Thanks! « LA Kings Insider

Thanks!

Posted by Rich Hammond on 12 August 2010, 10:24 pm

Just had to mention that I was very heartened to come read the comments here tonight and see that not a single person fell for the online garbage that I was the “source” for some fictional trade report. Just goes to confirm what I already knew, that the readers of this blog are the best around! Thanks to Bob McKenzie and Greg Wyshynski as well for helping to set the record straight.

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333 Comments

Ari says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:25 pm

You are welcome Rich!

[Reply]
Aking fan Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 11:51 am
when will the bobblehead nights take place this year?

[Reply]
dmh012 says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:31 pm

Thank You Rich
For reporting the facts, not the made up mumbo jumbo on other sites. Good ole Bob McKenzie helping you out, gotta love that.
GO KINGS!!!

[Reply]
Dominick says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:35 pm

SOOOOOOO! It’s not true.lol

[Reply]
Mark C. says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:37 pm

Rich you have way too much integrity for any of us to take you for someone to spread rumors. Keep up the great work!

[Reply]
Kevin Y says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:42 pm

So…. I assume this trade rumor isn’t true then, eh?

Um… really, what should we make of that? Somebody must have too much free time on their hands to spew out a random rumor this late at night, just to get attention (sadly, it worked)

[Reply]
king dodger says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:43 pm

ur welcome rich, leafs fans need to keep on dreaming. but I’m starting to believe this talk about Willie. hopefully there isn’t any more trouble with the concussion symptoms

[Reply]
Gann Matsuad says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:43 pm

What? You mean it wasn’t true???

[Reply]
Gann Matsuda Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 12:02 am
Jeez…I can’t even type my own name correctly…

[Reply]
Kingstane9 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:15 am
@Gann Matsuda, Suad, hehe. It happens…

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Gann Matsuada is Rico Suave in russian.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
@Dominick,

As a fellow Asian American, my only disappointment is that it took him over an hour to catch it. LOL!

And I’m not even getting into he’s a journalist!!! It is suad, but I guess it does happenss! (oops)

[Reply]
KH says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:44 pm

Love you rich your part of the kings family and we got your back!

[Reply]
Dominick says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:45 pm

Does Jay Grossman handle Kaberle?

[Reply]
Bobby Scribe says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:48 pm

What? No thank you to us for debunking it? Guess we don’t rate yet

[Reply]
RealDrew says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:48 pm

Why does it seem like the craziest trade rumors always involve the Maple Leafs?

[Reply]
KJCHIP30 Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
@RealDrew, because they (Leafs Fans) think they are god’s gift to hockey.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
@KJCHIP30,
I thought it was because there are alot more mentally challenged hockeyfans in Toronto.

[Reply]
Blake Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
@Dominick, ahahha that literally made me laugh out loud

Kevin Y Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 12:30 am
@RealDrew,

Leafs fans are in a class of their own… there’s just something off about them (some of them).

[Reply]
kingfletch Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 5:50 am
@Kevin Y,
It is true most Leaf fans think they are getting every great free agent, and all the best players want to player in Toronto. I live in Ontario and my brother is a leaf fan and even he acknowledges that most Leaf fans are morons lol. Brown for Kaberle would have been the end for DL lol.

[Reply]
blckbsct says:

August 12, 2010 at 10:53 pm

Rich, you are the Kings fans life line, why would somebody try and tarnish your reputation. One word….HATERS!!!!

Go Kings!!!!!

[Reply]
USCG says:

August 12, 2010 at 11:06 pm

Brown for Kaberle AND Schenn…i’d take that

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:46 am
@USCG, Is that you again Rich?

[Reply]
flex Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
@USCG, Same…Brown plus someone (?) for Kabarle would be perfect…I am not sure about shenn…
,but for a trade or two…Brown is on top on my (personal wish) list. Brown ,Ersberg,Moller…we stuck enough…for forsed trade.
Untouchable players in this roster are.
#1 DD,AK,WS,JJ…All this are brigh future of the Hockey game…the rest of the roster can be subject of good trade…

[Reply]
Kingsfanone says:

August 12, 2010 at 11:08 pm

What……..you mean we aren’t getting Kaberle & Rosehill for Brownie, our Capt.?

Yeah, after all Rich has done & said about being straight up, that WE would turn our backs & believe THAT rumor! NOT!

Thanks Rich for all you do!

[Reply]
Renbe says:

August 12, 2010 at 11:26 pm

With all those great signings and trades DL has made in the off-season to improve the Kingss it a good think this one is debunk early. That DL has sure been busy finalizing the last year on his 5 yr plan. I’m so excited to get to my new upgraded seats. Its going to be tough to recognize all these new faces. It won’t matter because we will just be piling on so many wins. Way to keep busy DL….. NOT!!!!

[Reply]
Renbe Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
@Renbe, Wow, I should spell check before hitting Submit.

[Reply]
OneTimer Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:37 am
@Renbe,

(psst- You might want to also wait until the season actually STARTS before hitting Submit, with such judgement.)

jus sayin’

Truth is, DL was one of the busiest GM’s in the league the first 19 days trying to reel the BIG catch – then that went into arbitration – and now he’s busy again. Come on, no offense but don’t be so short-sided with impatience.

[Reply]
Renbe Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:37 am
@OneTimer, Really, maybe I missed it but what has Deno accomplished this year to improve the Kings from Last year and don’t tell me all about our young kids coming up because every team has young kids coming up. That’s called the Draft. But those GM actually went out and found players to support them!! Stop Drinking the Koolaid.

JooHo Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:09 am
@Renbe, Not went out in the 90′s. Please stop trying to be cool!!!!

[Reply]
jet Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:29 am
@Renbe, You may just want to give up your seats to a fan who wants to be there. Also, Kovi may need a friend in Jersey.

[Reply]
Renbe Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:23 am
@jet, I guess it wrong to expect the Kings to improve the team just because that’s what AEG sends to us every year when they ask us to renew our seats. Maybe you have a different opinion when your actually paying 8K of their salary for the last 7 yrs.

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:35 am
@Renbe, Simple answer. Don’t buy your seats.

I’m so tired of reading the same comments over and over again (this is not inteded towards you in general).

If you don’t like the product…DON’T BUY TICKTS.
Mark says:

August 12, 2010 at 11:29 pm

And really think about it does dustin brown for kaberle make any sense at all? not one bit of sense at all not a chance DL even thinks of somthing like that

[Reply]
Matthew says:

August 12, 2010 at 11:31 pm

if it wasnt for you who would help put us lonesome hockey fans in SoCal… Ducks fans dont count

[Reply]
King Wok says:

August 12, 2010 at 11:32 pm

No Prob Rich , We already know If we don’t read and hear it here 1st…. Well then I guess its not cold hard facts !!! But to be honest…. I WANT THIS CRAZY UFA SEASON AND CHECKING EVERY SINGLE DAY AWAITING FOR THE KINGS TO DO SOMETHING !!! SOMETHING !!!! STARTING TO CRACK !!! IT MUST END !!!( SlaP ! ) sorry everyone, was losing it again… but I’m back now… GO KinGS GO !!! now going to get my prozac and wash it down with a Patron Shot !

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:37 am
@King Wok, Hell Ya and I’ll take my prozac and Patron with a Jameson chaser.

[Reply]
BMSTANG says:

August 12, 2010 at 11:34 pm

We know you better than that, Rich.

[Reply]
Kings Fan in Temecula says:

August 12, 2010 at 11:36 pm

I didnt even know there was a rumor lol

[Reply]
Kingsfan24 Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
@Kings Fan in Temecula,

Brown for Kaberle

[Reply]
Who Knows? says:

August 12, 2010 at 11:42 pm

What was this rumor?

[Reply]
GloryHole Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
@Who Knows?, DB for Kabs and Rosehill…hahaha, at least it would have plugged the enforcer spot. That was a funny one!

[Reply]
Who Knows? says:

August 12, 2010 at 11:47 pm

Brownie for Kaberle is the biggest BS I’ve heard on about a month or so.

[Reply]
northernpike77 says:

August 13, 2010 at 12:35 am

ive heard alot of crap bu we leaf fans never talk about you Kings fans or called you any names like retards or handy caps i for one find that
offencive and i would never treat people in that manner so you should really think out what your saying hockey fans are just that fans
and we should all get along and enjoy the sport and let the teams do there stuff and as for any trades with your team of choice its not gonna happen
kabby is worth more then Brown for sure read the stats friend you will see and as far as i see it the Kings need a player like Kabby to help there offence

[Reply]
Fourtunato Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 6:29 am
@northernpike77,

I agree with your sentiment but for God’s sake man, SPELL AND GRAMMAR CHECK if you can’t spell it on your own. You are proving the point the other posters are making.

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 7:05 am
@northernpike77, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7tMs2udBbQ

All in good fun, eh? (12 step maintenance program)

Kaberle>Brown?? Take off!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6v_pX6gDw4

gKg!

[Reply]
mauverick Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:44 am
@northernpike77, Wow! That is one LONG run-on sentence. Would it be too much to ask for some punctuation? A comma here, an exclamation point there! Perhaps a question mark?

[Reply]
jet Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:39 am
@northernpike77, Brown is the embodiment of this team. Last year he earned the title of leader. His leadership is respected not only in our locker room, but in locker rooms throughout the league. You cannot put a price on what he brings to this team. How about Holloway for Schenn?

[Reply]
vicarious Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
@northernpike77, And all Kings fans. Its a stupid trade rumor, agreed, and its funny to watch others do what some on this board do (delusional wishful thing) but one King fan would like to say a) apologies to the Leaf nation
b) for us King’s fans, let’s show some class. After all, we do not root for the Ducks.

And c) if the Leafs can send us Schenn for a draft pick as we are short a defenseman or two, I’m sure any hard feelings on this end would be forgiven.

[Reply]
Buster says:

August 13, 2010 at 1:56 am

Where the heck was I when all the Eklund hit the fan?

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:33 am
@Buster,

Now THAT’S a funny image!

Ecklund hitting a fan…
The definition of a splatter movie.

[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:39 am
@Buster, The funny thing is, it wasn’t even Eklund that started it…

[Reply]
Kris says:

August 13, 2010 at 2:06 am

That rumor was so bad, even my cat wouldn’t have fell for it! Glad most of us are smart enough!

