Rich Clune and Erik Ersberg have been put on waivers by the Kings this morning. That’s hardly a surprise for Ersberg, but slightly more for Clune. It would appear that the big winner for the day is Kyle Clifford, who would presumably start the season with the big club (he could play nine games with the Kings before returning to his junior club). Teams can put in bids until 9 a.m. Pacific tomorrow, so that’s when both players will find out their futures. [This was initially reported by TSN...I just got independent confirmation.]
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Surprised as hell about Clune, welcome to the club Clifford!
Hope EE gets a chance somewhere, he really did bring us out of some dark depths.
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2hitnik Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
@Jammer06, TSN is reporting that Nashville may have put a claim on him.
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joan fondell Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
@Jammer06, I don’t understand why the Kings would let him go through waivers, as opposed to trying to trade him and get something in exchange?
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CFox17 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
@joan fondell, I believe (and i could be wrong) that this is because the best option for the Kings (in their mind) is to have him available should either JQ or JB get injured (God forbid, knock on wood).
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Rich….was putting Clune on waivers part of the process of sending him down 2 manchester? does this mean Lewis sticks around aswell?
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Rich Hammond Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Yes, and yes, although I had presumed that Lewis had already made the team, as the “spare” forward given that he can play all three positions. Right now, you’re probably looking at a starting fourth line of Clifford-Schenn/Loktionov-Westgarth.
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Jammer06 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 10:48 am
@Rich Hammond,
to clarify, Clune will be assigned if he clears, and it’s your speculation that Lewis is on the team, correct?
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Rich Hammond Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 10:49 am
Correct on both.
Bob McKenzie just tweeted that the Predators might have put in a claim for Ersberg…
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mrbrett7 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:50 am
@Brian M, Good for him…I would rather he be in the East, but still, good for him if true.
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I’m a little surprised about Clune, but Clifford has a lot bigger upside.
I can’t say often enough how great it feels to now have a bunch of good players competing for roster spots instead of feeling like you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel for bodies to put on the fourth line!
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I just heard on NHL Live that Nashville is going to put a claim on EE. Good luck to him.
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Also a rumor circulating that Nashville already put in a claim for Ersberg.
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NHL Network reports EE picked off waivers by Nashville just now.
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Good luck EE, thanks for everything.
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Rich, is there a way we can send well wishes to Erik Ersberg? He went through the whole last season and training camp with so much class. I hope indeed that Brian M. is right and that he lands in the NHL soon.
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oldthunder Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:42 am
@Donald S., great suggestion. I agree this would be a great thing to do on his behalf. Rich if possible can you send off a thank you to EE on behalf of his fans?
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Shakes Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
@Donald S.,
I second that – I don’t doubt the players that we have in his place on the squad, but I just think EE was a good player who really was a class act last year and generally speaking. He didn’t make any waves complaining about game times or being treated unfairly (rightfully or wrongfully).
And as I’ve mentioned before, he provided some stability in goal out of nowhere in 2008-09 when the Kings had had very very little for such a long time.
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Now everyone can stop crying about EE
not getting a fair shake.
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AZ King Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 10:54 am
@Kevin,
He still didn’t get a fair shake. It’s just nice to see a good team guy get a job somewhere. It has nothing to do with crying, just respect.
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Pumpernicholl Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:21 am
@AZ King, I’m not sure how much more of a “fair shake” Ersberg could realistically get.
He is a good goaltender, but obviously one out of the three goaltenders had to go.
If either Quick or Bernier had been injured during camp, Ersberg would have made the team. But instead, HE got injured.
Those are the breaks, as much as I liked and appreciated Ersberg. If he gets picked up as rumored by the Predators, then I wouldn’t worry too much about the guy. Good luck to him.
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Bill M. Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:31 am
@Pumpernicholl, You wouldn’t worry about him because he got picked up by the PREDS? It’s not like he’s going to get a bunch of wins playing backup for the preds.
At least it’s a team that can play some defense, even if they are incapable of scoring. I’d Hate to be the goalie for a run and gun team, that’s like landing a great job as a practice target for the firing squad.
Matt George Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
@Pumpernicholl,
Just FYI,
Since the lockout only New Jersey, Detroit, and San Jose have more regular season wins than the Predators.
It’s an awesome organization.
Kevin Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
@AZ King,
He made a small fortune for riding the pine and being a great team player. He suffered from injuries and was outplayed by Quick and Bernier. Do I think he was ever in their plans? No. But he is still in the NHL working a dream job.
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Garry Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
@Kevin, Excellent reply and I hope all will now stop. This is the NHL!
Nice to see a good guy gets another chance. Love to see our home grown guys getting a good chance.
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I would both love at hate to be TM/DL right now. What to do about Schenn and Loki.
