DD, so yeah, that is a bit of a concern.
Some Wonderful role players for sure….Simmer in particular. But I just haven’t seen enough from JW in his time with the Kings to feel good about him as a First line right winger. Unless he pulls a ‘zeus’ and makes a tremendous turnaround from first year injury recoup, I have to believe there will still be the same problems. Acceptable PP… 5on5 problems.
Let’s hope it’s not that.

[Reply]
Kings Fan in Temecula Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
@number 6, we should totally re-sign modin, i liked him

[Reply]
wavesinair says:

July 24, 2010 at 11:12 am

Say goodbye to Juraj Mikus everybody…???

http://deepinsidethekings.com/2010/07/24/mikus-goodbye-to-a-legend/

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:27 am
@wavesinair,
Yeah, his energy was too strong from the Kings being in USA so he goes to land of Kovalchuk to send Kings strong energy from more farther away

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
@wavesinair,

See ya later Miniscus, it seems like I never even knee ya at all! Hello Kovi! Come to Pappa Deano!!

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
@wavesinair,

Total Blasphemy!

I want Confirmation from Hammond STAT! Unless he reports it, I call BS!

This has to be about the Anti-Mikus! The REAL Juraj Mikus would NEVER subject himself to the lowly standards in the KHL unless someone there pissed him off. If that is the case, I expect the KHL to end with heavy bloodshed when his contract does…in 2 years!

No matter what happens though, I GURANTEEE that the Legend of Juraj Mikus will live on here….

F_O_R_E_V_E_R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
@wavesinair,

Russia has now returned to Super-Power status!

[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester says:

July 24, 2010 at 12:53 pm

from an oldtimer’s list…

top-15 skaters…
marcel dionne
luc Robitaille
jim fox
charlie simmer
bernie nicholls
anze kopitar
ziggy palffy
tony granato
jay wells
mike krushelnyski
rob blake
mike donnelly
jari kurri
eric lacroix
jozef stumpel

and…
top-5 goalies
kelly hrudey
mario lessard
gary laskoski
felix potvin
jonathan quick

[Reply]
ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
@miracle.on.manchester,

Not to knock you or anything, but how can you not have The Great One on your list? Just curious, as I feel than any top-list of Kings should have him in there somewhere.

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
@ArmChairKingsFan, which one? gretzky or mikus?

[Reply]
ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@the dude from the southeast,

A day late here, but The Great One will always be Gretz… but the Almighty One is Mikus

mircle.on.manchester Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
@ArmChairKingsFan, Gretzky was just not a favorite of mine going back to the hatred of the Oilers although the exception was Jari Kurri. Can’t say why except maybe as a kid, I hated the Kings losing to the Oilers and relished every moment the Kings beat them (which was not many except…)

And i celebrated as if it was a playoff win when the Kings stopped Gretzky’s 51-point scoring streak in 1984. I enjoyed him being a King but it was team first and I accepted him as a King and not The Great One. But i do not regret any of his accomplishments nor contributions he made to the team, and hockey in general.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
@miracle.on.manchester,

I’m an old-timer myself.

How can you exclude Rogie Vachon from your list of goalies?

And from the list of skaters you keep out Dave Taylor?

There IS a reason their jersey numbers are retired.

[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
@tuan jim, I started watching the Kings during the ’79-80 season and Rogie was already gone and replaced by this new kid Lessard who would go on to be named to the ’81 All-Star team when the game was at the Forum.

As for Taylor, I loved him as being a part of the Triple Crown Line but that was only by association with Dionne + Simmer. Taylor is probably in my top 20 if i were to extend the list. As it was, I had a hard time narrowing it down that i expanded the list from 10 to 15 for posting purposes.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 6:29 am
@miracle.on.manchester,

I was at that 1981 all-star game. Dave Taylor was also among the stars.

He was terrific BEFORE and AFTER the existence of the Triple Crown Line.

Lessard was charming, and he had some great games for the Kings. But I saw Rogie up close, and I’m telling you what any other guy would tell you — Lessard is to Rogie what near-beer is to beer.

In fact, when a friend of mine said he thought Ken Dryden was the best goalie he ever saw, Dave Taylor took the words out of my mouth when he smiled back at him and muttered, “Rogie.”

His greatness was known and respected throughout the league.

Dominick Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
@miracle.on.manchester, I’m not trying to knock you either,but how does Eric Lacroix make your list and not Thomas Sandstrom,or Mattias Norstrom?

I like the others you listed,but there was so many others.

[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
@Dominick, Eric Lacroix played with such reckless abandonment and grit that I loved and envisioned myself playing if I were to ever play the game professionally.

As for Tomas Sandstrom, I was giddy as anyone when we got him from NYR and he could possibly be in my top-20 or 25 but I had to make a list that was close to my heart in terms of favorites, i.e. those I rooted for to score or make plays that affected the game.

That is not a knock on any of player to wear the purple and gold; black and white; purple, black and white; or black, silver and white.

And as you said yourself – there are just soooo many!

[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
@Dominick, P.S. I just realized I left off Alexander Frolov who would definitely be in the top-10 over Krushelnyski and push Donnelly out of the top-15.

Btw, my 7-year son loves Frolov and I have not broken the news to him yet that he may not be back, that I am holding off on that announcement until Rich says it is official. Sigh.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:26 am
@miracle.on.manchester,
I hear ya.There are probably a couple on my top 15 who some would probably leave off.For instance,I would have Deadmarsh instead of Stumpel.Stumpy to me would be after Fro who would be in my top 20.

I met Eric once at a Mall.He was doing an autograph signing.Seemed like a good guy,and my girlfriend thought he was cute.lol

Good luck breaking the news to your son.My daughter thought Lubo retired,till he showed up on her Ducks.
patric says:

July 24, 2010 at 1:46 pm

Danny Maloney? eh!

[Reply]
Rene says:

July 24, 2010 at 2:36 pm

Sign James Neal to an offer sheet and he could be the 40 goal scorer to play with Kopitar.

I still would have preferred Kovy! It’s a shame that Lou pulled that b.s.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
@Rene,

No it’s not. Imagine if we had ‘won’ the Kovi derby. Kings sign Kovi to ground breaking new contract!!!! 15 YEARS…. 130 MILLION DOLLARS!! He is rumored to want to be the first player in nhl history to say that a team of 12 players would be more than sufficient to compete for the Stanley Cup.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
@Rene, Neal would cost a lot less than Ryan,or Kovi.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
@Rene, I’m sure DL is trying to stay away from offer sheets,with a number of guys heading into RFA next summer.Especially in the minors,13 players total,5 with the big club.DL will sign alot of them before the seasons up,but why make enemies now.I think that’s why were not gunning for Bobby Ryan.

[Reply]
Bingram Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
@Dominick, No offer sheets to any RFA (except SJ and Chicago matched the offer)in the league. Doesn’t that seem like the GMs are colluding to circumvent the CBA? Just a thought.

Go Kings go!

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:12 am
@Bingram, I think your right.Maybe a bigger conspiracy there.
Drewbagel says:

July 24, 2010 at 3:56 pm

I might sound dumb, but why does Juraj Mikus have such a huge following? Sorry i just never caught it.

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n says:

July 24, 2010 at 3:57 pm

Here’s a scenario I think we should explore…

We blow off the whole Kovy thang and resign Frolov (Maybe compromising to an annual salary of say $4.2-$4.5 mil).

Problem with Fro is that he needs to be a top 6 forward (and should be) but for whatever reason doesn’t seem to pair well with Kopi or Stoll.

So what if Handzus becomes our 2nd line center? Both he and Fro each score 20 goals last year in a 3rd line defensive roll???

New lines look something like this:
Smyth, Kopitar, Williams
Frolov, Handzus, Brown
Richardson, Stoll, Simmonds
Clune/Parse, Schenn, Westgarth

With Schenn and Bernier now in the line-up, plus healthy (knock on wood) Williams and Smyth, I think this is a better team than the one that got 101 points last year. Let Fro, Zus, and Brownie open it up a little bit and each of them can be a 25-30 goal scorer.

Plus, I love Stoll now as our 3rd line center.

We trade a prospect(not Hickey)+pick for a top 4 dman and this team is solid.

We also have plenty of cap space for our upcoming RFA signings.

[Reply]
flex Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
@We B Ilya’n, Much the same ,but no better,than last year.Westgarth? is no good.Drago was much better. Maybe Clifford?…Why trade hickey. We should try him on NHL level,before talkng a trade.
..Simmi on 3d line ?..Not fair !. Problem is Brown.we are stcked with this C ,who is an average player,but if Fro come back, he must be with brown,very good chemistry.I would trade Green,hard working but not talented….No matter what ,we are stiil short…We need a sniper and experianced D.We can try Hickey, Voinov,muzzin ..but need exprianced one.. someone better than Green .

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 24, 2010 at 4:00 pm

I think someone else already commented that there is no way on earth that Schenn stays with the team as a fourth line player. He either stays and plays minimum 3rd line, probably 2nd line or he goes back to juniors if still eligible or to AHL.

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
@number 6,
DL has already stated that Schenn is ineligible for the AHL this coming season and that putting him back in Juniors is a waste. He also said that Schenn knows the only way he might crack our team this year is on the 4th line.

DL also stated that Schenn’s contract is conducive to this because on the 4th line he won’t hit his incentives so that cap hit is really only base salary of $900,000 instead of $3mil+ (to summarize).

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
@We B Ilya’n,
do you know why he’s ineligible for the AHL?
thats a dilemma if he cant crack the roster what would they do with him?
thx

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
@kingfish,
I believe it’s just because the AHL has an age minimum. Schenn’s too young.
Buster says:

July 24, 2010 at 4:06 pm

At times I thought that the Kovy sweepstakes was akin to a Bugs Bunny/Daffy Duck/Elmer Fudd cartoon with this scenario:

Bugs: DL
Daffy: Lou
Elmer: Kovy/Grossman

DL: Do you want to sign him now or wait till he goes home?
Lou: SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW!
DL: He doesn’t have to sign with you know.
Lou: I say I DO have to sign him now. I’LL SIGN HIM NOW.
(sticks out tongue at DL)
G/Kovy: *BLAM*
(Now Bettman acting as a game warden steps in and states the shot was done illegally.)
Lou (staring at DL for a few seconds): You’re despicable.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@Buster, You forgot

Yosemite Sam:Kings fans

Kings fans(walking the other way and mumbeling):Damn igit galute.

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
@Buster,
Bettman (Porky Pig) to Devils after slamming them with a $5mil fine/cap hit for their indiscretions: THATHA THATHA THATHA THAT’S ALL FOLKS!!!

[Reply]
chuckrocks says:

July 24, 2010 at 4:48 pm

I just taked to Rich, he said he hasnt posted anything lately because Juraj Mikus has ordered him and 100 other writers to write about the life and hockey career of The Mikus. It will be called “The Bible Of and According To Juraj Mikus”

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
@chuckrocks,
Will it be written in Russian? OUCH!

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
@We B Ilya’n, Please do not mock The Mikus. One of his first new 10 commandments is DO NOT MOCK THE MIKUS FOR HE WILL BRING HIS WRATH DOWN UPON THEE.

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
@chuckrocks,
Please forgive me for my sins. I will say 1000 Hail Mikuses.

Miller29 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
@chuckrocks,

Hot Off The Press: The Mikus Has Flown The Coop!!

Mikus has defected to the former Soviet Union and is preparing the 2nd Cold War. His plan is to gulp down as many Tastee Freeze beverages, take in a deep breathe, then blow out all the cold air as hard as he can. He is willing to sacrifice getting a head freeze to cover the world in a blanket of ice so he has more room to skate than any North American rink can give him. All this was confirmed in confidence by two top sources via their Twitter pages.

In Other news, Matt Berry will be casting Jay Grossman as Medussa in the continuing saga of Clash of The Titans. When asked why, Berry replied, “Jay brings to the table a natural and uncanny resemblance to the Medusa figure which will help save costs on makeup and special effects.” More on this as new information comes our way.

[Reply]
chuck Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
@Miller29,

Can someone will fill me in on how the Juraj Mikus talk happened?

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:40 am
@Miller29,
Mikus covering the world with ice has another porpous,to shut Al Gore up,because Juraj Mikus doesn’t want global warming to prolong a dead mans political career.

I also heard Grossman is the new version of Sky-net in the new terminator movie.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 7:16 am
@Dominick,

HaHa! I think all this publicity was just a ploy for Grossman to make it big in Hollyweird.
w8ingame says:

July 24, 2010 at 5:53 pm

I was just on the Devil’s blog Fire and Ice(yeah I know, don’t shoot me)and everyone ont that site is puffing up their chests writing letters to Daly trying to make themselves look as they know more about the CBA than the NHL. Well anyway, one guy wrote a letter(actually they wrote a lot of letters), and alot of them got a response from Daly asking him to explain to him EXACTLY what the Devils did to warrant the voiding of the Kovi contract. He also went on saying that he’s read the CBA and doesn’t believe the NHL has a leg to stand on and that the league is just out to get the Devils because the Bettman doesn’t like the Devil’s…talk about paranoid, whatever. So here is one of Daly’s responses.

From Bill Daly:

I understand frustration and I understand being a fan. It makes it difficult to understand different points of view. The media doesn’t know anything more about the CBA than the average fan does, so I wouldn’t put much stock in what they have to say. If I did, I never would have challenged Alexei Yashin’s right to become a free agent by sitting out a year in Ottawa, because I had no chance to win that case either. The bottom line, is I know Article 26 of the CBA, I know what it says, I know what it means, I know what its bargaining history is, I know what it was intended to cover. I think its safe to say no one in the media (and no Devils fan) can say the same thing. And while I know you don’t like other contracts out there that seem to be accomplishing cap avoidance (I don’t either), there is nothing out there that looks like this—NOTHING. Finally, while I’m not really at liberty to go into it in any greater detail, neither the media nor the public have any knowledge about what is actually being done with the other “similar” contracts that are out there (which I should point out are only “similar” in effect, not in extent).

And most for the fans comments about that were that Daly still dosn’t know what he’s talking about.

Another point that was brought up on their blog was since Dean mentioned that he would still be interested in Kovi if the situation presented itself….well they feel that because Dean made those comments, that would be considered tampering due to the fact that he is still under a contract (a voided contract) with the Devils.

Could that be the case?

[Reply]
Pumpernicholl Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
@w8ingame, It’s ridiculous for Devils fans to call Lombardi’s comments “tampering.” If the contract is ruled acceptable by an arbitrator, Lombardi’s comments are moot. If the contract is ruled unacceptable by an arbitrator, then Kovalchuk is a free agent. Charging “tampering” is a stretch, to say the least.

[Reply]
Miller29 says:

July 24, 2010 at 6:20 pm

Well, I just sent a letter of support to the league to counter the ridiculous one the NJ fans are submitting.

[Reply]
johnny says:

July 24, 2010 at 6:39 pm

The Kings just held their, Ice crew additions, hope DL is not involved in it,they will never be signed. So far He has not sign any UFA who can help the team, he failed to see Kovi just using the Kings to jack up his price, he did let Gagne get away, they still have Marc-Andre Bergeron and God knows the Kings need help on the PP. This stage let sign Satan or Afigoneov better than nothing. The funny part is they have the nerve asking deposit for the next season, or try to offer a 10 games package deal.. For what??? Don’t the fans deserve better than this garbage? For the last 15 years we heard “we are rebuilding”
Now what is the excuse, not able to land players to help the team??
Shame on you DL and shame on the people who lets you get away with this…..

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
@johnny,

Hey cry baby, what are you complaining about? Failed to sign kovi? Did you not see his contract? why WOULDN’T he take that? That was by far the best offer. Nerve asking for that deposit? People put a automatic deposit in when they first sign up, and the bill date was already set before the Kovalchuk stuff ever happend. Gagne? He said he would choose the teams, and he said Tampa was one of the only teams he would go to. DL has done nothing but take a team that hasnt made the playoffs, and had them make the playoffs! SHAME ON YOU DEAN ! SHAME . ON . YOU !

Get real.

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
@Michael_DD8,
Cry Baby?
I am just simple stating the fact, as far as Kovi read my blog, I never said he failed to sign him, and I just used Gagne as an example but since you are a mentally challenged I USE CAPS FOR YOU….
PEOPLE JUST GETTING FED UP TO PUT GARBAGE ON THE ICE, SEE THEM BEEN THE PUNCHING BAG.. AND TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IS ENAUGH FOR YOU… THAT IS GREAT FOR US,THAT IS NOT ENAUGH ANYMORE !
AGAIN IF HE DOES NOT SIGN A POWER FORWARD AND AN OFFENSIVE D-MAN… WE JUST HAVE TO WAIT AN OTHER BULLS…T EXCUSE WHEN TEAMS ARE REALLY START COMPETING. TILL THEN GO AHEAD AD BUY YOUR SEASON TICKET AT LEAST THE HOT DOGS ARE GREAT AND LOTS OF GOOD LOOKING CHICKS, BUT DON’T THINK ANY OTHER MIRACLE ON ICE LIKE IN MANCHESTER…

[Reply]
EJ Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
@johnny, there aren’t too many people who are going to take you seriously if you don’t bother to use some decent grammar and a spell checker.

