Trade report « LA Kings Insider

Trade report

Posted by Rich Hammond on 2 December 2010, 10:30 am

I’m aware of the report that the Kings will trade for Boston’s Marco Sturm, but it’s not a done deal. Doesn’t mean it won’t be a trade at some point, but it’s not done now. Remember that injured players — Sturm is recovering from knee surgery — have to pass a physical. I’m told that “future considerations” would only be the cost for Sturm.

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238 Comments

jet says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:31 am

DL steals another one.

[Reply]
OC KINGS FAN Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
@jet, its been confirmed LA trades a conditional draft pick for Bruins Sturm

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lv is the way Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:04 am
@OC KINGS FAN, Yes it has been confirmed, but only if he passes a physical.

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OC KINGS FAN Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:06 am
@lv is the way, oh really? dang. what if he doesnt pass?

tmp32 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@OC KINGS FAN, Where is the outrage!!! You gotta be joking me !! DL goes back to the scrap heap and pulls out one of his San Jose draftpicks and this is acceptable. The guys hasn’t played all year! He may not play at all this year! He’s 2-3 weeks away from trying to play this year! This is sickening. This isn’t a trade. This is a joke and an insult to all of us who care about the Kings. Schenn shouldn’t be sent to the minors, DL should be shown the door. Boy, you can tell sure tell DL got his extension. No sense of urgency at all. This makes me sick.

[Reply]
tmp32 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
@tmp32, ACL and MCL repair…I hope he comes with his own brace and pain meds.

jayhay Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:01 pm
@jet,
5th roumder, conditionally getting better on points/GP

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:33 am

This is right in line with the Zues and Williams moves.
How do you spell rehab?
LA Kings

[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
@IceGuy,

Worked out pretty well with those guys, so I hope that Sturm’s case is similar while not taking as long.

[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:54 am
@KingMe20,

Worked out well indeed….12-16 months after the acquisition. I hope this doesn’t take that long.

That said, for a conditional pick, I don’t mind this trade at all.

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:18 am
@FKA PakiFro, The fact that it’s a conditional pick is what makes it harmless, and possibly helpful, to me. It kinda says “You want a little help? Here’s a little.”

rexmundi Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:23 am
@IceGuy, maybe roenick was unwilling to come out of retirement

[Reply]
dactribble Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:02 pm
@rexmundi, He still crying for not winning the Stanley Cup!!

[Reply]
Shawn11 says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:34 am

Sorry, I posted something about this in the practice photo section (didnt know where to post it). Not sure how I feel about another average player, especially one who is coming off of major surgery like he is.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:41 am
@Shawn11, 234 NHL goals is an average player? Wow, do you want to join my fantasy league?

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Shawn11 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:52 am
@jet, He averages a little over 20 goals a season, which is good, dont get me wrong. But he averages just under 39 points a season. Seems like another trade to try and get someone for the sake of getting someone. I’m not liking the fact that he hasn’t played at all this season after major surgeries either. DL also signed someone fresh off of major surgery and that didn’t work out to well for us…Valeri Bure. Im just real skeptical with this.

Oh and I’m 2st in both my fantasy leagues haha

[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:55 am
@Shawn11, Didn’t Taylor sign Bure?

Darrell Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:59 am
@Shawn11, 2st?

Shawn11 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:04 am
@PakiFro, Hmmm….I could’ve sworn it was DL, but ur right. Regardless of who signed who (wasnt taking a stab at Deano…I’m a Deano supporter), still scares me about a player being signed or traded before hes ready to get back on the ice after major surgery. I hope it works out for the best and Sturm comes back and lights it up, but I’m hesitant on this trade (injury related issues).

SplattDaddy Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:30 am
@Shawn11:
I think Boston has a cap consideration with Sturm to go along with the injury. Boston has been trimming their salary all season.

Shawn11 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:36 am
I’m hoping that this is a move to help Chiarelli out that could be considered a “back srcatch” that Deano could possibly parlay that into a sweeter deal for us grabbing, lets say one of Lucic or Wheeler? That would be awesome!

mcsorleyfan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
@Shawn11, is that like 1nd but different?

furrylats Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:37 pm
@Shawn11,

No, 1nd is losing the tie breaker for first place.

Mike in Boston Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:41 pm
@Shawn11,
Sturmy has been fast, a dependable scorer (for a team which was quite anemic once Kessel was shipped away) and works on the PP and penalty kill. For Boston, there are just too many cheaper wingers or ones that are overpaid that no other team will take off our hands (i.e. Michael Ryder). We’re going to miss Sturm. He should be an excellent addition to the Kings with the talent already there.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:54 pm
@Mike in Boston,

Yep, well said.

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KC23 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:27 pm
@Mike in Boston, Thanks for the info Mike. Appreciate it.

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Ersberg Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:35 pm
@Shawn11, He’s a 7 time 20-goal scorer. If he stays healthy, he could easily make it 8 alongside Kopi.

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deadcatbounce Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
@Shawn11, It should be pretty obvious that the Bruins maded this trade so they wouldn’t have to trade Lucic or Wheeler in the future, at least not to have their hand forced from a position of salary cap weakness.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
@deadcatbounce,

Exactly. Too many casual fans who have never heard of Marco before today assume that since we paid a conditional 5th, that’s his absolute value. Wrong. Boston’s nuts were in a vice due to the cap, and although we gave them some value, they DO NOT TRADE Sturm for a conditional pick if they weren’t cuffed by the cap.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:02 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

100% correct.
Michael_DD8 says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:34 am

Could be a great steal. And if not? We lose a prospect. Cant hurt. We neeed the wildcard right now! If Sturm produce’s, we will look awesome!

Steal it deano!

[Reply]
David Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:38 pm
@Michael_DD8, I think its just a conditional pick that we could lose depending on the terms.

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kingsxstevenxkings says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:34 am

Proven 25 goal scorer for considerations isn’t bad

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badGoltending Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:26 am
@kingsxstevenxkings,

If the bruins knew he would be a 25 goal scorer they’d of kept him.

This does nothing for us. It shows how bad we’re lacking in depth for scoring wingers.

he still has to work his way into the line up.

don’t want to sound like a debbie downer but this move is irrelevant.

[Reply]
Jordan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:33 am
@badGoltending,
The Bruins are up against the salary cap HARD, and this is a move by them to stay cap-compliant.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:56 am
@Jordan,

Yes

AZ King Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:35 am
@badGoltending,

Sorry I don’t buy it. Good players do get traded, and the Bruins have a history of trading away good players. They did trade away Joe Thornton after all, for Sturm and Brad Stuart no less.

This is a goal scoring LW that everyone has been asking for since the beginning of the season.

[Reply]
brymaster Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:53 am
@AZ King, if all they were asking for was a conditional pick i dont think that many teams were looking into him. BUT im happy we got him for so little.

MARTY Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:19 pm
@AZ King, WHY DON’T WE TRADE OUR FIRST ROUND PICK FOR RIC MARTIN OR RON GRAHAM,WE DO NOT NEED FIVE NICHOLS ON OUR TEAM, WE NEED ONE QUARTER.