[Reply]
McDonalds says:

August 13, 2010 at 3:47 am

haha yea this rumor made no sense. Almost as bad as that one started on hockeybuzz a while back saying that dreger got on the radio and said we were gonna give up something like quick, kopi, and brownie to philly for carter and gagne… idk how these things start.

[Reply]
Disgruntled Kings Fan says:

August 13, 2010 at 6:01 am

Rich,
When you get a chance, check my website. The team would be all over it. I used to go to games at the Forum by myself. Still do at Staples. My feeling is that management saying nothing is saying something. They haven’t forgotten Kovalchuk. Getting a second chance is not being ignored. I’m not saying they’ll get him, but my gut tells me they’re trying. At the same time, you have to believe that Kovalchuk is eying the whole Hollywood and L.A. scene. I think it would be the biggest signing since Gretz, a major move. In between games, you’re invited to one of my shoots dude!

[Reply]
Kingsfanone says:

August 13, 2010 at 6:27 am

Wow. Disgruntled is actually Poorman. Never would have guessed that one.

[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 6:31 am
@Kingsfanone,

I was gonna say Frasier Smith.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 6:49 am
@fourtunato,

Goes to show Kings draw fans from everyplace. Can’t begin to list the celebs we used to walk by at the Forum.

Interesting.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@fourtunato, I liked Fraiser Smith because he was the only DJ at that time on either KLOS or KMET that embraced Punk and New Wave. He wasnt like some of these old rummies like Jim Ladd that still live in the past and would like nothing better then to burn some incense and smoke a fatty and then go to thru the drive thru at the nearest Naugle’s and get a Macho Combo and a Fudge Brownie.

[Reply]
kozak Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
@puck73, I miss Naugles

Michael J Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
@puck73,

Classic! Naugles, haven’t thought of that in ten years!

“Prepare food fresh, Serve customer fast, Keep place clean!”

puck73 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
@puck73, FYI..Naugles was bought out by Del Taco in 1990..just in case you were wondering. Still remember all the stoners going there between 12 and 3 in the morning going thru the drive thru, their eyes as glazed as doughnuts and giving all the minimum waged employees more grief then they deserved !

fourtunato Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
@puck73,

I agree completely. I met Jim Ladd at some event a few years ago. Very very full of himself in a laid back drug stupor type of way. Nice guy though. I used to see Smith at the Rainbow room all the time in the 80′s, and he was, as they say, too hip for the room to say the least. I miss KMET so much. I also miss my hair… and my teeth. (just kidding, I still have my hair)

Darrell Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
@puck73, Wait a minute, are you telling me you saw Peter Forsberg at Naugles?
DeaconBlue says:

August 13, 2010 at 6:59 am

Rich,
Thank you for all you do in keeping us informed. The “rumor” aspect of hockey-fandom is probably the most frustrating, not to mention insanely ludicrous at times. Just know that you are respected across the nation (I’m in North Carolina) and into Canada for your integrity and honesty (just see Spector today). Proud to know that my team–Go Kings!!!–has one of the best blogs in the industry.

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Idaho says:

August 13, 2010 at 7:29 am

Thanks Rich, You know we all love ya too. If its not reported here, we know it isn’t a fact.

[Reply]
gralx says:

August 13, 2010 at 7:38 am

I knew it was a bogus rumor when one poster called Rich a “RUMOR MONGER”! What a joke. If the guy ever bothered to take a look at this sight, he would know that nothing is further from the truth.

[Reply]
Sydor25 says:

August 13, 2010 at 7:40 am

Rich, any actual Kings stories coming soon? Any summer interviews? Have the players been working out together?

[Reply]
TB says:

August 13, 2010 at 7:42 am

This just in! Rich Hammond has been traded! hahaha!

Goood morning LA! Happy Friday!

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:12 am
@TB, In related news, Rich Hammonds contract is under review for breaking CAP rules

[Reply]
KC23 says:

August 13, 2010 at 8:05 am

This has got to be the best team hockey site going. Rich never prints it until its true.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:59 am
@KC23, Is that why he reported last month that the Kings signing Kovalchuk was imminent? It’s one thing to be a fan; it’s another thing altogether to be a sycophant. No disrespect to Rich, but I think he’d be the first one to admit that he’s not right 100% of the time.

[Reply]
McDonalds Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
@deadcatbounce,

When exactly did Rich report that the Kings signing Kovalchuk was imminent? He stated at one point that a RESOLUTION was imminent, but i don’t recall Rich ever reporting that the Kings practically had Kovi locked up.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
@McDonalds, Sorry. Resolution, signing, it’s all symantics. A signing would have brought resolution, so I don’t see what you’re complaining about unless you feel I defamed your god. Sorry, but I just see Rich as a mortal man and a lot of people jealous because they believe in him to tell them how to think.

ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
@deadcatbounce,

I have to add in on the complaint. Granted no one is 100% right, but in this instance the direct wording was “a resolution either way”. That does not imply that he is never wrong, but as a journalist myself I hold Rich in high respect for how hard he works to make sure he is as accurate as possible when he reports.

[Reply]
Subby says:

August 13, 2010 at 8:18 am

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/431315-toronto-maple-leafs-potential-tomas-kaberle-trade-options

This article says that we are looking to give doughty full captaincy? Wth. If we were to trade brown i would be so mad. I have 3 brown jerseys. Alt, olympic, and all star. You don’t trade your captain.

[Reply]
DLB Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:36 am
@Subby, You know what’s even more laughable? Google lists Bleacher Report tripe under “news.”

That post (and its comments) are amusing, at least.

[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:46 am
@Subby,

Don’t believe a word of this article. Do you really think Dallas would do this trade as mentioned by the article?

To Toronto: James Neal, Brad Richards, 6th round pick

To Dallas: Tomas Kaberle, Mikhail Grabovski, Jeff Finger, Mike Brown

Ya, me niether.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:26 am
@tantrum4, hahaha A leafs fans wet dream right there. If Dallas did that trade they deserve to be kicked out of the league

[Reply]
garrett Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
@tantrum4, Agreed! While the DB trade is ridiculous, Brad Richards going to TOR for Kabby is slap worthy.

[Reply]
src Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:28 am
@Subby,

Really beginning to wonder if they grow a special kind of weed that affects reality in TOR. Homer overdrive effekt. Kaberle as of right now without an exstention is worth a good prospect and an upper level pick. Nothing more. At the deadline maybe a first rounder and prospect for a cup contender. Thats it, nothing more.

[Reply]
Subby Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:13 am
@src,

Now that sounds like a reasonable offer. Why were so many people against getting kaberle though?

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:51 am
@Subby, Of the top of my hed, the Kings have traded four previous captains–Rob Blake, Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille and Terry Harper. The Harper trade also included Dan Maloney and gutted their defense when they sould their soul for offense to get marcel Dionne, and instead of losing games 2-1, they then lost games 6-5. Not sure about other captains because i would have to check and don’t have the time to do so right now. Personally, I wouldn’t trade Brown, but I can see how he would be attractive to other teams given his relatively bargain price.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:19 am
@Subby, It won’t happen, but the Kings have traded at least four captains in the past–Blake, Robitaille, Gretzky and Terry Harper. In fact, they gutted their defense by trading harper and Dan Maloney away in the same deal when they sould their soul to get offense, so instead of losing games 2-1, they acquired marcel Dionne and lost games 6-5.

[Reply]
Subby Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:44 am
@deadcatbounce, your forgot Matty Norstrom.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:59 am
@deadcatbounce, Woooo, hold it dude. This isnt like trading Visnovsky and getting Stoll and Greene where we totally made out on the deal. Sure, giving up Maloney and Harper was tough because they were a big part of that club and had tons of character. That being said, we obtained a guy who scored 50 goals 8 differnt times in his career and ended up with 731 goals which ranks him #4 all time. As much as I loved harper and Maloney too, I make that trade for a franchis player who we had in his prime every day of the week. The problem this organization had until Dean showed up here was they kept pissing away draft picks, especially on defense and goaltending.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@puck73,

I don’t think we traded Harper and Maloney. I think they were awarded as compensation for us signing free agent Marcel Dionne. (That’s how it was done back then.) The Kings felt it was a huge loss too.
deadcatbounce says:

August 13, 2010 at 8:19 am

Rich, I’m still trying to figure out why Kovalchuk would want to sign anyone for only a year, as you had speculated in the previous thrad. Do you have any direct knowledge about this or is this just speculation on your part because, at least to me, Kovalchuk signing forone year defies logic. Thank you.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:30 am
@deadcatbounce,

No offense, but remember that beer commercial, with the janitor in that building turning on and off all the lights to spell something?

“No touch lights! No touch…!”

Try this one:

–No talk Kovalchuk! No talk…!”

My brain is still swollen from the last 60 days of hope, frustration and futility. It’s like a very, very bad bender leading to a head-busting hangover the next morning, with extreme light sensitivity…

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 8:50 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Just trying to figure out how a one-year contract could possibly benefit Kovalchuk because there will be just as many teams (if not more) next offseason having salary cap problems as there are this offseason. It makes no sense to me that he would only sign for a year and have to go through the whole headache again in 2011 because it’s probably just as nerve-racking for him as it is for all of us who are wondering where he’ll wind up and under what terms.

[Reply]
Ravens says:

August 13, 2010 at 8:23 am

Apparently it’s not hot and dry enough to set fire to the hills around L.A., so they decided to start this rumor for kicks.

[Reply]
brandyn Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:20 am
@Ravens, ? Someone could go light the REST of the Angeles National forest right now with a spark (I am not an arsonist)

[Reply]
Cynic says:

August 13, 2010 at 8:26 am

WOW! Don’t check the blog for one night and all crap breaks loose! I don’t think I know ANYONE that associates ‘Rich Hammond’ with ‘RUMORS’, so I think the Rumor kind of killed itself for anyone with half a brain. It is the offseason though and people are DYING for info.

Glad to see some heavy hitters stand up for you publicly though. That has to feel really good. You’ve earned your rep in your craft and it’s nice when important players recognize that.

I’d liken that rumor starter to an arsonist. Starts & fans the flames to watch the destruction for his own amusement. They ought to string him up by his ‘Dustins’, if you know what I mean.