Oh, and by the way, Dean Lombardi is going to be around for another few seasons, so perhaps if you want to keep your sanity, you should switch your allegiance to another team or sport. Clearly the Kings are not for you.

sammuch Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 12:11 am
@johnny,

I am all with what you said! Until see what they say, Not a dime to AEG!

I think the kings play at the Hounda center for 3 games and I will cheer the Kings there and watch the rest on TV.

AEG Has taken over $10,000 from me for what! Pay for my 5 year plan and the next 5 year plan and so on and so on.

I learn my lesson go to playoff hockey only and get your money worth that way. I will not step foot in the staples center until playoff time in 2011 I hope!

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n says:

July 24, 2010 at 7:35 pm

1990- Bruce McNall signing Wayne Gretzky to a new contract, in his home office, both sharing a bottle of scotch…

McNall: How does 3 million a year sound?

Gretzky: That’s too much money.

McNall: You need to be the highest paid player in the league, I think 3 million is a good number.

Gretzky: Mario only makes $2.18 right now, how about paying me $2.25 then?

McNall: You will soon be the greatest scorer of all-time and should be paid accordingly. Let’s just stick with an even 3 million.

Gretzky: Oh, okay then.

Flash ahead 20 years…

Lombardi: We’re building a great, young team here and would like you to be a part of it. How does 15 years for 75 million sound?

Kovalchuk: Kovi like LA and like the Kings.

Kovalchuk Agent: You’re a superstar player and should be paid accordingly. My client is asking for 100 million over 15 years.

Lombardi: We have several young players to sign next season and we simply can’t fit that number into our future plans.

Kovalchuk Agent: Well that’s my client’s price tag. Take or leave it.

Lombardi: I’m sorry, we decline.

Kovalchuk Agent: Come on Kovi. We’ll get our, I mean your 100 million elsewhere.

Later that week…

Kovalchuk: I want to play for Kings.

Kovalchuk Agent: Let me see what I can do. (Calls Lombardi) My client is still holding firm to 100 million. Maybe I can talk him into coming down just a little.

Lombardi: I’ve spoken with ownership and they have agreed to allow me to offer 80 million for 15 years.

Kovalchuk Agent: That’s just not acceptable.

Lombardi: I’m sorry that doesn’t meet your client’s interests, but we’ve got a team to think about here.

A week later:

Kovalchuk: Kovi and family would like to live in LA. Kovi want to meet with Kings.

Kovalchuk Agent: Anything you want Kovi. I’ll make the arrangements.

(Kovi, his family, and agent fly to LA where they are wined and dined by Lombardi, musicians, and Luc (highest scoring LW of all time (Kovi’s position))

Kovalchuk: Kovi ready to sign.

Kovalchuk Agent: My client likes what he sees but afraid the compensation isn’t quite there yet. He needs to be paid like Ovechkin. How about 100 million over 17 years with 11.5 the first 5 years but only 500 thousand the last 5 years.

Lombardi: We can’t do that, it would circumvent the CBA’s rules governing cap infringement. Let me see what I can do (Meets yet again with ownership). They won’t budge on the 80 million but maybe if we make some moves we can squeeze it into a 13 year deal.

Kovalchuk: Kovi and his family love LA and will have lots of opportunity here. Where do I sign?

Kovalchuk Agent: Wait a minute, let me make a call (Calls NJ ownership, circumventing Lamoriello) My client is about to sign here in LA for 100 million dollars.

NJ Ownership: Don’t do that, we’ll pay 102 million!

END OF STORY

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
@We B Ilya’n,
exactly, especially the last part. NJ owner panicked and gave in.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 7:22 am
@We B Ilya’n,

I wouldn’t doubt that’s how things went down.

[Reply]
ezepace Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
@We B Ilya’n,
That made me smile as it probably is somewhat true !!!!! I still believe it was the greedy agent trying to up his commission. And I stil hope Ik FIRES him and moves on.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@We B Ilya’n You got some nerve comparing Phil Anshutz,Tim Leiweike, and Dean Lombardi’s situation with that coin collecting,bank defrauding,baseball card collecting Fat Slob who screwed banks out of 236 million dollars. Also remember this for the umpteenth time..MCNALL DID NOT HAVE A SALARY CAP ! How many damn times does it have ta be said ! If Mcnall would have had a salary cap ta deal with like Anshutz does currently he would have the same limitations as all the other owners do now. Mcnall is a very lucky man that he is still not in the slammer where he belongs and that is because our justice system is nice to people who have status and who have good lawyers.

[Reply]
Moondoggie says:

July 24, 2010 at 7:51 pm

Oh stop……..

[Reply]
TRUE THAT says:

July 24, 2010 at 8:29 pm

Are the kings,clippers,dodgers using the same check book?
Can we bring Carson back #17?
how many days does the union have to counter?

[Reply]
Jonsey says:

July 24, 2010 at 8:37 pm

While Dean Lombardi DID get us to the playoffs, I think it is important to say that he took us to the cellar first. He talked about not patching holes on a sinking ship -but he let it sink. Then we patched it up at the bottom and emtied our ballast (Blake and friends) and made our way for the surface. Don’t sing his high praises just yet, PHI had a much better turnaround than we did.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
@Jonsey,

PHI had an organ-eye-zation.

[Reply]
Nyck Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
@Jonsey, I’ve used Philly as an example for a while. Paul Holmgren made lemonade out of lemons, Dean Lombardi seems to be just sitting stagnant, talking about how GREAT the lemon could actually be.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 7:21 am
@Nyck,

Very good analogy.

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
@Jonsey,
Don’t jump ship just yet.

DL has done exactly what he set out to do in the beginning. Those few years in the doghouse have allowed us to get Hickey, Doughty, and Schenn. He also drafted Simmonds, who most all scouts were skepticle of, and now Forbort.

These are huge prospects for us. Things are going as planned.

DL stayed focussed on “the biggest free agent in history” as he should have, and still might get him as we know Jersey’s going to have a tough time signing Kovi if there is a significantly greater cap hit after arbitration, which I think is likely.

We are in need of one top 6 forward and one top 4 defenseman and DL knows that. He has stated that we will probably get one via free agency and one via trade. He will get the job done.

Think about it, that’s all we need to be a contender- 2 guys!

Stay the course DL

[Reply]
Waxieman Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 7:17 am
@We B Ilya’n,

Finally someone who get’s it. The kings will be good and take a good run at the cup for years too come, I would rather have the plan and the pain of the last four years for the future that we are about too have. Until DL got here we had no plan, no direction, and no chance, alway’s changing on the fly and never sticking too anything. Peolpe need too be patient and understand that there is nothing but a great future ahead and a Stanley Cup on the horizon. Jump on and off the bandwagon peolpe it will be sweeter for those of us that have stuck through thick and thin myself since 1973.

[Reply]
TplcrwnTony Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 8:35 am
@Waxieman,

Having seen it all since the beginning in 67 I would completely agree. It is frustrating of course to not get a player like Kovi but DL has put us in a direction that we have never seen before. So lets give it time.
I can’t wait, but hopefully the wait will be worth it!
Jonsey says:

July 25, 2010 at 8:39 am

I am not jumping ship; I couldn’t like another team if I tried. The Kings -Kovalchuk or Nagy- are my favorite team.

I don’t disagree that DL has done a good job with the youth BUT

Do you think that ANY GM would have taken anyone but Doughty after Stamkos was taken with the #1 overall pick?

That leaves DL with only ONE good draft pick in all of these years:

Simmonds

It is too early to see about Forbort -for all we know he is Teubert II.

Lewis was Taylor’s wasn’t he? Or did he come with Bernier? Lewis is a bust!

Hickey is behind.

We don’t have the prospects that we all think we do.

We have ZERO prospects on the wing. ZERO. (Which is our greatest need).

I don’t think it is time to throw DL under the bus -if he missed the playoffs last year YES!

If they miss it THIS year -YES!

We’re not “ahead” of schedule.

We have rebounded from the hole that we drove ourselves into, but if we revert than we are even worse under DL than we were before.

And here’s why.

DL said that we would never be legitimate the way things were going.

Ok.

But if we fail to make progress this year then not only have we failed to be legitimate -but we did not try to make those patches that Taylor made.

I think Taylor was a fine GM.

We basically forfitted for a couple of years. Now we are getting the payoff.

Without Drew Doughty, though, this team would be a terrible team.

That is something to think about.

So was it ALL DL, or was it a combination of circumstance and destiny?

The Kings are looking good, but if they fail to perform -it will be DL on the first train to nowhere and me saying I told you so.

LongLivetheKings

[Reply]
rick Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:24 am
@Jonsey, Agree with much of what you say. All the “In Dean We Trust” talk leaves me scratching my head. He has made some good moves and some real stinkers. I would give him a B so far. Good, but not great. The jury is still out….

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:50 am
@Jonsey,

Jonsey, I read your thread with interest. While I don’t agree with everything you said, unlike some people who go ‘all white’ or ‘all black’ you’ve really put thought into this and made me think out my pov as well so I’d like to respond to certain things you’ve said.

‘But if we fail to make progress this year then not only have we failed to be legitimate -but we did not try to make those patches that Taylor made.
I think Taylor was a fine GM.’

I’m not sure what you mean by ‘patches’ but I heartily disagree on that point. Dave was a spectacular hockey player, a great guy (I knew him fairly well), but not a good GM. First of all, speaking of wing are you aware that the Kings went something like a decade without having their own home grown 20 goal scorer up front. That is not good. As you may know, the first to change that was Fro. Also Dave’s draft record was awful. Just check the list of our 1st round picks: Matt Zultek, Jens Karlsson and Dave Steckel in the same draft, Lauri Tukonen, Brian Boyle and Jeff Tambellini in the same draft (03)* and I won’t even bother telling you who was available when those guys were available.

Also wrt to * another criticism I have is, with even a minimum of creativity he could have packaged those two picks along with a 2nd rd pick and moved way up to get a player like Mike Richards, Parise, Getzlaf who were all available right before Jeff Tambellini. I’m sorry, but even with the difficult science of drafting kids, I’d like to think that the qualities those players all have vs a Tambellini and Boyle (a project) would have been glaringly obvious. Sorry but if you are an nhl gm that is your job!! Lou Lamoriello moved up in that same draft to get Parise. There in a nutshell is your difference.

Where Credit Is Due. Yes DT was responsible for Kopi (obviously a great choice), JQ and Dustin Brown, but drafting at no 13 in ’03 you’d have to be unbelievably poor to not come up with a good player.

‘We don’t have the prospects that we all think we do.
We have ZERO prospects on the wing. ZERO. (Which is our greatest need).’

Here I’m leaning towards agreement with you. Absolutely. What I like about DL is that he has a Very Specific pov as to how he wants to build a team. Even if the Kings had a GM who wanted to build a team with all left handed players, At Least It’s A POV!! That’s something we have Never had here.

But where I agree with you is that he was very clear about building thru the back end out. So you have Doughty and Bernier. Brilliant!! Regardless of where they were picked. However with the huge number of high picks (1st and 2nd round) used on D, I ask ‘has it been to the detriment of putting the puck in the net And also to overall speed of the team?’

That’s a lot of picks. Voynov, Teubert, Hickey (we’ll have to see once he’s healthy plus it wasn’t a great draft year that year), Forbort (he could end up being a good one, Especially if JJ wants to move on to another team). That’s four players. So I think more realistically the verdict is still out. If Hickey makes the team mid term this year (i.e. comes up to fill in for an injured player and is so strong they can’t send him back to Manch) then that could make this whole picture look very different.

What could DL have done differently? I Don’t Know. I work in the arts cause that’s what I’m good at. If I walked into his office to replace him I wouldn’t have even a semblance of an idea what to do. That’s why he gets paid for it.

Moral of the story. Again, you bring up some really good points. Specifically that there is a definite lack of depth on the wings but even more specifically my pet peeve about this team…. a lack of speed.
To quote my friend variable…. ‘speed kills’. After watching the last four years of playoffs, especially the finals… it’s been the team that flies that usually wins (not negating the importance of goaltending and all the rest), and right now there is simply no way that you can say that this team flies. They do play with a certain grit and Way more consistency than past Kings teams And more discipline than past Kings teams.

That’s it. I rarely write threads that are this long but yours inspired a response.

Oh, one last thing……….

‘Without Drew Doughty, though, this team would be a terrible team.’

You can say that about most superstar teams. What would the Pens be without Crosby (well, better than the Kings w/o DD), Washington w/o AO. The Devils w/o IK? Hahahaha. Couldn’t resist that one. Trick question.
But I agree that DD is clearly the Major piece on this team in every aspect of the game…. how well he plays D and the mins he plays, center ice, how well he manages the transition, and in the offensive end he is what gives our slower forwards a bit of extra spark if that makes sense.

That’s it!

[Reply]
Paul Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
@number 6,

Taylor was named gm of the year by the hockey news.

how many times has lombardi won that with the kings

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
@Paul,
Paul, I assure you that that did not go unnoticed by me when it happened. It was the year he traded for Deader and also had Jason Alison and got Potvin in goal.
The reality is A) he was very very fortunate that Potvin resurrected his career here in LA as he totally took a flyer on what seemed to be a finished up career.
And as for Jason Alison and Deader, well we all know how that worked out.
DLs work only started to show last season as pieces were falling into place.
Don Maloney I believe got it for PHX. They made a Huge jump and there were other GM’s who did well too, so I think that has nothing to do with DL being poor. Sorry but the Kings got 105 points? last season. I don’t think a poor GM would have had them up that high.
Clearly you don’t like him, and you have every right not too.

ezepace Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
@number 6,
good comments.

Two of the fastest skaters in the league are M Lombardi and M Afinogenov. Well one of these two is still available !!!!

I doubt many are reading way down here though.
This post is a way too long. I was excited to hit 1000 but I think it is time for a new post Rich. The comments have slowed way down.

[Reply]
Blake Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 11:11 am
@Jonsey, Doughty actually was ranked 3rd behind boogasian or how ever you spell his name, good thing dl looked beyond stats

[Reply]
EJ Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@Blake, agree. There were some armchair QBs and critics who thought that the Kings should have selected Bogosian instead of Doughty. Some even had Pieterangelo of Schenn ahead of him. The feeling was that while Doughty was better developed at the time of the draft, the others had/have a higher ceiling. From the look of things and as we all know, DL hit a monster of a HR with Doughty.

However, the DL critics will continue to call Doughty an obvious and slam-dunk choice, all from the comfort of their non-NHL-non-pro-hockey hindsight little lives.

[Reply]
dMan Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 11:58 am
@Jonsey,

I beg to differ. The philosophical difference between Taylor and Lombardi on how to build a team is like night and day.

While Taylor was a great player, he was not a great GM. Granted, he may have been hampered by mgmt, but still, he was GM from 1996-2006 and the Kings never broke the 100 point mark and in fact only went as high as 95 points in the 2001-02 season where they were defeated in the first round by the Avs.

Their point total over the course of his tenure is pretty much all over the place. There are no signs of consistency or growth. The first four years, the Kings went 67, 87, 69 and 94 points. After that, they went 92, 95, 78, 81 and 89 points. This is not a sign of a team that is getting better every year through drafts or acquisitions.

During Taylor’s tenure, the Kings had a first round pick within the first 10 overall spots only once. In ’97 they picked Jokinen over Roberto Luongo, Brewer, Samsonov, Boynton, Ference, Ward and Hossa. Same year, they picked Matt Zultek 15th overall!

After that, they picked below 18 spot overall 3 times; Dustin Brown (2003-13th), Lauri Tukonen (2004-11th) and Anze Kopitar (2005-11th).

So in ten years, The Kings made the playoffs 3 times and Jokinen, Frolov, Brown and Kopitar were the star players drafted.

Lombardi took over the Kings in 2006 and in four years the Kings have continually improved in the rankings going 68, 71, 79 and 101 points. This is the reason Lombardi says they’re ahead of schedule. His tenure in San Jose also saw constant growth from 1996-2002 when the team went 62, 78, 80, 87, 95 and 99 points. 2002-03, his last year as GM was a disappointment as the club managed only 73 points as the team was distracted by new ownership, contract disputes and a coaching change mid-season. Lombardi was eventually fired as he was asked to move the higher salaried players and was unable to do so.

His drafting history in the first round with the Kings includes Bernier, Hickey, Doughty, Teubert, Schenn and Forbort. Already Doughty is considered a superstar and Bernier is a budding star/superstar. This also doesn’t include Simmonds, Moller, Voinov or Loktionov though Simmonds is the only one who has made an impact at the NHL level at this time.

It can be argued that neither GM has had much success post-season and this is a valid argument, however Lombardi’s teams have made the playoffs more often; 6 times in 11 years vs Taylor’s 3 times in 10 years yet neither GM has made it past the second round.

While both men have had each had 3 seasons of 90+ points, I still give the edge to Lombardi in several facets; drafting, mentoring, long-term planning and consistent growth. Taylor has made some very good veteran acquisitions but these have not had long-term success.