Rich (or anyone who knows), if a player sits in the PresS Box does that count against their 9 games, or is it only games played?
If it’s the latter do you give both Schenn and Loki an chance in different games and see which one fits the best. I do not want to just hand Schenn a spot just to avoid him going back to juniors.
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Deader2818 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:01 am
@AZ King,
Its their 9th game, not the Kings 9th game but I also believe its the 9th game they appear in or the Kings 30th game of the season, which ever happens first.
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YES on 19 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:11 am
@AZ King, But at the same time, you don’t keep junior-eligible players around just to make them healthy scraztches.
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Wow news spread like a disease!
Will Schenn stay?
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Good luck to Ersberg, that means he’s not a left over, it is just because we have 3 good goalies.
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Neither one will clear waivers.
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AZ King Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 10:57 am
@quisp,
Agreed.
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jayhay Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:02 am
@quisp,
what does that say for the organization? guys been put on waivers all week, i may be mistaken, but i cant think of anybody that was claimed. we put 2 on there and 1 already has been claimed, and RC should be. i think it says ALOT.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@jayhay, Remember, most of those guys who were not claimed more had to do with their contracts than anything else…
But, it also says that this organization is LOADED with young talent that is beginning to push out the players ahead of them on the roster, and THAT is a GREAT thing to see.
When dealing with a salary cap, that is how it has to be done. If you can save yourself 250k here and 250k there by using a younger player to fill a role an older player does, and theoretically, that younger player does an equal or better job, you have more flexibility to sign your top players to the money they demand without worrying about not only losing them, but doing what Chicago had to do.
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AK47 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:12 am
@quisp,
agreed, that’s why I’m sort of shocked Lombardi went that way.. Do you think he tried trading them and nobody was interested because they could’ve gotten them for free via waivers?
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mrbrett7 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@AK47, Yes, absolutely.
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DougS Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
@mrbrett7,
Yup, trading when you’re under the gun like that means you have no leverage.
That’s why I’m surprised that they didn’t either stash Loktionov, knowing that they could recall him at any time, or bite the bullet on Clifford and send him back to juniors for more seasoning.
rontheking Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:12 am
@quisp,
agreed…somebody will want clune. just because he doesn’t make a team this deep doesn’t mean he isn’t a step up from some of the lower rungs on some other teams–i could see him playing in canada. in past years the kings would have wanted him….
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Clifford and Schenn on the team, that’s all I ask at this point.
LGK
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luc20rules Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
@Barrie G, You have that for 9/8 games respectively after that we won’t be able to send them back to juniors, and can’t send them to Manchester or Ontario at any time this year. I think the fact DL has them making the final cuts means they have a chance to stick all year.
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Schenn’s cap hit is 3.1 …. Lokti’s is not… I think this will be the difference maker.
Either that or Schenn gets 9 games before going back to junior and Lokti gets 9 games in Manch before being called up to Kings after Schenn departs.
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RabidZiggy Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:06 am
@VanKingsFan, Lombardi has already stated that he worked Schenn’s contract so that his cap hit is minimal; it definitely won’t be 3.1 That being said, even if it was I don’t think it would really be a factor at this point.
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quisp Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:12 am
@RabidZiggy,
It likely would be 3.1 if he scores 50 goals, wins the Conn Smythe and the Kings win the cup.
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rontheking Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:14 am
@quisp,
and it’s not too early to start taking up a collection among the fan base just in case!
RabidZiggy Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:20 am
@quisp, In that case give Schenn whatever he wants come extension time. Having this many good young players sure is a good problem to have.
luc20rules Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
@RabidZiggy, There is a Bonus Cap Exemption for each team, but if the player hits those Bonuses and the team put that players Bonus in the Bonus Cap Exemption(BCE) then the Bonuses Reached in the BCE will count against the cap next year. See the link below to see how Chicago hosed there chances for this year $4,157,753 Carry Over Bonus Penalty.
http://www.capgeek.com/charts.php?Team=11
I believe they have shed 8 starter from last years team to get under the cap. For all those saying Chicago did it right don’t expect them to be in the playoffs this year. LOL
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I’m sorry but to hang a kid’s career in the balance because of his caphit is absolute crap…..if Schenn had a better camp, then he deserves to be on the damn team Period!
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@Dorian,
This would be more of an issue if the Kings were pushing the Cap. Since they’re not, this is a moot arguement for sending him down.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
@FKA PakiFro, Are you really discounting the fact the team is a real contender and might make a trade to make us a favorite for the cup as teams realize they didn’t do it right and can’t contend this year and start shopping there best scorer that has 1 year left on his contract. With the Dmen & Goaltending that we have, and the shutdown forward line of Handzus, Poni, & Simmonds this team will be top 3 at Goals Against. Adding a premier scorer with Kopi & Smith would make this team not just a contender, but a favorite to win the cup. Cap Space will be required, but I believe like Quisp mentioned the DL said they were managable(translation unattanable) so they can be put in the Bonus Cap Exemption for this year and his base salary is all that would count against the cap 900,000.