Matt Reitz Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:21 pm
@brymaster, He had a NTC… it wasnt like they could trade him to any team they wanted to. Sturm’s past relationship with Lombardi is probably the only reason he went with this trade… so anything the Kings were willing to offer was the deal.

germankingsfan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:56 am
@badGoltending, its a cap issue to keep their current team intact…….their loss our gain!

[Reply]
Mike in Boston Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
@germankingsfan,
Agree, B’s couldn’t afford any players without making even more moves. Bruins need puck-moving defenseman and need to make a move soon. They had a glut of forwards.
AZ King says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:34 am

So, if he has to pass a physical does that mean the trade wouldn’t be official for another 2-3 weeks?

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andy Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
@AZ King, no, it means about 2-3 hours at a doctors office.

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dailymehow says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:35 am

It will be very interesting where he fits in with the team if he passes his physical. I wonder if Lombardi is looking at this as a Modin type pick up or a Smyth type.

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cjms Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:25 pm
@dailymehow, As someone living in MA, Sturm is a freaking sniper.

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KNFAN04 says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:35 am

Bogey…

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Jason says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:36 am

When will he be ready to play? I’ve read that he’s a couple weeks out, and elsewhere i’ve read he’s cleared to play.
This is a great move. We don’t give up much and plug a gaping hole with a 20 goal scorer.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:38 am
@Jason,

yep! who’s to say , new team, fresh start, contract year, wont score 20 for us, when he returns giving 30 games are done!

[Reply]
Jason Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:51 am
@Michael_DD8,

Yeah, the people that are gonna complain about this need to realize that we get a guy for the season that can skate and score, and if he doesn’t work with Kopi/Brown he can play with Stoll. This is way better than what we’ve been doing to fill the hole. I like it. People can complain about having mid-level scorers all day, but add his 20-ish goals per season to Brown, Williams,Smyth etc, and you’ve got scoring depth. This is all provided we get out of the slump. Maybe the naysayers would rather see Clifford on the top line?

[Reply]
Space_Shot Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:13 pm
@Jason,

He’s been cleared to play, but that doesn’t mean he’s in game shape. Give him a couple weeks to get his legs under him and really start pushing his knee, then we’ll see him in a game. This also gives him a lot of practice time with the team to learn the system and start picking up on his future line mates tendencies. He’s a better option than any of the wingers we have in Manch right now and he cost us next to nothing. His actual cap hit for the Kings will be under $3MM because we’re a couple months into the season, and the Kings still have room to work another deal if one presents itself.

[Reply]
Doc. Mark 1968 says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:37 am

This move does nothing to solve our problem. We still need a top line left winger. As Vin Scully would say, that we are missing a top left winger is as obvious as if we were missing a front tooth.

So we have now taken on more salary without addressing the problem.

I think the most dissapointing news comming from the Kings from year to year is the low ball trades they make. DL should be in politics, not hockey.

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Ike Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:39 am
@Doc. Mark 1968, What action do you propose?

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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:42 am
@Ike,

I don’t know; I don’t have the number for every GM in the league. And even if I did, I am not sure they would take the time to discuss trades with me working on the KIngs behalf!!

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JB Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:57 am
@Doc. Mark 1968, I think the point is this isn’t a trade designed to be a LW solution for Kopitar. It’s a freebie that doesn’t really cost Kings anything other than some salary. And the salary isn’t that big of a deal because Sturm is on the last year of a contract. At worse you get a guy short turn that can fill 3rd/4th line.

What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:42 am
@Ike, Good question. People demand trades, criticize them when they happen, and when pressed, “don’t know” enough to do any better. That’s why people who DO know get so much undeserved scrutiny.

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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:28 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

You missed the point of the post.

The Kings have a need. This trade does nothing to address that need.

Its not about the people who post on this blog, be it me, or anyone else.

What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:58 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, A left-winger on a team and in a league when they’re in demand? Someone who will fill that need at basically no cost at least through the end of the season? That’s nothing?

I intend to make it about people, but about the inane demands for action and responses to it.

Ike Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Yup, exactly. So in this, “no lowball” scenario, I assume the OP is willing to deal someone good. One top 6 for another top 6? I doubt out. Deal one of our top 4 dmen?

Plug one hole and another opens up.

Dave Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:39 am
@Doc. Mark 1968, lol lol love the quote from Vin Scully….couldn’t have said it any better

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Michael_DD8 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:41 am
@Doc. Mark 1968,

What are your options? Im SURE dl “shops” around. I dont think he gets tunneled vision in on one player. Sturm will prob cost us close to nothing, and if he can come back, and score 20 goals, that is a win for us.

Marco sturm can score better AS OF RIGHT NOW, then dwight king, lewis , etc etc.

First line wingers, very hard to come by, and if they do, WE have to give up one of our main guys.

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EJ Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:41 am
@Doc. Mark 1968, come on, lay it on us. Which high-scoring LWs are available and for how much?

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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
@EJ,

I just got off the phone with the Atlanta Thrashers, they said they would give us Evander Kane for…damn, they put me on hold again.

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deadcatbounce Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:49 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968, Of course they put you on hold. Do you expect them to laugh out loud at you?

Todd Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:43 am
@Doc. Mark 1968,

We are giving up close to nothing in these low ball trades. Justin Williams panned out well and we gave up Smyth for nothing either.

We do not know how much salary we are actually taking on. Maybe Boston will pay for some of his salary possibly.

I agree this doesn’t solve our problem but He’s a good two way player and should fit in well. Hopefully we will get that scorer we continue to seek and if we do have to give up players and prospects, I hope Lombardi will make sure he will sign a long term expension once we get him onto the team.

[Reply]
Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:48 am
@Todd,

I agree with your points. But we are getting a MS who hasn’t played all year because of a serious surgury.

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Fletch Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:59 am
@Todd, we gave up “nothing” for Smyth? I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t mind having Quincey in the lineup right about now. I like Smyth but to say we gave nothing up to get him is inaccurate, IMO.

The best part of that deal was dumping Preissing’s salary.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:12 am
@Fletch, Quincey has only played 16 games and has teh worse +/- on the team. In essence a 7th defenceman is nothing. JWilly for POS is also basically for nothing. POS is on his 3rd team in 6 months.

But, I fully agree the best part was moving Pressing.

rabidhockeyfan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
@Fletch, Completely agree – Miss having Quincey in the lineup.

Todd Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
@Fletch,

You are also forgetting that we picked up Quincey off waivers from the Red Wings. So yes, we basically gave up nothing. We got Quincey for free and he didn’t build on his numbers last season and he also sucks this season so far. And we got rid of Preissing like you said. Smyth for nothing. Case closed.

What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:45 am
@jet, Good take!

albertakingsfan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
@Doc. Mark 1968, And how many 40 0r 50 goal scorers are available for a conditional pick or a steal as you say?????

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jet Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:46 am
@albertakingsfan, if I may add, 40 or 50 goal scorers who are willing to play defence?

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:46 am
@Doc. Mark 1968,

Not true. This does address the need to get another goal scorer, which is what Sturm is. He’s a proven goal scorer at the NHL level. What were you expecting, DL to get Nash?