I’m not missing another night of checking the blog.

[Reply]
deelo says:

August 13, 2010 at 8:33 am

Yeah, it was pretty bogus. I DID try to prank my wife with it, but not even she fell for it.

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:45 am
@deelo,

My wife is only a few years into her love of hockey and is a HUGE Brown fan. She doesn’t know a lot about the rumor world or the value of players, so when I mentioned this insane rumor to her she was quite shocked! I felt bad though, so quickly explained that it was total nonsense!

[Reply]
KingNewfie says:

August 13, 2010 at 8:37 am

No, No Rich. This is the best blog with the best blogger around!

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

August 13, 2010 at 8:58 am

Look at it this way, Rich has now gotten an excellent nom de plume: RICH MONGER, INTERNATIONAL MAN OF RUMORS! I am assuming, for effect, he will amend his website to include a picture of himself and Mini Dean.

NOTE To LUC: A “Rich Monger” bobblehead doll, with number “$$” on a third jersey, would seem an appropriate promotion for the January 10, 2011 home game: “Insiders Out(ed) Night”!

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Idaho says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:07 am

We are dying for some real news though.

[Reply]
KingofRizzo says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:10 am

Well did not know this rumor was even out there. Brown is a quality player, could use some help in some areas, but pretty much a solid player.

Kings do need a solid supporting player for kopi, maybe williams will wake up. Very impressed with Smyth. For an older guy he still plays balls out every night.

D is a concern, with Greene out, we need another stay home D man. And the Hockey gods have smiled on us somewhat…WE GOT RID OF JONES….EKKKKKKKK.

Good day all, Go Kings GO!!

[Reply]
Duffy says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:17 am

It is a fact that the Leafs asked for 23, DB was never offered or dangled or anything. Leafs want him, well DL said they can’t have him. (from a former record holding high profile player still in touch with the front office.)

[Reply]
TYLER says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:29 am

wheres the “like” button?

[Reply]
madA says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:43 am

When the hell did Crazy Gideon become Kings’ GM?

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:45 am
@madA,

LOL!

[Reply]
jet says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:45 am

I thought it was the other Rich Hammond.

[Reply]
pr0cess says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:46 am

Think this Willie Mitchell thing holding any water??

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:49 am
@pr0cess, think we all remember this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mTEzQ8vBps

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:54 am
@pr0cess, I hope so; Mitchell and Greene would be a bad ass, brick shithouse, blood and guts, Shut down pairing.

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:57 am
@VanKingsFan, Ya i kind of have the feeling to, seems to be a good fit for are style. I think this one will happen. But will see i guess

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:12 am
@pr0cess, If we added both Kaberle and Mitchell… our defense is scary good. But I think we would only acquire on or the other.

Doughty – Scuderi
Johnson – Greene
Kaberle – Mitchell
Drewiske – Hickey

OR

Doughty – Scuds
Johnson – Kaberle
Mitchell – Greene
Whiskey – Hickey

deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:23 am
@VanKingsFan, You’re assuming, of course, that Mitchell is healthy after having his clock cleaned in January. I’d be very hesitant about signing someone to a contract after such a severe head injury. Do you know if he’s even started skating yet? If he can be signed for less than two million I might consider it, but my hunch is that he’d want more.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:49 am
@deadcatbounce, You make some good points, but Mitchell is someone I would take a chance on. Like Sean Odoonell he has been a plus player for years and he would replace ODIE perfectly.

pr0cess Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:56 am
@deadcatbounce, this is only thing i have right now

Mitchell wasn’t an option when free agency opened July 1 and didn’t receive medical clearance to take a physical until August,

VanKingsFan Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:09 am
@deadcatbounce, I am not assuming, I am taking the doctors word for it. Not much else you can do

John Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:10 am
@deadcatbounce,

It’s been reported in several places that he’s been given a clean bill of health.

pr0cess Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:16 am
@deadcatbounce, cool thanks john

deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:22 am
@VanKingsFan, So Mitchell has been cleared to skate by his doctor? I would invite him to camp on a tryout in that case, but I’m very apprehensive about postconcussion syndrome because you never know how he’s going to react until he gets hit in battle.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:41 am
@deadcatbounce, Yes he has been given a clean bill of health.

I know what you mean though, concussion is the worst, scariest injury for an athlete. No way in hell he comes to a tryout, too many teams willing to straight up sign him.

Even with all the stories of careers being ruined, there are many that do come back and have great careers post-concussion, so I would take the risk.
LV is the way says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:48 am

Rich keep on the right path. Us fans know the truth by reading what is on this website, and no other.

[Reply]
Dustin says:

August 13, 2010 at 10:21 am

Why does everyone think Dustin Brown is Bobby Hull or Gordie Howe reincarnated? His 25 or so goals have really helped the Kings go far in the playoffs the last five years or so (wait, they’ve only made it once). I wouldn’t trade him for Kaberle, he’s too old and he doesn’t get me that excited. But come on, he’s not Gretzky here. This team is going to be the same or worse unless they can bring some legitimate goal scorer in. Sometimes you have to give in order to get… Personally Dean should sack up and sign Kovalchuk or trade for someone who is a shoe-in for 35-45 goals a year. Hate to break it to everyone but the team right now is nowhere near a stanley cup contender. Sharks, Wings, Canucks, and even the depleated Hawks will eat them alive as it stands. Depressing that another good crop of free agents don’t want to come to the #2 media market in the world, sunny weather year round, plenty of endoresement opportunites, and a chance to bring LA its first cup. The mystery is why they don’t want to come here?

[Reply]
Shutout says:

August 13, 2010 at 10:29 am

Rich – we all know you are not the type to start false rumors. A journalist with integrity! Let the other sites stir up controversy and rediculous trade scenarios. I hope Dustin Brown is not stressing about what was reported by somebody else. I do not want to see him get traded to the Leafs, though I know Burke loves Brown and players just like him. No way Burke – pick on another team.

Thanks for the scoop with the team.

[Reply]
Slant says:

August 13, 2010 at 10:36 am

You are the best Rich. Keep up the good work sir.

[Reply]
c-nut says:

August 13, 2010 at 10:53 am

We got your back Rich!

[Reply]
EASportsMgt says:

August 13, 2010 at 10:54 am

Craig Constance who reports on the Blackhawks, said he ran into Jack Johnson and asked him about his extension is coming along. Jack responded ” I haven’t even heard from the Kings organization at all”

I am almost certain this is true because well DL has not had a good experience in his dealings with Jack in the past on contracts. Plus you take the whole Kovi thing and I am sure they want to sign Doughty first to see how much cap space they have left. Unfortuntely, and I like Johnson and think he has way more potential, I just dont see him in a Kings uniform very long.
My guess is that he will be traded and not re-signed. Not starting any rumors, it’s just my guess because of the past history between these two. The 2 year extension I heard was a nightmare to negotiate before, I can only imagine this one.

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:11 am
@EASportsMgt, hmmm intresting

[Reply]
shorthanded Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:30 am
@EASportsMgt,

I doubt this is an issue. DL knows Jack’s potential and value. There is no rush at this point to get him a new contract when we have him under contract for this season. My guess DL wants to see how a few of our kids do early this season before any long term decisions are made. The media always loves to make mountains out of molehills.

[Reply]
fcaem Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:51 am
@EASportsMgt, I tend to agree. I see DL having difficulty signing JJ next summer.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
@EASportsMgt, Something about Jack makes me think he would be a bit of an arrogant prick. I have no evidence for this whatsoever, he just looks that way to me.
Hell of a player though, and I think that arrogance is exactly what you want out on the ice.

[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
@VanKingsFan,
You know I get that same feeling. When you talk to him you get the feeling he is just saying what he has to say. But you know when he turns around he probably says things under his breathe.
His dad is far worse. But like any father who represents his son, he thinks his son is worth far more than what any GM probably values him. They look at Carlos Gomez and the deal he got for his son Scott as a the benchmark, but the economics have changed. I really don’t see a deal getting done.

[Reply]
Michael J Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
@EASportsMgt,

I totally agree with you about his dad. I don’t see a whole lot of humility there. Unfortunately, the apple does not fall far from the tree. The problem will follow JJ wherever he ends up.

deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
@EASportsMgt, I believe that the priority right now would be to re-sign Doughty and then worry about Johnson. If talks get contentious and DL gets tired of an attitude I don’t think it would be hard to deal him and get a decent return.

Atomic Steve Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
@EASportsMgt, the one thing you didn’t mention is that Jack is still an RFA at the end of this year. He isn’t going anywhere for at least 2 or 3 more seasons. The only way we lose him is if we walk away from arbitration or we trade him (which I don’t see happening)

[Reply]
RJB says:

August 13, 2010 at 11:18 am

Once again DL planting rumors so that you koolaid drinking Jim Jones followers say ” See Dean is not just sitting around doing nothing” Tell that to the printer of our roster sheets who has only had to cross out players names from last season and not added any new fresh ones…

Oh right, not Fact just Opinion..

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:38 am
@RJB,
haha thanks man, needed a laugh this morning.

I just picture this old 70 year old man in a small office surrounded by stacks of papers, with a big List in front of him. Feather quill pen with an ink well, slowly crossing out names. Ponikerovsky would look sweep in old style cursive though.

Season starts tomorrow right?!! Oh wait, tons and tons and tons of time to make moves, signings, etc.

Still don’t understand your type RJB. “Do something NOW!! FASTER! We will be terrible unless you make a move.. RIGHT NOW!” Honestly just don’t get it man

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:47 am
@VanKingsFan, I think he just wants the Kings to sign somebody, anybody. Anyone for Cowboy bill Flett?

[Reply]
John Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:50 am
@RJB,

OH the season roster has been printed??! WOW I missed the start of the season! Damn, I hate when that happens…

Once again RJB: “BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH” ad nauseum

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:59 am
@RJB,

Do you really think Dean is doing absolutely nothing besides throwing around rumors to make himself look busy? I’m sure he’s sitting poolside right now, smoking a cigar, drinking an 18 year old scotch, laughing at all the dumb Kings fans who are “drinking his koolaid.” What about Dean’s years here so far make you think he’s going to make moves now just for the sake of making moves now? Or making moves because fans want something done? I’m sure he sits in his office reading the comments on this blog hoping for ideas on who to sign/trade for because he has no clue what he’s doing.