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I say if Parse is put on IR, then put Loktionov on the 2nd line with Stoll and Williams, and put Richardson on the 4th line in those games where Westgarth or Clifford are scratched. That way you get more skill on the 2nd line and more grit/experience on the 4th line
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jayhay Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:06 am
@Phil,
impression i got from TM is Parse wont start on IR. based his quotes from yesterday
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Bill M. Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:36 am
@jayhay, Sorry, I read TM’s quote from yesterday as the exact opposite, that he hasn’t been placed on IR because they wanted him back to start the year, but now that it’s not looking likely, he said doing so is a possibility, allowing them to keep up one extra prospect for a longer look.
Who read it right? we need to go back and look…
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jayhay Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:44 am
@Bill M.,
i probably read it wrong. my wife will tell you i have a history of that;)
kylecliffordfan Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
@Phil,
I have a question for you?
How would having Richardson on the 4th line and scratching Clifford or Westgarth add more grit??? That statement you made doesn’t make sense bud.. That would take away grit.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
@kylecliffordfan, IMO Clifford is a better fighter than Westgarth, and way more skilled for sure. I would love to see Clifford-Schenn-Lewis/Loki on the 4th line and see Richardson get the much deserved chance on the 2nd line. DL said that no prospect will get a top 9 position he will have to earn it by solid play on the 4th line like Brown, Simmonds, Richardson, and Parse have to get a chance on one of the top lines.
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Not sure why everyone is so surprised about Clune. A real energy guy, scrappy, etc., but I always thought his hockey skills were pretty darn limited.
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YES on 19 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:13 am
@rick, Yes, definitely limited. I thought he was also undisciplined, kind of like a smaller version of Ivanans.
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rontheking Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:16 am
@rick,
but he is very strong and a great skater, and he tends to draw penalties, which is gold from a fourth liner….
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McSorleyfan Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
@rontheking, I just thought he was too small. A gamer all the way,great physical condition, strong for his size, it just never seemed there was quite enough of him… and I’m not even sure what he weighs; that was my impression from watching him against Vancouver in the playoffs last year. As I have said regarding Greeny, it’s no use sending a man in to fight if he has no chance of winning. Clune looked like he had added some strength this year; I wasn’t sure it was enough, and expected them to go with Clifford based on size- but can Cliffy scrap w/out getting an instigator with a 10 minute game misconduct??
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luc20rules Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
@rick, I agree with you, but DL gave him a cool nickname and he was a heart/motor never stops guy and fans always identify with that.
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eric has handled everything so well and professional…his calm demeanor and ability to rise to the occasion…(for the most part)…on a moment’s notice will be greatly missed…thanks for all yr years of service, eric…!
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Hockeysureshot Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
@variable, I second that. Ersberg is to be thanked for his service, especially when we had some bad teams.
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Despite what Terry Murray said about not expecting both Loktionov and Schenn to make the team, it may happen anyway. Both were just too good to deny. His meeting with management appears to have changed the tide.
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RICH…
i realize that under the circumstances that this might be hard to do, but have you made an attempt to talk to ersberg upon his departure…?
thanks…!
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I love Clune, so I hope he clears waivers. If not, best of luck to him with his new club.
Rich- Will the Kings address the Dish Network/Fox Sports dispute? It’s going to be brutal for a long of us Kings fans if we can’t watch any of the games on tv.
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Rich Hammond Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:32 am
This is national dispute between Fox and Dish, not a local (Los Angeles) one. The extent to which the Kings would be able to influence a national dispute between a massive network and a massive distributor is, at best, tiny.
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tornado12 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Rich, does this mean that out of market dish tv customers wont get to see the kings play either? (or any fox broadcasts for that matter?)
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EJ Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
@tornado12, I would think that as long as out-of-market fans have Center Ice, they should be able to see the King broadcasts that are carried by CI.
scheme31 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
@tornado12,
Yes, no one who has Dish will be able to get any of the Fox Regional Sports networks until they reach a contractual agreement which I hear might take a while.
So any team that is broadcast on those in any region won’t be seen!
tornado12 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
@tornado12, so who above is right? HELP PLEASE!
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
@tornado12,
This is easy. If you have DISH you won’t be seeing ANYTHING on any FOX SPORTS Network channels.
Last season, I have DIRECTV, I couldn’t get ANYTHING on VERSUS until they settled their spat.
scheme31 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@tornado12,
I would agree with EJ that if you have CENTER ICE you should be fine but it does bring up a question of will they still blackout games from your own market?