[Reply]
kingfisher Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:26 am
@Doc. Mark 1968, totally agree what the hec are we signing injured players for,we need a top 6 winger not another net misser….was i blind or was boston in the bottom of the league in scoring last year when this guy played there last.
it appears to me aeg…is getting cheaper by the second oh and by the way there still willing to spend 100s of millions to get a football team here in la……….for all the money we spend to get a ticket to a game and pay for the car insurance to get us there you think they could fork out enough money to sign a top 6 forward………..pathetic at best…..why dont we just ask marcel dion if he will take free car insurance for 3 years to come back and put some rubber in the net for us….wow new low.

[Reply]
Ike Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
@kingfisher, I really don’t see what car insurance has anything to with, well, anything.

If you want a top 6 forward, be ready to deal a top 4 dman and a bottom 6 forward. We’d prob get a #5/6 dman in return.

So realistically, how do we sacrifice? Scuds? JJ?

[Reply]
kingfisher Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
@Ike, insurance has a lot to do with the kings if you did your homework…..aeg is the largest insurance co in the us and by the way they own the la kings.
the dream deal we should have made would have been ,shen,simmonds and a draft pick for a 30-40 goal scorer in jerome iginla calgary is way over the salary cap and this would be a perfect fit put brown on the third line where he is most effective move richie to the top line with kopi and iginla and you have mega scoring power that backs people off and a great 3rd checking line with brownie punishing people again it just fits,instead we have a player comming and we do not know what his capabilities are look at willie it took him 1 year to get up to speed i dont care what that guy says in boston.
i hope im wrong but im just tired of the retoric from dl put up or get out same with murray

Ike Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 7:10 pm
@kingfisher, Are you confusing AIG with AEG?

[Reply]
Ike Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 7:15 pm
@kingfisher, Anschutz Entertainment Group is not American Insurance Group.

[Reply]
5holer Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 5:14 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968, The current problem has nothing to do with one player added to a forward line or one player deleted from any lines. This is an execution problem, which is further hindered by a personnel problem. In the last 8-10 games this group has stopped playing their game, has not executed to their defensive pressure strengths. Offense from Defensive pressure = wins. The forecheck has been weak, with no depth to it down on the high wall, F1 is chasing with no support from F2, and where is F3(pondering his naval?). Bad pinches by the D, too deep with no support, then no pinch at the right jump in point other times. We are burned nearly every time when we turn over the puck high in the O zone or in the nuetral zone, not to mention the cough ups in our end by dumb decisions on outlets. When we fail to forecheck hard, this gives the opponent’s D a quick up & out, and they can go with speed on attack, flying into our zone with good possession and good angles on O, while our 5 chase from behind. This is bad hockey, losers hockey, aka lazy man’s hockey. When you don’t have a plethora of speed to recover on the back check you lose, game over. Another indicator is during that last gasp 5-8 minute blitz LAK go into at the end of games when trailing(always in this dead spot). That shows a lack of tenacity, no intensity until forced into it, and a lack of execution/focus! I hear it in the seats from fans saying…”Why can’t they play like that the entire game?” Short answer is they can for at least 30+ minutes a game with momentum on their side. Too cocky to think they could lose after they put on their end game blitz? Yup too cocky, but learning perhaps! It happens to all teams, but not for longer periods like this one. That leads to the personnel problems raising its ugly/empty head collectively. Consistency up front is due to increased frustrations in not finishing at the net. This mounts up on forwards on a game by game basis when no good results are gained(goals). With no help lately coming from the back end with offensive push, it gets even worse. When no one wants to shoot the puck, it tells me that no one has confidence to score so they look for someone else(whom?) to score. The egg is getting more scrambled each game, but with some speed on the dump and a hard forecheck with a 2-1-2 & with depth down to the high wall, the opponent will help you score with cough ups. The personnel is not a speed attack bunch. This a banger team that has to have well executed dumps or playmaking to the weak side on attack, a hard net presence at every chance, F2 or F3 driving to the net from the slot, and smart pinches at the blue line to hold O pressure. We lack speed at wings and at center, and we lack one good finisher on the wings for each of the top 3 forwards lines. Marco Sturm has a middle name of Speed & Quickness” when healthy. He has better than average hands, but he is not a banger. Good!! We have too many bangers already. He also finishes well enough(better than most of our gang). Goal scoring is like the flu, it spreads through the team like a virus. We get some good push from the D on O, tighten our D gaps some in our end, get a hard forecheck going and we get some dirty goals…then boom we are out of it, confidence is up and the new speed kicks in. Count Pony & Sturm as new speed, with Kopi getting help from Willie with speed on his line, and Simm going back to lend his speed to Zus line will also even it out and help it along. One correction is that Cliff is a 3rd liner and Shenner needs ice time in Juniors/World Juniors to get his O timing with better wingers…Shenner is not a 4th line player! BTW Our last half dozen or so 4th liner combos have sucked all year!! We need to settle that line with a hard nosed group who can keep offensive possession. They could even get 10 minutes a game if that happened!
My 5 bucks worth!

[Reply]
Darren says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:39 am

Can we just get a player that’s awesome with no injury strings attached for once during Deans tenure?

[Reply]
Mike Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:43 am
@Darren,

Ryan Smyth
Jack Johnson

But yes, I would like to see a true sniper. Someday.

[Reply]
Space_Shot Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
@Darren,

Right, because so many of those guys are available, or are not going to cost a huge overpayment right now.

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:35 am
@Darren, Okay, so who is available, and what are you willing to give up to get a 40+ goal scorer.

Guess what, it’s going to cost you around 2 of our current top 6, and a top prospect, as well as probably a draft pick.

Still want to make that trade? 1 step forward, 2 steps back.

[Reply]
King86 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:55 am
@Darren, Does Ilya Kovalchuk ring a bell? you need a team not a superstar.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:08 pm
@King86,
Thank you!

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5holer Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 5:33 pm
@Darren, Yup just put it on a post card to Santa, Tis the season! At last check there were 30 teams in the NHL. I believe 32 of them are looking for high end scoring wingers with speed and sniper abilities…Yeah and the math is right, it is 32 out of 30 if you get my point! Kovy got a bizilion bucks because those types are few are far between!!! Just take a look around the league, so how many are there out there? Of those how many are available? The math is something like there are 12 out there and 14 of them are unavailable…the math is still right! Burkie in TO has been trying for over a year to do something at center in that vane…so far nada! DL has Vonage so his phone bill doesn’t reflect his volume of calls that I am certain he has made for a similar period as Burkie!! This last call Peter C in BruinLand got a Bingo on DL’s card! A helping of speed and some finish for an old junk yard pick up(low draft pick up), then you fans cry its not Malkin or Semin! Its Sturm coming off IR(long term) at a close out price…almost a Louis Vuitton, but at a Walmart Price! Bang on! Gucci comes later perhaps, but we gotta pay and we gotta have something to pay with too! Stop whining and crying, in hockey you get what you can when you can and there is no crying or whining in our sport either!
My Saw Bucks worth!

[Reply]
James says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:40 am

Sturm is a FA at the end of the season, I see this as a win- win for LA. J

[Reply]
Bill M. says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:41 am

Dailymehow, I would guess that he’s hoping for a Smyth, but by taking the UFA he leaves his options open.

