Here’s the second half of the quotes from the conference call with Willie Mitchell and Dean Lombardi…
—–
Question: Willie, how long has it been that you’ve been symptom-free?
MITCHELL: “It goes back to the middle of June, when I started working out. I started feeling better in the middle of June. Instead of cranking it up, and knowing that July 1 was such an important date for any free agent — especially myself at the time — instead of cranking it up, I just wanted to go about things the right way and slowly, gradually build things up. I did that. Then, starting about July 11 or 12, I hired my trainer and I was kind of doing two-a-days, where I was skating in the morning and training after that. I started feeling better in June, but really when I said, `OK, everything is according to plan, it’s great,’ that was probably after I jumped all those hurdles — like I said earlier that I wanted to do — that was probably mid-July.”
Question: Was it hard to avoid any kind of depression? Obviously you’re having these headaches for weeks and months. Was there ever a point when you thought your career might get cut short because of this?
MITCHELL: “I’d lie if I said that, when you’re in it, you don’t sit there and say, `Is this going to get better?’ I have a friend who is going through it right now, and I’m trying to help him, through my experience. I think sometimes it can get misdiagnosed. Originally, when you have a concussion, sights and sounds can bother players right off the bat, so they misdiagnose that as depression. You know, your brain is telling you to stay away from that for a reason. Just because people are staying away from those things doesn’t mean they’re in a depressed state, so to speak. Truly, to be honest with you, I look at it as such a great experience, as far as learning about life and not taking things for granted and controlling things you can control in that environment. As much as it wasn’t the most opportune thing at the time, it was actually one of the best learning experiences of my life so far.”
Question: Dean, did you watch Willie skate or work out? Was there anything that you needed to see, in person, to convince you to sign this contract?
LOMBARDI: “No, it was mostly the doctors. Having passed the league requirements and then having him talk to our own doctors, and it was pretty impressive the way he worked out on his own with us. We didn’t even ask him to do it. He went through the process on his own, again, showing the type of character that he has that makes him so attractive. Obviously we have a lot of discussions, internally, about concussions. It’s such a nebulous thing to nail down, but I guess it’s safe to say we had three checks and balances, and he did as well as you can do. I think the other thing that was really impressive about the way he did this was… I’s not easy with the teams, particularly with how highly we thought of him, in terms of his character and his fit, and for him to jeopardize July 1 and miss creating a frenzy — because I don’t think there’s any doubt that, if he’s out there on July 1, he’s a very attractive commodity — he didn’t do that.
“I’m not sure how many players would do that at this stage of their career. He took a very methodical process, and quite frankly did the right thing. `I’ve got to get myself totally healthy.’ So you really trusted him. To see him jeopardize other opportunities to go about it the right way, it also gives you more confidence that he really is symptom-free. And more importantly, we are getting a very special character player. I think the way he did it really made him attractive. I thought it was very professional, not only as an athlete but as a person.”
Question: Willie, you talked about when you were able to start working out. When were you just able to do stuff around the house? Get in the car, drive, all that type of thing.
MITCHELL: “Oh, right away.”
Question: You said this was your third concussion. Did you ever wonder if you were going to be able to play again?
MITCHELL: “I think I alluded to that earlier. I think anyone who has had a concussion, and been out for an extended period of time, that thought crosses your mind for a second. Tradition is that we have this protocol in the NHL. If you hurt a knee or a shoulder, it’s four weeks, six weeks. There’s not that protocol for a concussion. No one knows the answer. So yeah, if you go into a little longer period than usual, as a player with that type of injury, sure you have that thought. I think that’s all a part of the healing process of getting better. Once you get past those thoughts, you’re on your way to recovery.”
Question: Willie, you mentioned fit earlier. Could you be more specific? What made the Kings such a good fit for you?