[Reply]
RJB says:

August 13, 2010 at 11:48 am

Van…I am not saying jump at the crap that is left on the table..(DL’s Fault)Plan A did not work and well lets just say Plan B was never discussed. I am saying that last season DL stated while we had some injuries issues and the Kings kids played their guts out and won a handful of games DL said these kids wont quit and I am going to reward them with the additional tools (Players) to help them take the next step….Wait for it…..wait for it…….Halpern,Modin this is the help? Last season we are going after Hossa this season Kovy next season he has his sights set on Parise…I am saying simply find some players (Proven) that will help the Kopi and Browns of the world turn into better players..Only my GM inner voice talking…sorry, only opinion..

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:57 am
@RJB,

I understand what your saying now; but I applaud Dean for not over paying and ruining his overall plan on Kovy. I’m glad we tried, but you can only go so far before you believe the deal will hurt your team in the long run more than it will help.

For the record I believe Freddy Modin was a fantastic addition, whom we got for free basically, I give Dean a huge slap on the back for that. Halpern trade, not so much.

I really just want you to wait until the roster is actually set before you judge the off season as a body of work.

[Reply]
Rjb Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
@VanKingsFan,

For you my friend, I will wait. I hope for the best but not counting on the kind of moves the kings need and should make, I count on them plugging a full holes and not Really taking care of the business at hand. Hopefully they surprise all of us and we can get this monkey off our backs. If it does not work I am voting for The situation or Snookie to take over the GM job.

[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
@Rjb, I’ll take S0okie over Snookie

deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
@Rjb, Please tell us what moves you would make now. I’d be interested to hear what solutions you have to offer instead of pointing out that there are only problems. Yes, there are problems and problems need solutions, so what would you do?
old hockey puck says:

August 13, 2010 at 12:30 pm

i say get rid of jim fox, put rich with bob miller.

[Reply]
Choralone says:

August 13, 2010 at 1:09 pm

Hey Rich, if you had something to say about a trade, you would have posted it here – simple as that. We know you’re not running around behind the scenes “leaking” information.

[Reply]
ezepace says:

August 13, 2010 at 1:29 pm

Come on Kings management do something signifigant. There is oddles of cap space and some real needs the team has. There are also a lot of free agents left. But every day the list grows shorter. It feels as if we have done less than all the other teams. We have not improved.
I still want Kovi bad. He would be one incredible addition to the kings …period…..Make it work Deono !!!!!!!!! Ive had read all the negatives and they are all considered. Of course I dont want to ruin our team or the cap space. But how can so many other teams sign 7-10 million dollar players. LA NEEDS A SUPERSTAR forward to go with Doughty.
Sheeesh Tampa has Stamkos Lecalvelier St Louis Hedman and now Gagne.Vancouver has a ton of stars and CHicago stil has a bunch. Look at Pittsburg and Detroit. Lets be competetive and get a Kovalchuk and a Kaberle. Of course at the right price, But I believe it can be done.
Ive checked in here daily, since July first and some times, twenty times a day . It is getting boring to see so little done.
Make a trade , shake a leg, pick up a free agent , go crazy and bid on Bobbie Ryan. Sign DD and JJ to extensions. So much that could be done.
Any other fans with me?

[Reply]
dustin Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
@ezepace, Hell friggen ya iom with you. The KINGS should be embarassed that they havent done S**T for years in the offseason. Its a disgrace that their cheap owner is more concerned with bringing more buildings to LA Live and clogging up our already crowded freeways. Seriously, I have to admire the Burke era Ducks, they did what had to be done and got a cup out of it

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
@ezepace,

Still getting inside information about Kovi’s wife, like you did just before Kovi chose NJ and trashed the Kings players and organization?

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
@ezepace,

Can’t say we heard much from you right after KoveeBabee turned tail, dumped a big one on L.A. and bagged to the E.C..

I smell, I smell PLANT.

[Reply]
launch Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I thought you would jump all over this guy. with good reason for sure.

I remember you begging for him to show up after “the signing”

Must admit though, I’m not so sure he’s on “team kovy”

——-

What about it EZEPACE?

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
@launch,

Ezepace comes back here when KoveeBabee goes a few days without a contract?

Ezepace–You’ve got some ‘SPLAINING to do…

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
@launch,

The longer the silence…
The stronger the diagnosis.

launch Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I will admit that the timing is very suspicious….

have to say that i was intrigued by the whole russian wife, 4th of july, warm weather thing.

I feel bamboozaled

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
@launch,

Notice the lack of Russian language-style mis-typing, this time?

launch Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I did actually, and wasnt even sure it was the same guy until i saw your post.

I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt. he could just be a fan with a big imagination…..if not….

Consider yourself EXPOSED eze

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
@launch,

Betcha he’s a Quacks fan…

launch Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

that would make a lot more sense…

I would like to get his opinion on this tho..

Maybe it was the Russian wife typing before? She was posing as him on the laptop while sunbathing nude with a vodka in the backyard??

pure speculation of course

Michael J. Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

If it looks like a duck fan…

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
@launch,

Actually, I think Dustin may be part of this, too…

Ping-pong press releases work because each time an opinion piece is aired, it sounds fresh. If Blogger A says, “We gotta get Kovi!”, then Blogger B says, “Yeah, you got that right, we gotta get Kovi!”, both A and B can bounce the idea back and forth, and it sounds more and more popular and legitimate.

Of course, the whole exercise becomes easy if Blogger A and Blogger B are actually the same person…

launch Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
conspiracy in the works right here on Mr. Hammonds blog…..

love it

ezepace Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Interesting. I tried to post a reply yesterday .
It was not published.
There is nothing to defend. If you cant accept that I shared something that to me was of great interest thats your perogative.
To critisize though wasnt accepted.
Ive been a kings fan since 1972. TO call me a ducks fan was insulting. To critisize my writing as russian was also taken as in insult. AFter more than 20 years of education I doubt I have to defend myslf to you.
If someone else had met Kovalchuk and learned that he had stated he wanted to play for the kings and that his wife stated she wants to live in LA, I would want to be told here. That you cant accept that fact fine. Just know it was true and the reason my post didnt get through is I proposed a bet with you winner tale all…Fact is it doesnt matter. I know what I know and you believe what you believe. Just know it was true.
I was simply extremely excited to maybe get such a star on our team, and frankly Im still hopeful. I want the kings to win a stanley cup and I am entitled to my opionion of what I think we need to do that.
ANd launch I didnt appreciate your comment about my wife in the nude drinking vodka. Lets leave it at that.
I trust Rich you will post this time as launch’s racial comment should not have gotten through.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
@ezepace,

For several days you took the readers of this blog on a long, long ride into the wonders of a fantasy that did not have a shred of truth.

Then, when the fantasy turned out not to be true, you fled…

Now, that the KoveeBabee’s contract Coach turned into a pumpkin at midnight, you have returned.

Please, explain…

We are listening.

launch Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
@ezepace,

my intention was not to toss “racial” slurs around. Is Russian a Race??? just saying….my next door neighbor who is of Persian decent had to check “white” on his census survey.

I hope you see what Bako and I were curious about, don’t be offended, just seems very fishy how things went down
RJB says:

August 13, 2010 at 1:35 pm

Sign Kovy 1 Year 9.5 Mil Sign Maxim Afinogenov and go after Reghere, Chara or a Mitchell to lock down the back.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@RJB, Whaaat lol.. your talkin crazy talk man, 9.5?

Maxim signed in Russia already.

Would love any of those D men at the right price.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
@RJB, Oh, should have read farther down. Well, Kovalchuk for $9.5 is too much. Afinaginov signed in Russia a few days ago. If you want Reghere, I want John, Simmonds and Moller in return. Boston won’t trade Chara and I’ve already mentioned in earlier posts that I think Mitchel is too much of a risk.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
@RJB, perfect, then pick up Crosby and Ovie to get us over the top.

[Reply]
RoyalPain Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
@RJB,

Why on earth sign Kovi for one year? Are the Kings on a one-year push for the Cup?

[Reply]
RJB Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
@RoyalPain,

Yes and we should try and win the cup every year. Even if it takes us 1 year instead of a 43 year rebuilding plan we should try hard. Maxim is gone? sorry I did not know that Syberia was a better place to play than Cali. I guess DL really knows how to sell the LA lifestyle and softer toilet paper. This guy cant close. Never could and never will. I will believe in him, when he makes the big deal..Dont know who or what that is (Insert Anyone Here Pronger,Hossa,Kovy,Hamihus,Martin,Gomez,Chara,
Briere,Heatley and I am sure more to come…

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
@RJB, There’s more to Russia than Siberia, and just for your information St. Petersburg is clear on the other side of the country. Yeah, believe it or not, some people actually prefer other places to Los Angeles. Amazing, I know…
ose says:

August 13, 2010 at 2:41 pm

Let us move on.

[Reply]
C-Note20 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
@ose, were we moving on too

[Reply]
Bob Shmaeff says:

August 13, 2010 at 3:24 pm

Rich,
Why aren’t the Kings at the Vancouver turnament?
Bob

[Reply]
illegalstick33 says:

August 13, 2010 at 4:04 pm

NICE! Thats the LA Kings hard at work improving the team with a article on the front page that reads “KINGS TALK BASEBALL!” Go DL! Maybe we can pick up Ozzie Smith to QB the Power Play!!

[Reply]
Sufferer says:

August 13, 2010 at 4:17 pm

Can we put an end to the mindless posts? “Do something DL”, “Do anything”, “Sign this player DL”, “trade for that player DL”. Enough!!! None of us (at least most) have any ideas of what it takes to sign a UFA player, trade for a player or negotiate a hockey contract. Arm chair quarterbacking gets tiresome after a while. Kings are a good young club with good coaching staff and management team. There are a lot of factors that none of us want to consider when player decides if he wants to play for this team:
1. Cost of leaving in southern California
2. Taxes
3. Travel
4. We are close, but there are other teams out there that are closer to winning the Cup
5. Kings management has a conservative financial strategy for building the team and is doing it for the long term.
6. Reputation for winning (Kings don’t have a stellar one, yet)

So let’s all chill out and let people that know what they are doing do their job. I am not against a constructive discussion, but enough bitching and nagging!!!

