Marco Sturm is close to returning from injured reserve. That much is known. Exactly when Sturm will play, or whose spot he will take on the Kings’ roster, remains unknown. Sturm made it through a second consecutive day of full-team practice Tuesday, a day after he had the final treatment on his knee for the tendinitis that has sidelined him for the past seven games. Sturm will accompany the Kings to Pittsburgh for the start of their six-game road trip, but stopped short of pronouncing himself ready to play, and coach Terry Murray also declined to speculate on the likelihood of Sturm playing against the Penguins. When Sturm is activated from injured reserve, the Kings will have to make a corresponding roster move. Since everyone else seems to be healthy at the moment, an assignment to the AHL would seem to be in order. Andrei Loktionov and Alec Martinez are the only skaters who are not subject to waivers, and both have been lineup regulars of late. Here’s what Sturm said today about his recovery, followed by Murray’s thoughts on Sturm’s possible return.
STURM: “It’s not just the knee. I have to get my strength back a little bit. I’m just trying to catch up here a little bit. It’s been a good week, and hopefully I will be back this week. We’ll see. It will go day by day. … I will definitely go on the trip and I will, I think definitely, play on the trip too. It’s just a matter of time.”
Question: How frustrating has it been, to have to sit out and watch the team?
STURM: “When you come to a new team, you always want to do great and help the team win. I did it for a little bit, and now I’ve had a setback but there’s still a lot of time, a lot of games left, so hopefully I can show everyone what I’ve got and help the team win.”
And here are Murray’s thoughts, starting with when Sturm might be able to return to the lineup…
MURRAY: “The first thing I have to take in consideration is, how is he doing after the two days of getting worked pretty hard? That will be a conversation that I have to have with him and our medical staff, and start to sort it out from that point and see when we can get him in, and just decide.”
Question: You’ve been able to put some wins together. Is there any concern that changing the lineup might impact chemistry?
MURRAY: “No, I’m not worried about it. I think, when you add good players to your lineup, it’s a positive thing. It’s always hard, because everybody who is in the lineup is contributing and playing pretty well right now, but the bottom line is, we’re trying to get to our best lineup as quickly, as soon as we can, so that’s a decision that you have to make.”
Question: What is the decision going to be like on the other end? In terms of forwards, Loktionov is really the only guy who can go down without waivers…
MURRAY: “That’s where you have to make the right decision here. That’s certainly the consideration that you’re going to look at. There’s a player that comes off the IR, to begin with, so you have to have a roster spot for that to take place, and that includes two guys only. That would be Loktionov and Martinez. So that’s where the conversation with the medical staff has to be had. Then that needs to be carried upstairs to talk with management, and go from that point.”
Question: What have you been seeing from him (Sturm) on the ice?
MURRAY: “I came away, at the end of the day (yesterday), feeling like I needed to see a little bit more, a little more jump and pop in his game. It was better out there today. So, why is that? Again, that’s something I’ll talk to him about, and talk to our medical staff. When he’s on top of it, he’s got good jump, good hands, good vision. He’s a good player. That’s going to make us a better hockey club at the end of the day. So it does change your dynamic. It does give you the ability to have more of a threat, and more puck possession, probably, in the offensive zone. So he should make us a better hockey club.”
Sturm’s not a bad player at all, but he really hasnt showed us fans in LA what he’s got. Maybe LA just isnt the fit for him and if he recognizes that, he can hopefully wave his NTC again in the same season and go somewhere else for us to get a decent return. Possible?
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Dorian Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@TheRussianKing, wow…giving up on him already? The guy is hurt!
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Barry's Mullet Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@TheRussianKing, He’s coming off a pretty bad injury from last season and never really had a chance to fully recover and get his game back before he got injured again.
I’m hoping he can be in the lineup though rest of the regular season and about the time the playoffs start, he will be about as close to 100% as he is going to be for this season at least.
This guy is going to make us a much better team come playoffs.
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Cortex949 Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@TheRussianKing, Maybe we can trade him to Boston…
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Dominick Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@Cortex949, That made me laugh.
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@Cortex949, worth a giggle; well done.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@TheRussianKing, There hasn’t really been enough of a sample size to conclude he isn’t a “fit”. Even if some strange scenario played out with him being traded again, why would we get anything more than what we payed to get him? Is a conditional (most likely late round) pick a decent return? That would just be spinning our wheels.