MITCHELL: “Like I said, I just had that good feeling when I sat down with Dean and when I sat down with the coaching staff. The synergy was there, and I felt that it would be a good fit for myself and the team, and that it was a situation I would want to be in, with a great young team, up and coming. They have some great young defensemen, a good mix of defensemen in there. I think I can help their game, but I think they’re going to help my game a lot as well. Just because they’re younger players doesn’t mean you can’t learn from them. That really intrigued me a lot, and as I said earlier, I thought it was genuine that they thought I could come in and help their hockey club and make a difference. That, for me, is a situation you want to be in. That’s what brings the best out of you, as an individual.”
Question: Dean, you mentioned that this move is independent of anything that was going on with Matt Greene, but going into the season, knowing that he might be out for the first month, are you comfortable going forward, that you can fill the rest of those spots internally, even if it’s with a guy or two who doesn’t have a lot of experience? Or might you look for any kind of another move to fill a spot?
LOMBARDI: “No. I think, given the caliber of this player, and the fit, I think this is huge for us. So no, I’m totally comfortable with our top five. Then you’ve got some kids like Drewiske breaking in, and we’ve got that slew coming behind him. I just think that the way Willie plays, it’s one of those situations where the coaches looked at him and everybody was on board, as far as what this player can bring to the team and how important he could be to this mix. John Stevens was talking about the impact of the veteran of this caliber, what it can do for the young players, like Timonen did for Coburn and Carle, that type of thing. It all comes together. I think I’m very comfortable with our mix right now. It was a huge hole. It was something that was obviously staring at us all summer, and it’s hard to imagine getting a perfect fit like this. His defensive skills are textbook, and I don’t think people appreciate, at times, the fact that he can make plays. He’s underrated in terms of his puck play. If you put that in the mix of our top four, it’s got a real nice blend to it, so I think we’re pretty comfortable right now.”
Question: I don’t know whether you want to defer this to Terry or not, but in your mind, do you have any thoughts about where he might fit among those top four? I presume you’d be looking at either a Doughty or Johnson pairing. Do you go in with any thoughts on that?
LOMBARDI: “Obviously Murph has to make that call, but certainly internally, that’s where a pillar like this fits, with a guy like Drew or even a guy like Jack, who, his game after the Olympics really went to another level. Like Scuderi, Willie, like I said, is underestimated with the puck. So that’s usually your traditional hockey mode, that pillar with the young puck-mover, but there are a number of options, too. You could also see, late in a game when you’re protecting a one-goal lead, him and Greener would be outstanding together. Or you go into some buildings that are a little tougher than usual, and you’ve got to shut someone down, you could see it going that way. He adds a lot to our arsenal, no question about it.”
Question: Going to two years on this deal, is that something you were pretty secure about from the beginning, or is that something that you thought about during the process? That seems like it might have been a big deal.
LOMBARDI: “There are certain players who, when you get into free agency, you’ve got to be aggressive. I think any time you get into free agency, there’s risks, and you’re balancing risks with what the payoff is. We felt so strongly about this player, whether it was personnel, management, coaches, that it’s worth the risk. There is risk with any player you sign. When we got Jarret Stoll, Jarret Stoll had already been through two concussions. So there was a risk there, but we haven’t had a problem. I signed Tony Granato in San Jose when Tony was coming off a brain aneurysm. I signed him to a three-year deal, and he went on and finished his career. Mike Ricci had a back that was supposed to be a disaster when I got him. So that was how strongly we felt, that we had to get aggressive here. You’re also dealing with a player whose character is beyond reproach, and you know that no matter what happens, he’s going to do everything he can, as a player, to fulfill his obligations without jeopardizing himself. I think that’s a big part of it, too. When you’re talking about players with risk, all of those guys that I talked about, whether it was Ricci or Stoll or Granato or a Willie Mitchell, these guys are all character guys, and sometimes you go out on a limb a little, but I think the payoff is way too big.”
Question: Willie, obviously you intend to stay injury-free, but have you had any conversations with doctors about the risks of another concussion?
MITCHELL: “No, I haven’t had that conversation. Since I started working out, obviously I’ve seen a lot of different people, and it’s not really a concern at all.”