Fittin2 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
@tornado12, We actually called DISH because we paid for CenterIce and knowing that most of their feeds are the regional Fox Sports feeds, we were concerned that we wouldn’t be getting any of those games. DISH transferred us to a manager who said CenterIce games are contractual games, separate from their dispute, and we would get them. Plus, no blackouts. That makes me think we’d be able to view LA’s CenterIce feed and get Bob Miller and Jim Fox announcing. Hopefully they weren’t blowing smoke up my behind side..
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
@tornado12,
I don’t think they will. I think what they care about is that you watch “the right commercials.” Since you’re basically paying to get what Comcast won’t otherwise give you, I think you’ll be okay. I can’t afford NHLCI this season, so I’m not sure what I’ll get to see (from the Denver market.)
Seems A Good Fellow Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
@Rich Hammond,
I have DISH and subscribe to the NHL Season Pass. If you are a DISH subscriber, just purchase the Season Pass and you will be able to watch at least 70 – 75 games.
That being said, if this issue doesn’t get resolved soon, we better be seeing sold out games at Staples. I know if I didn’t have season seats and I wasn’t able to watch any of the home games, I sure as hell would be buying tickets to as many games as I could!
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Dan H. Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
@Katy Perry,
Just ditch Dish and move to Directv. They’re better anyway with a lot more full time HD channels.
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ashykins Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
@Dan H., i just switched from direct tv to att uverse. its much better and cheaper, comes with all those channels
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Linda M Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
@ashykins,
I call ATT Uverse almost weekly. As of last week, they still do not offer Center Ice. I’ve been told they will shortly but for this season it doesn’t look like they will. Uverse is a solution for the Fox Sports issue, but not for people who want Center Ice. I have no complaints about Directv, especially with how much free service they provided me last year due to the Versus dispute.
Randy S Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 12:53 am
@ashykins,
Each service has it’s goods and bads. Uverse doesn’t have Tennis Channel (a must in outr house) and the rates they charge when something goes wrong are ridiculous. Time warner never charges a thing for service and has lots more on-demand channels. I think time warner picture quality is a little worse at times and it has no nfl tv. Some cost more for multiple boxes, etc… so it’s always give and take with your service.
49puckstothenuts Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
@Dan H.,
My appointment with direct tv is sat. only hours before the beginning. hope there are zero screw ups because i cant wait to start watching the regular season as it leads us into the second season and at least the conference finals
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Duckbasher Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
@49puckstothenuts, – And you’ll get HD on most Center Ice games (if you have that) with DirectTV. I don’t know about you, but I can’t hardly watch a game that’s not in HD anymore (eyes are getting old I guess).
Rich, any word on what the Kings vintage jersey they will be wearing on saturday night against the Canucks?
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David Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@David, most likely the one Forbort put on at the draft.
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Tyler Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
@David, I’m real curious about this too.
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Buster Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
@David,
Any word if the Canucks jersey is going to glow in the dark (like it might have in the past)?
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I’m surprised about Clune, and a little sad because he’s a good player and will have an NHL career annoying people, like the Kings. But I’m happy on the other hand because it means Clifford (at least) and maybe Schenn and Loktionov, too, have exceeded Murray/Lombardi’s expectations even beyond what I’d hoped. This really isn’t about Clune. If Clifford was going to show up to camp NHL-ready, there wasn’t much Clune could do about it.
Remember two years ago when Simmonds and Moller made the team and everyone was scratching their heads wondering why Lombardi went out and traded for Brad Richardson? The answer was of course that no one could have anticipated that Simmonds and Moller would be ready years ahead of schedule. We were lucky we didn’t lose Richardson then. Not so lucky with Clune.
(by my count, there’s no need to waive him unless all three of Clifford, Schenn and Loktionov are staying — I could be wrong, but I don’t think I am.)
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:38 am
@quisp, I believe you’re right and I wanted to hear your take on this.
The fact is both TM and DL realized that now is the time for Clifford, Lokti & Schenn. They couldn’t send any of them back down, particularly by the way they played in camp and in the exhibitions. We all knew this was going to be a tough choice but in the end, every player (almost) we were all high on made the club; evidently management saw it the same way we did.
I’m a little blown away about loosing Clune but Clifford truly has more upside. We’ll see how all three do the first nine games and go from there. It’s great to see the Kings developing and producing such great young talent. My congratulations to TM, DL & their staff (this is getting redundant) for doing such an excellent job of assembling such a great young club.
To Rich Clune & Erik Ersberg in particular, many thanx to both of you for the service you provided to the team. It was fun to watch you guys play. Go easy on our boys when you play the Kings (yea, right) and best of luck with your new teams.