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TheRussianKing Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@xeropoint, I’m not saying i dislike him at all. I was actually happy when he was brought in. But I think there’s been a whole lot of PR behind his story and maybe we dont know exactly whats going on with him. Maybe he’s been ready to come back, but TM or DL is slowing that process down because he might be a liability to the teams chemistry and success. I’m not saying Lotki is our answer either but as long as we’re putting up consecutive Wins i dont think management is rushing to get Sturm back into the lineup. The deal that landed him here was a no harm no foul kinda thing and thats exactly why they’re handling him like they are.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@TheRussianKing, I hope that’s the case. Murray put him in the doghouse early on, by calling him out. Could be something there.
As Murray stated above, he doesn’t seem worried about any chemistry issue, so take that as you will.
JayGoLAKings Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@TheRussianKing, When Sturm is physically ready to play he will produce. A winning streak would not keep me from sending Lotki down & Sturm in.
I liked him on the Stoll line, nice speed & they were putting up points & creating a lot of scoring chances.
KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@TheRussianKing, well for a injury guy he shown that he is still fast and he can score if he gets the right spots i think he a good player just no one giving him a chance
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KC23 Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@TheRussianKing, Reminds me of all the people that were ready to give up on Williams.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@KC23, And Zues, don’t forget about him!
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king lopez Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@KC23, yep and look at him now. Doing great!
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Harry Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@TheRussianKing, I doubt any one will take him now. He hasn’t shown that he is Worth it… even though he is a great player.
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Datacloud Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@TheRussianKing, There was talk going around that he rushed it back a little bit. I think he was excited to get a new start with a new team, and maybe came back a week too early, played hard, and aggravated his condition. He still put up a few points, but was noticeably timid in later games. I think when he does come back, his play will be improved. If not, then we can complain all we want.
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TheRussianKing Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@Datacloud, I think you see it from my perspective. lol you’re the only person who doesnt seem to want to kill me. I am friend to all, we all love the same team and want a cup. Thanks for the feedback.
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ronso Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
@TheRussianKing, Pack your bags Lokti. When Sturm is ready your heading to Manchester. 1+1 in 7 games is not enough.
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with Sturm we went on a losing streak…
with Loltionov we going on a winning streak…
y change anything?
Not a hatd decision at all…bring him back and drop Kevin Westgarth!
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Paul G Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@Paul G, *Loktionov
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I think Loktionov goes back to Manchester at this point. He’s a skilled, smart player with a great future, but he needs to be able to win at least some of the battles along the boards. He’ll benefit from another offseason or two of strength training.
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KC23 Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@GregDM, He also needs to be playing his natural position of center.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@KC23, Right on both counts.
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holy crap forsberg is coming back eh?
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king lopez Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@pr0cess, ya but i’ll bet he will get hert befor seasons end.
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SHUCHUK Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
@king lopez, I wish Forsberg the absolute best of luck. I’m a lifelong Kings fan, but I have the highest respect for him. I hope he can make it through the rest of the season and finish his career on his own terms. Hall of Famer for sure!
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Dominick Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@SHUCHUK, Hope he has a great run. Unless he plays the Kings. Then I hope someone hits him right in the ankle with a slapshot.
Still Kind of sore that Colorado gets a designated hitter right when everybody else is looking to make a playoff run.
klepto Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
@king lopez, he’s got a better chance of not hurting himself if he keeps the dives to a minimum…
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hrudey's headband Reply:
February 9th, 2011 at 10:49 am
@klepto, suppose Forsberg helps the Avs get the #8 seed…lookout Vancouver! meanwhile the kings ned to do what they can to secure a top 8 spot. hopefully #6? or #3 if dallas tanks.
Check this short clip about upcoming trade talk. http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=40&id=96670
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xeropoint Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@KC23, Thanks for the link. We’ll see, I guess.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@KC23, Oh and Garry Thorne and Bill Clement FTW! Miss those guys.
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Niko Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@KC23, I hope he’s right!!
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king lopez Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@KC23, ya but who?
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SHUCHUK Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@king lopez, OSCAR MOLLER!