YES, YES, YES, THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR SINCE THE TRADE DEADLINE LAST YEAR ANOTHER TOP 4 D-MAN.
WE WILL BE HARD TO BEAT, AND WILL PUSH 110 PTS THIS YEAR AND BE RIGHT THERE FOR HOME ICE, IF WE STAY HEALTH.
WE ALSO HAVE CAP SPACE, AND PROSPECTS TO ADD ANYTIME. This Kovi thing isn’t over either I still believe we can offer a better package than NJ is the league forces them to make an honest contract, NJ’s 2nd attempt was again rejected by the league.
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alan Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
@luc20rules, no it wasn’t. they haven’t submitted anything yet.
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Marbles Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
@alan,
Um did you not read the Kovalchuk update on tsn.ca? Here it is:
“The Devils and Kovalchuk presented the framework for a new deal on Monday after the original 17-year, $102 million contract was rejected by the league, however once again the NHL did not allow the deal due to the length of the contract, leading to increased frustration in the Kovalchuk camp and thus the implementation of a deadline in the hopes of a quick resolution. ”
So yes they did reject another deal.
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Ekings Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 1:06 am
@luc20rules, Not that it wouldn’t be sick to get kovi. but i think we would be better off waiting like we have been and let our team mature another year. we will lose too much in the long run..rather have a sick trade anyway=D
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Wow … I was happy with the thought of bringing the young guys from Manchester in this year, but, reading this gives me a good feeling about our defense this coming season. DL is keeping true to form with the character theme. I’m not sure Kovi would have met that standard. Interesting summer.
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Stonewall Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
@blugator, A little more ‘character’ like this and we could absorbe a Matt Kemp…
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I gotta say… if one of Scuderi, Greene, and Mitchell is “forced” to be our No. 5 defenseman, I feel very confident about that. Arguably the best 5th D-man in the league, right guys?
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NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 11:26 am
@Kevin Y, I agree. Thats why I say Dean should also trade for Keven Bieska. We would then have by far the best group of defencemen in the league.
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This is a good signing if he stays healthy. If we can get a good left winger, the off-season can be considered to be successful.
Someone posted an interview with WM a few days ago and I thought then that he was a good dude, not knowing much about him.
I am a bit discouraged that Dean seems to be saying that he is not looking at any other d-men right now. That is a HUGE role of the dice for the start of the season (where the losses count just like they do at the end of the season).
I say poach James Neil from the Stars and be done with it. Hicks will not allow Joey N to match any reasonable offer.
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USHA#17 Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968,
Do you really think we need another D? We have several coming up this Fall, including Hickey. Save some money for a rainy day.
Perhaps a mid season pickup on wing or a replacement if someone goes out with a concussion.
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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
@USHA#17,
I was thinking about that radio interview DL did a couple of days ago in Edmonton. I did not go back to listen again but it sounded like Dean really wanted more time for some of the youngsters.
Some are talking about this kid from Sweeden and perhaps they think he will take off this year. If Muzzin is what I hear he is, perhaps he will make it as well.
I worry though about the mid-year trade situation on the wing because it does not seem like DL likes to do his bidding at that time of year, at least not on a serious level.
One thing is sure, the West will be much tougher this year as opposed to last (in terms of making the play-offs).
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let see if one of our young D prospects can crack the line this year.
no kovi… i dont think he’ll have the face to come to l.a. after his press conference.
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D pairings to start the year:
WM – DD
JJ – RS
DD2- Hickey/Muzzin/Harold
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luc20rules Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
@Will Hutchison, Why does everyone forget about Fransson. He is a 5 year vet of the Swedish Elite League which with the help of 10 NHLers won the Gold in the 2006 Olympics.
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puck73 Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
@luc20rules, I dont think anyone on this site who follows this organization closely has forgotten about Fransson. And more importantly, Dean obviously felt so good about what he has seen with this guy that he gave him a 1 year entry level NHL contract. Since most players usually come into their own between 24 and 27, I think it is safe to say since he is now 25 he is about as ready as he is gonna be to take his shot at the big dance.