The Kings and the organization have never been more focused or well-stocked and this is a direct result of Lombardi’s leadership.

Will Lombardi be able to get this team to the next level remains to be seen, but he has built a solid foundation and I am willing to give him 2 more years (to the end of his current contract) to see how he performs before asking for a replacement.

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 25, 2010 at 9:59 am

@Jonsey,

One last thing as I was just looking at our overall list of 1st round draft picks. If you look at 2005 (Anze) to present, god….. it’s a Much better list than 1994-95 Jaime Storr, Aki Berg, thru 2004. That provided Fro and DB. And we wonder why we don’t have any true offensive threats?
But Schenn I do believe will be a good one. So as already stated, we need to see how things develop over this next year… particularly if there are any prospects that end up surprising (anyone from Scott Parse to Hickey, Lokti to Kozun.

[Reply]
DaveinSD says:

July 25, 2010 at 10:06 am

A question to all…Is there a DVD out there of the Kings ’93 Cup run? I’ve looked for awhile now and have not found one. I know you can view some games online but I want a Kings DVD of all 4 rounds Flames, Canucks, Leafs and those damn HABS!

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
@DaveinSD, I have it on vhs but would also like to get on dvd. I dont even have a vcr anymore.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
@chuckrocks,
I have the VHS version.It has Gretz on the front.Found it at a random yard sale in Orange county a couple of months ago.Still in the wrapper.I’m afraid to open it,and ruin it.Would love to get Gretz to sign it personally one day.

Luckily I’ve seen it before,so no rush to open it.

[Reply]
DaveinSD Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
@Dominick, I have Gretzky’s 802 goal game against te Canucks on VHS. I actually recorded that myself from Prime Ticket when they aired it originally. I was not at home at the time and I just had that feeling he would score that night and I got lucky! It’s a nice memorabilia piece but I can’t watch cuz the vcr is gone. I would hope one day the Kings do put the ’93 Cup run on DVD. I would luv to watch it over and over again, so many highlights from that playoff run…
johnny says:

July 25, 2010 at 11:22 am

Well… Guys it is no news no new blog from the Kings organization,
DL is sitting on his thumb in his butt, while the other teams are moving things around, at least try man if you collecting a paycheck..
We need some movement or your fans will be gone. Just can not wait how Jim Fox and Bob Miller will put a positive spin on this crapy off season work…
To DL, take a lesson form Steve the new GM from Tampa….
Oh sorry… Can not hear me, you must be on vocation or just surfing at your place in Redondo Beach…..

[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
@johnny, Jim Fox doesn’t usually put spin on anything! If you notice during the broadcast’s he will call it straight up the middle. Many times when the organization makes a bad move he will call them on it. He won’t go on a rant but will pose questions or statements regarding the said move. Bob Miller maybe just to play good cop/bad cop,but he and Jim aren’t like the homers over there in Orange County.

[Reply]
David Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
@johnny, What do you want him to do, oh great one?

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
@David,
Hm… What he should do?? His job ……
Kinds need an experienced good forward very badly…
Afinogenov – Torres – Ponikarovsky none of this guys signed yet…
An offensive defenseman
Marc-Andre Bergeron – Shoane Morrisonn
Any of this guys would be a great addition for the Kings
specially Ponikarovsky, and Bergeron
But again..Kings will wait until everyone is gone from the UFA list. I think they are already working on the PR moves and explaining the loyal fans why did the Kings sucked again…

[Reply]
EJ Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
@johnny, you sound like one of those guys who makes numerous trades in a hockey video game, and thereby believes that it’s that easy in RL. Get a grip. DL’s plan is not YOUR plan (fortunately). There are 30 NHL GM jobs in existence. DL is vastly more qualified to hold one of them than you or 99.99% of the people in the world and certainly more qualified than anyone who posts here or elsewhere on the ‘net. But cry all you like, if that’s what makes you feel better.

gralx Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
@johnny, Despite those trying to poke holes in your argument, I think you have some valid points. If the Kings were a playoff team last year WITH Fro, Modin, Halpern (still don’t understand him costing us a 2nd), OD, and god forbid Jones, what are we without them and NO ONE to replace them.

Yes, there are probably a couple maybe even 3 or 4 rookies that can make the team. But, getting younger, yet again, is not going to make this team move forward next year. It might work out for the better in the long run.

If you are a true Kings fan and have been for decades like many of us that like to post here, next year is too late already. Kovi was NOT the ONLY UFA out there that could be of help to our team. So, 3 or 4 weeks later, with nothing having been done to modify the team in any fashion, are we a better team that we were when we bowed out of the playoffs? If you say yes, please feel free to educate me. I am listening!

Michael J. Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
@johnny,

Wow! What a well thought out post. Where did you get your PhD?

[Reply]
Bobby Scribe says:

July 25, 2010 at 11:34 am

Here are some questions we posed for proponents of Kovalchuk’s contract.

http://www.lakingsnews.com/2010/07/25/questions-for-proponents-of-kovalchuks-contract/

[Reply]
Nitrohockey Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
@Bobby Scribe, Excellent article! I think you’re only flaw is that you’ve injected logic and reasoning, with a healthy dose of facts into a purely emotional argument. Now my only question is, isn’t there some provision for whther the contract violates the “spirit of the CBA?” I would imagine that is up for the arbitrator to decide? Guess we find out tomorrow.

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
@Nitrohockey,
“The Spirit of the CBA” is a good way of putting this. If you find a set of keys in the store you should turn them in but if you take them home because you collect keys is that really stealing? By law I do not belive it is, but commom sense says that it does not belong to you and it’s wrong. If this is the case then I expect to see many more 20 year deals before the CBA agreement is up.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
@Dazed N Confused,Why stop at 20?100 years would make the cap hit easier to manage.Just give’em 99 mill in the first 10,and claim the NHL is singling us out.

USCG Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@Dazed N Confused, well if you take them from a locksmith or a hardware store then yes, you are stealing and no, it’s not right.

Bingram Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
@Nitrohockey,

Isn’t the rules against circumvention of the Cap, an attempt to try and inforce the ‘Sprit of the CBA’

Go Kings go!

[Reply]
Puckn-A says:

July 25, 2010 at 12:25 pm

List of least favorite Kings in honor of Kovalshun:
Rob Blake
Trevor Lewis
Craig Conroy ( locker room revolt leader?)
Jaroslav Modry
Ladislav Nagy
Craig Johnson
Dan Cloutier
Jamie Storr
George “jump ship to the rivals” Parros
Lauri Tukonen
Aki Berg

I could go on but wanted to leave room for others to name some duds lol.

[Reply]
Michael J. says:

July 25, 2010 at 1:03 pm

Rich,

Can we get an IQ test, college-type entrance exam, or something of like nature to reduce the number of unintelligent posts on here?

C’mon people! Think before you type!

[Reply]
USCG Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
@Michael J., The blog would get shut down if there was such a test since there would only be about 10 people posting here.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
@USCG,

SPEC TAK U LARRR!!

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@number 6,

Shite, that was Not nice of me. I know there are more, but it just seemed funny to me upon reading
Jonsey says:

July 25, 2010 at 1:43 pm

Thank you all for reading my posts, I read all of yours as well. I am desperate for more Kings news, but Rich is on a well-deserved vacation and Dean Lombardi is probably busy making Kings news before broadcasting it (unlike the devils).

I do not disagree that Taylor was erratic at times. I do think though, that he was an excellent trader (NOT TRAITOR!)

Taylor is the guy who was able to make the tough choice to deal Blake to COL which gave us Deadmarsh and Miller. What a great compliment to Allison, who we got for Murray.

While these deals did not work out, what a great eye for talent (isn’t he a scout for DAL now?).

If, and this is a big ‘if’, Allison and Deadmarsh never got hurt, this team might have been quite a bit different.

It is not useful to conjecturize (not a word, is it?), but it is safe to say that he was a competent GM.

Now, as for Lombardi, I agree with most of you on what good ideas he brings.

Idea #1: Build from the back. Bernier, Doughty, Hickey, Teubert, and now even Forbort.

While we have no idea how all of the picks will pan out, it is a good idea to build a strong back end.

Idea #2: Build a culture.

I think putting the pressure on guys and calling them out publicly to work out over the summer and show up in shape and become a close-nit group is great. Kopitar and Doughty are two great examples of this philosophy coming to pass.

BUT

I don’t like the questionable moves, like Demitra for O’Sullivan for Williams.

Or Cammalleri and a 1st for a 1st for Teubert.

Either Cammalleri really did not fit in, or something else is afoul.

Now, with O’Sullivan on waivers, DL looks pretty smart for getting Williams for him.

In the end my only argument is that if Dean Lombardi’s makeover of the L.A. Kings reverts THIS year, then it will make him APPEAR to be the wrong guy for the job.

Of course he is a capable GM, just like taylor was (I argue).

They have different styles, but we’ll see which one pays off.

Another argument that I frequently make is that teams that win cups have the offensive threats, but I have come to realize that they ALSO have a pretty good defensive corps.

It used to be that you could win with very solid D and less offense.

Then I argued, perhaps incorrectly, that now was the time for the opposite approach (this looked to be the case with a very high-scoring playoffs this year).

HOWEVER

Despite having guys like Datsyuk and Zetterburg, DET needed guys like Lidstrom.

Despite having guys like Getzlaf, Perry, and Penner, ANA need guys like Pronger.

Despite having guys like Crosby, and Malkin, PIT needed guys like Gonchar.

Despite having guys like Toews and Kane, CHI needed guys like Campbell, Keith, and Seabrook.

So it is not so clear that my assumption was for the Kings to focus more on offense than defense was accurate at all.

BUT

for the time being, everyone agrees that this is the current need.

So how does DL answer the call?

Does he answer the call?

Is the team much worse without Frolov?

Is the team much better?

We’ll see.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
@Jonsey, Very good points,all of them.I agree that Taylor was a great GM.He probably took the heat unfairly for being impatient so close to the finnish line.
I suspect(conjecture on my part)his hand was forced,and no one could of forscene the mounting cashualties that we would endure for the next few seasons after.Especially to Allison and Deadmarsh.
I always look at that era as the poor Ziggy days.I’m glad he let Ziggy finnish out his contract and reach free agency,instead of trading him away.He deserved it.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
@Jonsey,

Jonsey, obviously I replied to you in a prior post but feel compelled to do so once again as we definitely don’t agree on one thing wrt DT.

You: ‘While these deals did not work out, what a great eye for talent (isn’t he a scout for DAL now?).’

If your deals aren’t working out then you have to take the heat. That is why I mentioned before that getting Deadmarsh was risky from the git go. If ‘IF’ was a skif, we’d go sailing – a friend used to say that. Perfect.

Also I went into huge detail about his drafting. To me the 03 draft said so much because there was Gold out there. Yes I like Dustin Brown, but with Getzlaf, Parise, Jeff Carter (taken at 11), Ryan Kesler, Mike Richards, Corey Perry and Shea Weber available, and Three 1st round picks at your disposition, you’ve just gotta do better imo.

NJ Devils had One pick at No.22 and managed to trade up and get Zach Parise. THAT is being a good judge of talent. DT was responsible like it or not for the scouting dept.

Where we agree: I Never liked the trade for Justin Williams (see my above comments wrt Deadmarsh).

As for Cammy, I posed the question to Rich when Cammy was lighting it up in the PO’s and he said that A) he wouldn’t have been resigned here anyway for the money he was asking (at that time I would have agreed on that) and he evidently wasn’t the best teammate in the room.
But for sure we need to address the issue up front. Until we do we might win a first round but can’t imagine going way further than that. It’s imo not just the lack of speed, or the lack of 5 on 5 scoring. It’s the Blend of those two things that would limit the team come playoff time.

[Reply]
art Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:23 am
@number 6,

We could’ve had Shea Webber, Patrice Bergeron, or David Backes instead of Pushkarev that year. Also could’ve had Louie Erikson and Corey Perry, but we chose Boyle and Tambellini. As soon as we picked those two guys consecutively, the ducks traded up to get Perry. I can’t argue against picking Brown, but if you look at the rest of the players and consider the depth of that draft, we arguably had the worst draft of any team in the league that yeaar.

[Reply]
USCG says:

July 25, 2010 at 1:44 pm

I refuse to look through all the posts, but um…it’s been like 5 days since the Kovalchuk incident and DL still hasn’t signed or traded for anyone? This is a little too slow for my liking, I hope he’s not trying to get Kovalchuk again. Seriously though, work needs to be done and it’s getting late…more like boring.

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
@USCG, Jim Fox and Bob Miller are already working on the positive spin, why DL is not made a move yet and why the Kings suck…
And DL to much on his plate, he is signing the ice girls first…
Just hope Gary Batman is not rejecting it…

[Reply]
David Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
@johnny, The pond is waiting for you.

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
@David, Sorry David, I am just a hockey fan.. not ducks or kings, just love the game, but DL should take a lesson from the ducks, How long are they in the NHL? And the Kings ? How many Stanley Cup has the Kings has and how many the Ducks?
Just saying.. just saying…….

Dominick Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
@johnny,I AM YOUR FATHER!come with me and together we will rule the galaxy as father and son.

[Reply]
Gislaw Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
@USCG,

Five whole days, huh? Being a Kings fan since a gamete, patience has just become part of my character. I’ve been told it’s a virtue. Besides, can you name a recent off season that was exciting? The excitement begins Oct. 2nd…I guarantee it.

@johnny,

“Kings suck”…I would have hated to read your opinions two plus years ago.

Perhaps both of you two should apply for the GM position if Lombardi is not renewed in a couple of years.

[Reply]
USCG Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
@Gislaw, you’re a moron. At what point did I make any FA or trade proposals? Your patience obviously IS NOT paying off since the Kings haven’t won shit EVER. I’m not knocking the Kings at all, i’m a loyal fan who’s been watching them for 22 years, but the patience line is getting really old, really fast. Some of you need to wake up and smell the coffee, patience can only take you so far…

[Reply]
Gislaw Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
@USCG,

Kings can lose all 82 by way of the shutout, and I will still be here…that goes well beyond patience. It’s an absolute love of the sport, and the franchise.

Moron, huh? I’ll be in Section 118 Row 10 Seats 5 or 6 all season long if you ever want to come by and “compare IQ’s”

I’m at least not resorting to name calling…I simply asked a question followed by a statement.

USCG Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
@Gislaw, Wow, if that was ever the case a true fan of the franchise wouldn’t be there at all. I would hope you would take your money somewhere else instead of supporting a team that wouldn’t give a shit about it’s fans. If you have a true love for the sport, that’s fine, that’s why I play hockey, I watch a lot of other league play (OHL, CHL, Juniors). That would just be plain stupid to support a franchise like that. And seeing how I’m MSST in the USCG, I won’t be wasting my time embarrassing my country and the USCG dealing with people like you internet tough guys. Now, besides the whole disrespecting the USCG and all american military part, I would absolutely kick your ass up to the 300 level seats but i’ll just end this retarded conversation right here.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
@USCG,

Get out of here, internet tough guy. Christ. Most immature post I’ve ever read.

Gislaw Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
@USCG,

Four final remarks: (1) Hopefully you show as much respect (as you have for your country) for citizens that do, in fact, agree with you…or are they “morons” also. (2) Where do you play, as perhaps we know eachother? (3) I’m sure you’re right about my blind loyalty towards the Kings, I mean, it is doubtful that you display blind loyalty towards anything…am I right?.. And (4) “Internet tough guys” usually throw around threats and disrespectful comments, and they don’t usually give out directions on where to find them, and I have done neither.

johnny Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
@Gislaw, Hope you right and the Kings is the best team on the west, their fans are long over due..
But you can not argue with the facts, because DL had 3-4 great draft, still does not mean he is a good GM, they need fallow ups with good UFA signings, and he is so far did not do jack crap.. You know what would of been the best work and hats off, if he would of able to sign Gagne and Bergeron. And I know Montreal was interesting in Frolov,, and Frolov for Bergeron would make sense…
But again to see this you don’t have to be a Kings fan, just a Hockey fan…

[Reply]
the dude freom the southeast Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
@johnny, once again deano did not sign them when it says free agents it means that the players chose who they want to play with not the gms

Gislaw Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
@johnny,

I agree with you. DL has not necessarily shown that he is the best GM…nor has he shown that he is the worst. Perhaps time will tell.

I also agree with the Bergeron/Gagne comment, although I doubt that they would have provided long term help (I’m not sure of Burgeron’s contract length?..although I’m not too worried about our depth at center).

John Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
@johnny,

Hey, when DL got here there was no organization or prospects in it! THOSE are the facts. He’s been building that from the ground up for 4 years and it’s begiining to bear fruit. Stop projecting 3 to 4 years – it’s long term, 15 to 20 years we’re looking towards. Get used to it!