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I think it’s safe to say Lokti gets sent down. Obviously the ideal situation would be that Sturm plays, contributes and now Lokti is that much more valuable as a possible trade asset. Not that I want to see Lokti go unless trading him gets us something good. And by good I don’t mean another Sturm like guy. I’ll take an RJ Umberger. Just saying
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My only issue is that Sturm hasnt panned out to being the answer we all expected and thats taken with a grain of salt. I’m not saying i dont like him or trying to burn him at the stake like people have done with JW and Zues in the past. It’s just that if we’re not grooming him to take over Zues’s role for next season because there’s a good chance he wont get resigned, then why do we need him if he could (I use could as a possibility because he has shown some offensive numbers in the few games he’s played) and whats the likelihood he gets offered a contract next season from us and actually accepts it? Lotki has more upside than Sturm and I advise against putting Sturm on waivers to AHL because he will get picked up, but i propose DL tries to shop him or throw him in a fat deal to bring us that (Penner, Nash, etc deal that we’lve all been waiting for). Dont cock back your pistols just yet at me, I didnt say he’s the deal maker that all teams want from us, but he is someone that we could use to sweeten a deal. I hope DL doesnt wait until the 28th to pull the trigger on a deal, i really hope he does one within this week because at least that way our boys will get more time to work out any kinks and chemistry issues and still have time to make a great run into the playoffs. We as fans all know that our boys right now can make the playoffs (no guarantee’s) but they are capable. The issue is that none of us expect them to make a deep run into the playoffs with the way things are going. This is not all to blame on the players (actually IMHO its hardly to blame on the players but our coaching staff is what it is and nothings going to change the system we have and DL isnt unloading any staff). I just want DL to trade for that wildcard player that really could elevate our team into that contender. Lets just say Penner shows up and him and Kopi go on a scoring tear, we’re back in the real race. I dont want DL to break the bank or the farm on this kind of a deal because then we’re back in the Dave Taylor days. But he really hasnt delivered the caliber player we’ve been waiting for since the last Trade Deadline (Poni, Sturm, Mitchell i love so i wont count that against him, but we haven’t found our answer). IMO when Brown is not playing a 1st line role and Kopi has two strong (scoring) wingers on each side of him I and assume the rest of you will be happy because we know the CUP WILL BE OURS.
Cheers boys- Dont hate me, i love this team as much and I wanna say more than all of you (But thats just not fair to say) Lets make a run at it. Go Kings Go.
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KC23 Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@TheRussianKing, Saying Strum hasn’t panned out is way way premature. Lots of season left and he has a proven track record including big playoff goals. And at this point in his career Loktionov doesn’t hold a candle to a player like Strum.
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TheRussianKing Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@KC23, I think you’re missing my point, by not panned out i mean he’s hardly gotten into games and those he has gotten into he’s put up some numbers. The issue is he’s not getting into that many games because he’s still rebounding from his injuries and when he was brought in there was a since that when he’d hit the ice we should expect results because DL was coming up empty handed to fill in the fat hole on the left side of Kopi. I’m not saying he sucks or can never be good again. But item #1. He’s not the answer right now 2. Why would he want to resign with a team where the coach has called him out a couple of time’s (While recovering) 3. I’m an optimist and I hope he can score some goals while he’s with us, but my argument is unless he’s replacing Zues next season why shouldn’t we want him to waive his NTC and help us get someone in a blockbuster trade? I just don’t see him having a long term future in LA and he’s realistically no good to us for the rest of this season unless TM see’s that “pop” in his game and he wakes up and likes life in LA.
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Player-X Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@TheRussianKing, Grooming Sturm to take Handzus’ role? How does a scoring left winger replace a checking third line center? Just cuz Zeus takes a few shifts on LW in a period of one game or two, that did not a winger make. Sorry, but after that, the whole part about Sturm being involved in a trade for Nash or Penner sounds opiate-based. As the late Gary Coleman used to say, “What you talkin’ about, Willis?”
TheRussianKing Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Player-X, I was just throwing the Zues part in their because KC23 mentioned it in the thread. I dont see that as being a real scenario. In terms of Nash or Penner, i was just throwing out names (Possibilities) I also want to get an idea from my fellow fans on who they would like DL to go after. I mention Nash and Penner because rumors both now and before have been floating around and thats not leaving out the possibility of Iginla. Penner being the most possible of the 3 mentioned but i’m also leaving out a long list of names that DL might be looking at. Who’s our target?
Token Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@TheRussianKing, Sometmes this blog makes me laugh so hard my wife looks at me kind of funny.
Priceless!
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TheRussianKing Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@Token, Not getting mad, just want to know what I said that was so entertaining. I’ve been posting on the forum since last season but I usually take a more quiet approach. I’ve kind of had it up to ^here with the streakiness this season and just want to voice my opinion. The whole point of Rich’s site is to serve as a medium for the fans to voice their opinions amongst themselves in hopes that management might read what we think and feel and do something about it. My 2 cents.
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ringo Reply:
February 9th, 2011 at 2:48 am
@TheRussianKing, look…we can rack our brains all we want the bottom line is, there will be a trade done before the dead line, weather its a blockbuster or not who knows…but nash…in your dreams it will never happen. pennar maybe.. i just hope we do get a scoring left wing, we have tons of talent for second and third lines. but to get a top sixish scoring left wing, be prepared it will cost us a bit…just sayin
tim chaney Reply:
February 9th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@TheRussianKing, man, if we could get rick nash…
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I would like to see Strum stay on IR for at least several more weeks & see where the team gets to in the standings. The last time he was supposed to be ready to play & they put him in we started our big losing streak. Then he goes out of the lineup & we start winning. Doesn’t make any sense to go that route again.