[Reply]
deadcatbounce says:

August 13, 2010 at 4:24 pm

@King John, I do believe you’re mistaken. I think that Bart Crashley (Love that name still!) was also part of the deal coming to L.A. You may be thinking of Dale McCourt, who was supposed to be compensation for something or other, but that was so long ago that I can’t remember what anymore.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
@deadcatbounce, Okay this and the other thread meant to go higher up, when I was talking about the Dionne trade. Anyway, I think that McCourt was compensation for the Red Wings signing Rogie Vachone, but he refused to report to L.A. and I don’t remember what the resolution was to that.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
@deadcatbounce, OMG, I’m so glad today is Friday. Everybody have a fabulous weekend!

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 1:58 am
@deadcatbounce,

I can’t remember the resolution either, but I seem to recall that Andre St. Laurent was part of it.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
@deadcatbounce, It was Rogie Vachon.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
@puck73, Thanks, I thought so. Can you imagine what some people are going to think when they realize that a former Kings great actually didn’t want to stay in Los Angeles? Oh dear, this might push some people over the edge…

[Reply]
king dodger says:

August 13, 2010 at 4:46 pm

is it hockey season yet?
i find myself watching this over and over

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APHqyQuW09w

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
@king dodger, Wasn’t it sweet that Anzie was the one who put the final nail in the Ducks coffin.Ahhhhh good times.

[Reply]
king dodger Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
@Dominick, yeah it was sweet, i got season tickets at staples but i always try to go with the family to anaheim when we play them, i was there and totally loving the walk to the car just ripping into all the ducks fans and officially ending their season. my eyes lit up looking at the final two games of this up-comming season

[Reply]
Bonvivant1 Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
@king dodger,

Thanks for that. I’m not a Ducks hater but that was an edifying win for the Kings. I’m sure we’ll see that move many more times in shoot outs.

[Reply]
Jonathan says:

August 13, 2010 at 4:53 pm

Jack Johnson was playing NHL 2K11 with a little boy from Michigan and at 3:45 in the video exclaims “Damnit, Ersberg’s in net!” when the kid goes up 3-0

http://redwings.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=-6&id=74513

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
@Jonathan,

Ouch!

[Reply]
USCG Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
@Jonathan, yeah I’m pretty sure JJ is gonna bolt out of LA as soon as he’s a free agent. Nothing to do with this video, but just an opinion.

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@Jonathan,
I think the exact quote was; “That’s what happens when you have Ersberg in goal”. Dang… I guess the promoters could’ve cut that from the promo… Wow. But seriously. That’s what happens. LMAO!

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 10:59 am
@TVA333,

Doesn’t JJ also say something about “Greeney” messing up?

[Reply]
Deadmarsh Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
@tuan jim, guys. IT’S A VIDEO GAME!
flex says:

August 13, 2010 at 4:58 pm

..tickets are on sale now.Starts $31…used to to be $19
two years ago.staple place will be sold out for most of the games….bad economy is not a problem for AEG.Recently
Tl was in europe try to land Ronaldino for Galexy…
And the Kings ???…We have been patient for ears ..I mean Long years…we can wait a few more monthts to se
where this most trusted DL is taking us…Grosman,NJ…thiese are all bs…No more excuses.We been outsiders for years and thanks for that made some value drafts.The same way like Pens and hawks…They already smell the cup.Same the Ducks…We can wait a few more months.I do not care ,we lost Fro,lost the “FIRST” war for kovi…I do not care who will play one the first line …Shenn,loktionov…or harrold.This year we have to make at list conference finals…if not
Boycot.We,the long time loyal fans deserve the stanley.You have more than enough money and stuck more than enough prospects (for trades or..)Time is NOW.!!!

[Reply]
Matt R says:

August 13, 2010 at 5:10 pm

I noticed on the LA Kings website, the first article about Luc talking about baseball, the tab at the bottom says “Wayne to LA”. Am I missing something? That article doesn’t seem to have anything to do with anyone named Wayne. Perhaps it was slip and the Kings have hired Gretz in some capacity. Or maybe he’s making a comeback! (How long until Gretz to the Kings is the new hot Twitter rumor?)

[Reply]
murf Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
@Matt R, Have not seen the kings site but i do remember something on bleacher report couple weeks back saying gretz to our front office mabey it got done

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
@Matt R,
Nice observation! Most likely a slip from the Admin. Dept. Posting tabs before articles

[Reply]
Paul From Oxnard Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 4:59 am
@Matt R, It could also be because this past week was the anniversary of Gretz being traded to the Kings (August 9, 1988)

[Reply]
Dewey On D says:

August 13, 2010 at 5:39 pm

U the man rich

[Reply]
Mike Martinez says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:10 pm

i didnt believe this was true im glad the record has been set straight if it was my 5 yr old son would be heart broken he loves Dustin Brown

[Reply]
KC23 says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:19 pm

Funny Sean Avery clip. Had me LOLing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B53W-7tk4Uw

[Reply]
rontheking says:

August 13, 2010 at 9:48 pm

Allan Muir–a guy who is often more right than most–has the Kings rated #7 in the league even before the Kings have addressed their needs for shoring up the defense, etc.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/allan_muir/08/13/offseason.rankings/index.html

The Kings, even incomplete at this point in the offseason, are a team still on the rise and deep in young talent to many observers. Take a deep breath.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:34 pm
@rontheking, Thanks for the read.I don’t agree with some of his rankings, but at least he goes into the thought process of why he made those decisions.

[Reply]
RoyalPain Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
@rontheking,

He looks like Hedwig.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
@rontheking, Not to mention we are ahead of the No Jersey Devils….

[Reply]
tornado12 says:

August 13, 2010 at 10:27 pm

I noticed on tsn a story that kaberle has NTC that kicks in on sunday increasing pressure on burke to do a deal. If we could get him for a few prospects and a pick or two (as the article refrences), why not go for it?
Does he not instantly make the team better?
Plus, could be valuable as trade bait at deadline to contender.
In my opinion, the prospects i would be willing to let go are one of:
Moller(though may be great player, he is not big enough for current style play of coach)
Drewiske (good defenseman but very raw still)
Lewis (hasnt shown me anything special at NHL level in brief appearances)
Martinez (again didnt show much special just as lewis last season)
Mikus (DARE I EVEN MENTION IT)

[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
From hockeysfuture.com
Talent Analysis
“A big, imposing rearguard with all-around skills, Mikus could prove to be a steal for the LEAFS if he hits his big-time upside.”
Is there something we don’t know here? Mikus is currently on Leafs AND Kings?

[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
According to wikipedia there are two juraj mikus in NHL?
JMFC does the legend ever end?

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
@tornado12,

Mikus has not been a King for a month or more and signed for a team in Russia I believe. I think he was not offered a contract renewal by the Kings. I hope THAT move (if true) doesn’t come back to put a curse on the team or some such. The chance of some such curse may only be determined by Mr. Hammond!

Interesting about Kaberle though, if true. I think you are correct on your points.

[Reply]
kenny says:

August 13, 2010 at 10:58 pm

u da man rich

[Reply]
Gislaw says:

August 14, 2010 at 2:44 am

I literally LMAO when I read about this “rumor”….and to take my opinion on this matter even further: as we all know, our team has legitimate needs, and I believe that the addition of Kaberle would fill absolutely none of them.

Sure, he is a very talented D-man, perhaps nearing the end of his prime, but how many offensive/puck-moving defensemen can one team actually use without disrupting balance? DD, JMFJ, Kaby…who gets the primary PP quarterback position (not to mention our defensive pipeline is stocked when it comes to that style player)? Plus, he is a one year rental!..perhaps.

IMO, for our club, he is not worth even Moller and a “high” pick (as speculated by unreliable sources).

We need a quality shut-down defensive player!..not a Kaberle.

Again…IMO

[Reply]
Deadmarsh Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
@Gislaw, you hit the nail on the head!

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 4:05 am
@Gislaw,

Ditto.

It’s worth the risk getting Willie Mitchell — though, after the concussion woes we had with Deadmarsh and Granato and Allison, the downside can be cruel.

But Mitchell understands this and isn’t expecting the same contract he had with the Canucks. He’s far and away preferable to Kaberle.

[Reply]
Dominick says:

August 14, 2010 at 4:00 am

Off topic: Here’s some light reading for you guys. Kings are on pages 114 and 115.Enjoy.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 4:07 am
The link got screwed up.Lets try this again.Enjoy http://www.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416135198&o=int&prev=si .

[Reply]
Paul From Oxnard Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 4:46 am
@Dominick, Thanks for posting that. Cool reading.

[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@Dominick, Thanks for that!
Very interesting they list Schenn over Bernier, when i think most would consider Bernier a lock to make the roster.
I just dont see Schenn making the roster in anything less than a top six role! Does that make sense?
Also interesting their rankings for our D prospects. Is Teubert really our top rated Dman? And Forbort is above Hickey?
As things stand right now, even with the possible addition of one experienced Dman, we still need one of these young kids to step up and take a roster spot. IMO, Hickey is in best position to take that open spot. Any other opinions on who has the best chance for that spot?

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 11:51 am
@tornado12,
I think they were listing in no paticular order.Schenn over Bernier wouldn’t make sense, unless they felt Shenn will be the bigger impact player to the team, eventually.

Hickey just came off an injury filled season, so the jury is still out, and our most pressing need would be a stay at home defenseman with some snarl to his game, like Tuebert.

Your guess is as good as mine on Forbort. Maybe he’s listed higher because he’s a fresh draft pick who some think might be ready to play in the NHL.

I like Martinez to get some time with the Kings this season.He had a chance last season,but wasn’t ready. JJ only played a handful of games when he first arrived, to give him a taste, before playing an entire season with the Kings. I’m not sure Martinez is that far along though.

Muzzin looked really good, but I haven’t seen him play all that much.Fransson is a little older, and has been playing with men in the Swedish Elite league, but usually transplants need to acclimate there game to a north american style first.

[Reply]
PAUL_FROM_OXNARD says:

August 14, 2010 at 4:25 am

That’s what I love about this site – a reporter with integrity, not just some shmo spreadings rumors & calling it “news”. Keep up the great work Rich.