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oldthunder Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:44 am
@quisp, as usual good analysis of what has happened. This likely means all three are on board this year.
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quisp Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
@oldthunder,
until parse comes back anyway.
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2hitnik Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
@quisp, Thinking that myself. When Parse comes back, someone goes down. I’m thinking Clifford and Schenn are getting 9 games of seasoning this year, with Lewis & Lokti working the 4th with Richie/Westie. 14th forward would be Harrold (when Greene comes back).
RoyalPain Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
@quisp,
Yes, the Kings have had an NHL career annoying people like me.
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EJ Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
@quisp, are you forgetting Lewis?
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quisp Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
@EJ,
Sort of. Not really. I don’t know. The Kings can carry all of Schenn, Clifford, Loktionov and Lewis if Parse goes on the IR. If he doesn’t, then they have to lose one of those four. Loktionov is the easiest, both because he’s waiver-exempt (Lewis isn’t) and because he can be recalled after Schenn/Clifford’s nine games, if Lombardi wants to send one of them back to juniors and bring Loktionov up. Lokionov will get in some games this year, one way or another. But for him to be kept over Lewis (who would be waived and therefore lost) he would have to work some magic in however many games he gets.
Or Parse will be cleared to play this week and the decision will be made sooner rather than later.
Lewis is in the most precarious spot. But I also don’t see him getting many opportunities to prove himself. I think he’s screwed unless there are some timely injuries and he seizes the opportunity.
Actually, part of the problem is that Richardson and Lewis are the same player, and right now Richardson is better. In the long term, I would probably put my money on Lewis, though. Thus, the problem.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
@quisp, Thats exactly right. I think Lewis will be safe unless Schenn & Clifford just tear up the NHL in the first 9 games. It might happen though they played alot of minutes verse the Ducks 1st and 2nd lines on Sunday, and forced an overtime. The Kings scratched the # 1 line and played lines forwards 10-15 heavy minutes for evaluation. The Ducks I think had not won a preseason game and played there #1 & 2 lines regular minutes. Its a good sign when your lines 4 & AHL/health Scratch line can play any NHL teams 1 & 2 lines even.
It’s a shame that Murray really feels the need to carry an enforcer. I’d much rather see Clune in the line-up than Westgarth.
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quisp Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
@Bickleton Wigglesworth III,
so would the 29 other teams.
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Sancho Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
@ BGIII- Touche!
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McSorleyfan Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
@quisp, Well spoken.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
@quisp, Do you think Clifford will eventually become a top 9 forward/enforcer, or is a top 9 forward to valuable to be used as an enforcer? I think Clifford will eventually replace Poni on the shutdown line, but likely not until next year.
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I guess I need a new username.
Good look to both EE and Clune.
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jayhay Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:26 am
@Ersberg,
you can use my fantasy teams name: Ryan Getzlaf’s hair
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Kings Win, Duck's Lose Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:39 am
@jayhay, That will be gone soon too
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mrbrett7 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:58 am
@Kings Win, Duck’s Lose, Dude…far and away the best, funniest, and first comment I have read on here that actually DID make me laugh out loud.
Thank you…I needed that!
Joe Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:41 am
@jayhay,
Or lack thereof. They should have Getzlaf night at the Honda center and give out balding wigs.
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Shakes Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
@jayhay,
Other weird member names:
PakiFro – which is admirable given that Fro is gone now, but the name lives
Kevin Westgarth – which oddly appeared that it may have been the real Kevin Westgarth
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
@Shakes,
Hence I use “FKA”
IceGuy Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
@Ersberg,
How about: Burn!Yea!
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Ersberg Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
@IceGuy, Ha, nice one, but I think I’m going to stay away from player names, ya never know who will be on the outs.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
@Ersberg, Just avoid, Kopitar, Brown, Bernier, Quick, Doughty, Johnson, Simmonds…I’m okay with anyone else that this particular point in time.
Your posts are consistent enough that regardless of name, we know who you are.
quisp Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
@Ersberg,
I think you should stick with Ersberg, Ersberg.
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Ersberg getting alot of respect/praise in the twitter world. good to see.
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Hate to see Clune go. We needed him. Hope he gets picked up. He is a team player who will help someone. Big mistake I think.
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David Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
@gene, If you hate for him to go, then why are you hoping that he gets picked up?
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gene Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
@David, Because he is basicaly done with the kings. Even if he clears waivers and goes with Manchester. We will see. Just think he deserved to be on the Kings.
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I will miss Jim Fox saying “Airshberg”, and I will miss Clune’s antics (I’m assuming a team will want him), but this is really good news for both Schenn and Lokti, it would seem.
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off topic,
but 4 of 6 experts on ESPN are already picking doughty to win the Norris!