All in all a smart move – we give up very little, less if he doesn’t turn out to be the help we need. Bottom line – it’s NHL experienced depth at wing.

[Reply]
dailymehow Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:53 am
@Bill M.,

Obviously none of us can look inside Lombardi’s brain, but I’m assuming he has to be a bit realistic in his evaluation of Sturm. He’s coming off a serious injury and is at best a 25-goal scorer.

I’m just wondering if that is the best Lombardi felt he could do or if that’s all he thinks this team needs to produce and take the next step forward.

At the end, Kings get a decent goal scorer with a lot of speed and a veteran presence. In reality, that’s what most of the posters on the board asked for, but with the injury is it what we’ll get?

And, again, what exactly is Lombardi expecting?

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@dailymehow, Wouldn’t it be nice if all my second and third line forwards were at best 25-goal guys.

[Reply]
Bobby Scribe says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:43 am

The physical is a no brainer. More injured players have come here and passed it. Should we name names? I would rather not. The question is, how does Sturm contribute to the team now? For some more detail on who and what type of player he is, you can read the article we did here:

http://lakingsnews.com/2010/12/02/kings-have-apparently-traded-for-marco-sturm/

[Reply]
Jonathan says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:43 am

I wonder if this gives Murray the flexibility to reunite last year’s proven 1st line?

Smyth – Kopi – Williams
Sturm – Stoll – Brown
Poni – Handzus – Simmonds
Lewis – Richardson – Clifford

[Reply]
Jonathan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
@Jonathan,

With the caveat when all return healthy

[Reply]
AK47 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
@Jonathan,

Clifford-Lewis-Richardson

but yes, I agree with that lineup

[Reply]
Agame Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:51 am
@Jonathan, I think Lewis is more of a center then Richardson.

[Reply]
MSC65 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Can we please get rid of Westgarth, can’t fight to save his life (re:the beating against Chicago was brutal) and he can’t skate or stick handle either. no use having him in the line-up to punch guys in the stomach and get his butt whipped. We need a Colton Orr type or bring back Georgie Parros.

P.S. Love Cliffords game thus far, he’s tough as nails for a 19 yr. old.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:44 am

Wow rumor out there is its a 5 conditional round pick..

Thats nothing guys. However, it could change if Marco does come back and put up huge numbers. Its based on points. Im sure if he goes past 20, dean says hey, ill give you our 4th then!

This is a good move, bottom line. I would be surprised if people find a way to complain about this.

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:48 am
@Michael_DD8, As you see, people find a way to complain about anything.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
@Michael_DD8, I think of it as an opportunity to get a feel for who has a clue and who doesn’t. :^)

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:10 pm
@KC23,
You are BOTH right!

[Reply]
OC KINGS FAN says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:45 am

Its been conformed. Marco sturm traded to LA for a conditional draft pick

[Reply]
OC KINGS FAN Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
@OC KINGS FAN, Damnit i meant its been confirmed

[Reply]
dude says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:45 am

i had a feeling this would happen. Bruins had to offload some money and DL drafted Sturm in SJ…if this works out well hey,we only gave up future considerations,if it doesnt work out wel hey,we only gave up future considerations lol

[Reply]
jordan says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:46 am

http://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie
2-3 weeks away, sturm waived his NTC to come here. 3.5 mil cap hit.

[Reply]
Schoeny Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
@jordan,
$2.4m cap hit. Bruins pay for the first two months of the season.

I just hope he’s a good two-way player (I’m not familiar w/ him). Look how great Poni plays both sides – much better on ice than on paper. At the time of the trade there was a lot of complaining on this blog but now look how much we miss him.

I’m in favor of putting Smyth on a line w/ someone w/ speed and that can carry the puck. He’s lost a step in open ice. He’s among the best w/in 12 feet of the net, but among the worst carrying the puck in open ice.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:11 pm
@Schoeny,

Sturm is a great two way player and with speed to burn. Obviously we will see how the legs are after surgery, as if we needed a reminder on what that looks like.

[Reply]
TheRussianKing says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:54 am

So it’s official, hopefully he’ll do what we need him to do. Is he first line sniper quality, or a just a fill on the 2nd line to reunite the geezers with Kopi?

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:57 am
@TheRussianKing,

I wouldn’t call him a “sniper”, but he is a proven goal scorer in the NHL.

[Reply]
JB Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:16 am
@AZ King, He’s a reliable 2nd/3rd liner that can do time on the 1st line and probably take advantage of that opportunity when needed more so than a King, Richardson or Lokti.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:58 am
@TheRussianKing, He is actually a PP sniper that many posters on this board have been encouraging DL to get.

[Reply]
ice is nice says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:55 am

Green movement has struck Dean “the recycler” Lombardi. Oh well, I should just give this one sometime first…

[Reply]
AZ King says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:56 am

News travels fast. Sturm’s Wikipedia page alread shows him playing in LA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Sturm

[Reply]
mrbob25 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:02 am
@AZ King,

Wow. Good catch.

[Reply]
mrbob25 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:04 am
@AZ King,

The Hockey News changed it already too.

http://forecaster.thehockeynews.com/hockeynews/hockey/player.cgi?137

[Reply]
Rudedogg says:

December 2, 2010 at 10:59 am

yaaawwwnnn… wont be much help till next year which wont help cuz he is an unrestricted free agent next year… another handzus or williams who wont be much help until they fully recover( a year later). better not giv up more than a bag of pucks

[Reply]
Rudedogg Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
@Rudedogg, whoops had to make that comment short and harsh. no offense to Sturm but bostons needed cap space and he is coming off 2 major knee surgeries…… kinda got ticked off seeing boston fans predicting 1st, 2nd and 3rd rounders for him

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:04 am
@Rudedogg,

We got a scoring left wing for a conditional draft pick, not a bad deal. Is he going to score 25 goals this year? Probably not, but if he can provide any offense and stabilize the top 6 lines than I call it a win.

[Reply]
DesertKing says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:03 am

I like it. It gives TM the ability to shift some lines as needed, doesn’t tie us up cap wise for years to come, provides us with some veteran presence, didn’t cost us any of our future players and still leaves us cap room to resign our core guys. Also, DL pulled the trigger on this early in the season so even with the 2-3 weeks start date, we will have Sturm with us for at least half the season before we hit the play-offs.

[Reply]
OCKingsFan says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:06 am

This is a good trade IMO. We give up nothing we get a guy who wants to come here obviously waiving his NTC and let’s hope he is hungry. This is well worth the gamble! It gives us a goal scorer, speed, good size, and most importantly depth! A proven 20-25 goal scorer is much better than expecting Lewis or Clifford to produce those numbers. He is a seasoned vet that gives us leadership. My bet is he comes back healthy and hungry. I like this move a lot. I certainly hope that DL is not done, but I think if we see a major trade for a 1st line winger or another high quality defenseman it will be closer to the trade deadline. We will have time to see where our position is and make as run for higher seeding going into the playoffs. I just hope DL actually pulls the trigger on a few deals at the deadline.