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

August 14, 2010 at 11:42 am

Why do I keep seeing rumor-mill nonsense about Simmer or Brown being part of a trade for Kaberle?

I think the Eastern Conference — and Toronto in particular — has an exaggerated opinion of Kaberle’s value.

Are we still in the chase for Willie Mitchell?

[Reply]
Paul From Oxnard Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 11:51 am
@tuan jim, Burke has over valued Kaberle. You’ll continue to see rumors until tomorrow when Kaberle’s no trade clause kicks back in….whether he’ll be in Toronto or somewhere else is another question. I still believe he’s coming to the Kings…just not for either of those players.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
@Paul From Oxnard, I agree with you 100% and I will add this…If DL trades Simmonds for anybody, he should be fired on the spot. Fact is, Simmonds was our plus minus leader in the regular season as well as the playoffs and that is no accident, simply put..Simmonds is one of toughest players to play against in all the NHL and he isnt even in his prime yet ! I agree with you, I think this is Brian Burke just dreaming and also overvalueing his own player.

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
@tuan jim,
Probably bullocks…. But:
.

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
@TVA333,
Click here for a teitter post about it.

[Reply]
Silence Dogood says:

August 14, 2010 at 12:11 pm

Rich Hammond, like Dustin Brown, has integrity.

Dustin Brown leads our Kings. He has earned the C on the ice. Rich Hammond leads the press on Kings news. He has earned his seat in the press box.

Rock on Rich!

Go Dusty baby!

If Dean tries to trade either one of you, he will be facing an angry mob of Kings fans.

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
@Silence Dogood,

I don’t know about Dustin Brown…

But I don’t believe Rich Hammond will be traded. He’s a stay at home guy, but he’s solid in both ends and well-”versed” in all facets of the game.

Not a flashy guy…not a guy you really notice on the ice–but you know he’s there when he suddenly appears to check you and take you out of the play when you’ve veered off your line or become reckless in your game. That’s when you can expect to feel the impact of his slapper…

(Not particularly strong with the wrister–though he does have some very powerful and quick fingers.)

He does draw a lot of media attention (much of it his own) but he’s a player who is willing to scrum and back up his words (with even more words).

I just don’t see the Kings giving up on this veteran…for one thing, who would they trade him for?

[Reply]
Bingram Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
@rontheking,

Sounds like Rich and Dustin are cut from the same mold.

[Reply]
Subby says:

August 14, 2010 at 3:17 pm

This is WAYYY off topic but Peter Forsberg and Lady Gaga had some little thing going on in May or something? hah

[Reply]
Aaron says:

August 14, 2010 at 3:41 pm

Rich, with the deadline for his No Trade Clause about to kick in, do you get the sense that the Kings are trying to get Kaberle?

[Reply]
Paul says:

August 14, 2010 at 3:56 pm

No way, Rich. Your credible and informed and you’re too smart to call your reputation into question with unsubstantiated rumors. Keep up the good work!

[Reply]
RJB says:

August 14, 2010 at 4:15 pm

AND..Another Deadline Comes And Goes. Hey Dean! Why wear a watch?

I Say DL for president or at the very least let him head the BP oil spill clean up..He’s an action kind of guy….I know I Know, what would you do if you were GM?

[Reply]
John Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
@RJB,

DL is President. And praise Jesus for that!

OH and the deadline has NOT passed – Kaberle’s NTC kicks back in tomorrow at midnight.

[Reply]
Buster Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
@RJB,

So long as he doesn’t hire Cloutier to take care of that oil spill. I can already see all that oil going 5 hole.

[Reply]
RJB says:

August 14, 2010 at 4:29 pm

Lets just say that all of us bloggers have made as many moves so far as DL this off season. Oh right we were not part of his 2 year extension monies that have him bathing in benji’s. With that being said he has been one of our best GM’s. But not the closer we need to put a cup in the trophy case. This off season continues as status quo I am sure we will be hearing a lot of I” I want his head on a platter” talk come January. Better win early because come January we play 11 of 14 on the road.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
@RJB, I am sorry I was a away @RJB, With the new contract extension I just received I have been on vacation for awhile, and in fact, I was over at one of the “Massage Parlors” Today over by LAX getting a 4 hour rubdown. I promise, NO MORE SCREWING AROUND ! Sincerely, Dean Lombardi.. House N-Bomb, Los Angeles Kings Hockey Club.

[Reply]
Lime says:

August 14, 2010 at 6:59 pm

wow was he wrong…

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Five-reasons-why-you-don-t-want-to-draft-Drew-Do?urn=nhl-89072

[Reply]
Sandra Fluri Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 9:34 am
@Lime,

That’s why I never give a damn about what a so called “critic”or “expert” says. It’s still ONLY one man’s opinion!!!! Who cares????
I bet there are a lot of teams wishing they had Dewy on their team!
And it pisses me off to read stuff like: “How can the Kings expect Doughty and Simmonds to sign with them if they (Organization) can’t reel in the “big” superstar(like Kovi)?
Dewy has been a Kings fan and wants to be here and play here! We don’t need and Ego player to lure him here, he is here and he’ll stay here!

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@Lime,

To be honest I felt the same way. I thought DD’s weight would be an ongoing problem and that Bogosian would’ve been a better choice.

Just shows you what I know . . .

[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
@Lime,
I’m bringing a box of Krispy Kreams to the next game! Honestly how effing hilarious would that be if it rained doughnuts every time he scored! I would be in stitches!

[Reply]
gralx says:

August 14, 2010 at 7:22 pm

Matthew Berry is reporting that the Kings have a 2 year offer on the table for Mitchell. Thing is, no one else has anything on the Kings/Mitchell other than the Kings are in on it….

[Reply]
kfan says:

August 14, 2010 at 7:48 pm

Not only is he talking about Mitchell,but possibly a big trade after Kovi signs,somewhere in the east.. How come we haven’t heard anything about this from or own Rich,or from Mr. Bob Mac fron TSN?… Even if it is true, wuuld 2 years be enough to lure Mitchell?. Mitchell would be a great addition……

[Reply]
Josh E. Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
@kfan,

Rich doesn’t report rumors…which is what the mitchel offer is…a rumor

[Reply]
Pat says:

August 14, 2010 at 8:09 pm

Tomas Kaberle or Willie Mitchell would be a wonderful additiion to the team. We need another veteran on the blue line another than Scuderi until Greene is back. After we should trade for a 35+ goal scorer. Hope guys like Muzzin, Hickey,Schenn, Berneir, and Mikus can get to the big club this year. GET TO WORK BOYS AT TRAINING CAMP!! GO LA!!

[Reply]
Subby says:

August 14, 2010 at 9:55 pm

What do you think of Mathieu Schneider has a vet d-man to sign? He is available isn’t he? or is 41 too old? aha

[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
@Subby, We could offer less because he could suppliment his salary with endorsments from Viagra and Polydent….oh wait, I resemble that remark!!!

[Reply]
Subby says:

August 14, 2010 at 9:58 pm

What happened to this Frolov ;[

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAN2fYuRx5A&feature=related

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 3:45 am
@Subby,

He went to New York. But we’ll see him again when we play the Rangers. He’s gonna make us wish we’d never wasted so much time chasing Kovy and had paid more attention to re-signing him.

[Reply]
Armchairkingsfan Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 4:51 am
@Subby,

You know what I find interesting? THAT Frolov never went anywhere.

In the clip, Bob Miller says “His first goal in 13 games. The meeting with Dave Taylor and Andy Murray paid off.”

And that was in his rookie season. He was always the same. Inconsistent, but AMAZINGLY talented. Constantly frustrating when not exhilarating. I am still a Frolov fan, but I can’t ignore the facts.

[Reply]
dMan Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
@Subby,

Nothing happened to that Frolov – that’s the frustrating part.

[Reply]
Subby Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@dMan, but like I meant driving to the net like that and reading the play as he did. He stopped even doing that. If he would out even a little more then half the effort he did he would still be great. Every year I would try to picture where frolov may fit in another team and I think the rangers are gonna be ok for him. Im just waiting for it to hit me that he is actually gone. :/

[Reply]
king lopez Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@Subby, Ya, notice he said 1st goal in 13 games.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 says:

August 15, 2010 at 12:52 am

Good article on NHL.com about the kings.

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Idaho Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 8:58 am
@Michael_DD8, Thanks. Enjoyed it, especially the highlights. It’s got me jonesing for the start of the season. Especially loved the Williams clip. Hope he can be productive this season.

[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud says:

August 15, 2010 at 1:53 am

@ Michael DD8

Thanks it should be required reading for the people that come on here crying all the time.

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 11:37 am
@Bkrs-Bud,

I agree 100%. Don’t worry though, I’m sure some of the “True Kings Fans” on here will tear the article apart somehow.

[Reply]
NOT IMPRESSED Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 11:56 am
@AZ King, Why don’t we all just agree on everything about the Kings and we’ll end up talking about….NOTHING.
Seems to me that you guys are the whiners that not everyone agrees with you.

[Reply]
annoyed Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
@NOT IMPRESSED,

Could agree with you more. Unless you agree with them, they immediately think you hate the Kings and belong at the pond

AZ King Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 7:49 am
@NOT IMPRESSED,

I’m all for debate and discussion. We all have different points of view and that’s what makes this place great. What I’m sick and tired of are the people who claim they are the “Only True Kings Fans” because they’ve been disappointed for 40 years. Sorry I have a problem with that. Sorry that I’m not old enough to have watched the Kings very first game. That does not make anyone else better than me or anyone on the site, and backing up trolling remarks by saying “well I’m a true Kings fan” and insinuating that anyone else who hasn’t been around since the beginning less that a “true fan” is pathetic and an insult to the rest of us who have given as much to this team over a different period of time.
number 6 says:

August 15, 2010 at 11:32 am

Simmer was a +22?!! Geez. +/- may be over rated but that still says something. He’s an important player for this team and there can’t be one single team in the nhl that wouldn’t be delighted to have him on their roster.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
@number 6,

Simmer himself is NOT overrated — regardless of his +/- ratings, which are already terrific.

From the first time I saw him, in a pre-season game in his rookie year, he won me over. He took a fierce run at an opposing defenseman, bounced off him as if he’d run into a brick wall and landed on his a$$, then immediately jumped up and got back into the play.