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Daniel48 Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 7:44 am
@luc20rules,
Fransson has never to my knowledge been on an olympic team… I don’t even think he’s ever been on a World Championship or World Junior roster in his career. You might be thinking of Johan Fanzen from the Wings but he’s a forward…
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Will the league ratify this contract?
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tuan jim Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Only been symptom-free since mid-June, eh?
Please . . . puh-LEASE let him live through his contract term!
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Great news for Kings fans! This is the guy I wanted for weeks and I’m glad Dean was able to get it done! I remember watching the playoff series vs. Vancouver and the hockey night in Canada announcers constantly referenced that the Canucks miss Willie Mitchell. Well guess what? Bam! He’s a King and more importantly not a Canuck or Shark!
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Deke'r Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
@hockeysureshot, They missed him because he rarely plays more than 60 games a season!
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threepwood Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 9:57 am
@Deke’r,
Don’t think that is accurate.
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Randy jons signed with Tampa
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Buster Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 7:12 am
@GG,
Judging by the price of that contract, Dr. Evil must have been RJ’s agent.
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Good signing. He has offensive upside as well, looking at his statistics. He has a reasonable cap hit ($3.5 mil) and Lombardi, based upon his track record in San Jose, seems to take risks on players with injuries. Concussions are a different animal and it sounds as if WM is prone to them. One more concussion and his career is over. Maybe players do want to come to L.A. Didn’t he consider signing with the Sharks or Caps?
Anybody know of reasonable ($75 to $120 a night) hotel rates near or at the MGM? I don’t want to stay with relatives.
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VBunker72 Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
@Bonvivant1, I usually fly in from Oakland and stay @ the Excaliber. Usually the cost is between 3-5 hundred for hotel and air. Check Expedia for a package deal.
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USHA#17 Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
@Bonvivant1,
Good fit but the concussion is a reasonable concern.
There is always the story behind the story.
LA’s bargaining position was compromised by the Upchuk affair just as WM’s position is weakened by his noggin. Misery love company. Perhaps this made it easier to work out an agreement..
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DougS Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
@Bonvivant1,
The risk that comes with having had multiple concussions is real — and anyone who has been a Kings fan for more than the last 5 years understands that.
But that’s why 2 years is a good term for this contract. It gives Mitchell some security, but doesn’t give him a gift that keeps on giving if he goes down for the count sometime this season.
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ZHITNIK2 Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 8:46 am
@Bonvivant1, I got two nights at the Excalibur on Expedia for $205 total. Excalibur is very close to the MGM.
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@ luc20rules
This has been a good day i honestly did not think he would come to the KINGS ,A huge hole has been filled by a skilled, high character player.
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I retract the negative comments I made…he seems like a great character guy that will help this team get better. Congrats to Kings and Mitchell. I sure hope he stays healthy!
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The more I hear about Mitchell the more I like him. Great character guy in the locker room no question. Nice signing Dean!
Our D looks pretty damn solid. And I want to see Fransson still.
Is it Oct. 12 yet? Kings gonna rock!
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I too like Mitchell’s attitude and answers but wow, THREE concussions? Each one makes you more prone to having more, and after three, the chances are probably quadrupled or higher that he’ll suffer another, especially considering the type of game he plays.
It’s a tremendous risk, but if he’s willing to try and the team can accept the financial ramifications if he ends up playing 30 games and that’s all she wrote, then so be it.
GO KINGS!
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John Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
@bbb7,
Luckily his concussions have been spread out – ’02 missed 8 games, ’06 missed 9 games & missed 34 games last games.
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from NHL.com: “…4 goals, 8 assists and a plus-13 rating for the Canucks before a controversial hit by Pens star Evgeni Malkin ended Mitchell’s season.”
Simmer and Mitchell are going to be gunning for Malkin. Can’t wait to see him get laid out!