[Reply]
Sebastian says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:06 am

this a good “low risk” move. kings give up nothing for a left winger veteran who can put the puck in the net. great move. cant wait to see him play.

[Reply]
Greg says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:07 am

_ AWFUL_ PANIC_ TRADE_

Marco Sturm has negative trade value.

- He is overpaid.

- He is coming off major knee surgery and has yet to play a game since May.

- A career playoff disappointment.

Why in the hell exactly are the Kings picking him up: For his skating ability?.. On two surgically repaired knees? For his leadership?.. He’s never been past the second round of the playoffs and has 8 goals in 52 career games.

Who in their right mind is willing to give an asset for Sturm? What is the market for Sturm? There is no market for an injured, overpaid, 32 year old, 3rd line left winger. None.

Who the hell is Lombardi bidding against? The Caps got their man yesterday, the market for left wingers should be non existant.
Why start paying him before he’s ready to play?

Knowing Chiarelli is in a bind, how does Lombardi do anything but wait for him to be put on waivers?

[Reply]
jordan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:11 am
@Greg, cool down, last i checked a conditional 5th round pick isnt bad… and last i checked 90% of the team hasn’t made it past 6 playoff games in their lives.

[Reply]
OCKingsFan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:13 am
@Greg, Dude its a 5th round CONDITIONAL draft pick we are giving. Not really likely to pan out to be of any importance when considering you get a guy who can score and has speed. How many injuries has Williams had? remind me please because he is having an amazing year. The guy has potential and is going to be rejuvenated by coming to a new team you can see that in his numbers after he was traded to the Bruins. Wait and see what happens before you go off to negative town man. If he doesn’t pan out so what! His contract is up after this season, but I would rather have a vet who is proven then have a rookie in the lineup at this point.

[Reply]
Captain Material Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:18 am
@Greg,

Making low risk, high reward bets is not a bad thing.

Guys who average in the mid to high twenties in goals are not third line players. Those are called top six forwards.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:21 am
@Greg, Uhh, 234 career NHL goals. and He just turned 31. Dean has seen him go through rehab before, so he knows what kind of effort the Kings will get. He buys some time until we can develop more LWs internally. But, DL does seem to work some magic with those 5th round picks.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:31 am
@Greg,

Yeah Sturm was totally a playoff disappointment when he singlehandedly kept the Bruins alive against the Habs with his clutch OT goal.

Have you ever seen this player play? It sounds like you’re just spouting nonsense simply so you can pile on DL some more. Yawn…

[Reply]
Rainman Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
@Greg, I thought I remembered Sturm playing for San Jose…”Drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 1st round (21st overall) in 1996″ by none other than Dean Lombardi! Amazing coincidence, eh? DL probably would have traded for Jonathan Cheechoo, but he plays right wing.

Did anyone read the recent Forbes Article on ranking NHL General Managers?

http://www.forbes.com/2010/11/30/best-general-managers-buck-business-sports-hockey-valuations-10-managers.html

Deano was nowhere inside the Top Ten!

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:47 am
@Rainman,

Yeah that article holds tons of weight, considering GARTH SNOW was in the top 10.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:15 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
LOL that should say everything you need to know!

Luuuuuuuuuuc! Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:38 pm
@Rainman,

Yep, if there is one thing Forbes knows, its hockey.

[Reply]
deadite77 says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:11 am

This screams “Alyn McCauley!”

[Reply]
dailymehow Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:19 am
@deadite77,

For the record,

Alyn McCauley
488 games 69 goals 97 assists 166 points

Marco Sturm
855 games 234 goals 232 assists 466 points

[Reply]
John Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:20 am
@deadite77,

No, YOU scream, Alyn McCauley! This doesn’t

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:12 am

Someone recently posted “a trade, any trade” and I agreed. This is the sort of trade I was looking for. It doesn’t do anything long-term, but it gives a short-term spark. I’m good with it.

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:13 am
Oh, and I knew the very same type of person screaming for Lombardi’s head and demanding action would talk BS about this trade. Let’s just say it’s the least harmful response to your harping.

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:18 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

I know, after days of come Dl do your job, come on DL make a move, now he’s made a move a people are complaining about what he got. It’s like people were expecting us to get Rick Nash or something.

[Reply]
Barry's Mullet says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:12 am

This is not the final piece but a great move to add more experience to the lineup. We have too many Lewis, King, and Richardsons playing out of position right now.

Basically Sturm is taking Parse’s spot and we all know a healthy Sturm is a better fit than Parse was ever going to be….at least for this season.

Sturm – Kopi – Brown
Smyth – Stoll – Williams
Poni – Handzus – Simmonds
Clifford – Richardson – Westy/Lewis

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@Barry’s Mullet,
Swap Brown for Williams, and I’m on board with that line-up

[Reply]
blckbsct says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:12 am

We will see how this pans out in a few weeks or more. In the mean time hopefully this wakes the boys up!

Go KINGS!!!

[Reply]
Johnny says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:16 am

Great… Another player acquired that is coming off knee surgery, who won’t even be on the ice for weeks.

Time to move prospects DL and get a tangible asset before the season gets out of reach..

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:21 am
@Johnny,

Who would you have liked to see DL get. People have been asking for a scoring left winger since the beginning of the season. Now DL gets one and your still no happy, make up you mind already.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:25 am
@Johnny, Uhh, if we win tonight we are 1 point from being teh 8th best team in the league.

[Reply]
jason says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:17 am

hes first line quality. Smyth should be #1 line guy, Sturm should be #2 unless murray goes back to that 2nd line.

DL is smart. Sturm is a 25 goals, 25 assist player but his strengths in his career are;
65 powerplay goals
18 short handers
41 game winning goals

This will add depth to have smyth, sturm, ponikorovsky at left wing

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:33 am
@jason,

Exactly.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:54 am
@jason,

Nice stats. looks like he is a special teams player who will help our PP.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
@jason,
41 game winners ain’t nothin’ to sneeze at!

[Reply]
Purple Ghost says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:18 am

Conditional pick is probably one of Dean’s creative ones: 7th round pick if and only if Rich Hammond and Heidi Androl become an item — or something like that.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:26 am
@Purple Ghost, be serious, Heidi Hammond?

[Reply]
Purple Ghost Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:34 am
@jet, I’m expecting we hang on to the draft choice. Sorry Rich!

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:58 am
@Purple Ghost,

I’ll bet Rich read this and snickered.

C’mon, you know he did! LOL

[Reply]
SplattDaddy says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:20 am

He’s a proven 20 goal scorer (22 last season before the second injury to the same leg…..). 6’0″ 190lbs? Has speed, Natural LW. Not nearly in game shape or game ready. Hasn’t really tested the knee. Good sign if he passes the physical.
We’ll see?
If we had our goal scorers scoring we wouldn’t be doing to bad either….

[Reply]
capt jam says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:22 am

Love this move as it shows Deano is already stockpiling and bulking up for the Spring run. Sturm is a hard-nosed guy who was hard to play against when he was with SJ. Just the kind of player we need to squash Gingers.

[Reply]
dailymehow Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:25 am
@capt jam,

Other good thing I haven’t seen mentioned is that this trade is early enough in the season that if it doesn’t pan out we can still make a move at the deadline.