Watching that moment gave a that Dave-Taylor feeling. DL would be insane to deal this guy off for ANYBODY.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
@tuan jim,
Yes, agreed. I never was implying that he was over rated. I could have gone into detail as to his passion and instincts. It was more like ‘this guy is so good’ And on top of that he has this great +/-.

[Reply]
nyck says:

August 15, 2010 at 12:49 pm

This is the most boring off-season I’ve ever witnessed.

[Reply]
dMan Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@nyck, you haven’t been paying attention then

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@dMan,

Not the most boring, i thought it has been pretty crazy giving what has been happening.

[Reply]
Kwaz Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
@dMan,

This is the most messed up off-season I’ve witnessed?

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
@Kwaz,

Accurate

dMan Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
@Kwaz,
It’s been interesting, but I’d say it’s still too early to call it “messed up.”
Pumpernicholl says:

August 15, 2010 at 4:49 pm

I have completely no opinion on this player anymore, other than to submit this new little blurb.

Bruce Garrioch (yeah, I know) says in the August 15 Ottawa Sun that the Kings “back in the hunt” for Kovalchuk again…

http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2010/08/14/15027381.html

Just to liven up your boring summer again…

[Reply]
dMan Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
@Pumpernicholl, well, of course, they’ve got to keep that rumor mill alive to keep the Devils from low-balling him at this point.

Kovalchuck finds himself in a pretty unenviable position; with the contract being voided, buyers (Devils and possibly Kings) will argue that the marketplace and conditions have changed and that the long-term big money contract he was looking for is just not feasible; he will need to lower his demands to stay in the league and satisfy guidelines.

Conspiracy theorists would argue collusion; with some justification.

I still think it was a big mistake on either Kovalchuck or Grossman’s part to ask so much. I’m still not sure who was driving these demands; Kovalchuck has publicly stated he was looking for the security of a long-term contract (though one would think that with his undeniable skills security would not be an issue for the next 5-7 years, particularly if he won a Cup), or was Grossman convinced a $100M deal was a definite.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kovalchuck sign for a much shorter term; 2-3 years with the Devils in the hopes that the CBA might change and allow bigger and better deals with assurances from the NHLPA that it would try to amend the CBA to include limited big deals, which to conspiracy theorist would amount to collusion; with some justification.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
@dMan,

Considering Lou (Devil’s GM) played a huge part in writing the current CBA, it does look suspecious. Write a contract he knows will get voided to put the King’s contract out in the open and then be in a position to re-negoicate. Doing the fan day thing even knowing that the league had voided the contract adds to the drama.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 says:

August 15, 2010 at 9:39 pm

Kinda sad haha

http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/niemi_talks_blackhawks/

About niemi and the hawks.

And as of Kaberele, I think it would be really funny if he doesn’t resign as a leaf after this and toronto gets nothing out of him!

[Reply]
src Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
@Michael_DD8,

Boohoo. Anyone with a rating over 90, can crunch numbers on cap geek and figure these things out. Niemi thought the Hawks would pay 2.75 mil-haha.

I think there are at least 2 agents that need to get fired.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
@src,

Huh? being a stanley cup goalie, i thought 2.75 was totally reasonable. If it wasnt for chicago being so down and out with this cap i think they would have done it. Campbell and Huet (his 5 mill contract) is what kept niemi getting his raise from the cup.

[Reply]
SRC Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 3:52 am
@Michael_DD8,

You are correct wrt Campbell and Huet. but the fact is that CHI does not have enough cap space to pay 2.75. And I am sure his agent was more than privy to the facts of the available cap space. Fairness wrt the arbitration figure makes no difference. Chi has x amount of dollars left and x amount of spots to fill. Ergo UFA status for Niemi in a bad market flooded with goalies.

They should have come to a mutual agreement for 1 year giving him a raise and testing UFA next year.
kfan says:

August 15, 2010 at 11:06 pm

Come on Mitchell, sign with the Kings!!Top 6 d-man..The answer to Ivanan will be Clifford,but maybe Lucic?.. Did the Kings ever pondered at making Ivanans a d-man?

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

August 15, 2010 at 11:27 pm

What’s happening to Chicago is grim. You know they didn’t wanna dump Versteeg and Byfuglien and back off from a $2.75 mil arb award for Niemi. IOt’s almost pathetic that the Hawks picked up Turco just to save a little over a million. But the cap rules are cruel. The Hawks are still over the cap and are being eaten alive because of it.

Our own $13 mil cap room may be illusory if we spend too much on so-called superstars. So let’s not focus on getting Kovy. It’s true that by season’s end Williams $3.5 mil is dropped, unless we wanna keep him, and Handzus — whom I’d love to keep, since his game doesn’t depend on youth or speed — will likely be gone and his $4 mil cap hit along with him.

So we’ll have what looks like a fat purse come next July. But DD is likely to mean AT LEAST a $7 or $8 mil cap hit, JMFJ will want no less than what Hamhuis is taking down in Vancouver (I only hope he doesn’t press for too much more), and Simmer will surely be in Brown territory. Add Bernier and Richie and suddenly our cap room starts to vanish. Even if Schenn makes the team he’s coming in at $3.14 mil — not to mention if we pick up a top-4 blueliner (like, say, Mitchell or Bieksa) and at least one center and a coupla wingers to fill out the team.

Like I say, let the Devils deal with the cap problems Kovy brings to the party. And let us start making use of all that “talent” other teams are saying we have on the shelf.

[Reply]
brandyn Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
@tuan jim,

More like 6.4 hit for doughty

3.2-3.8 hit for johnson

and 2.75 for simmonds, bernier and richardson (individually)

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 12:11 am
@brandyn,

From your lips to God’s ears. May your numbers be THE numbers. But . . .

At the price we’re paying Brayden Schenn I expect the Kings to make a real effort to get him into the line-up this season. If he’s a dud or doesn’t produce the way Simmer does, will Simmer grit his teeth and be satisfied with 400 grand less than Schenn makes?

Suppose Richie is on fire this year — (I hope, I hope) — what would an arbitrator give him?

As for DD . . . if you were the agent for a 20-year-old Norris trophy finalist who is just entering his THIRD year, what would you demand on his behalf?

[Reply]
SeattleKev Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 8:21 am
@tuan jim,

Schenn’s cap hit includes all the bonuses that he could earn as well. His base pay can’t be higher than 975k (or is it 875k) because he is on his entry level contract. It’s a little deceiving. Also, if he is sent back to juniors (or Manchester, I don’t know about his junior eligibility), he doesn’t count against the cap.
lime says:

August 16, 2010 at 2:58 am

What about Brownie, Moller and a 2nd round draft pick for Kaberle and luke schenn.

[Reply]
lime says:

August 16, 2010 at 3:20 am

How about Brownie, Moller and a 2nd round pick for Kaberle and Luke Schenn?

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:13 am
@lime,

Remove scoring at forward for scoring at D that we already have? Pass. I wouldn’t trade Brownie for much of anything. Regardless of the player himself, trading the Captain away in that fashion would probably be damaging to team morale.

[Reply]
luckyluc13 Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:15 am
@lime,No thank you

[Reply]
deadcatbounce says:

August 16, 2010 at 5:30 am

I don’t know the details, but I just found out that former Kings color man, Dan Avey, passed away.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 6:35 am
@deadcatbounce,

Horrible news. He was my favorite color guy for the Kings over the years. Witty and funny as heck.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 8:30 am
@deadcatbounce, Brings me back to when I was 10 years old and first heard Miller and Avey on KFI 640. Back then, some of the Kings games were on tape delay because they shared airspace with the Lakers. The reason I fell in love with hockey was because of Bob Miller and Dan Avey. In Oct of 73 was when I first heard their voices on the radio and I had never seen a hockey game ! Dan Avey was a greay color commentator and I am sure Bob Miller will reflect on Dan shortly in some capacity. Sad news, best wishes and thought to his friends and Family at this time and to Kings fans like me who are old enough to remember his contributions to the organization.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Yes, I also remember Dan Avey. I really liked him as the color commentator for the Kings when I was young. I also remember hearing his voice on newsradio (I think KFWB—or else KNX). My condolences to his family.

[Reply]
brandyn says:

August 16, 2010 at 9:59 am

Ryan Smyth Tweeted this last night: “Back from a night on town with good friend and new team mate Willie Mitchell. I can say that right? It is Monday isn’t it?”

When i look at his account it appears he deleted it but its still on my phone

[Reply]
MacSwede Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:09 am
@brandyn, Are you sure, or are you just playing us?

I would like it to be true though..

[Reply]
brandyn Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:15 am
@MacSwede,

I am 100 % sure, ill try and take a picture of the tweet if you want.

the profile is twitter.com/ryansmyth94

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:14 am
@brandyn, Really.. really, really hope this is true. Might not be the real Ryan Smyth though…

If Matt Berry can be trusted Willie was giving Vancouver one more chance to match the offer from the Kings. But the Nucks can’t afford him; they have no space, and too many defensemen already signed.

I will consider the off season a success if all we add is Poni and Willie.

Doughty – Scuderi
Johnson – Mitchell
Greene – Whiskey/Hickey/Voynov/Muzzin
Harrold

SICK

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:54 am
@VanKingsFan, Dont forget about Fransson. He was signed to a 1 year entry level contract and is 25 years old so he has just entered his prime. Obviously he will get a strong look, and so will Niclas Deslauriers, and David Kolamatis. Plus, if Mitchell is healthy, he is an absolute beast and clearly Vancouver was not the same defensively when he went down. This would be a huge signing if he is ready to go !

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 11:08 am
@puck73, You could be right; maybe DL didnt go hard after kaberle because he figures that Fransson will be a poor man’s Kaberle this year.
I still have faith in Hickey; especially if you pair him with Mitchell or Greene as a bodyguard so big forwards don’t take liberties with the fairly scrawny body of Tomas Hickey

Matt R Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:16 am
@brandyn,

I think there is a fake Ryan Smyth on twitter making up stuff that isn’t true. Maybe it’s that dude. Mitchell would be a perfect OD replacement though. Hope it happens!

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:28 am
@Matt R, Someone with a fake user name on twitter? Oh, what’s this world coming to…

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@deadcatbounce,

I know right?