Kopitar, Bernier & the #1 which brought us Doughty would’ve been traded in any previous regime. I prefer the incubent’s way, thank you!
Old Codger says:

July 25, 2010 at 2:50 pm

I can’t believe peopla are still posting on this blog. Even more amazing is I can’t believe I am still checking in.
Without backing up my statistics, of the 1200+ comments,500 must say Dean Sucks;250 say Dean should be tarred and feathered; a couple wish him hung with an old rope;and even a few wish McNall was back.
Fifty-fifty on we should have/have not signed kovy; traded the farm for anything we could get in a sack;think we are doomed without a UFA vs our kids can do it.
I know Rich is on vacation and I hope he is sitting in the bleachers at wrigley, knocking back a few cool ones,and ignoring this blog.
But, you know, for the most part the comments here have remained informative and civil.

[Reply]
Old Codger Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
@Old Codger, Anyone wonder what a peopla is? Me too.

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
@Old Codger, that is the thing man… nobody works,
looks like the whole kings organization are on vacation, but ther is always the 2012 season…

[Reply]
ringo Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:03 am
@johnny, look…enough of the kings bashing…i dont post alot…but i have had enough..i have been following the kings since 1976, i have been throughhell and back with this organazation…and the misery of the 93 cup with mcsorley illegal stick..and yet i have to read from you yahoos about how the kings suck and dean sucks…everybody sucks…some of you are the most fickel fans i have ever seen..we just made the playoffs for the first time in years we finished the season with some of the big boys or a few points from them…our goalie broke franchise records when was the last time we finished with over a hundred ponts and if for not a few bounces here and there we knock out the nucks in 5 or 6 games…i love this team and allways will…its just ashame that some of you donts know which side of the track you are on…if you dont like the direction we are going go join up with wild wing, i hear there are alot of seats left…sorry about all the crammed words but iam pissed!!!!!

[Reply]
Seattle757 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:46 am
@ringo,

Thank you Ringo, Well said!
sammuch says:

July 25, 2010 at 4:13 pm

I for one am a Hockey fan 1st and Kings Fan 2nd and love supporting Cali Hockey in this State 3rd.

I am so glad to see all the Hockey fans in Cali grow so much, in the last 25 years! I remember when I came to live in Cali in 78 as a Kid, it was so hard to love hockey and play the game like I did back east.

So you can not even imagine how happy to see three Cali teams in Cali! I even think a team SD would do great or even in Sac would do well. But that’s just an old time hockey fan talking.

My focus has always been on Hockey since 78 to grow this sport in Cali and was able to make hockey fans of about 100 or more of my friends through High school and college, who did not watch hockey at all! We all started to play street and ice hockey together and at the time street hockey was wired for Cali people. We allowed anyone play and I am sure my friends miss those days…

Now I see these posts and How Hockey has grown and still needs more work I am all for 3 teams to win the cup every year to just see Hockey be the number one sport in Cali one day! To see the news talk about hockey instead of all these other sports.

So Kings fans as much as I love the Kings 1st, I will always support Cali Hockey teams to win the Cup! For I felt like a lonely hockey boy in 78 and never want to feel that again.

Last! Bring back the Long Beach Ice dogs too!!

[Reply]
Howe 9 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
@sammuch,
Quit saying Cali so much – sounds gay.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
@Howe 9,

Here’s an idea, how about we don’t use “gay” as a derogatory term on this blog. I’m sure Rich would appreciate that.

[Reply]
Howe 9 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
I think you are taking gay the wrong way. You must be an older person. Everything is gay these days & it has nothing to do with homosexuals.

Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
@Howe 9,

I’m 25. And no, it just makes you sound ignorant and hateful, so quit it.

sammuch Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:24 am
@Howe 9,

Then you have a gay(happy)day then! Cali boy!

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:42 am
@sammuch,

It’s all in the spelling. Maybe if you spell it “geigh” it would come across as different????

Kevin Y Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:42 am
@sammuch,

[Reply]
Kevin Y Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:42 am
@sammuch,

Yes, BRING BACK THE ICE DOGS!!!

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:15 am
@Kevin Y, They live my friend, in St Catharines.

http://www.niagaraicedogs.net/

[Reply]
Alex says:

July 25, 2010 at 6:21 pm

If Rich doesn’t return soon, I think we could witness the first preseason hockey riot in Los Angeles. Hopefully Monday will be a surge of hockey buzz, otherwise, who knows what will happen?

[Reply]
kingfish says:

July 25, 2010 at 6:51 pm

I watched game 6 vs van again on my dvr last night. being removed from all of the passion of the moment during the playoffs and looked at it with fresh eyes. I gotta say the guys played their hearts out. Even Quick who I was angry at for letting in some softies looked like he was competing very hard. He was undoubtedly fried from all of the minutes and his mental game and technique suffered. I really think quick will be twice the goalie this year as he was last year from the experience. He has the tools to be great. He is bigger than bernie and seems to be more flexible. But bernie has the superior technique. Its gonna be fun to see them compete every night.

The thing that stands out the most about the game is the age difference. Van’s guys are older, more experienced and better shooters and had been in that situation before. they seemed to balance their shifts better. when the sedins came out, they were fresh and dominated their shifts. This could also be the result of superior conditioning. They just waited until the end when it seemed like it was going to OT and kicked in the door with with a huge rush catching the kings off guard. The other thing is that lou made saves that quick could not. It was pretty much unfair how incredible the saves he made were, huge advantage in goal for van. we out shot them by a wide margin.

Three things stood out to me, Kopitar is a world class player,
doughty is obviously off the charts and johnson is a beast. These guys haven’t even scratched the surface of where they will be in their primes. We are going to have one of the best defense / goalie back ends in the league. Our PP with drew and JMFJ is not even going to be fair against other teams. it will be at the top of the league. If Simmonds could improve his shot and get to the net, he could be the top line RW and a sniper. his speed getting into the zone is unreal, but he currently lacks the finnish mentality and always ends up in the corner. williams’ game was totally off, him coming back early hurt his mental game.
OD was inconsistent, Green needs to be in better position more.
We need another Dman like green who can punish other teams when in our zone. I gotta say I miss blake and matty norstrom for that reason.

Overall its a very young team. And the priority is going to be keeping these guys together and adding some better wingers. thats 4 long term contracts that need to be worked out this year,
doughty johnson simmonds bernier.

Kovalchuk would have been huge, but for that kind of money and term you cant blame the kings for not going there. thats a huge albatross for NJ and could back fire on them big time.

Since we most likely wont be able to get a top 40 goal guy since they just arent any or would require trading to much to get one
we should go the Flyers route and build the team via depth on the lines so each line is a threat to score. We should pick up fro for a couple years at a good price. Maybe he just had a bad year, it happens. And sign zues for 2 more at a good price. I would even take modin for a year at a good price, he had an excellent playoffs and still has some gas in the tank.

Hopefully guys like richie, simmonds, parse will impress everyone this year and make huge strides in their game, particularly in the shooting dept.. Or one of the guys from manchester like bud will come up and impress.

At any rate the team is in good shape going forward, no reason to make rash decisions via trades, we are still 2-3 years away from a serious cup run IMO.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
@kingfish,

Good analysis. Only thing I’m not sold on is making Simmer a sniper. I think his eventual role is a 20-23 goal 2nd liner who also brings heart and grit to his shifts. Sort of like a Brownie but with better hands and less physicality.

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
agreed. I think your right on. Dont think he will make the big jump goal wise, he will probably stay a grit /strong forecheck type winger, but if he could improve his shot he could be a real game changer.

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
@kingfish,

You are the fish of reason, and I agree with most of where you are swimming….

[Reply]
Gislaw says:

July 25, 2010 at 7:24 pm

Not that I want him, but tomorrow should be interesting…from a legal standpoint, the NHL had absolutely no case to reject this deal before the press conference. But then Lou’s (seemingly calculated) comments during the conference absolutely prooved that this contract was not negotiated in good faith. Pretty weird if you ask me, but now the NHL’s case is on public record.

[Reply]
-J Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
@Gislaw,

[Reply]
-J Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
@Gislaw,

By several reports (and I don’t mean twitter, actual news agencies have reported this), the NHL warned the Devils on Monday that the contract could be rejected. I don’t think Lou’s comments were what pushed them over, but I too think his reaction supports their position.

From what i’ve read in the CBA I think that the NHL has a case from a legal standpoint. I’m not a lawyer but I’ve worked with some on several patents so i’m a little familiar with legalese. There are definetly portions of the CBA that grant the NHL latitude in using their discretion in determining whether a contract circumvents the cap, be it intentional or not. Per the CBA, there does not need to be broken guidlines or concrete evidence, only at a minimum that a contract has the effect of circumventing the cap. I think few would argue that the contract does not. Additionally, the fact that this would go to an arbitrator, as opposed to court, to decide IMO favors the NHL.

Tomorrow will be interesting for sure.

[Reply]
Tmik says:

July 25, 2010 at 8:02 pm

For you Fro supporters.

Frolov’s agent said the #NYR are very interested in Frolov. Agent also said in the last 2 days the Kings also made inquiries.

https://twitter.com/dchesnokov

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:47 am
@Tmik,

Looks like the enigma might remain with us, as somebody hasn’t jumped all over him yet. Never has so much been owed ($$$) by so many (Kings Fans) to so Few (the Loaf himself, and you can add Smyth and Miller here too).

[Reply]
KingsRock80 says:

July 25, 2010 at 8:51 pm

Good analysis, I was at two of the playoff games this year and of course got caught up in the hysteria of being in the playoffs (and of course knocking beers back) needless to say, my judgment was slightly impaired. The last playoff run was a great learning experience, and with another year under their belt, JJ, Doughty, Kopi, Quick and Bernier are gonna make some monster strides given their age and their stage in development as players.

Hopefully this Kovalchuck thing gets resolved and he stays and rots in Jersey. Frankly, we don’t really need him. He only has like 9 playoff games under his belt, while this whole Kings team has 6, so it’s not like he brings that much to the table post season-wise. Kovalchuck is like a brand new Ferrari, a very sexy signing, but in the end, very expensive with a high maintenance costs. If Kovalchuck brought playoff experience, Stanley Cup rings, grit, and/or other intangibles such as a Yzerman or Messier in addition to his offensive numbers, it might be a different story.

I’m a firm believer that building from the net out is the way to go with the addition of key wingers is the way to go for this team. Stempniak is still out there, maybe Carter from Philly? I don’t think Frolov is the answer, but wouldn’t mind him back at the right price. Also, I believe a healthy Justin Williams is still good for 30+ goals. Remember how he clicking with Kopi in the first part of the season? As far as D-men, Grebeshkov is also available too (only a few seasons removed from a 39 point season). Maybe take a chance with Willy Mitchell with a one year deal? When healthy, Mitchell is a beast and can be the shut down D-man we need. I don’t know, but there are still a lot of options left out there, as soon as this Kovalchuk mess gets resolved.

[Reply]
KingsRock80 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Whoops..this was supposed to be @kingfish. All of these posts made me cross-eyed!

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
@KingsRock80,

LOL. I know what you mean. I have a feeling that when Rich gets back, instead of sifting through the whole thread, he’s just going to trashcan everything!

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
@Miller29,

On second thought, maybe Rich can archive this and use it for his book. How about we throw out some potential titles?? lol

Miller29 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
@Miller29,

How bad is this, I’m talking to myself….it’s the best conversation I’ve had. I’m a great guy!

kingfish Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
@KingsRock80,
yeah when you step back and look at it, we have a very strong back end going forward. 2 Top D-men and an excellent goalie tandem. DD and JMFJ were tied for points by Dmen at that point (game 6) in the playoffs. The most among D-men in the league. I dont think fro is the answer either, but he is another depth piece at LW. And I really think he will bounce back from the sub par year last year. If we an re-sign him for a good price we should do it.

All in all everybody should keep in mind, the core guys are kids!! and if they are this good now in 3-4 years they are gonna be insane. The trick is gonna be keeping them and keeping their faith in the plan. If they start to feel like their chances would be better somewhere else, we’re gonna be screwed.

I really like the way the flyers are built. they’ve got some top forwards, but IMO its their depth that makes them so strong. Since we probably cant get a 40+ goal LW we should try to copy that blueprint at the forward positions.
I’d rather have 2 20+ goal scorers for cheaper than one 11.5 million dollar LW. Its not as sexy but the team will be
better off.

[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
@KingsRock80,
I was gonna say I was at game 6 too. Damn Vancouver fans were acting like clowns. Booing the kings when they were leaving the ice, really pissed me off. If kings fans did that in vancouver there would have been blood spilled. I saw a chicago fan against the glass in vancouver on TV after the hawks won a game and people were throwing beers on him.

[Reply]
number 6 says:

July 25, 2010 at 9:03 pm

FINALLY!!! FINALLY!!! THE TRADE. IT’S GONE DOWN….. YEESSSSSS.

Joe Saunders and prospects for Dan Haren…. I think that this…huh? Huh? Oooops. Wrong sport.

sorrrrreeee

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
@number 6,

Is there another pro sport besides hockey??? You must be pulling my leg.

[Reply]
LionsEatDucks says:

July 25, 2010 at 9:52 pm

I dont really understand all the knocks on Kovalchuks “playoff experiance,” or that term in general. Sure it’s important to prove that you can do things in the playoffs, but Ill take a good player that hasnn’t been there yet anyday. Or in Kovi’s case never had a good team around him. I mean he did have more points than any of our forwards in this years playoffs. And NJ only played 5 games while we played 6. Can’t blame him if Brodeur is getting too old and letting in weak goals. (And look at how much “playoff experiance” Broduer has.)

I know Kovi is staying in NJ, so I am not arguing to try to get him anymore, just arguing the knocks on him and that term.

Look at the Kings for example… I think Doughty, Kopitar, and even Johnson did really good, and they were all first time playoff players. Brown got 5 points and did good as well. Simmonds did good too.

What are the players we brought in recently where DL was saying their “playoff experiance” will help?

Smyth -2 points in the playoffs and was getting to old and slow and was taking penalties because of it. Tied for 2nd in the playoffs in PIM to Simmonds because Simmonds fought.

Williams -Probably don’t even have to say it, but healthy scratch.

Stoll -One point, and didn’t we get him for his shot from the blueline on the PP? You’d think with as many PP’s and PPG’s we had he’d have more than one.

O’Donnell -Same as Smyth, too old and slow.

Greene and Scuderi too, but I won’t knock them. It’s hard to judge your defensive D-men when Quick was playing as bad as he was.

Heck, even Jones had “playof experiance” and I know I don’t have to say anything there.

Ill admit Handzeus and Modin did good. But they were doing good during the season (in Modin’s case the small season he had with us.) And they just continued it in the playoffs.

Now Im not saying “playoff experiance” is a bad thing, I think our young players are better with this past year than before. But the point Im trying to make is I dont think “playoff experiance” is as important as DL has been trying to force into our heads with all the old FA signings. I still think there are just good players, and not so good players. And Kovi is a good player.

[Reply]
Kris says:

July 26, 2010 at 12:04 am

Wow over 1300 comments! wonder if we can get it to 2000 by the one week mark Tuesday. Just to change the subject to that other Russian free agent, didn’t Fro’s agent say “Frolov will make a decision w/in 10 days” about 11 days ago?

[Reply]
Kevin Y Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:39 am
@Kris,

Of course, that was before Kovalchuk’s deal was rejected… back when everybody thought he’d be signed by now.

[Reply]
TVA333 says:

July 26, 2010 at 12:04 am

Man… I cannot wait until this UFA/RFA/kovi period is over with… I’m getting really tired of reading all these anti-Kings comments.. Granted, being a Kings fan has taken a little masochism over the past decade.. But seriously.. Some of these comments are just s#1#y… I like most of you will love this team regardless…. and I just cannot wait for these threads to get back to just the die hards talking love for this team for better or worse… So burned out on all the hate…just.. Lame.

[Reply]
Alex Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:08 am
@TVA333, AGREED. Love em or hate em. I love em till the end!

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 1:36 am
@TVA333,

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 1:37 am
@Michael_DD8,

Dude i feel you man, these guys are all just a bunch of stupid bandwagon fans, that don’t understand, that in the end, that’s STILL your team.

[Reply]
Miller29 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:55 am
@Michael_DD8,

No bandwagon fan here. It’s my right to criticize my team because I want to see them succeed, not fail, like they have been since 1967. After years and years of mediocrity fans get the mindset that, “Here comes another sucky year, where we make terrible trades and have nothing to cheer about, save a spectacular goal or a good fight.” It’s the “Bad News Bears” syndrome that most of us have been conditioned to believe.

Unfortunately, we haven’t turned this organization around to the point that we can believe in ourselves. Some people recon that DL is taking us in that direction, others say no, but in the end time will tell who is right. People want results, and until they get them, expect this kind of reaction.
Bkrs-Bud says:

July 26, 2010 at 1:11 am

@TVA333
I know how you feel i came here to hopefully get some good information,What do i find Trolls,Polly Wog tough guys,D.L. haters crying the sky is falling,

I had to check the date, preseason starts September 22nd.

The regular season starts October 9.

I think we have time to make some moves no need to panic.

I am looking forward to seeing which of our young players step up and make the big club this season.

GO KINGS!

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

July 26, 2010 at 7:36 am

Wow. It’s like the Kings collectively died or something after the Kovi signing and its brief aftermath. No moves, no public charting of plans…it’s almost spooky.