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Wow finally my summer sadness is abating. THis is the tuffest offseason ever . SUch high expectations and so little till now. Today I got a text from y son saying dad you got a birthday present, the kings signed WIllie Mitchell. Such a good addition . He was one of three I hoped for since June on defense. We have improved quite a bit now.
I also like Poni and excited to see him. Frasson also sounds promising. Plus 3 other great prospects for defense, any one of which can make the team.
Now if we got totally lucky…..I wont say it of bako will freak out haha.
I was actually to sad to post till now.
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launch Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
@ezepace,
glad to see you are back in high spirits eze!
Maybe now we can all get along.
GO Kings GO!!
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
@ezepace,
…And you thought I’d freak out.
The best way to keep your cred is to post regularly.
Agreement is not necessary.
–TTYL–
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I too love this guy, but if I hear one announcement that Willie is out with an upper body injury I am going to call Malkin directly at that time and cuss his A$% off. LOL
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looking forward to seeing him play maybe i can learn a thing or two on defense when i play thank you dean and the kings for signing a play with such a understanding of the game and of what it means to be in the nhl. if everyone had a attitude like willie things would be a lot better all over. willie for president!
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I am surprised more Kings fans aren’t commenting on this, we get 1200 when we don’t sign a player lol. I want both Willie & Poni to feel at home with their new club. My NHL 10 friends from San Jose are pissed we got Willie and they didn’t. Muahahahaha
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KC23 Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@Puckn-A,
My gut tells me that in the end we’ll be glad we didn’t get Kovi and be stuck with the cap hit for the next 15 10-12 years. A lot of other great players will be available in that time frame and once the Kings start catching people’s attention in LA, they’ll be interest by URA like never before.
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Nice and urgent addition in Mitchell.
Currently in depth rooster is:
Goalies:
Quick
Bernier
Ersberg – think it will be traded
Defense:
Daughty
Johnson
Scuderi
Mitchell
Green
Drewiskie – 7 th?
Harold – 7th?
one of prospects: Hickey, Fransson, Muzzin, Martinez
Forwards;
1. line Kopitar
Smyth
Williams
2.line Stoll
Brown
Parse
3. line Poni
Handzus
Simmond
4. line Clune
Richardson
prospects: Schenn, Clifford, Moller, Lewis
enforcer: Westgarth
So we have 3 golies for two posts.
We have 11 defenceman for 6 places
We have 16 forwards for 12 places
Not bad.
I think that GM will add in the rooster Bernier + one D prospect (Hickey?) + 2 forward prospects (Moller, Schenn?)
Looking forward on the opening with Canucks
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I love the fact that DL was able to get him for 2 years and the dollar amount seems very reasonable for a solid D’man. At Mitchell’s age and history..3 years seemed like to much of a risk.
From reading his answers to the questions, he seems like a very intelligent guy. That was a refreshing interview with an athlete…very rare. You didn’t get the standard BS answers.
The Kings look solid with their top 4..DD/JJ/Scuds/Mitchell
Still 2 spots open to start the year on D. Drewiskie’s experience gives him a leg up on the competition, but he’ll need to earn it.
Should be a really competitive camp..especially on D and in goal. Also guys like Schenn and Clifford will get their shot to make the team out of camp as well.
Can’t wait for it to start.
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Willie is one classy act. Welcome aboard Mr. Mitchell.
Go Kings, go!
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Plea to DM …..get a sniper…PLEASE….We could go to the cup if we get the right guy…We are that one player short IMO…BAKO and Tookie and EA and Launch know who I want. If we did I know Id get center ice for sure and go to a bunch of kings games. Im not a fair weather fan. Ive been a fan since 1972, before a lot here probably were born , and Ive had season tickets a number of times. Ive also listened or watched almost all games over the years. I finally want us to win it all is where im coming from. Point is if I get teased a little bit more Id probably get real obsessed. How many others out there would be also if we had a serious shot at it. I think it would infect the whole city like the Lakers have…less so but I believe that excitement would be infectious.