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TradedForAPick Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Kingman 369,
I think the big reason they are keeping him on IR is so he comes back 100% and not prematurely like when he first started when he got traded. Lotki is damn good but he is just the odd man out but he has until Sturm is completely healthy and back up to par. And Lotki will be back on the pro roster soon enough anyways if any injury crops up.
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There should be no rush to bring Sturm back now…because the Kings will need him healthy for the playoffs. I would keep Lokti on the roster and send Westgarth down (even if it means passing waivers) and alternate Sturm and Lokti as needed to keep Sturm on the repair and getting stronger with an eye to the post-season.
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TheRussianKing Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@rontheking, Thats a great idea as well, I’m between keeping Sturm and Lotki because frankly no one wants Westy. But back to my argument, if Sturm doesnt get to where we need him in the next month then we should keep our options open because although he isn’t producing (I speak for myself) in the way I expected him to. He can be used to sweeten a trade. My bullet point is there’s no guarantee he’ll be a king next season for two reasons 1. He might not want to be a King 2. The Kings organization might not want to sign him
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ringo Reply:
February 9th, 2011 at 2:53 am
@TheRussianKing, i was excited at the stat of season about westy, especially his track record in the minors, but have to admit, time to go…my question is, do we have another tough guy in the minors? i know cliffy and night train will drop the gloves with anybody, but i mean a true heavy weight?
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JB Reply:
February 9th, 2011 at 9:10 am
@rontheking, Agree you don’t want to rush him but Kings can’t be that patient either. It’s no guarantee they make playoffs. The West is super tight more so than last year and there is a good chance LA misses them if they have another slump, even a small one. They need Sturm healthy and playing so they know what they got or what they need to get before the trade deadline.
This current lineup is not going to make it far in the playoffs. Sorry to say. I sense they are missing one piece and that doesn’t mean just trying to find that 1st line winger. If LA got another solid 2/3rd line guy that could allow Murray to move Handzus or Smyth up to 1st line duty.
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When Sturm came in I was worried about wether he was really healed. He had 8 points in 15 games and was a +5. All while trying to figure out the Kings system, develope chemistry, and get his feet under him all at the same time (really only 12 games because he had to move up from the 4rth line). With some more rest, and a chance to heal a little better, I’d say he may be even more effective since he’s had a chance to really learn the Kings system, and watch the players tendancies. The only issue I’m expecting is how long it will take to get into game shape (taking into account that he has healed properly this time around).
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Wow… this thread gave me a headache.
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I like Sturm and he has some excellent experience and skill.
I also like LOKTI. And we do have to compare these two as if Sturm comes back Lokti is only logical choice to be sent down
To me I want the best and hottest player on the ice. I sense Sturm has more potential right now to be that player. I want the player that makes goals happen period. Lokti as promising as he is needs more strength.
Meanwhile ill be watching closely to see if we can make the trade we need . I want someone so good he will complement Kopi finally, but no I dotn want to mess the current key roster. Key word is KEY.
For the right move there are a few expendables on our team. I would seriously look at anyone who has underperformed all year ( EXCEPT DD ) Simmonds comes to mind as does Lewis as does Drewiski. Its like if we could get a NASH of course I could live with Simmonds no longer being a king. It is all relative
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TheRussianKing Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
@Hip-Check, I really dont think Simmonds is going anywhere, he’s loved by the fans and most importantly DD. The organization wants to keep DD happy because he plays better when he’s happy and he’ll be more inclined to resign if his best buddy and roommate (Simmer) is around with him. Yeah my approach sounds a little fairy tale like, but between the fan’s loving him and ties within the organization he’s really not that expendable unless the deal is that monstrous that we cant say no.
Other than that I think you’re completely right, DL needs to put someone as good if not better than Kopi on his wing to spark both players and generate goals for this team.
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Badger57 Reply:
February 9th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Hip-Check,
Whiskey has played fine while he has been in there. I guess you want him to have some bigger hits, fights or what?? That isn’t his style. He plays hard, smart, good positioning, he goes down to block shots. What else should he do? If you want flashy play instead of a good lock down Dman, then yes you need to get somebody else. If Whiskey, Lewis , Harry, and Westie had some playing time, they’d have better pioints too.
He won’t leave the team hanging by going Offensive like JJ, and Jones did last year. Man, I can just imagine how much crap he’d take if if did that, no I guess Jones got it last year.
LETS GO KINGS!
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