2 of 6 are picking Murray coach of the year! he wasn’t even on their radar screen last year!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/preview2010/news/story?id=5647799
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jayhay Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:50 am
@rontheking,
DD has already lost the Lady Byng based on his pre-season.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:59 am
@rontheking, Drew basically has the Norris on lockdown for the next 10 years…mark it down. He would have won it last year but the voters gave it to Duncan out of pity knowing he won’t ever win it again with Drew around.
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Kings Win, Duck's Lose Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
@rontheking, That’s interesting…Le Brun has us winning the Pacific & the Shrkas winning the Cup!
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rontheking Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
@Kings Win, Duck’s Lose,
Seems pretty unlikely…but maybe he thinks they’ll have a better chance as a lower seed because they’ll match up with the red wings who will finish high in the regular season and then their old guys will start dropping like flies in the postseason, allowing san jose to advance…pretty convoluted…but a lower seeding for san jose might be the only way for them to advance, because then the pressure’s off them…which is kind of what they would need, being the sharks and all….
I wonder if the kings are going to start feeling the pressure of expectations this year…I sure hope not.
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ashykins Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
@rontheking, do the red wings ever start dropping like flies in the playoffs?
the old guys start taking their viagra and actually turn on in the playoffs…
KC23 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
@rontheking,
Obviously they haven’t been following DD’s pre-season. DD wasn’t even the best defenseman on the team in pre-season, much less the league. I love DD, but the hype might be getting a little out of hand.
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Gerard Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
@KC23,
Yeah, DD’s had a subpar preseason. Fortunately, none of these games count. Hopefully he gets his act together and plays more like last season.
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Heenan Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 2:04 am
@rontheking,
Doughty will get his share of Norris trophiies, but Murray would be a pretty sad coach of the year. Unless coach of the year implies clueless on offense.
Scott Heenan
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So what will the opening lineup look like?
Smyth-Kopitar-Brown
Richardson-Stoll-Williams
Poni-Handzus-Simmonds
Clifford-Schenn-Westgarth
Lewis/Lokti
Unless Lokti is taking Richardson’s second-line LW spot, I can’t imagine we will keep all three rookies. In my opinion, Loktionov, as good as he may have played this preseason, will be sent down to lead Manchester. Anyone else think it is kind of a waste having Schenn and Clifford on the fourth line?
Mitchell-Doughty
Johnson-Scuderi
Muzzin-Drewiske/Harrold
Has Harrold outplayed Drewiske? I also get the feeling that one of Harrold or Drewiske will be waived once Greene comes back, unless Muzzin shows he just can’t cut it during the season.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
@markisonfire, We will need size verse Vanc. We will play Westgarth as you have above, and Drewiske gets the nod over Harold.
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Clifford
Schenn
Lokti
Muzzin
…just made me alot more enthusiastic about the season. Stick around boys, make it hard on them.
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can anyone submit a list of all the names still on the roster?
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Deader2818 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
@tornado12,
Well, a few days ago there was 3 roster spots open on the forward ranks for 6 players:
Kyle Clifford, Rich Clune, Trevor Lewis, Andrei Loktionov, Brayden Schenn and John Zeiler.
Zeiler and Clune have been sent down so we are down to Clifford, Lewis, Loktionov and Schenn.
One would think Clifford and Lewis have made the team.
Its down to Loktionov and Schenn unless Parse is placed on IR to start the season in which they can keep both up for now.
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Deader2818 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
@Deader2818,
Smyth, Brown, Kopitar, Richardson, Stoll, Williams, Ponikarovsky,
Handzus. Simmonds, Clifford, Westgarth, Lewis, Schenn, Loktionov, Parse (15)
Doughty, Drewiske, Johnson, Muzzin, Scuderi, Mitchell, Harrold (7)
Quick, Bernier (2)
Teubert, Voynov, Greene, Kaunisto, Cliche (?) are on IR
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tornado12 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
@Deader2818, thanks alot, that makes it much clearer. i guess the final roster boils down to scott parse’s ankle/foot
2004 Entry draft just keeps paying dividends!
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markisonfire I agree. Two reasons Schenn will only play number of games until being sent back to juniors; ice time and $$. He is not “yet” worth 3.1M.
I believe you can always call him up, but are limited when and if you can send him back
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Mark Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
@puckbrew,
His cap hit wont be 3.1………
DL has already said that.
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David Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
@Mark, Technically, his cap hit IS 3.1. However, about 2 million of that will go into the bonus cushion.
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Deader2818 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
@puckbrew,
If Schenn is sent down, he can not be recalled this season.
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quisp Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
@Deader2818,
not true. he can be recalled any time. if you don’t have a contract, you can’t be recalled. schenn has a contract.
remember moller two years ago? played half the season with the kings, left to play in the WJC, then came back to the kings.