How many know when Gretz took us to the finals Goldie Hahn and President Reagan attended a final at the forum and sat just in front of me.POint is people that would never go to a game did because we were close.
SO if I say “get Kovi” Kings one more time you know why I say it . Not because Im a stupid agent plant or a ducks fan. I want a guy on our team that says ” I was born to score goals”. There are others that could fit this possibility but of the say 6 or 7 snipers only one or two could be traded for at a high draft cost. Hence I see UFA as the beter way to go. I dont have the patience to wait till next summer to dream of getting Parise. Besides with our slowness and and lack of ability in past to get the snipers signed here Im not sure that could happen anyway. Now would appease me…Thats why I keep dreaming and hinting. BAKO please read what I said carefully so you understand.
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LBlocal Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 8:43 am
@ezepace, “Point is if I get teased a little bit more Id probably get real obsessed”
My friend, you are already there.
gKg!
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Dustin Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 10:19 am
@ezepace, WE’ve been needing a sniper for about a decade, but unfortunetly I don’t see it happening any time soon. I just posted about mayube signing Guerin to a one-yeazr deal to add a touch of scoring and veteran leadership. I know he’s not anywhere close to Kovi, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers at this point.
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launch Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
@ezepace,
you have to let it go Eze….we are not going to sign the Russian you speak of.
why do you think we have to sign someone? there are so many other ways to improve a team.
Could it be that you’re jaded from so many years? I’ve been following the Kings for over two decades and couldn’t be happier with the state of our current roster. Sure it’s not perfect, but it never will be.
Anze is barely 21 years old, our captain is only 25. DD can’t even drink yet. we have the youth and veteran mix that can only breed winning in LA.
Watch out for the Kings, it’s going to be a great year.
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ezepace Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
@launch, Im bnot that jaded or I wouldnt keep watching all the games I do. BUT I and I suspect a bunch of others will keep hoping for a sniper. And until I know for sure on Kovalchuk I for one will still be hoping we do sign him….
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launch Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@ezepace,
I hear ya brotha….the lean years have been tough. I rememeber a few years ago actually being happy when we were shorthanded. I thought we played better and had a better chance for a goal.
about the sniper…..it could be that we already have one. Parse could turn out to be a 30 goal scorer…Kopi could explode….Moller could be the second coming of St Louis in Tampa…..Smyth may shine like capt canada of old….Shenn who knows??
My point is we might already have the production you seek in IK
the sun is shinnin, the birds are chrippin, we just filled a hole with WM – you get it
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@ezepace,
Continue posting.
I will read carefully.
Posting regularly increases your cred.
Agreement is not required.
IK is a dream not realized.
He may not weave his dream in NJ, either, unless his pride goeth before his fall ($102 MM pride).
I no longer worry about what IK’s wife dreams for.
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I hardly post on this kind’a things but, this one deserves my praise. I never thought Willie has the quality of a captain. Great answers to any questions and not just burble any words… smart athlete. If ever he gets another concussion, (God forbid… Malkin like hit) I think I would want to keep this guy as an assistant coach or something that will help guide our young core. He seems like he posses leadership quality, something Dustin Brown has. Welcome to L.A. Willie!
P.S. I am asking Dustin Brown to level a player (hint, hint.. Malkin) who will try to get Willie on the ice.
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BluLiner Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 10:26 am
@Air_King,
Kings still owe Malkin for the Wayne Simmons hit!
Kings need to give Malkin the same treatment the Flames gave Brownie last year in one game.
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Air_King Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 11:55 am
@BluLiner, I know… I was hoping they will get that cheap hitter this coming year. I can’t imagine why would a super star hit someone on the last 4 seconds of the game with a 4-1 lead. I love big hits because this separates the boys from men as well as separates hockey from all the sports but, cheap shots like this and the one with Mitchell from behind is just a career ender. Anyway, I can not wait any longer until this season starts… Die hard King Fan here!!!