[Reply]
Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:31 am
@dailymehow,

No we can’t.

If it is true that Sturm will be a 3+ cap hit, then it will be impossible to make any other move this season.

The only type of move we could make would be if we give up as much value as we take on (i.e. the kind of trades that DL never makes).

This is a bad move!!

[Reply]
Kingsfan99 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:34 am
@Doc. Mark 1968,

There’s no way would be able to get a top line LW without moving a current roster player anyways. This doesn’t kill our chances of getting a Top 6 player before the deadline. You have give up talent to get talent.

dailymehow Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
@Doc. Mark 1968,

With the addition of Sturm at the pro-rated amount and the return of Schenn to his junior team (it has to happen with this move, right?) the Kings are right back to the same spot with their cap space.

With Schenn in the line up the Kings have $3.6 million available against the cap. Without him, Kings have double with his contract and bonuses off the cap number.

http://capgeek.com/charts.php?Team=17

Maybe someone we’ll see something I don’t, but this is my understanding of the cap.

KC23 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968, Its like a 2.4 cap hit because Bruins have to pay for the first couple months of his contract.

Not to mention if we get your dream trade it isn’t going to come for nothing. More cap space.
BringBackTheShieldJersey says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:22 am

Ausgezeichnet!

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
@BringBackTheShieldJersey,

Bless you!

[Reply]
Dbargaehr says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:27 am

Anyone know the condition on the draft pick?

@Greg – A 5th round pick is an asset, but as things go, I think we could have made a worse choice. DL has been adamant about not giving up his young core for a quickie rental on a veteran sniper. This goes into his plans well, and frankly LW has been our depth problem for a year or two now. This fills it out nicely. I think the lines would go as follows:

Smyth-Kopitar-Williams
Sturm-Stoll-Brown
Ponikarovsky-Handzus-Simmonds
Clifford/Richardson-Lewis/Richardson-Westgarth

[Reply]
SBkingsfan says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:29 am

He might be of help- if he can get healthy. He seems to get most of his goals from around the circles and seems to pick up the greasy goals around the net- which we need, desperately. He’s a Ponikarovsky type of player; likes to finish off rebounds. He can help since a lot of the time our forwards tend to get in too deep on the forecheck and there’s nobody to left to fill that middle spot in front of the net. Especially, on out-numbered attacks, when we don’t have a trailer on the play to pick up the rebounds on the shots that come back up the middle. I can see him helping the team in those areas.

[Reply]
SBkingsfan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:31 am
@SBkingsfan, Here’s a link to some of Sturm’s goals.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4mTWzOr3iE

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:36 am
@SBkingsfan,

I wouldn’t call him a Poni type player. It’s more like if Simmonds had super speed and was a power play go-to guy. He has a really nice wrist shot.

[Reply]
Dbargaehr says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:30 am

Also, when can we start calling Clifford “The Big Red Dog”?

[Reply]
Fan5 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
@Dbargaehr,

never because he has 17 PIM…

[Reply]
PurpleBlacknGold Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 3:28 pm
@Dbargaehr,
Aren’t they calling him “The Colonel” because his initials are KFC?

[Reply]
Ari says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:40 am

Not a bad move … Hope DL does not think that he can now put down the phone and rest!

[Reply]
mrbrett7 says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:40 am

I’m actually shocked that there is a single complaint here.

1. There is zero risk involved in this deal.

2. This does not mean DL is done (although I think he will be for now).

3. This only will cost the team two things: Money (his 3.5 million for this season) and the conditional pick, which at this point, nobody really knows what that is. I would assume the more Sturm plays and hopefully scores, the higher the pick will be, which is fine as I think everyone else would be fine with that.

4. There is still more money under the cap to add more if needed (and probably will be).

Basically, DL just gave up nothing but money for a guy coming off of injuries, who has proven in the past that he can score at a top 6 level, at a position of serious need. At one time he was widely considered one of the fastest skaters in the NHL, and moreso, he fits into the mold of the current roster as he knows what the word backcheck means.

I really do not understand the complaints. 40+ goal scorers do not grow on trees. If they ever do become available, the asking price is normally astronomical, and in order to pull off a deal like that, you normally have to either gut your current roster, or system just to get them.

The team on the ice is the team. Deal with it.

[Reply]
soyokaze Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:43 am
@mrbrett7, Thank you for your logic and reasoning! Folks, it’s only December. The sky has not fallen. Once Mitchell and Ponikarovsky return, we’ll be fine.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:49 am
@mrbrett7,

You do realize that most of the people that post on this blog expect Dean Lombardi to trade John Zeiler for Pavel Datsyuk right?

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:53 am
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

Zieler AND a conditional pick.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

No, actually they expect to put Crosby in a Kings sweater for a bag of pucks and a bag of chips, and they’re complaining about the bag of chips.

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, Yeah, I know…sometimes I really wonder why I try reasoning with the 12 years olds that run rampant around here.

[Reply]
Rob Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, What I would do to pick up Mr. Datsyuk!!! More like, who I would kill to pick up Mr. Datsyuk!!! lol jk shhhh

[Reply]
Cry Baby says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:41 am

Maybe?

[Reply]
Christian T says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:47 am

Good move. We give up little and I am sure Sturm can put Kopi passes in the net.
An earlier post says we can’t make a move late because of salary. You are way off. But go ahead and freak. If he can be healthy this is a good “small” move.

Get used to the fact the Dean is shrewd and not giving up everything for a one time shot at the cup this year.

[Reply]
Choralone says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:48 am

Dean just made a trade. He gave up nothing. Sure, it’s not THE trade, but that doesn’t mean he can’t make another. What, do some of you believe DL limited by the league to one trade per season or something?

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm
@Choralone,

Naw, they are not happy because Rick Nash is not coming here. Unrealistic expectations are usually not met. But you can’t tell them that.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:23 pm
@Kingsfanone, Yep, and if we could trade a second rounder for that Crosby guy. Come on DL do it.

[Reply]
Michael J. says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:49 am

Why so much whining????

Who in the hell is gonna give the Kings a 40 goal sniper?

For just once I would like to see one complainer tell us who that magical player is. You know, the guy that other GM is dying to give to the Kings…

[Reply]
oldthunder says:

December 2, 2010 at 11:55 am

A conditional pick for a 20 goal scoring LW, not a bad trade. If it flops its 1/2 of the year and he is gone. If he gets us some goals i think it could be a good acquisition.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:10 pm
@oldthunder,

Exactly, and Dean is not saddled with his salary after this season. Not a bad trade.

[Reply]
OCDUCKHUNTER says:

December 2, 2010 at 12:08 pm

So what if he doesnt pass the tests. what would happen?

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
@OCDUCKHUNTER, I would imagine the deal doesn’t go through.