That said, it seems to me there will be some “opportunities” around preseason. Hope they’re good ones.

[Reply]
Andrew says:

July 26, 2010 at 8:03 am

Anyone know at what time today the NHLPA must file their grievance? What happens if/when they take no action? doesn’t that mean that they accept that the deal is VOID and therefore IK is a UFA?

[Reply]
vladimir says:

July 26, 2010 at 8:09 am

Frolov in N.Y.Rangers.

[Reply]
Krusher says:

July 26, 2010 at 8:35 am

Have you seen this from Ryan Lambert on Yahoo Sports? Ouch!

WILL THE KINGS ACTUALLY DO ANYTHING THIS SUMMER?

Recently the Los Angeles Kings have been running little quizzes on their website. “Can You Name Every Kings Head Coach?” “How Many Kings 40-goal Scorers Can You Name?” and so forth.

So here’s one: Can You Name Anyone the Kings Have Acquired This Offseason?

I’ve seen a bunch of stuff about the team in recent weeks, all related to Ilya Kovalchuk(notes), and that got me thinking: Have they picked up anyone at all else this summer? The answer, since they made four pick-only trades at the draft on June 25 and 26, is no.

The Kings, as far as I’ve been able to ascertain from any source (TSN, ESPN, Yahoo, NHL.com, the team’s website, even Wikipedia) have neither signed nor traded for a player at any level of the professional hockey ranks that was not previously with the team. They’re the only organization in the entire league to have not done so.

“So what?” you may say. The Kings are a good, young team and they’re solid at most positions between the NHL and AHL, and even maybe have a couple kids from juniors that are ready to step in and contribute. Maybe you’re right.

But they lost Alex Frolov to free agency (well, they will have once he signs somewhere), and while they can complain about his work ethic and willingness to compete every night, they sure will miss his 19-32-51 that was fifth on the team despite his minutes being reduced considerably from the 2008-09 campaign.

The loss of Frolov leaves the Kings, according to their own website’s depth chart, with three left wings. One of them is Ryan Smyth(notes), who’s perfectly fine but aging, and the others are Brad Richardson(notes) and Scott Parse(notes), neither of whom cracked 30 points last year. And the total number of players listed under “Forwards” on said website’s active roster: nine.

Apart from re-upping spare-part players like Rich Clune and Brad Richardson, the Kings have simply sat around and done nothing this offseason. Oh sure, they made their play for Kovalchuk and ultimately were spurned. So why haven’t we seen any type of contingency plan?

(Coming Up: James Wisniewski(notes) as a $4 million player; Sedin vs. Sidney; why Atlanta likes Dustin Byfuglien(notes); David Krejci’s(notes) recovery; the value of Alfredsson; Rangers trade targets; getting philosophical on Kovalchuk; remembering a Lucic turtle; sports blog does hockey wrong; and a rather stunningly awful Predators trade proposal.)

You can make a very cogent argument that the Pacific and the West in general got better (or at worst: didn’t get weaker) than they were last year. Does a team that finished sixth in the conference and third in the division last year really have that great of a shot at making the playoffs this year?

And yet Los Angeles almost literally hasn’t done anything apart from re-signing two guys with 11 goals each last season. Have you even heard of them having particularly great interest in anyone?

The experts said that the free agency dam would break when Kovalchuk signed with someone and that’s proven to be pretty much true since Monday. However, I don’t know if Lombardi got that memo.

Maybe he’s waiting for Ilya to come crawling back if the NHL ever does get away with voiding that New Jersey contract. Maybe he thinks the Kings are totally set using like five rookies in regular roles and trying to get into the playoffs again. Maybe he’s amassing a Miami Heat-like super team and waiting for just the right moment to pull back the curtain and really relish the laments of his enemies.

Whatever the reason, I have to think Lombardi has a better Plan B for the club than sitting in his bedroom, sobbing and cutting Kovalchuk out of every picture in his Best Friends Forever photo album.

Kings fans would like to see any evidence of that at all

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:48 am
@Krusher, I agree 100% with your blog !!
Remember when Montreal was asking regarding Frolov? They have one of the best offensive defenseman Bergeron, still available and the Kings need him very bad.. What hapaned with Gagne? DL should of try to sign him before Tampa did, someone said that it was Gagne who said yes to Tampa, why the Kings did not invite Gagne to Malibu to check it out? DL failed to see IK just used him to jack his price up and made the Devils cough up more money..

[Reply]
EJ Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:14 am
@johnny, Bergeron is a trainwreck. Did you bother to watch the playoff series against the Flyers??? Every time his coach dared to put him on the ice, the Flyers were all over the Canadians.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:19 am
@EJ, It is becoming smart to just ignore Johnny; says the same stuff every single post, and a lot of it is factless, ranting and raving from someone who clearly does not understand the finer aspects of running a hockey team, or sports business in general.

You are right, bergeron is WAY worse than Randy Jones ever was in his own end. There is a reason why he is still available.

EJ Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
@VanKingsFan, you are absolutely right. I’ve replied to one too many of his posts.

VanKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:49 am
@Krusher,

I too am sometimes worried by all of these points. But it also makes me laugh when people write, “Dean is not doing anything! IS he just hanging out taking a vacation?”.

I guarantee you he is doing ALOT, and the less the public knows about it the better as far as I am concerned. I don’t run my business through the media, most people don’t. If we can keep our actual dealings behind closed doors, great; shi**ty for Kings fans who want to know what is happening, but it is good to keep the media in the dark sometimes.

There is a lot of time left before the season starts, and you KNOW there will be moves before it starts.

Just because you signed free agents the fastest, does not make them the best moves.

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:00 am
@VanKingsFan,

Very well written. If it’s out there other GM’s would be able to counter or make a bigger problems for the Kings to sign someone. When the cops go to a drug bust at someones house they do not call to let them know they will be there in about an hour do they?

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:31 am
@Dazed N Confused, That would be true if the NHL a pro sport organization and the illegal drug lords would be in the same league, but since everyone knows who is available players, and what the Kings need, if you a fan you should be informed…. Did you ever buy a movie ticket and did not know what you going to see, some folks will not pay for that, and want to see before hand what the show will be..
Just saying, just saying…..

johnny Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:20 am
@VanKingsFan, What are you smoking man?? How can you justify to sell season tickets for your fans if you don’t know who will be on ice? You the type of guy who buys in the positive spin of the garbage and just take your money away…..

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:28 am
@johnny,

“You the type of guy who buys in the positive spin of the garbage and just take your money away…..”

Honestly man, I have no idea what you mean by this weird sentence, it doesn’t make sense.

I do know who will be on the ice, The Kings!

Oh, and I live in British Columbia so I can give you one guess at what I’m smoking

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:19 am
@Krusher,

Interesting points.

However, as I’m certain you are aware, the market does not consist of just free agents. The most important part of the market at this point is the RFA/arbitration market. One example: Mason Raymond of the Vancouver Canucks (just resigned today in advance of his arbitration hearing, by the way…).

With the arbitration cases coming up, there will be teams which do not sign their players beforehand AND lose the arbitration case. When that happens, the team may choose NOT to accept the player and just walk away. Teams like Chicago and Philadelphia who are above the cap may do just that.

There are more players out there; patience is necessary. Just promise me you will be back on the site to discuss the proceedings, as we approach the start of the NHL season…

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:26 am
Mason Raymond = 5.1 mil/2 years…

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=328557

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

Parse, Voynov & our 2011 #1 for Raymond & Bieska

Throw in Williams, Stoll or Hickey if need be.

deadcatbounce Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:24 am
@Krusher, wYes, let’s make a trade or sign someone just so we can say that we acquired a new player. That should make about 75% of the people on this blog deliriously happy!

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:34 am
@deadcatbounce, Not likely, it would just give them a new thing to complain about.
“why did we pay HIM that much”
“Why did we sign this guy instead of this other guy.”
“We had a chance at Gagne and only got _____! Dean Sucks”

etc etc etc

[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:00 am
@deadcatbounce,

NOT another Halpern!!

[Reply]
Wup2k Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:55 am
@Krusher,

While I like the tone of the article and am frustrated that the Kings didn’t sign Kovalchuk or a defensemen this summer, what the article doesn’t point out is that for YEARS the Kings would trade or let players go every year, resulting in the following year’s team looking COMPLETELY different. Meanwhile, SUCCESSFUL teams like Detroit, New Jersey and Dallas always looked the SAME.

I think it’s great that we’re not signing or trading players for the sake of it anymore. It’s great that last year’s team will look substantially similar to next year’s team.

But, I agree, it seriously bothers me that nothing was done to IMPROVE the team. And, with Frolov leaving, there’s NO DOUBT the team will have become WORSE for next season.

I anticipate the Kings are going to move some prospects to land a replacement for Frolov. They will also trade some prospects for a defensemen. It really is too bad though, given that they could have signed some guys without having to give up anything.

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:03 am
@Krusher,

Interesting article, I did not know the Kings were the only team in the league to not sign or trade for anyone at the NHL level.

I really hope Lombardi can sign someone soon…anyone just to let us know hes still here.

Would be nice to get a top 6 winger.

Doing a quick sketch up of how the lines could look next year…i must say Smyth-Kopi-Williams doesnt really excite me. yeah, they did good at the beginning of last season, but you know Williams will miss half of the season injured, and Smyth is getting older and slower. love him on the PP but theres gotta be a better option for our first line left wing.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
@Krusher,

Who is this douche, Ryan Lambert on Yahoo Sports?

[Reply]
EJ Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 7:29 am
@John, He is a poor excuse for a reporter. Just another example of the bottom-of-the-barrel “journalism” that exists today due to the ‘net.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

July 26, 2010 at 8:59 am

Open question:

What is the MAX you would offer to Fro to come back?
OR
What contract specifics would you offer Fro to return?

I say 2 years, 7 Million (3.5 hit) with incentives for team achievements (if possible), i.e. more money for each round of he playoffs we reach.

[Reply]
Schoeny Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:08 am
@VanKingsFan,
I’d be ok giving him $2-3.5m. Definitely laden w/ incentives for points, etc. Throw in a clause for him to take English classes. Homey needs discipline and inspiration.. or just the same brand of Wheaties every morning. Some kind of life coach – no clue how to explain how hot/cold he gets. I’d like to keep him on the 2nd or 3rd line. Dont overspend – low base salary w/ $1m incentives for 60 points, 70 points… he can buy more frilly sweaters.

[Reply]
kings fan in dallas Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:10 am
@VanKingsFan, hmmm thats to much for me….id say 3 years for 8 mill…i like fro…but hes on and off more then the red light at a hookers house

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:31 am
@VanKingsFan, Frolov is not eligible to receive incentives in his contract, is he? I thought you had to be 35?

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:38 am
@deadcatbounce, Yes I think you are right, that’s why I said “if possible”. I don’t know what the exact rules are regarding bonuses.

One motivation technique; sign Fro and give him personal responsibility of the welfare of our younger russian players (Loki, Voynov, Kitsyn). Put it all on Fro’s shoulders to teach them to be NHL players, English, North American customs, etc.
Firm believer that if you give someone a big responsibility, and make them accoutnable, they will usually shine.

[Reply]
YES on 19 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:45 am
@VanKingsFan, I do believe that you have to be 35+ in order to receive incentives in your contract. I wouldn’t be remiss to picking up Frolov again, but he has to want to come back, and if next season is going to be more of the same he’s going to have to want to come back to an environment where he knows he’s going to be called out in the media for not only his own shortcomings, but his team’s as well. I don’t think he was treated fairly last year, beginning with the announcement by TM that he believed Frolov could be a 40-goal scorer and then TM placing him on a checking line with a guy who had a very short track record and another guy who’s value to the team was more defensive than offensive. That isn’t how you set up someone to succeed, is it?

SpyWife Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:33 am
@VanKingsFan, I personally don’t care much if they bring Fro back at all. I’m not at all sure his style of play fits with this team. While he’s good at holding onto the puck, he needs to improve the other aspects of his game. Holding onto the puck for great lengths of time is not good if you don’t see the open players begging for the puck and I could probably count the number of actual checks (not bumps) he had during the last season on one hand. It really is frustrating to watch this hot/cold player. And if it’s frustrating for the fans, just imagine how frustrating it must be for his teammates who never know which Fro will show up to play on any given night.

That said, if DL decides to resign him at a reasonable price I think incentives for production might make him more accountable.

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
@VanKingsFan,

Yeah, what he said…and the rest of the team should be able to vote on what shirts he’s allowed to wear when he’s not on the ice….

[Reply]
GG says:

July 26, 2010 at 9:31 am

look at this cute boy .nhl.com super fans

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

July 26, 2010 at 10:01 am

My picks (in order of preference for remaining FA’s

Defense:
1. Grebeshkov – Solid at bopth ends of the ice, great #5 or 6 Dman.
2. Andy Sutton – ferocious hsot blocker and hitter; would be another Matt greene. Would be a good replacement for OD.
3. Willie Mitchell – Would be #1 choice if he wasn’t concussed recently

Forwards:
1. Cheechoo (For 1 Million or less!)
2. Fro – 3 to 3.5 Million for 2 years or less
3. R. Torres – 1.5 Mil
4. Kariya

[Reply]
VancouverWashingtonKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:07 am
@VanKingsFan, Finally…someone agrees on Cheechoo. SIGN HIM DEANO!!

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
@VanKingsFan,

Anybody but Andy Sutton! We don’t need no stinking cheap shot artists!

and Dude! you have been smoking if you want cheechoo….

[Reply]
vladimir says:

July 26, 2010 at 10:09 am

Frolov to Rangers

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:35 am
@vladimir,

Source?

[Reply]
vladimr Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:54 am
@Sebastian, Sov Sport in Russia.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:06 am
@Sebastian,

It’s Vladimir…he IS the source!

[Reply]
vladimir Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
@John, Sov Sport Russia.

Vladimir Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
@John, It was news in the Russian sport paper(Sov Sport).

John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
@vladimir,

Aw I’s just mess’n with ya Vlad. “Vladimir” is so Russian!

Is it a good source, not like a tabloid?

Vladimir Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
@Sebastian, It was news in the Russian sport paper(Sov Sport).

[Reply]
Miller29 says:

July 26, 2010 at 10:26 am

Grievence by NHLPA filed re: Kovi as per Dreger.

[Reply]
Pumpernicholl says:

July 26, 2010 at 10:32 am

“Over? it’s never over…”

Perfect name for this thread.

[Reply]
Miller29 says:

July 26, 2010 at 10:35 am

It’s not over till Kovalchuk’s wife sings.

[Reply]
variable says:

July 26, 2010 at 10:35 am

@MILLER29…

yep…confirmed by dregster…it’s on…!

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:51 am
@variable,

Q has stepped up and represented:

http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2010/7/26/1588575/no-no-no-there-is-no-now-we-pick

So, according to the Quisper…
Twenty-four hours to get to the arbitrator, or the IK contract is void?

[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

two deans…(none of which will be named lomabardi)…will be assigned to choose an arbiter…which might have already been done this weekend…depending on who you want to believe…

from QUISPY>>>:

“Because, as I have been saying for about a week, there is no provision for picking an arbitrator now. Once the NHLPA gives notice of intent to dispute, they have 24 hours to notify the arbitrator (or else — truly — they have not “timely disputed” and the contract is automatically void — wouldn’t that be hilarious), and after that there shall (i.e. must) be a decision within 48 hours. Thursday, at the latest.”

[Reply]
chuckrocks says:

July 26, 2010 at 10:42 am

Hammond,Hammond,Hammond, has anoyone seen Hammond? Anyone? Anyone?

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:50 am
@chuckrocks,

I will check the local hospitals and you guys get his picture on milk cartons. We will find our missing Hammond and get him back on track.

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:13 am
@chuckrocks,

I will check the local hospitals and you guys get his picture on milk cartons. We will find our missing Hammond and get him back on track.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:19 am
@chuckrocks, http://deepinsidethekings.com/2010/07/22/wheres-rich-hammond/

[Reply]
sstephen17 says:

July 26, 2010 at 12:02 pm

TSN reported that the NHLPA will file a grievance. I think most people thought they would so now it goe before an arbitrator. Here is where it gets confusing for me.

Quisp basically outlined that according to the CBA, an arbitrator needs to be in place or the league and the NHLPA has deans (ironic huh?) in place to select an arbitrator. If this is true, a resolution should be reached by Thursday at the latest, based on the post on the JFTC site:

Once the NHLPA gives notice of intent to dispute, they have 24 hours to notify the arbitrator (or else — truly — they have not “timely disputed” and the contract is automatically void — wouldn’t that be hilarious), and after that there shall (i.e. must) be a decision within 48 hours. Thursday, at the latest.”

The NHLPA’s statement reads:

“The NHLPA has filed a grievance disputing the NHL’s rejection of the Standard Player Contract between the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk. Under the terms of the CBA, the NHLPA and Mr. Kovalchuk are entitled to an expedited resolution of this matter. The NHLPA will have no further comment until this matter has been resolved by an Arbitrator.”