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Deader2818 Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
@quisp,
Thats different. WJC has nothing to do with going to the Juniors.
Ir Schenn is sent back to his Junior team, he can not be recalled till their season is over.
I’m happy to see Clune to go bc it means we finally have a full roster of skill-first forwards.
On the other hand, I’m sorry to see EZE go. He played some very good netminding for us when we were down, but this was inevitable.
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Never can figure out cap hits
His salary is 3.1
Knew if a junior played a number of NHL games he could not be sent down, did not know the restriction was other way.
Thanks for info
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Global warming won’t be as much as a factor in Nashville…long live the Iceberg! Good luck you little Swedish meatball…yours was the easiest outcome to predict this summer…going all the way back to last season.
As for Clune, very odd move to me, but welcomed.
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Even if Ersberg had not gotten hurt, barring an injury to either Quick or Bernier there was no way Ersberg was going to make the team. Quick is the reigning No. 1 goalie and Bernier was the best goalie in the AHL last season so there would not have been anything to be gained by returning him to Manchester.
What leaves a bad taste in my mouth about the Ersberg situation is how shabbily he was treated last season by TM. If you will recall he got his first action of the season last season against the Rangers, who at that time were one of the hottest teams in the NHL, and he had a bad game. So based off that bad game TM lost confidence in him which in turn led him to playing Quick more than he should have. And through it all Ersberg remained the consummate professional and did not bad mouth TM or anyone affiliated with the Kings publicly.
And lest we forget, Ersberg was the only ray of goalie sunshine we had during the “Dark Ages” of Kings goaltending.
The Kings did what they must with Ersberg this season and I wish him well in the future. While I have doubt as to whether he could ever be a No. 1 goalie in the NHL, there is no doubt in my mind that he can be a very, very capable backup.
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Heenan Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 2:13 am
@Forum67,
Reverend!
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Wow! I was prepared for Ersberg, but not Clune. Would be a pleasant surprise if he passed waivers.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Quisp, who I think is spot on with his comments, said way above that he doesn’t think either will pass through waivers.
Putting them on waivers just means that the Kings are at the point where the kids are stepping up and there are many better options available to DL nowadays. It just means we are seriously better!!! Me likee!!!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I read Quisp’s comment.
Whatever the odds, I’m pretty sure if Clune passes waivers, they’ll keep him in the organization.
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BluLiner Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
I agree, he will clear. The Clunatic is Sean Avery without the goals (or the stupid off-ice antics).
I don’t understand the apparent infatuation with Clune. Avery without the bad attitude, but still the bad penalties. And EE? TM couldn’t trust him, which caused him to overplay Quick. Quick was so worn by the end of the year, he was no where near the same as he was pre-break. As for having all the rooks, it kind of is happening all over the league. Almost have to have a couple of kids to stay under the camp. Anyone see Chicago’s roster?
If the Flyers could make last year’s finals, this Kings team can win the cup. Just need a little faith and a lot of luck… Let’s Go Kings!
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topshelfgoal Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
@2hitnik,
The differnce between the Kings havings a few rooks on the team and Chi having a few rooks on the team, is ours are NHL ready. The kings farm system is LOADED and just getting better. As for EE, I agree with your assessment and feel that our goalie tandum is the best in the NHL. Clune will be picked up and we will lose him but the stable is not bare, there are plenty of studs left to replace him.
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Heenan Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 2:24 am
@2hitnik,
I’m with you.
TM couldn’t trust the guy so he overworked Quick and got us eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
I can’t quite understand how Ersberg had better stats than Quick, but I’m pretty sure you and TM are geniuses.
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Hate to see Clune go. Having an agitator can be as good as an enforcer. That and his nickname of Clunatic was pretty bad-ass.
Lets hope he slips under the raider and clears waivers.
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Why would you put cliiford on the 4th. line, when he would get much muore playing back in the ohl.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
@bob,
Maybe the team thinks putting him back down won’t do him as much good and they want to see if he’s actually ready now to step up? Just getting more playing time doesn’t mean your doing him any good and just stagnating him. Kinda like some people I used to work with, just getting a paycheck but not really doing any real good, you know?
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
@bob,
Off topic, but you are a PALINDROME!
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WOW!!! Spector predicts Doughty to win Norris and the Kings to win the West!!!
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/lists/nhl-predictions-100410#sport=NHL&photo=12325737
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
I get the idea the reason Doughty didn’t win it last year is that the voters know he’s going to win it for the next ten years or so.
As for the respect for the Kings, I find it a bit surprising, since the Kings didn’t make any big moves in the offseason. I like their chances, but I sense a heavy bandwagon presence outside the group of actual Kings fans.