[Reply]
OCDUCKHUNTER Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:16 pm
@mrbrett7, Gracias sir. pretty self explanitory LOL

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
@OCDUCKHUNTER, That’s what I’m here for.
kinginsaltlake says:

December 2, 2010 at 12:20 pm

This is a great trade and everyone knows it. Some of you hot-shots in LA are just complainers. Most of the post like the deal. Dean did what we wanted, he got us a name player, a good player. When we get ALL of our players back this team will be awesome to watch, but right now we need to win tonight. This is our team. The team that’s on the ice tonight, is the team, I’m rootin for. We got 4 games @ home Let’s get back on the winning ways, starting with tonight.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:27 pm
@kinginsaltlake,

Well said. And what do you think the reaction of the players is upon hearing of Sturm coming? I gotta think it’s all good.

After PARROS potting 2 goals on them last nite, I expect the boys to come out tonite with some renewed vigor. Get a W tonite. Bigger the better.

[Reply]
Jason Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:39 pm
@kinginsaltlake,

I love your post. Thanks.

More than needing someone at LW we need this team to shake this slump. We need Drew and Jack and Dustin and Kopi to get it going like we all believe they can (and if you don’t believe they can i don’t know why you’d be here in the first place).

Also i’d like to say that for a long time we needed goalies. Now we have Quick! I think he’s the real deal….arguments?

Sturm comes in for nothing, maybe nets a few and adds a little speed…soon we get Poni, then Mitchell, then Parse back, and i like the team. Maybe Parse proves he’s the top six guy and Sturm can go for prospects at the deadline? Or maybe Sturm lights it up and we look good going into the playoffs? All that sounds good to me.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce says:

December 2, 2010 at 12:21 pm

Let’s get ready for some Sturm trooper hockey!

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:58 pm
@deadcatbounce,

His wikipedia entry informed me that when he skates across the opponent’s blue line at top speed, it is called the Blitzkrieg!

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

December 2, 2010 at 12:26 pm

Look, the question is not about which side he shoots from, or how many goals he’s got, or how he’s done in the playoffs. The QUESTION IS can he actually skate anymore? Can he skate for hard 1 minute shifts and 20 minutes overall?

I’m not a doctor and I don’t play one on TV, but the bet here is on a horse that hasn’t run a race in almost a year because of a broken leg. I don’t mind the trade for a conditional 5th or the salary, but what I’m nervous about is can the guy actually play? And exactly WHEN will he be able to play and contribute?

Once again, it’s yet another ghost from Lombardi’s past, and that too makes me a little nervous.

That being said, welcome to the Kings Marco. Now kick some ass and take some names ASAP.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:02 pm
@IceGuy,

Obviously every player is different, but this is the NHL. Players get injured. They also usually return from injury. Sometimes they lose a step, sometimes they don’t. For further insight on this matter, see Handzus, Michal and Williams, Justin. Two of our most key players out there, and I cannot begin to tell you how many thousands of online posts I read writing those guys off while they were injured.

People love to go off on DL for acquiring injured players, but again, these are hockey players, not racehorses. They have world class rehabilitation and medical attention, not to mention the competitive drive to restore themselves to top form. Marco Sturm, by the way, is a very good person and a leader by all accounts (wore the “A” in Beantown), and I have zero doubt he will be a consummate professional in returning himself to the absolute best shape he can be in. He’s just about on the “back 9″ of his prime years, but I would think he still has a lot in the tank. I remember watching him during the Winter Classic last year and admiring his skillset greatly.

[Reply]
Dbargaehr Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:23 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

If only they were horses. I vote for new rules in the NHL -

Anyone on LTIR can be shot, and their salary deducted from the cap hit. But the cost of the bullet stays.

Could you imagine the Avs? There would be twelve 20-cent cap hits on their roster right now.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:33 pm
@Dbargaehr,

Haha, Anderson’s off to the glue factory…

mrbrett7 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
@IceGuy, This is a legitimate concern.

But, one I have no problem taking for a 5th round pick.

[Reply]
old hockey puck says:

December 2, 2010 at 1:01 pm

GOOD MOVE DEAN.something got to make team play.if he helps,great if not nothing lost.

[Reply]
ESP says:

December 2, 2010 at 1:07 pm

If you take a quick look at the coments in the Boston media the most of the Boston Fans are sad to see him go. Some of them go as far as cursing management for making such a “bad trade.” Way to go DL.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
@ESP,

Although it’s a mutually beneficial trade, we definitely “won”, considering we’re receiving a proven NHL scorer/leader that can play on PP and PK. Believe me, Boston doesn’t make this move if they’re not completely handcuffed by the cap like they are.

[Reply]
vplaza says:

December 2, 2010 at 1:07 pm

Sounds like a good gamble without risking too much. Guess he can’t make things any worse than they are…hopefully.

[Reply]
TheRussianKing says:

December 2, 2010 at 1:12 pm

Based on his highlights which isnt always the best indicator, he has great shot mentality that feeds into our system. If he plays his regular game he will be rewarded. Either way this trade is a win/win. Modin only opened up for us in Vancouver series and lead the team in goals.

[Reply]
Rainman Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
@TheRussianKing,

Yeah, I really hated having Modin “open up for us” in the Playoffs. What was he thinking?

[Reply]
Peter90210 says:

December 2, 2010 at 1:23 pm

For weeks all we’ve heard on this blog is whining about the left wing slot. At the same time, no one wants DL to give up our core guys or 100 million to get a sniper. So DL goes out and gets a proven 20, two way scorer for the rest of the season for practically nothing and half the posters here are still bellyaching. I personally know a lot of athletes who’ve had the same surgeries as Sturm and they returned to their sports, including hockey, with little or no significant impairment. A knee brace will be in order, but he wouldn’t be cleared if it wasn’t ready. So lighten up folks…. we got what we wanted plus a veteran presence which is what these youngsters need at the moment to get back on track. Nice solution, DL. He’ll prove himself in short order……

[Reply]
Jason Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:34 pm
@Peter90210,

Word.

[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:38 pm
@Peter90210,
apparently, a pretty up-beat guy. welcome aboard. AND waived his NTC to come here, which says he’s in favor of becoming a King

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
@Peter90210,

Exactly. I don’t think most casual fans realize that the majority of hockey players will probably experience a somewhat significant injury at some point in their careers… it’s a rough sport… but these are tough, world class athletes, they can rehabilitate themselves better these days than ever before.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:37 pm
@Peter90210, Please post more often

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:26 pm
@jet,
I second that.

[Reply]
Ersberg says:

December 2, 2010 at 1:40 pm

Those that are criticizing this move need to take a closer look at the big picture.

[Reply]
Vahe says:

December 2, 2010 at 1:40 pm

Like the Move..low risk, high reward..contract only through the end of the year

[Reply]
Banez81 says:

December 2, 2010 at 1:50 pm

I really like what I am hearing about this guy.

[Reply]
Doughty_Franchise says:

December 2, 2010 at 2:02 pm

I am not in the least bit excited about this move. We didnt give up anything for him, but cmon….this is a typical Kings trade. A NON difference maker

[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:12 pm
@Doughty_Franchise,
whats your suggestion?

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
@Doughty_Franchise,

We’re all waiting to hear your magical trade scenario that DL didn’t consider. Go ahead, let’s hear it?

[Reply]
DLB Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, Ay, there’s the rub.