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Going to have to change his number
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Welcome WM. You are needed here and we are happy for you. Have a great year and kick some ass. Great pick up DL. Now go get a left wing who also can shoot and hit.
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I remember when he played here for the Wild. The fans loved him and he was a solid, top 4 defenseman for a number of seasons. There was much teeth gnashing by fans here when they let him get away. I think Kings fans will feel the like him, so long as he stays healthy/concussion-free.
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Rooting very hard for Hickey to fill out that top 6… I think he can, but he might be running out of time. I want to see this guy in a Kings uni.
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I like Mitchells attitude and confidence but I’ve got to be honest that a guy who already has had 3 concussions scares me. All it takes is one hit, but hockey is a dangerous sport so I guess they all risk their livelyhood every time they step out there. I read online that the Penguins are not going to re-sign Guerin. I’ve always like him so I’d like to ehar what everyone thinks about signing him to a one-year deal? A good veteran prescence to go along with Smythe and I’m not sure what his stats were last year, but we know he can score and we could probably sign him relatively cheap (we have a crap load of cap space anyways). Just curious what everyone thinks? Players like Guerin are often clutch in the postseason, so I’m all for it, although he’s always been an east coast player so i don’t even know if he’d want to come west. Thoughts……
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DougS Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
@dustin,
I was concerned about Mitchell’s injury history, too, but since it’s only a 2-year deal at a reasonable salary hit, there’s not a lot of downside here. Even if he only lasts, say, half a season, the Kings won’t be stuck paying out the backside for years and years.
I’m not sold, however, on using a roster spot on Guerin, who is no doubt at the very end of his career and not the player that he used to be. As you say, he would make a reasonable Modin-style deadline acquisition to fortify yourself for the playoffs, but for a full season… meh. The Kings don’t need an older, slower version of Smyth in addition to Smyth.
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I also am hoping we get Guerin despite his age (40 in Nov). We need a bit more scoring.
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Rtpretender Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 11:30 am
@KC23,
Especially since Pittsburgh has told Guerin that they will not be re-signing him…I would welcome Guerin on a one year deal
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Who on this roster can fight? Hextall is the toughest guy in the entire organization. I think DL needs to make one more deal for an enforcer.
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DUSTIN Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 10:48 am
@Shutout, yeah thats what we really need to make a chase for a cup. Some goon to log up minutes and take supid penelties. If we need that, i think i still have my skates and pads, ill sign for 100,000 grand to be the leagues punching bag
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NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
@DUSTIN, Why do you say that? I think dropping the gloves and fighting should NOT be part of hockey. But until that rule change happens, the Kings do need an enforcer.
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nykingfan Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
@NOW IMPRESSED,
I believe in the role of the enforcer and I’m against any effort to eliminate fighting…but we had Ivanans who was your typical enforcer. He couldn’t play..he only got a couple of minutes of ice time..and from the majority on this board, he was villified because of his lack of ability.
Goons usually all come with that one major flaw…lack of skill!
You need to have guys who can drop the gloves and stand up for teammates. A guy like Lappy was an enforcer. He didn’t win many fights, but he was never afraid to drop the gloves and protect one of his own.
It’s not how big you are, but being fearless when it comes to protecting your teammates. that’s how you gain respect in this league.
Perhaps a guy like Clifford can be that type of player. Westgarth is injured, so it won’t be him.
wellcome to LA KINGS WILLIE you will love it here.fans here are the best.GO KINGS
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Finally! A King with my last name! I totally should get a jersey! lol
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
@Mr. Mitchell, Sorry Mr.Mitchell I already beat you to it,I got 3 of them all with #88 on them.One question,are you my father?,thats what everybody calls him,LOL,welcome aboared W.Mitchell,and Mr.Mitchell from M.Mitchell.
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Ooot Oh! I saw some Vancouver fan calling the new guy “Slow Motion Mitchell” and they were glad to send him off. Bah!
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kc23-bill g. dead on.
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