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Kings Fan in Vancouver, WA Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Good call. Doughty is a stud. Maybe a few bandwagonners from Anaheim come back to LA? I was surprised to see the the respect for the Kings as well.
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Big Rob in Dallas Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
@Kings Fan in Vancouver, WA, Where were you when i lived in the “Couv”? LOL 164th /Mill Plain. Go Kings! and Winterhawks too.
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
“but I sense a heavy bandwagon presence outside the group of actual Kings fans”
You aren’t doing that Jedi mind thingie, are you???
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Kings Fan in Vancouver, WA Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Speaking of wagons….I am a new Portland Winterhawks Fan and ONLY because Kopitar’s little brother is on the team. Gasper Kopitar.
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Kings Fan in Vancouver, WA Reply:
October 4th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
@Big Rob in Dallas— Off Burton Rd and 86th. I think there is one more Kings fan up here. When did you leave? I moved up here in 05.
News just in has Bernier signing 2 yr extension
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I’ll root for EE and Clune no matter what team they join. Well, less the ducks. In that case, I hope they fail miserably.
Just my 2 cents.
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This is great for Cliff I saw him in LV and he has a great game, he took a fighting penalty for sticking up for a player that was rubbed out with an elbow and I liked how he just stepped in and popped the Ava player. Cliff and Lewis both played well and I was impressed, I hope thay both get a shot with the big team. As a king fan I do not think that we can go wrong with any of the four forwards left to stay. It is not a question of who is ready it is more a question of who fits the system better.
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Just throwing this out there… but the beat writer for the Preds just quoted Barry Trotz as saying the Preds have “no interest” in Ersberg. Take that for what is worth…
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I thought if a team loses a player off waivers they can’t lose another? Or is it that the kings move up in position to pick a player off waivers?
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The Tenneseean (news) says Nashville has no interest in EE.
http://blogs.tennessean.com/predators/2010/10/04/ersberg/
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Very suprised about Clune, please clear waivers!!!
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Toronto should pick up a Clune…hard worker, leader and can bring some spirit up front.
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What more is there to say two years ago ersberg was fighting for the #1 spot in net.. Kudos to the org for raising the bar on talent. Thanks ersberg “sponge bob” we forgot how it felt to have a goalie who can absorb pucks to avoid juicy rebounds until u showed up , thank u. As far as clunatic goes why waste my time I hated Avery and people compare them so no loss there…
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Keep Clune.Heart,High Energy, Maturity and Scrappy…I hope he clears waivers.He’s the kind of guy that delivers a punishing game.
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monarchsfan64 Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 3:51 am
@C Poncelet, We will gladly take Cluner back,he brings a real intensity to the game and kicks ass !! He came into camp buff and ready to earn his stripes and gets what I feel is a bum deal but hey that’s life in the NHL !! Welcome back to Manchvegas Cluner, come and develope your skills further and dominate the league, the ” Cluner Crew” awaits
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Sometimes there is no justice. Cluner finally makes the total committment and this happens. Don’t let it go to waste Rich, I know it will work out for the best.
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We need scoring this season people….Lets hope that Brown, Williams & Stoll find the back of the net. Otherwise we wasted an off season waiting on Kovy’s BS. D should be better this season along with goalie support. I think Bernie will take the number 1 this season a few weeks in. I like Quicker but he has a lot of trouble finding those long shots. Maybe he needs glasses. He is dynamite on the inside though. Green needs to return sooner rather than later and I think that Hickey is right there and should of got the nod for the few games Greens out. He can skate pass and is a good QB back there. He is a poor mans DD at this point but getting better. Schenn, Lokti made this club. Lewis is starting to get there and Parse needs to play to see where hes at. Richie look great all preseason I like his game, but he is not a #2 winger. Clifford and Westy played well during the preseason and its nice to see enforcers that can Skate and play hockey as well. Drewiski and Harrold need to go, and I was a big Drewiski fan. They gave him a shot to be that guy and he did nothing to improve. Speed, toughness and ability are lacking in his game. Lets go kings..Package Lewis, Stoll and Drewiski and get a scorer somewhere.
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As someone asked above…
If you want to send your well wishes to Erik Ersberg you can do it on facebook.
heres the link, i guess you can wright a message to him without adding him as a friend:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?profile=1&id=653147188
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I just read on the Tennessean website writtin by Josh Cooper and I Quote ” Nashville has no interest in Ersberg and will stick with the 2 goalies they have ” I hope this is true, I would love to have Ersberg back in Manchvegas
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I seem to remember a lot of stress about the players in the best shape. Just because you are in great shape does not mean you make the team.
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It is obvious DL is dumping salaries and has no intentions to sign anybody.
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both cleared waivers
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