[Reply]
Adam says:

December 2, 2010 at 2:07 pm

Good Deal
bring Sturm to the Kings
make our Penalty Killing moving up to 100 %
Lets got Kings

[Reply]
LEE10 says:

December 2, 2010 at 2:08 pm

meh, more meat for the shelling is all. Im at a point where, ok schenn and all the others are gone, I hope the higher-ups are really looking to get a good left winger. If in fact sturm does turn out and produce thats great and all, but i think they need to go hard for someone who isnt such a high risk player. Its only a matter of time before he damages that knee again and get paid for sitting in the high-rise seats. i agree with everyone else, for the cost, why not give him a shot.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
@LEE10, All fast skaters who play at full speed are high risk. Would you rather have a guy who gives away the corners but plays 80 games a year?

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:48 pm
@jet,

You sir, understand hockey.

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@LEE10, Lee…his contract is up this season.

Meaning, if he doesn’t work out, he’s gone, and it only cost the Kings the rest of his contract for this year.

It’s really a no brainer, especially when you consider just how far under the cap the Kings are at the moment.

[Reply]
KC23 says:

December 2, 2010 at 2:10 pm

Nice DL. Nice. How someone could find fault with this deal is beyond me. Condictional draft pick for a proven 20 goal scorer LW. DL you rock.

[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
@KC23,
5th rounder that gets better with points/GP. cant ask for anything more fair.

[Reply]
Rob says:

December 2, 2010 at 2:10 pm

Very good pick up Dean. Now tell our coach to bench Doughty and Johnson for a game and we’ll start seeing better hockey out there! lol

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
@Rob,

uhhh… no.

[Reply]
OCKingsFan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, Just tell them to pick up their conditioning and decision making and we would have two top of the league D-men back again

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:45 pm
@OCKingsFan,

It happens. It can take a while to fully figure out the NHL game when you’re a young defenseman. Not to mention, the secret’s out regarding DD and JJ; other teams have keyed in on them and are giving them less time and space to operate. Look at some of the league’s greatest D men in history… it often took them a few seasons to adapt to the speed of the big show.

Also, I have seen our savior Doughty in person this season, and he is NOT fat or in bad shape like so many people here think. I have a background in kinesiology and personal training, and I would estimate his bodyfat % around 13-14%. Also, you don’t play 30 minutes per game if your conditioning isn’t in top form.

OCKingsFan Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:48 pm
@OCKingsFan, Ya he just looks tired on a lot of plays I think it is more poor decision making to be honest. i think teams are cracking down more defensively on him when he tries to create on the offensive end, but I think he will start to adjust as the season goes along.

TheRussianKing Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:41 pm
@Rob, Maybe JJ but not Doughty. I think offensively JJ is crippling DD. He walks the blue line only to pass back to Kopi while DD is ready for the one-timer. When DD does get the puck, its after JJ is pressured off it and DD gets sent a bouncing unsettled puck that he usually fans on or has to holster and look for the next pass. I’m not a fan of DD and JJ as a defensive pair especially on the PP. They need to each get their games back to the elite level before they can be matched up.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@TheRussianKing,

I’ve noticed this as well. We need to be quicker and more decisive at the blueline on the PP. Let DD quarterback it instead of JJ, would be my suggestion. DD’s reads are usually way better and he is less likely to make a big mistake. That being said, Jack Johnson is a terrific young D-man who will be a great player in this league, and is nearly there.

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
@Rob,

Are you aware that Jack Johnson is matched up against our opponents’ best lines? That he plays a ton of minutes per game? That he’s 23 years old? That +/- is a team stat? That when our team is struggling to score any goals at all, it’s most likely going to leave even very good players with “minuses” as long as they’ve seen enough ice time?

[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:43 pm
@Rob, throw kopitar in with those two being benched, i think its time he gave back around 3.5 mill a year.

[Reply]
Rob says:

December 2, 2010 at 3:08 pm

@ Lanny

DON’T TRY TO JUSTIFY HIS HORRIBLE PLAY! His defensive errors that have cost Games! He’s an NHL defensman and was supposed to be some hot shot physical Defenseman. But this season its been sad. He plays with NO heart. I don’t want a guy who leads the D in points but still has the WORST plus/minus with -8 to play those ton of minutes if he’s not gonna step up to the plate.

[Reply]
Zeley Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
@Rob, I take exception to the “NO heart” comment. I remember a pre-season game when he scored while the rest of his linemates were heading to the bench for a line change. That goal – while unofficial because it was preseason – showed that he does not give up. That showed me he plays with plenty of heart. The only difference today is a total team mental slide, which cannot be attributed to one player.

[Reply]
Pavel_Rosa Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
@Zeley, Jack Johnson has heart. He might be one of very few Kings with grit. Scuderi lacks grit, Doughty is a little less gritty -despite his hip checking, Greene is personally gritty, but does not make opponents suffer (Nordstrom), and Harrold, Martinez, etc. have no grit. We need to keep JJ to maintain that irritant with skill to get under opponents’ skin.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:33 pm
@Rob,
They’re not trying to justify anything. They’re trying to educate you. If the only things you see are -8 and all the things you hear is Jim Fox harping on every tiny thing the guy does, then you aren’t watching for the right things.

There’s no doubt he has a problem making questionable decisions, right now and in the past. I could name a few other key guys who are all doing the same.

It’s all mental. It’s all growing pains. And that’s ALL it is.

[Reply]
Pavel_Rosa says:

December 2, 2010 at 4:32 pm

I agree with many above that this is either mediocre or bad for the Kings.

The good – he virtually cost us nothing.

The bad – his career might be over. He is not a top winger. He is unproven. His cap hit prevents us from doing much else down the line. This move was not proactive but reactive and worse yet he is still hurt. Shades of Cloutier.

Another rehab patient in Los Angeles courtesy of Deano Enterprises LLC.

Williams was not a good trade until last year, when he finally was ready and then an injury really hurt us -why? Because we were relying on a top line RW for the playoffs and we did not have one.

Sturm will never score more than 25 goals again. His 29 goal year is well in the past and he is not going to significantly improve this team anytime soon.

At least this trade did not cause us to lose a player -because some of our deals cost a guy -then we rehabed- and finally the guy is still not great. Handzus, for example, is slow, never checks, and rarely seems emotional.

Trade gets a C- in my book.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:43 pm
@Pavel_Rosa,
Unfortunately, you’re highly speculative post is all wrong. As others have pointed out above, many, many times he’s MORE than proven. 41 game winners in the NHL. As was pointed out also, his Cap hit and the demotion of Schenn cancel eachother.

Your breakdown of Handzus’ game is also a huge indication that you have no idea what kind of a player he is.

How do players with a less than average speed make it to the NHL? They do OTHER things well. Watch him take angles. Whatch him tie up a stick, whatch him screen the goaltender. Whatch the little things he does to keep a play alive or tie up a forwards stick.

He isn’t Brown or Clutterbuck so I don’t see your point about his checking. How many highlights of Nick Lidstrom do you see with him drilling people through the glass?

Rarely seems emotional? How many times do you see him out, late in the third, protecting a lead giving up his body to block a shot? Have you seen his face after scoring a big goal?

[Reply]

Trade report

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