TSN is confusing me:

“Unfortunately for hockey fans, the resolution will not be immediate as there is currently no arbitrator in place. Once both sides agree upon an arbitrator, that person would then have 48 hours from the time that they are hired to rule on the case.”

Unless TSN thinks that Thursday isn’t immediate enough, are they saying this could be a drawn out process because the arbitrator needs to be selected?

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
@sstephen17, Yep. Both sides must agree upon an arbitrator then the process begins.

[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@Moondoggie, According to Quisp though, the sides should have already picked the deans, who select the arbitrator.

[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@sstephen17,
Quisp comments on that matter are incorrect.
I checked with source and what he was referring to is for how you replace a system arbitrator. In this case there hasn’t been one to begin with so that rule does not apply. This could takr much longer.

[Reply]
YES on 19 says:

July 26, 2010 at 12:04 pm

At this point, I hope every team pulls their offer for Kovalchuk and lets him rot. Maybe he can play in the Pakistani Hockey League next season.

[Reply]
EJ Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
@YES on 19, sorry, I don’t agree. I enjoy watching highly gifted athletes display their talent, no matter what the team or affiliation. Even when someone scores a critical goal against the Kings, if it was a sweet move, pass, or shot, I’ll (grudgingly) give credit (unless it’s Chris Pronger or that miserable little weasel of a Duck, Corey Perry; I draw the line at those two and freely admit my hypocritical failings).

[Reply]
ArmChairKingsFan says:

July 26, 2010 at 12:06 pm

For those looking for another reason to go hmmmm, I offer this piece of news.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=534936

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
@ArmChairKingsFan,

ha! wrong liew:)

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
@ArmChairKingsFan,

How many lie-weeklys are there? And if there are seven, do they have to change their names to leidaly?

By the same token, if a leiweike falls in the forest, and there is nobody there to hear him fall….

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

July 26, 2010 at 12:06 pm

The Hilarious Part is when the NHL informs the NHLPA, IK and the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday that the IK-NJ Devils deal is now officially VOIDED…

HeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHe!

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Oh, and I just thought about something else:

–Say the NHL voids the contract on Wednesday…
–Could the NHLPA call a general strike?

–Wouldn’t that/couldn’t that VOID THE CBA?????

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

And then EVERYBODY’S a free agent?

Talk about grief for DL on these boards if that were the case!!

[Reply]
gralx says:

July 26, 2010 at 12:08 pm

Ok, why I never thought of this before is beyond me. If this is not a cap circumvention, then do one of 2 things. Either even the whole thing out so that the pay is the same every year of the deal. Or, reverse the order of the yearly payments. If Kovi feels he will still be playing at 44 that should not be an issue, correct? And, for those who will say that Kovi would lose interest on those payments over time, you could put the money into an escrow account gaining interest over the time. Then, if he plays the end years, he gets the interest too….

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
@gralx,

…And then, the lawsuits would begin!

Get ready,
Get set,
–LAWYER UP!–

[Reply]
gralx Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I hear ya Bako… just toughts rattling around in my head. Have to make up my own fantasy land since there is no real Kings news to chew on!

[Reply]
variable says:

July 26, 2010 at 12:36 pm

lots of qualified peeps around the blogospher have confirmed a few reports regarding our man fro…:

- a four-year deal is apparently on the table from a KHL team…terms and dollars have not been released…

- the rangers have reportedly offered fro a 2yr deal for less money annually than the offer from the KHL…

- the kings have reportedly shown renewed interest in bringing him back…although no terms or offers have been confirmed to be on the table…the same report indicated that the kings and fro were currently in discussions about a deal…

STAY TUNED…!

[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
@variable,
PLease tell me that these qualified peeps are not Barry and Eklund

[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
@EASportsMgt,

turns out, i was 100% right…(for a change)…

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
@variable,

Wouldn’t it be IRONIC IF… Somehow, the whole Fro thing ended up with him re-signing with the Kings… as a Page Last story!

HeHeHeHe…
The Uncontrollable Laughter is coming back, I’m feeling it…

[Reply]
DougS Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, variable
If the Rangers are the only NHL bidder for Fro, this could open the door for the Kings to bring him back at a reasonable price. The Rangers have $4.4 mil in cap space left (and 21 player signed), which means that the most they can realistically offer Fro is $4 mil/year, and there’s no way he’s getting the $5 mil that he’s supposedly asking for. I just don’t see them signing Fro to a big contract and then dumping salary to accommodate him.

So it now seems realistic that Fro could be had for $3.5 mil/year, which I think is a reasonable price for the Kings to pay to bring him back.

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
@DougS, Fro is a great on the puck, very strong, but the same time he is slowing down the speedy players, if he is asking 5 mil /year and they offer him 3.5 mil, I think is still to much for that amount of money we can get Torres and Cheechoo.

DougS Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
@johnny
Seriously, Cheechoo? You would take Cheechoo, who hasn’t proven capable of doing much of anything if he isn’t centered by someone not named Thornton, over Frolov for the same money?

John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
@johnny,

Slowing down??! He just turned 28! You saw him skate in the playoffs, yeah? He’s still got wheels, johnny.

iansez Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
@variable, it’d be sweet to see the Fro-nigma back in a Kings uni..hopefully he wants it.

[Reply]
RickyM2 says:

July 26, 2010 at 12:40 pm

This whole Kovy thing is getting too far away from ridiculous. The luster has worn off, and it’s just plain stupid. The NHL should have made an temporary amendment to the CBA. It’s august and so many FA’s are still in limbo. Usually when things like this happen in this fashion, the end result is, the team will win, and the player will get injured shortly after. Too much karma here.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

July 26, 2010 at 2:05 pm

RICH–

I am all for records, but the server was just down for a period of time… Wonder if 1400 comments have anything to do with that?

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Kovi hand was in it, he is getting tired to see his name over and over again

[Reply]
variable Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

i thought it was just me…

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
@V, 1401 for ye…

Two years ago, whodathunk?

[Reply]
ColoKingFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

we finally killed the website… or.. at least knocked it unconscious for a while.

[Reply]
variable says:

July 26, 2010 at 2:40 pm

B…

certainly not us…!

[Reply]
SBkings says:

July 26, 2010 at 2:47 pm

via @DarrenDreger- Frolov about to sign 1 yr. deal with NYR… details to come.

[Reply]
SBKings says:

July 26, 2010 at 2:54 pm

Frolov has decided to sign with the NYR… He seriously considered the KHL, though.

[Reply]
C-Note20 says:

July 26, 2010 at 2:54 pm

Damn I just heard from a credible source that Fro is going to the Rangers.

[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
@C-Note20,

That sounds perfectly logical to me as the Rags are renowned for overpaying underachievers.

[Reply]
C-Note20 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
@Capt Jam, Amen I wounder if Glen has heard that there is a cap.

[Reply]
MacSwede says:

July 26, 2010 at 3:00 pm

So, this is still alive? Do people actually read this comments in here?

I had to stay away for a while, 1400 is just too much!

Well, nothing happens for the Kings. And from what ive heard, DL is on vacation, so when will the action begin?

DL said early this year, I think it was before the trading deadline, that now is the time to do something. The team has grown faster than expected so now it is time to add another piece, i.e a scoring winger.

But, as Rich had said several times, the most probable solution is to get a guy through trade, not through FA. That has been said all along. So, my question, if anyone is reading this, shouldnt Dean then be really prepared to do a trade? If that was said all along?

Then why hasnt he acted? I know the Kovi-thing clearly has taken all the energy, but at least he should be ready to pull some strings?

To get some, we have to give up some. And we cant give up Kopitar, Doughty, JJ, Simmonds, Quick or Bernier, since then we are contradictive (is that a word?). All theese players were the reason we could not give a higher offer for Kovalchuk, so Dean better not trade one of theese.

So whats left? No one want Williams. Maybe Stoll, but that aint giving us a highscoring winger. Hickey has much to prove yet. Loktionov and Moller may be of interest, but not alone.

I am beginning to think that we wont get a highscoring winger this year, even though DL almost has promised us that.

[Reply]
EJ Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
@MacSwede, when and where did DL promise to sign a high-scoring winger this year??? How about a link?

[Reply]
MacSwede Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
@EJ, Didn’t you see the word almost? You know that he has said so in several intervjues. And Rich had mentioned it also. But they never say that anything is determined, they could never say that, so ofcourse it is not a promise, thats why I said almost. But you dont say a thing like this and think that the fans will forget about, because we wont..

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
@MacSwede,
Thank you MacSwede for voicing this concern (shared by many) in a reasonable and intelligent way, instead of just saying “Dean sucks, fire him. He is a terrible GM, etc)

I expected something sooner than this… but I think patience might win out in this case.

Someone else pointed this out, but after Arbitration cases are done, many other options open up. And as we get closer to camps, and pre season, teams are under pressure to get under the cap, or get UP to the floor, and again, options open up.

Every team in the league is still feeling their rosters out right now, and Dean is no exception. I don’t want to see a move just for the sake of a move, but I do want to see something.

Vacations: Burke went on vacation for the last little while, even with all of the work needed to be done on the Leafs!! Dean is entitled to time off, as are we all.

If we are sitting here one month from now and still no moves have been made, I will be much more worried about our season than I am right now.

[Reply]
MacSwede Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
@VanKingsFan, I understand that options will be opened up, but I just dont see what we have to trade with. To get Ryan Smyth, we at least had to give up Quincey who was/is a great defensemen.

If DL gives up someone from the core that I mentioned above, I will be really upset, since that was the reason we could not offer Kovalchuk more. That is my point of my statement.

I am worried, but maybe I am not in a month

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
@MacSwede,
MacSwede…. that’s life. I’m not being flippant. Sometimes we just have to roll with things and trust. Last year I wasn’t expecting Ryan Smyth and voila. Now that being said, I agree with you. I too have wondered who in the heck they would trade as the ‘unprovens’ are … unproven. And don’t worry, he is highly unlikely to trade a core player. That would serve nothing. But really, you just never no how things work out. Maybe Fro comes back, maybe a young player surprises in camp and makes the team and plays really well. We just can’t know right now.

ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@MacSwede,

I’m concerned only because the rumor mill has been so quiet regarding the Kings. Then again it’s been quiet regarding almost EVERY team out there. As soon as IK finds a home, things will pick up again. As far as vacation, why not? Most everyone in the league is waiting for IK to land to they can gauge the market, be it via trade or FA signings.

I for one am holding out that Boston gives Savard the Dan Boyle treatment now that they have Seguin. Yes, Savard is a center, but he is high scoring and productive, and in his prime. Since Boston is up against the cap, he could be had for prospects.

I’ve asked this before, and I don’t think any of us have the answer. But is there ANYONE out there that could fill the need?

[Reply]
MacSwede Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
@ArmChairKingsFan, I guess you are right. Again, we have to wait for the IK to be solved.. *sigh*

Preferably, we need a left winger, so Savard (who is more of a playmaker than a scorer) is not so interesting in my opinion.

What about Alexander Semin? Washington is close to the cap. Or maybe Tomas Vanek?

[Reply]
ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
@MacSwede,

Washington is not as close, and would want a roster player since Semin has a 6-mil cap hit with just the upcoming season left. As for Vanek, he has 4 years left at 7.1 per, and as with Semin, Buffalo could definitely ask for roster players in return.

However, Vancouver does need to get under the cap, and Philly and Calgary are right there too… So I guess it’s completely wide open.

MacSwede Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@ArmChairKingsFan, Then maybe we could take on of the Sedins haha that would be something, split the twins..

luc20rules Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
@ArmChairKingsFan, Does it have to be 1 player. Wouldn’t the need be filled with depth just as well. If we got Lee Stepniak multi year (3 to 4) mil/yr or just one & Teemu Selanne for one year at like 5 mil. Wouldn’t that fit the scoring deficit at 5-5 just as well. We know Brown can play well on the left wing. Williams gets bumped down a line as well as Brown to replace Fro on the Checking Line. With Richardson, Schenn, and Parse on the 4th line we would likely see more minutes and score 35+ goals as compared to about 10 if that last year.
Forward Lines
Smyth-Kopi-Selanne
Stepniak-Stoll-Williams
Brown-Handzus-Simmonds
Richardson-Schenn-Parse

The main problem is do we trust Fransson vet, but with Swedish Elite League experience only, Greene, or rookie with the # 4 D-Man duties. This concerns me maybe more than the scorer issue. The scoring would improve just by having a #4 that can move the puck out of our zone to start offensive rushes. Say all the nasty stuff you want about Blake, but didn’t it seem as though we had way more odd man attacks 2 or 3 years ago? D does win 2 or 3 years ago we weren’t good enough in our own end, and on the PP or PK.

[Reply]
MacSwede Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:37 am
@luc20rules, We allready have depth in my opinion. We need a highscoring winger, a star.

Brown should not be on the third.

Star-Kopi-Brown
Smyth-Stoll/Schenn/Lokti-Williams
Richardson-Handzus-Simmonds
Clune-Schenn/Cliche-Parse
Big Rob in Dallas says:

July 26, 2010 at 3:13 pm

If you are reading this far down then you might enjoy this article. Basically, NJ knew that the NHL would void the contact but went ahead anyway.

http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/07/22/the-day-the-devils-told-the-nhl-circumvent-this/?ncid=edlinkusspor00000003?ncid=edlinkusspor00000003

[Reply]
Larry Murphy says:

July 26, 2010 at 3:17 pm

Last one out, turn the lights off! Not one deal, the ONLY team not to have signed an UFA or make a trade. The ONLY one! The other 29 teams must have it wrong, dame we’re good!

CLICK

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@Larry Murphy,
Yup, because that’s how the standings are determined during the season, by how many moves you make, or how fast you make them…

learn the game of hockey from all angles would you please.

[Reply]
Larry Murphy Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:31 am
@VanKingsFan,
Sure, Im looking at the first round and out angle. DL and Timmy love you guys, so easy to please. Another 40 years should get it done, please. I think I know a little about hockey old wise one.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
@Larry Murphy,

Just another indicator of how well we’ve progressed!

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
@John,

…I mean, prOgressed…

[Reply]
neil says:

July 26, 2010 at 4:02 pm

we should sign Fro for 15 millions for 15 years…only a million dollar hit on the cap!!!

[Reply]
Nitrohockey says:

July 26, 2010 at 4:03 pm

I’m not worried that DL hasn’t made a move yet. There’s still plenty of time. People tend to look at July 1st as a “One day only, blowout sale!” That’s just not true. Let’s wait and see how the Kovalchuk mess plays out, then take a look at where other teams are at on their rosters in terms of RFA’s, arbitration, etc. There could be some steals to be had just because of cap space.

[Reply]
KC23 says:

July 26, 2010 at 4:07 pm

Looks like Fro is gone. Not that I’m surprised. Options for a servicable winger getting slimmer and slimmer.

[Reply]
Harry Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
@KC23, I just read it, it sucks. Check out what his agent said.

In the report Isakov also criticizes how the Los Angeles Kings treated his client last year, stating that they “spoiled” his season. The enigmatic, sometimes sniper was openly criticized by Kings’ head coach Terry Murray last season for what he called “unacceptable play” and lack of drive. Murray dropped the 28-year old Russian from the first to third line last season and made him a healthy scratch at one point. According to the report, Isakov says that this criticism cost his client millions of dollars.
-http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=328588

[Reply]
insider#2 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
@Harry,

As Artie Lange would say, “WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!”

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
@Harry, I’ll probably get blasted for this,but I agree with him totally.

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Idaho Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
@KC23, Not a done deal yet…the reports say close but done. Perhaps we will know by tomorrow. I hope the Kings can re-sign him. I have a big heart for Fro and would hate to see him go. If he does sign with the Rangers, I sure hope their fans give him a bit more respect than he’s gotten here. It will be a sad day for me.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
@Kings Fan In Idaho,

They will respect him…because he’ll have Gomez & Gaborik beside him!

[Reply]
EASpotsMgt Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
@John,
Umm Gomez is with Montreal

Deadmarsh Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
@John, last I checked Gomez was playing for the Habs.

friarking Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@KC23, If he signs for less than $2.5 million with another team, that’ll be a reflection on how much he wanted to stay/how much they wanted him back.

[Reply]
insider#2 says:

July 26, 2010 at 5:47 pm

Come on Deaner, get the poison out!

[Reply]
Doug d Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
@insider#2,

Come on Raven….let it all hang out
Hahahahaha

[Reply]
luc20rules says:

July 26, 2010 at 6:16 pm

This NHL vs NJ&Kovi Contract is going to be interesting.
Most lawyers say the NHL doesn’t really have the CBA or history on there side. The Hossa contract will be thrown in there face with 4 if not 5 years of a bottom tail contract. The arbitarator may just say that 3 or 4 mil must be thrown in to the last 6 years to make it equivalent bumping the cap hit to 6.235 mil/yr cap hit.
What I am wondering is even though its resolved would that come with a penalty for NJ as it would mean by adjusting the contract circumvention did occur. Even that may be a victory for the NHL as it would lay some doubt or hesitation to other GMs.
I also would have to wonder if all this CBA loophole action which I believe the owners tried and failed to get on the CBA amid NHLPA protests, and no votes to maximum length of contracts. I think the owners just made a gentlemens agreement not to do them just like the offer sheets. Will there be a day of reckoning where the owners that kept there agreement will change the cap hit to current years salary at the next CBA. I actually tend to doubt the NHLPA will really have a problem with that in a player vote anyway.
Or will we see a flood of 20 year contracts being signed before then making the majority of owner in favor of this loophole? I guess only time will tell.