Meanwhile, per Bob McKenzie via Kings PR Dept:

But @DustinBrown23 is the legit Capt King. RT @Sean_Leahy: For those fans unsure, #Kings PR says @ryansmyth94 is not the real Captain Canada
MacSwede says:

August 16, 2010 at 10:08 am

I really feel for the toronto fans. Man, how dissappointed they must be. At first, they get absoluteley nothing for Sundin, who later signs as a free agent for Vancouver. And now, the same is about to happen for Tomas Kaberle. Be prepared for another round of tradetalk regarding him on trade deadline, but greedy Burke will surely miss that opportunity too.

Toronto has some great defenders allready, and they could surely use a forward in exchange for Kaberle. But, I understand that no team will overpay for a one year rental. I think that San Jose did not offer Ryan Clowe and a draft pick, if they did, Burke really sucked to dont take that offer..

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:15 am
@MacSwede, I agree man, if SJ actually offered Clowe and a pick, Burke would have taken it, no question, Burke Loves Clowe.

As for trade deadline talk, i doubt it will happen now as Kaberle has a NTC and has said repeatedly that he does not want to be traded and will not waive his NTC.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:33 am
@VanKingsFan, They’ll probably have to trade another defenseman now (Beauchemin?), and if they lose Kaberle after this season and the kids they’re projecting to take spots this season don’t pan out they could be back to square one.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:30 am
@MacSwede, I don’t feel sorry for the Leafs organization or fans at all. They get what they deserve in the so-called center of the hockey universe.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:36 am
@deadcatbounce, Agreed, I don’t feel bad for them at all. They just continually make bad decision after bad decision; no one to blame but themselves.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 11:11 am
@VanKingsFan, I agree with you and @deadcatbounce about “Leaf Fan” The problem in places like Toronto and Manhattan is that these people want a winner now and arent willing to do things the right way. Here’s an example of what I am talking about, I have an Uncle who lives in NY and is a big Rangers fan and he looks at the Kings and cant understand why they had so much success last year when they dont have any “Name Players” on their roster except for Doughty and Kopitar. people in Toronto and NY think rebuilding means 1 or 2 seasons, they dont understand how painfull the first 2 seasons of rebuilding here were. The problem is, the media in Toronto has no patience to do things the right way and thats why the Leafs keep spinning their wheels. This is just my opinion, but I think eventually they will put too much pressure on Burke and he will either resign or get fired because of high expectations, and a “we want it now” Attitude.

VanKingsFan Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 11:17 am
@puck73, Nail on the head man. Its a combination of the media AND the fans expectation of “Win right now!”

Its funny that your uncle notices our “name” players as Doughty and Kopitar… where does he think we acquired these “name” players!

The poor poor Leafs… the could have had Tyler Seguin, their number #1 centre for the next 10 years… .and they blew it…

MacSwede Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
@deadcatbounce, @VanKingsFan,

I agree with you both. I know that Toronto makes bad decisions (and rangers) year after year, but nevertheless I fell for the fans, cause it aint their fault.

I remember a few years back, when Kings really sucked, and the fans in here were VERY frustrated. They kept asking and hoping for trades, but Kings were NEVER in any trade discussion or rumor. Look where we are now, we have a lot of talent of we are in practically EVERY trade rumor thats out there Theese are fun times, and yet, some people continue to complain (well, including me sometimes, to be honest).

If our only new players this season is Poni and maybe Mitchell, then I think it will be tough to reach the playoffs, but we will be close. And maybe we will se some new good prospects breakout like Hickey and/or Schenn/Loktionov/Moller.

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
@MacSwede,

I respectfully disagree. The Kings WILL make the playoffs and through at least the first round simply based on the quality of our new goaltending tandem in conjunction with the other players we already have.

I have discussed this in depth with Paul the Octopus and am happy to report he is in complete agreement.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce says:

August 16, 2010 at 11:16 am

I think the problem with the Rangers is that they get name players who were name players three to five years before they got them.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 11:24 am
@deadcatbounce, You mean like Scott Gomez, Wayne Redden, Chris Drury, Theo Fleury, or Jaromir Jagr ?

[Reply]
bobo Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 11:40 am
@puck73,

You can make a case for Gretzky as well, and Bure.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
@puck73,

It’s merely the case of MSG being too geographically close to Broadway. They can’t differentiate between Bure, Jagr, or Messier five years past their prime versus Jolson, Sinatra, and the Three Tenors five years past their prime.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
@puck73,

The Rangers did all right getting Gaborik.

And now they got Fro . . . the SOBs.

[Reply]
Chewy says:

August 16, 2010 at 11:37 am

Hi Rich,

I’ve read some rumors the Kings are close to signing Willie Mitchell….do have any news on that?

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 11:50 am
@Chewy, I hear the same thing, but they’re waiting to see if he can remember how to sign his name after getting his brain scrambled.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
@deadcatbounce, Just ran into Jason Allison today at the toyota center and I asked him what he was up to and he said, ya know, its the damndest thing..I cant remember where I left my car keys !

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
@puck73, Seriously, any idea what Allison is doing these days? I honestly don’t think he would have made it in the post-lockout NHL because he didn’t have the best of wheels to begin with, but I enjoyed watching him play.
murf says:

August 16, 2010 at 11:53 am

How true is it?”New Jersey” is going to offer Kovalchuku the contract more than for 10 seasons”Нью-Джерси” собирается предложить Ковальчуку контракт более чем на 10 сезонов16.08.2010
16.08.2010
Attacking Ilja KOVALCHUK. Photo REUTERSНападающий Илья КОВАЛЬЧУК. Фото REUTERSHOCKEY – NHL
ХОККЕЙ – НХЛ
Attacking Ilja Kovalchuk continues to prepare for a season in Moscow while behind ocean the question concerning its future contract is solved. According to the correspondent “SE” Alexander SHAPIRO, the management of “New Jersey” seriously counts on Kovalchuka and is going to offer it the long-term contract more than for 10 seasons. Conditions of the new agreement in a stage of discussion of a management of club and the agent of the hockey player. The situation, most likely, will clear up within the next few days.Нападающий Илья Ковальчук продолжает готовиться к сезону в Москве, пока за океаном решается вопрос относительно его будущего контракта. По информации корреспондента “СЭ” Александра ШАПИРО, руководство “Нью-Джерси” всерьез рассчитывает на Ковальчука и собирается предложить ему долгосрочный контракт более чем на 10 сезонов. Условия нового соглашения в стадии обсуждения руководства клуба и агента хоккеиста. Ситуация, скорее всего, прояснится в ближайшие дни.

On August, 16th 2010 16 августа 2010

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
@murf, I think a ten-year contract would be approved by the NHL, don’t you?

[Reply]
murf Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
@deadcatbounce, Yes i do but the cap is going to be hard to swallow if he’s still asking for 8-10 mil a year

[Reply]
GkingsG says:

August 16, 2010 at 12:11 pm

I’m Kings news deprived! :/

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Idaho Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
@GkingsG,
Yep, me too. I’d love to read something more than opinions here, and of course the rumors elsewhere. Opinions are good, don’t get me wrong, but just not as satisfying as news! Even if the news was just to confirm a trade or no trade. I just keep hoping for a new topic from Rich.

[Reply]
KINGKRAZY says:

August 16, 2010 at 1:01 pm

Rich, It’s been four days already… Where are you!

[Reply]
king lopez says:

August 16, 2010 at 1:27 pm

what site do i go to see the rumors about the Willie Mitchell deal?

[Reply]
flex Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
@king lopez, out of order players.com

[Reply]
frazier king says:

August 16, 2010 at 1:30 pm

rich we need you!

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
@frazier king, Give Rich a little break. He deserves some time away from the blog. At least I’m assuming that he’s not checking in and monitoring, so at least there’s one of us who can live without it for a day or two.

[Reply]
frazier king says:

August 16, 2010 at 1:34 pm

king lopez,i think you should wait for rich and some real news.

[Reply]
king lopez Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@frazier king, oh, i know. I’m just bored.

[Reply]
king lopez says:

August 16, 2010 at 1:55 pm

La Kings hockey Twitter said, ” anyone fallowing RyanSmyth94 Twitter, don’t. It’s 100% FAKE.”

[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
@king lopez,

Also confirmed by Bob McKenzie via Kings PR Dept:

But @DustinBrown23 is the legit Capt King. RT @Sean_Leahy: For those fans unsure, #Kings PR says @ryansmyth94 is not the real Captain Canada

[Reply]
TVA333 says:

August 16, 2010 at 2:51 pm

Here’s an Interesting read if you’re interested: NHL research camp a step in the right direction.

[Reply]
pr0cess says:

August 16, 2010 at 4:44 pm

How true is this??

Willie Mitchell
Sources say he was with the Kings doctors this weekend and everything checked out – He was offered a 2-year deal by the Kings although he was looking for 3. Late tonight I got a text saying Mitchell was giving Vancouver a last crack but I could not confirm. Kypreos also confirmed via twiiter the Kings are close (then again, he tweeted Kovi was done in L.A. as well).

Also is there any water to Lucic??

[Reply]
John Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
@pr0cess,

Hopefully, VERY true!

[Reply]
RJB says:

August 16, 2010 at 4:51 pm

Yawwwwwwwwwnnnnnnn!!!!

Rich, I hope you are not being paid per blog. Figures that the only life line we have to our club has been severely damaged by ownership, I would imagine. Why the restaints? How about a feel good story on say… Mark Hardy or someone else (Insert Name Here) it does not matter. Why one blog a week?

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
@RJB,

Actually, it is one of the things I like most about Rich … he doesn’t just blog to blog. If it isn’t worth bloging he doesn’t.

Keep up the great work Rich, the silent majority wouldn’t have it any other way.

[Reply]
Ose says:

August 16, 2010 at 4:53 pm

I hope our season isn’t like this post. What’s up we need to move on with this self indulgence.

[Reply]
Ravens says:

August 16, 2010 at 5:17 pm

looks like things are getting dicey for NJ…and well they should! http://thenhlarena.com/index.php?showtopic=159639&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[Reply]
murf says:

August 16, 2010 at 5:19 pm

Rich is on real vacation not work vacation hopefully in hawaii?

[Reply]

Thanks!

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