[Reply]
ColoKingFan says:

July 26, 2010 at 6:26 pm

Captain Oveur: You ever been in a cockpit before?
Joey: No sir, I’ve never been up in a plane before.
Captain Oveur: You ever seen a grown man naked?

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
@ColoKingFan, Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue!

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
@Dominick, Dude…Is that the truth?!?!?!?!?

[Reply]
Puckin-A Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
@ColoKingFan, shiiiiiiii chump don’t wan no help chump don’t get no help.

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
@ColoKingFan,

(Handing him Kovi’s new contract) Johnny, what can you make of this?

Johnny: I make a hat, a broach, a teradactyl.

[Reply]
ColoKingFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:54 am
@We B Ilya’n,

hahahahahahaahaha GOLD!

[Reply]
Pumpernicholl says:

July 26, 2010 at 6:39 pm

Why not have a Salary Cap plus 1 Franchise Player Exemption in the NHL?

Other pro sports leagues have a system like that, most notably the KHL.

Pay your single biggest star whatever your organization can bear without concern for the cap, and you just might cut down on the ridiculous lengths of these beyond-12-year deals.

That 17-year deal for example could be cut maybe in half with a Franchise Player Exemption, which would still be a very risky and very lengthy term but no longer 100% absurd.

At least you would be offering a fully believable salary even in the last year of a more reasonable-length deal, and you wouldn’t be having this silly $525K in the year 2027 business.

[Reply]
johnny says:

July 26, 2010 at 6:59 pm

Just checked the Kings website, still the game side is on
can you name questions…..
Here is one.. Can you name when was the last time any useable info
was on the Kings website….. That will be a hard one !

[Reply]
KingsRock80 Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
@johnny,

I hear ya, the official Kings site is lame, but it’s really for the casual fans to buy tickets, jerseys and whatnot. The real fans go to this site, and blow it up with 1400 comments on an over a week old thread!

[Reply]
Silence Dogood says:

July 26, 2010 at 7:06 pm

Faith in Dean Lombardi is stretched to the breaking point.

Lieweike is a hindrance.

Will the Kings sign anyone not already King’s property?

It is hard to be a Kings fan.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@Silence Dogood,

I love this hockey club! It’s not hard at all.

[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
@Silence Dogood,
Why do they have to sign someone right now for? These comments about Dean not doing anything and so forth are way out of left field. In case some of you haven’t noticed there are plenty of free agents out there. If Dean is not going to sign an FA which he previously stated he probably wouldn’t then the other teams need to pick up the FA’s so that the trade candidates become easier to identify and the Kings go out and trade for their missing pieces.
Plus there are only two real holes that need to be filled, a LW and a top 4 D. It is also conceivable that the Kings may let their youngsters battle for those spots as well.

[Reply]
Daniel says:

July 26, 2010 at 7:14 pm

So, Frolov’s Russian agent is bad mouthing the Kings: (from Dmitry Chesnokov’s twitter) “Frolov’s agent blamed the Kings for marring Frolov’s last season on purpose.” And his (not very professional) article: http://yhoo.it/9dVoFN

I am sorry, I have been pro-Fro guy since he was drafted and no one besides Frolov can take responsibility for marring his image nor his season. Such an disingenuous thing to say.

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
@Daniel, I guess you must like slow-mo hockey then, fro starts moving the puck from the blue line before he shoots the game is over. The guys has great puck protection nothing else, slows the game down he could of been a great chess player..

[Reply]
Michael G says:

July 26, 2010 at 7:30 pm

So Rich:

When Are You Coming Back From Your Coffee Break?

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
@Michael G, he is helping DL packing Frolov bags, he will be right back……

[Reply]
Sandra says:

July 26, 2010 at 9:20 pm

Ok, I’ve got to say it!

By no means do I begrudge Rich a break – he truly deserves it for all the heard work he puts in for us. But I am going into withdrawal here !!!!!!!
Come back soon Rich please?

[Reply]
thound says:

July 26, 2010 at 9:44 pm

Again, where was Lombardi at the time Gagne and his expiring contract were traded for a puckbag and a 4th?

Napping? In the AEG spin room?

If you’re going to “wait” for the core to “develop” you’ve got to at least augment the core with assets at times to construct the roster moving forward.

The Kings are STILL lacking scoring on the wings and no amount of Lombardi love is going to change that. Don’t want to sign FA’s? Fine, then make a deal. Don’t want to trade valuable assets? Fine, then make deals like the one for Gagne.

Again, DL may be the GM they’ve needed to build the foundation, but I feel he seriously lacks what it takes to finish the upper floors of the roster.

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
@thound, With respect:

Blah, blah, blah, blah….

No, really??? Are you kidding us with that overused rhetorical blather??

More substance and factual reference in your argument, please.

gKg!

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
@LBlocal, Have you seen any signigs from UFA or RFA? As far as I know he just signed with in the organization..
The Kings are a step back when they went off the ice last year… They need core players 2 or 3 and they will be a strong contender, right now they will compete for the 12th place…

[Reply]
thound Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
@LBlocal,

Yawn…

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
@thound, Great blog, I am saying this over and over again, loom at Tampa with their new GM Steve Y. DL should take a GM 101 from him. DL failed to see he IK just using them to jack up his price, and made the Devils panic…
They said Gagne only want to play in Tampa, we should of show him around Malibu…
The Kings need a core power forward, and a good D-man on the blue line to help the PP. With this 2 things they will be a contender, right now they are stepping back not forwards..
Some folks are calling us hockey fans out not to beach about it.. But hey if I want to spend my money to see a team, I would like to have the best team out there, and right now they are not !

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
@thound,

Nothing better than misinformed banter! Gagne had a NTC and said he would only go to TB. Nuff Said. Feel smart now?

[Reply]
thound Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
@src,

Really now?

=============

Gagne said his decision to leave the Flyers (the team that made him a 1998 first-round pick and with which he was named to the NHL’s 2000 All-Rookie team) was not taken lightly and made only because he had some control of the process.

“The only way I was going to waive my no-trade clause was if the Flyers gave me the okay to talk to other teams,” Gagne said, adding he spoke to 10.

===============

Yeah, looks like it SRC. I mean, he of course wanted to only go to Tampa, and that’s of course why he spoke with 10 teams

Next we’ll hear that Lombardi was “IN” on Gagne, but just couldn’t close the deal.

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
@thound,

How come the East coast guys want to stay on the East coast? 60+ more home days with the family every year. I would say that in itself is huge and one of the major factors we cant get people to come to LA. Not to mention the West is much tougher to play in.

thound Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
@SRC,

I understand the west coast travel issue, but they can’t keep using that as an excuse.

They’re NEVER going to have the lack of travel that the New Jersey’s and the New York’s and Buffalo’s have, so Kings management has to do do a better job of selling this franchise, it’s current direction, and it’s long term future in order to negate the travel issues.

They need to MAKE IT a non issue.

BTW.. did you know that Tampa will actually travel MORE than the Kings this year.

Tampa = 40,522 miles

Kings = 39,348 miles

We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
@thound,

Busy trying to trade Justin Williams for a six pack of Schlitz and some lottery scratchers

[Reply]
Bryan Agee Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:35 am
@thound

No need to defend yourself! I agree with you! There are a few types of Kings fans I see here. There are the die-hards who don’t care if the Kings ever win for some strange reason. Losing is okay to them. I don’t understand it. I have been competitive my whole life so I wouldn’t understand it. I don’t need to understand it. I prefer to win…and then there are die-hards who care very much so that the Kings have never won much and are failing to nail down some talent to better this team…again. And then there is the occasional goof-nugget.
To each his own! I am just tired of the Kings being like the Columbus’ who pretty much sit on their ass at the trade deadline and free agency and don’t get much better and then they take a step back the next year and blame the coach, etc., and then they are just making an occasional playoff appearance. I say Columbus because I am reminded of Rick Nash. They are letting that guy go to waste (like Kopitar) without finding someone dynamic for him to play with and bring out his true potential…tsk tsk tsk

[Reply]
Bryan Agee Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:50 am
@Bryan Agee,
Oh, I gotta add…We haven’t taken a step back in awhile! Let’s not start now! We’ve come too far…Find someone for Kopi!
Moondoggie says:

July 26, 2010 at 9:57 pm

These days I ask myself “What would Juraj would do?”

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Lets try this again…..

These days I ask myself…”What would Juraj do?”

Hmmmmm, that’s better….Yep, it does look like I picked a bad week to stop sniffing glue, but then again, any week is a bad week to stop sniffing glue these days…..

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
@Moondoggie, And maybe, just maybe it’s time for a new thread, don’t u think????

Cynic, Shades, Nykingsfan, Quisp, anyone?

Bueller? Ferris Bueller?? Anyone????

[Reply]
kfan says:

July 26, 2010 at 10:15 pm

Now i can see some frustration in some of your comments.. A month into the free agent market — No Kovi,, no top-6 D-man,, no 2nd line center,, no new contracts for DD,JMFJ,Simmer,Bernier,Quick.. And sorry to bust your bubbles guys but Fro will be a Ranger Soon!! Kings should of resign him last year or at least trade him to get something in return..Maybe DL has something brewing?… But remember the Vancouver series,the Canucks had speed which the Kings do not and need,especially 5 on 5…

[Reply]
We B Ilya'n Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
@kfan,

Rumors have it that Frolov wants to play with Kovalchuk

Rumors also have it that Rangers are interested in Kovalchuk. They might be the only team left that is.

How do they free up the cap space? Can anyone say, “Gaborik?”

That’s what DL has wanted all along. Genius!

[Reply]
thound Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
@We B Ilya’n,

Gaborik and his 7.5m cap hit through 14′ ?

And at what cost I.e. Players/Picks?

Don’t get me wrong Gaborik’s a great player, but we’ve just seen management basically implode regarding a 6.5m cap hit for IK and it’s ramification on the “core” and that’s without having to give up assets on top of it.

How would they explain then trading assets for a guy ( admittedly owed only 30m overall versus the 100m IK was asking ) who’ll then bog down the overall cap through mid decade?

[Reply]
src Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
@thound,

They will bury Redden in the AHl saving 5+ on the cap.
variable says:

July 26, 2010 at 10:47 pm

i’ve got yr fro hangin’…

http://blog.timesunion.com/mcguire/files/2008/12/gamble1.jpg

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache says:

July 27, 2010 at 1:38 am

I can’t believe Frolov’s agent thinks the Kings are still trying to position themselves to land Kovalchuk if the league wins the arbitration hearing. That guy is making some big bold statements.

[Reply]
Kwaz says:

July 27, 2010 at 1:49 am

I am sure that many have already posted everything I have to say (1400+ posts) but I go away for a week and have no internet, come back to see the progress on plan B…and Kovalchuk is still all the talk? This was already surreal, now I can’t stop laughing about this.

Oh well…at least its not upsetting anymore. By the way anybody know anything about plan B yet?

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 7:47 am
@Kwaz,

“Plan B”… I’snt that the new birth control pill thing? I saw a commercial for that the other day. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression and thoughts of suicide. sounds a lot like being a Kings fan this summer.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 8:50 am
@Sebastian, Nope, that’s just you; you are mistaking us for fans of a bad team.

[Reply]
Bryan Agee Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:42 am
If you listen to the commercial closely it says “some” people will experience side effects. It’s not just Sebastian. Read the blogs…there are others!

Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:45 am
@Kwaz,

Sorry guys, its not birth control, its EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION. You only take it if youre totally screwed. So…did “Plan A” totally screw us? Did he tell us what we wanted to hear until he got what he wanted and then he bailed.

[Reply]
pr0cess says:

July 27, 2010 at 8:37 am

WTF pitsburg in the damn winter classic again!! Serious, there is more teams then just them… god this kind of pisses me off

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=534968&navid=DL|NHL|home

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 8:55 am
@pr0cess, Wholeheartedly agree. Bettman, just living off of Crosby…and continuing to give Canada the big F*CK YOU!
Doesn’t matter I guess that Canadian teams make him most of his money, no that doesn’t matter at all.

Really just sick and tired of this Crosby vs. Ovechkin junk. For one, Crosby has won, every single time it has come up, playoff series’ Stanley Cups, Olympics, Maurice Richard trophy…Enough!

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 8:59 am
@pr0cess, Its all about the $$$ man. Ovechkin and Crosby will draw a bigger TV audience than anyone else in the league. I would like to see an all Canadian winter classic though, Toronto-Montreal or Calgary-Edmonton. Whats the temperature like in Alberta around January 1st?

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:04 am
@Sebastian, Serious, and what about the damn west? We chop liver? BS i say

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:05 am
@Sebastian,

Toooooo cold in Edmonton lol. I am thinking Calgary would be a good bet, and I think you could throw Vancouver in there as well vs the Flames instead of Edmonton. Vancouver, Cagary is a huge rivalry, and Van has a good team at least.

[Reply]
johnny says:

July 27, 2010 at 8:49 am

This is a great great pice of article…

… and its as quiet as Jessica Simpson’s agent’s phone.

While Dean Lombardi is resting comfortable on his vacation, the NHL awaits the outcome of the Kovalchuk fiasco.

Lombardi loves to repeat his mantra that the Kings are “ahead of schedule”. Honestly, Dean. Kings fans really hate it when you say that, even if its true. You can’t make the playoffs for the first time since Clinton was President, then not really do anything to improve the team. Last season you got by with Smyth and Williams. Signing Miroslav Satan isn’t going to cut it.

Thank you at least for TRYING to convince Chara and Drury and Hossa and Gaborik and Kovalchuk but when is it ever going to end? Are you going to wait until Parise is a UFA only to be outbid by the Islanders? Are you going to wind up having to sign a 35 year old Joe Thornton?

You’ve been saying you finally have assets and that teams are finally calling about YOUR players instead of the other way around. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very pleased you haven’t signed the likes of Nagy or Preissing or Calder but do you seriously plan on going into the season with Parse and Simmonds as Kopitar’s wingers?

Yes Dean, I know, Zetterberg only had 15 goals and 28 assists by the time he was Simmonds age and Datsyuk only had 11 goals and 24 assists when he was Kopitar’s age. But Datsyuk and Zetterberg had Yzerman and Shanahan and Hull and Fedorov which allowed the pressures to be taken off while they were “developing”.

The Kings have had Trent Klatt and Derek Armstrong.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 8:59 am
@johnny, Good to see the hate still flowing today Johnny.

I loved Trent Klatt… lol

Good points about Zetty and DickSuck having Federov and Yzerman.

No, I do not think we will enter the season with Parse as one of Kopy’s wingers, Simmonds has a shot though. Again, give things another month and then maybe start to push the panic button if we still haven’t done anything.

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:21 am
@johnny,

Anyone know what happened to Army? I know he signed a 1 year deal with St. Louis but spent most of it in the AHL. I wonder if anyone will pick him up or if he is ready to retire.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:32 am
@Sebastian,

Pretty sure he retired at the end of the year.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:56 am
@johnny,

It might be good for you to read your own posts.

You said: “But Datsyuk and Zetterberg had Yzerman and Shanahan and Hull and Fedorov which allowed the pressures to be taken off while they were ‘developing’”.

I think your point is that the Wings had great players to help others develop. Those guys didn’t come overnight- I believe Yzerman was drafted in 1988, Federov came along about three years later. Both of whom came through the draft. Shanny and Hull were signed in the pre-cap era, which is a different world.

Point is, that the Kings are working to become like the Wings were. Anze = Yzerman, DD = Lidstrom, Bernier > Osgood, etc.

That is “the plan”, and like it or not, the Kings are on track. To change the culture of an organization, community, or people group takes time. Within two or three years FA’s will be lining up to come to L.A.

The Kings players need a bit more maturity, like some posters here.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

July 27, 2010 at 9:03 am

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Juraj Mikus to KHL
According to several tweets this weekend, Ziggy Palffy’s former centerman will head to the KHL.”

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:13 am
@VanKingsFan, Now we are officially screwed!

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:26 am
@Sebastian,

It should be the other way round, bring Palffy back to play wing for Kopy!!

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:35 am
@VanKingsFan, Mikus-Kopi-Ziggy …has a nice ring to it. haha. I really enjoyed watching Ziggy in the Olympics, hes a little slower but still fun to watch. Team Slovakia was like a Kings family reunion.
pr0cess says:

July 27, 2010 at 9:26 am

blah blah, so how long is this no new news from rich going to go on? I hope everything is ok with him. Cause its odd that we have nothing from him.

[Reply]
Paul From Oxnard Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:31 am
@pr0cess, I’m almost certain Rich is on vacation, but I don’t know when he’s scheduled to return.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:32 am
@pr0cess, He is working at a workshop for young writers it would seem (thanks wavesinair).

And there wouldn’t be much news at the moment to post anyways

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:52 am
@VanKingsFan, True i just want order to chaos is all…

[Reply]
Paul From Oxnard says:

July 27, 2010 at 9:30 am

Hard to tell if this has been posted yet or not but the Rangers have now made it official. They’ve signed Frolov. 1 year @ $3M dollars. Supposedly turned down 4 years for $20M from the KHL.

Also don’t know if it was noticed around here but Frolov and/or his agent was blaming the Kings for “marring his season last year”.

Good riddance.

[Reply]
ColoKingFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:55 am
@Paul From Oxnard,

/wave

make sure you take your ****ing agent with you Fro!

good riddance, indeed.

[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:58 am
@ColoKingFan,

hah. you put the guy on a third line defensive unit and the numbers go down as expected. Of course the agent is pissed. Easier to get a bigger deal from a guy that scores 30 as opposed to 23 no matter what line he was on.

I have no doubt if they put Fro on the top 2 lines last year and first line PP unit he’d be bagging 30+ again.

Can’t blame Fro for that. The Kings never really treated him fairly anyway. Doghousing him for the same things other guys get playing time for.

[Reply]
ColoKingFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:13 am
@Dan H.,

say whatever you want about how it happened, but the minute a guy lets his agent start making public comments about how bad a team handled him he needs to go.

Dan H. Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:23 am
@Dan H.,

It’s the agents job to be the bad guy so the player can come in and say how happy he is to be wherever he signs.
Snakes says:

July 27, 2010 at 9:43 am

Espn.com confirming Frolov signing for 1 year 3 Million.

[Reply]
Sebastian says:

July 27, 2010 at 9:43 am

Its tough to see Fro go, after such a long time, but he can be replace. Please dont blame the Kings for your lack of consistency….Best of luck Fro!

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Idaho Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:20 am
@Sebastian,

I think it is not only a sad day for me, but for alot of other Kings fans too. Fro was one of my favorites, and I’m genuinely ticked at the way he was treated by TM, and all the Fro haters on this blog. I really can’t blame him for wanting to go anywhere else. IMO he was just having an off season. It happens. I hope he shines with the Rangers and I wish him all the luck in the world. A sad good-bye to Fro.

[Reply]
PakiFro Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:24 am
@Kings Fan In Idaho,

Agreed. I’m very sad about this. This is up there with Luc being traded to Pitt. Now I need a new user name.

[Reply]
mrk Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:59 am
@Sebastian,

Agreed, I’m gonna miss you Fro. Here’s to your 30+ goal next season.

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:57 am
@mrk, Yep…and here’s to the Kings finding a left winger who will score 20 goals this season on the 3rd line and with limited PP chances.

[Reply]
Kwaz says:

July 27, 2010 at 9:46 am

@Paul From Oxnard,

Good luck Fro!

[Reply]
brandyn says:

July 27, 2010 at 9:46 am

Frolov done… 1 year at 3 million

[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:20 am
@brandyn,

If he signed for 1yr 3mil, did we even make an offer and is so how bad must it of been? Was he that upset with the Kings staff or did we not offer anything at all?

[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:44 am
@Dazed N Confused, Who cares, he was a loafer, good bye and good riddance!

[Reply]
brandyn says:

July 27, 2010 at 9:50 am

Oops i was a little late. haaa

[Reply]
pr0cess says:

July 27, 2010 at 9:54 am

My bro fro is gone… GL fro im sure like all kings that leave, you will have one hell of a year…

[Reply]
TG says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:00 am

How do we let frolov walk for 1 year $3 million. I mean what the hell is Lombardi doing this off-season. So frustrating.

[Reply]
LA_Kings24 says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:01 am

Watch! Fro will put up record numbers this coming season with the Rangers.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
@LA_Kings24,

Yep, he’s going to be playing with Gaborik!

[Reply]
Alex says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:10 am

I always liked Frolov, but he was too inconsistent. I hope Dean has a plan, because we now have gaping holes on the left side. I’m still hopeful, but anxious. It looks like a trade is going to have to go down.

[Reply]
johnny says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:17 am

Las season Montreal was asking for Frolov, and that time he was in and out of the lineup, we could of trade him and got something for him, but again there goes an other high pick from the Kings.
Nice… Very Nice….. Keep up the good work, I mean have an other martini on the beach Dean..

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:23 am
@johnny,

Maan, what are you talking about. We were in a playoff run and wanted to keep a good player.

So we just automatically trade anybody if they are an upcoming UFA?

You make no sense half the time man

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:39 am
@VanKingsFan,

Half?! VanKingsFan you’re so generous!

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:46 am
@John, yeah yeah yeah… Man you are like a horse do not see left and right just forward, if goes like this just wait, the King will compete for the 12th place, If it would be possible to fall out of the NHL, the Kings would of been out the last 8 years or so. I hope they got some core players and make a good run this season their fan deserves much better than this…

johnny Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@VanKingsFan, No.. I just said if the player does not fit in to the coach picture, and if it is not working well there is a time when you get something for the guy, now the Kings got crap for him.
To make the playoffs that is great, but the fans deserve more much more… They should be making the playoffs and be a force in the west coast.. So far they are just stepping back. Hope you are not telling us that the Kings are better team than end of the last season…

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:32 am
@johnny, It is too early to tell to be honest.

I can point to unknowns such as Scott Parse. He showed real flashes of skill last year, and he could be our own Moulson success story. He could put up 30 goals or so on the right line if he progresses a bit more.

Moller is a wildcard too. Hickey is another wild card, as is Schenn.

Sometimes addition by subtraction works.

It bothers me that you have already decided what this team will do without even seeing them hit the ice.

I remember countless others on this site talking about how bad the Kings would do last year, and how we would miss the playoffs without a big splash at the trade deadline. Yadda yadda yadda, those people did not comment after we started to dominate, got over 100 points, and made the playoffs.

My main point is that you shouldn’t judge them without actually seeing them do anything yet. And you shouldn’t judge Dean’s off season after only the first month of it has passed. Judge the body of work as a whole, not just the first part.

If I am wrong and we don’t do anything, and shit the bed, I will humbly apologize to you. But I expect reciprocation if you end up being dead wrong.

Hat Trick Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:49 am
@johnny,
Please explain how we are “stepping back”. It’s July, trade deadline in March, playoffs in April. Please inform us of the teams in the Western Conference that finished behind us in the standings last year that have improved themselves with free agent signings / trades. We lost 6 players totalling 30 goals (Frolov 19 of them). With the cap space made available, do you really believe we can’t get players in here even so slightly better than the ones we lost?
5 4 Fighting says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:20 am

Our signings and departures are starting to remind me of the family tree at the begining of the movie Idiocracy.

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:25 am
@5 4 Fighting, He he, now that is funny, may be DL went to Team management school at Costco….

[Reply]
pr0cess says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:28 am

Im going to call it now and say that fro has a 30+ season. I wish him the best, but everyone that leaves the team does better..

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@pr0cess,

Not Dimitri Kristich…

[Reply]
DBB Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 10:48 am
@VanKingsFan,

Small sample size.

[Reply]
Airwaves says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:40 am

Good luck Fro. You were one of my Kings favorite players.
Now what’s happening with DL? This is been the worst off season! Pretty frustrated right now with management.

[Reply]
Daren says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:40 am

Bye Bye Frolov…I think the Kings are doing great…no more Ivanans, no more O’Donnell, no more frolov, no more labarbara, no more marc crawford, no more blake, now they just need to get rid of williams and I will die happy. We have gotten better each of the last three years. We are poised to win a cup within the next three. Stop whining and wait and see what happens. Kings will make playoffs again this year and maybe even to the second round. No one knows how IK would have done on the west coast, it is a different game than it is in the east. If you want an impact player for one year…Modano would have been the guy to sign.

[Reply]
murf says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:49 am

So fro’s going to talk crap about the kings.Its nobody’s fault but his.He was used on every line but benched because of his unproductivity.BEET FEET fro dont need a snively lazy russian anyway go KINGS go

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:22 am
@murf, where is the crap talk?? got a link to it?

[Reply]
murf Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:52 am
@pr0cess, I got it wrong wasn’t fro it was his agent i seen it on tsn yesterday

[Reply]
iansez says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:54 am

Does Fro really have that big of a man-crush on Avery?! Was that the bottom line?!

[Reply]
Jason G says:

July 27, 2010 at 10:58 am

Frolov signs with Rangers for 1 year @ $3M.

[Reply]
kingfletch says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:02 am

I was always a Frolov fan, but it was time he moved on, i hope he does well on the Rangers. I am worried however about the kings not improving from last year. They are worse off now..LW on the team right now is clearly the weak link. Please fix this issue DL so i can be happy for the rest of summer:)

[Reply]
flex says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:05 am

…Fro is done….Brown wo fro =unacceptable.The Fact is
Brown played his best hockey ,when he was in same line with Fro…
#2 problem…the guy got a deal for one year $3 million.
wheach means Kings/quean organization didn’t even offer
anything…NO excuse!…It smells BAD !! There is not much value left on available list and now we have more holes to fix…I smeel things would be agly…no not for Aeg, for us ,the long time loyal fans. Time will show…maybe we all not smart…and our GM is qenues…who knows….I think last time he said ,that we are head of scedule,was in February..So ,he knows better….what we know,that just making another first round exit would be BIG FAILURE !!!
We also know, Now we need two solid wingers and top D.

…man , this realy smells bad…loosing 30 goal scorer for $3 million…???

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:11 am
@flex,

You are NOT a “long time loyal fan” if you are referring to the Kings as “queans” or “queens”. This is a good link for you… http://www.ducks.nhl.com

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:16 am
@flex, I must disagree with your Brown comment, Brown with Fro has never really worked that well.

[Reply]
johnny Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
@VanKingsFan, Oh my God… at least we agree on this, Frolov was holding Brown back big time, poor guy went in offside so much because of Frolov was holding on the puck to long, same on the board no question about it Frolov protected the puck well, but his teammates where falling to sleep…

[Reply]
Renbe says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:08 am

Frolov from 4th line to #1 line. Moulson from minors to 30 goals, #1 line. The system or the player??

[Reply]
MacSwede Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:16 am
@Renbe, Interesting point.

Well see how well Frolov does in a Rangers uniform, time will tell.

Also, remember that Cammalleri scored more than 40 goals when he was traded to Montreal.

Kings are short on left wingers. So therfore it feels a little extra pain when you see Cammy and Moulson do well in other teams. Next thing we know Purcell and Frolov also start to produce

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:19 am
@MacSwede,
Cammalleri with Montreal = 26 goals

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:22 am
@MacSwede,

Easy to look back in hindsight and complain. I mean, really, who thought Moulson would do as well as he has?

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:37 am
@Michael J.,

It was a tough call…between Moulson and Purcell…and they picked the wrong guy to keep.

Michael J. Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
@Sebastian,

Yah, you win some, you lose some.

Next question: When TP lights it up in Tampa for 30 next year will Johnny bitch about that too?
KingMe20 says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:12 am

If Frolov thought Terry Murray was tough on him, wait until he meets John Tortorella.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:20 am
@KingMe20,

Exactly!

[Reply]
DBB says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:15 am

Kings Left Wingers with NHL experience under contract for next season: Ryan Smyth and Rich Clune. That’s all folks!

Who’s General Managing this team? Dean Lombardi or Dean Martin? Hope the Mai-Tai’s are treating you well on the beach right now Dean-o, but watch out for the killer hangover that will hit you come October 9th. Dean’s summer of inactivity is going to cause one hell of a winter of discontent for all of us Kings fans.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:22 am
@DBB,
Parse has been turned into a LW most of the time, and so had Brad Richardson

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:25 am
@DBB,

Have you ever thought that we are still inactive because there is still a chance, a very high chance , that as bad as it sounds, and as much as everyone MIGHT not want him, we can prob steal kovalchuk after all this madness for a cheap cheap price. Just like Dean has said, even if we didnt do ANYTHING this off season, our team will still move forward. Cant you just be patient instead of acting like you know how to do his job? Cause you dont.

[Reply]
illegalstick33 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@DBB, WOW! I have never seen a team with so much potential go into the summer and get worse every day! WTF!!!! People who keep saying “Be patient” need their heads examined!! Looks like Plan B is to do nothing and wait till the KINGS take a beating in the standings. KINGS fans will be forced bring the fight to D.L.’s house and DEMAND he makes a move. Then something will happen but it won’t be good!!

[Reply]
MiniKing says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:24 am

I strongly believe that Dean Lombardi is the biggest loser

Like another poster mentioned, LW with NHL experience is Clune and Smyth.
Smyth will probably get injured
and Clune actually dislikes Dean Lombardi.

Go thing Dean is on vacation.
But…I guess thats what good GMs do… right?

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:25 am

Fro in a Rangers uniform . . . for a measly $3-mil one-year contract.

God, I’m sick about that.

[Reply]
spidey35 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 11:48 am
@tuan jim,
Me too. I just don’t get it.

[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
@spidey35, Good deal for Fro…3M for working part time!

[Reply]
Goring 19 says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:28 am

Kinda bummed to see Fro go, hope he does well with the Rangers. Just couldn’t understand him, a streaky kind of player. Flashes of brilliance at times and then nothing for a number of games. Jeckyl and Hyde kinda guy. And then being in Murray’s dog house on top of everything. And so now the left wing is weak. Does DL have something up his sleeve we don’t know about? Or is it all about the kids developing? Time will tell…..

[Reply]
spidey35 says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:46 am

You can mark my words here. Frolov WILL have a good year in New York. Just like what was said in an earlier post, how is it players leave here and do better in other places? Always makes me wonder

[Reply]
Jorgen Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
@spidey35, I’d be very surprised if he don’t do well on the East Coast. They are not as defensive-minded in that league.

[Reply]
spidey35 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@Jorgen,
I forgot to add that he will probably be on the top power play line with gaborik

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:49 am

Anyone else think we will offer up Stoll and Voynov for Kaberle??

[Reply]
C-Note20 says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:52 am

Ponikarovski to the Kings, I don’t have the details yet…..

[Reply]
Lance9199 says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:53 am

Kings sign Poni!

[Reply]
Dayman says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:53 am

Time to ride ponies in LA

[Reply]
LBlocal says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:53 am

Alexei Ponikarovsky anyone??

gKg!

Darren Dreger Tweet: Ponikarovski agrees to deal with the LA Kings. 5 minutes ago

[Reply]
Johnny Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
@LBlocal,

Oh great one underachieving, loafing Russian winger for another one.

Sounds like progress to me!

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@Johnny, Quack!

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
@Johnny, He’s not Russian. Only problem I see with this guy is that hes gonna need to wear a different number. 23 is taken!

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
@Johnny,

HAHAHAHAHAHHA So predictable Johnny. Youv been wetting yourself and crying and sweating talking about hwo its imperative that we do something. So we do, and you shit all over the move. HA! Done talking to you man

[Reply]
brandyn says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:54 am

Ponikarosky… frolov replacement….

[Reply]
murf says:

July 27, 2010 at 11:58 am

In the report Isakov also criticizes how the Los Angeles Kings treated his client last year, stating that they “spoiled” his season. The enigmatic, sometimes sniper was openly criticized by Kings’ head coach Terry Murray last season for what he called “unacceptable play” and lack of drive. Murray dropped the 28-year old Russian from the first to third line last season and made him a healthy scratch at one point. According to the report, Isakov says that this criticism cost his client millions of dollars.

A post from TSN from fro’s agent

[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
@murf,

His agent was right with those statements, and I’m not a big fan of Fro’s. The way TM becnched and criticized Fro weakened his trade value as well.

[Reply]
cry Baby says:

July 27, 2010 at 12:04 pm

PONIKAROVSKY AGREES TO JOIN KINGS

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=328665

[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
@cry Baby,

Finally a little good news…

[Reply]
ColoKingFan says:

July 27, 2010 at 12:11 pm

ponikarosky is the second coming of…. frolov?

[Reply]
Michael J. says:

July 27, 2010 at 12:14 pm

OK, to all the haters: DL has done “something”.

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
@Michael J., Done what? You know anything about this guy? You seems to know all please share with the rest of us

[Reply]
ILLEGALSTICK33 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
@Michael_dd8, Poni who???? Another cheap deal just to fill some holes. I guess u gotta do something! If this guy hits his average we still have not improved as a hockey club!!! The idea is to get better D.L.!!! Not get even!!!

[Reply]
johnny says:

July 27, 2010 at 4:47 pm

Thank you DL… Let see Frolov signed 3 mill / 1 year with the rangers and the Kings signed Ponikarovsky for 3 mill / year.
As far as production Ponikarovsky has around 30-40 % less goals and assist…. Remembe last seasonr Frolov was in the dog house and had very limited time on ice, but still had produced limited offense. I am just saying if Kings had a chance to trade Frolov for Ponikarovsky, who would have a better deal? I do not think the King would of made that deal at all. But DL start feeling the pressure so he is just scrambling.. Hope the new guy will fit in well and try to live up to the hipe on the left wing…
But I think

[Reply]