A bit of update/clarification on Marco Sturm’s situation… He is on waivers but is expected to practice today and play tomorrow if he clears waivers in the morning. From the Kings’ perspective, putting Sturm on waivers gives them roster flexibility in advance of Monday’s trade deadline, since they currently are at the maximum of 23 players, with only Kyle Clifford and Alec Martinez exempt from waivers. Four other teams put players on waivers today, so it’s far from assured that a trade is coming, but a move such as this gives roster flexibility to teams. More from practice to come shortly…
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Thank you Rich!
[Reply]
So, is it one wink or two of the deals confirmed? I always forget.
Maybe someone will pick him up and the gives DL wiggle room to get creative.
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honestly, they could put Harrold on waivers too, and who the hell would miss him if claimed? MORE flexibility
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@Marc Nathan, Terry Murray would miss him, because if a defenseman or forward goes down, he’s got someone to plug in on either end. He’s like two bench-riders in one, and that’s why people who don’t understand continue to see him ride the bench and call for him to be waived.
[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@Marc Nathan, if a Dman goes down and Harry’s gone, there is nobody in MAN they feel comfortable enough with to call up. alot of “if’s”, but this is why i believe he’s still our guy.
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LAkngfan Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@jayhay, you forgot Muzzin! He’s ready and a beast!
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jayhay Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@LAkngfan, i remember, i dont think they would call him up at this point. i think there is too much of a fall off from what is down in MAN right now to what is up here, including having Harrold as our utility man/8th dman.
jayhay Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@LAkngfan, like you’ve heard Fox, Nickson/Evans, coaches say, there is just too much “battle” for every puck right now. so much so that its landed AM in the press box and Lokti in MAN. any dman, including Muzzin, wouldn’t be “strong” enough on the puck, on the boards, etc. to warrant a call up if there is an injury and Harry was gone.
David Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 8:22 am
Good point i like what i saw early this season
Reborr Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:53 am
@Marc Nathan,
We would miss him a lot.When he gets to play he is consistent and can play forward or defence
[Reply]
Jamer Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@Marc Nathan, AMEN AND AMEN Who would miss him!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@Marc Nathan, This move does surprise. If anyone asked me what position the Kings could least afford an injury or need to strengthen, it would be LW. Harold is a capable backup that can play both D and all 3 forward positions adaquately. But Sturm has been productive when health and has given a weak O a shot in the arm. As for Harold’s need its really hard to say, we have depth at D right now, and he isn’t better then Loki, or the other top 6 forwards at Manchester up front. Remember either Dreiskie or Martinez is already a health scratch in LA with Hickey, Muzzin, and others chopping at the bit down in Manchester. I just think it a numbers game with what Sturm is making DL feels he won’t be claimed, but for sure its a gamble. Harold at his salary would definetly be claimed and maybe by a team out of the playoff race as a cost saver with versatility.
[Reply]
thanks for the clarification RICH.
go kings go
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If Sturm’s practicing, look for that trick knee to flare up. I’m just sayin’….
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kb Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@Capt Jam, yes.
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Back to Sturm in a minute….
Side Note (because it simply ****** me off) on NHL.com “Trophy Tracker / Vezina”. Quicker gets NO love from the NHL and isn’t even mentioned as a top 3 choice. I see this as ridiculous (and consistent with the disregard of the West in the NHL). Show Quicker OUR love and post comments and let the NHL know what kind of fans Quicker and the Kings have.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=553910&navid=DL|NHL|home
Okay, now back to our regularly schedule program…….
Still would love to see the Sturminator in a Kings uniform. I really think he will add a lot to the team, albeit more next year than this.
[Reply]
SplattDaddy Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@SplattDaddy,
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@SplattDaddy, I’m good with Quicker being underestimated. He probably is too. He’s a down-to-business kinda guy and it would be just fine if no one notices him until he steals a playoff game or three.
[Reply]
SplattDaddy Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Agreed…Side note pt.2: I did a respectful ranting comment on that story on NHL.com and the NHL.com crew removed it…..LMAO….so much for freedom of speech….Oh My !!
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@SplattDaddy, They don’t have to allow you to post something they don’t like, but it’s probably indicative of their fragility. I got banned from The Sporting News under similar circumstances, IIRC.
tornado12 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@SplattDaddy, NHL.com sux anyways.
Stuart Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, maybe he needs to sleep with his wife’s sister to get some respect from the league brass…
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jess Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Spoken like a true chess player
[Reply]
Kenny Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@SplattDaddy, The fact that Rogie Vachon has not taken his rightful place in the Hall of Fame speaks volumes about the way the NHL feels about the Kings. Even if Quick shut out every team for the rest of the year and helps bring a cup to Los Angeles, he’ll probably never make it into the Hall either.
[Reply]
Ryan Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Kenny, Hence forth, the type of officiating we get, on the exception of Bill McCreary.
[Reply]
DaveinSD Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@SplattDaddy, Yea I don’t understand it either with Quick not getting a mention for possible Vezina trophy or even an All-Star Nod…WTH?? He is clearly one of the top 5 goalies in the league period! If Quick would have played last night we would of had a shutout. Quick would of poke checked Nystrom’s bid on his goal and Quick plays is angles much better than Bernier and Burns goal would have been blocked. Quick is the man and he is one BIG reason why we are in 5th of West Conf!
[Reply]
the_guv Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@SplattDaddy, It is off topic, but I agree completely, and not just because I’m a giant Kings fanboy either. Look at the stats; GAA-tied for 2nd, SO-tied for 3rd, WIN-tied for 4th, SV%-8th. He ranks top-5 in 3 out of 4 categories, top-10 in all 4, and not even a mention?
[Reply]
Interesting. The Kings have 4.3 under the cap right now, take add Sturm’s 3.5 and the Kings can fit Brad Richards’ 7.8 under the cap. ha ha Not counting whom the Kings lose in the trade. I just thought it was funny how the numbers added up or wishful thinking. Give it a name.
[Reply]
Micheal Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@LicoriceBiscuit, Ya but do we really want a player who has had issues with injuries? I dont. No matter who it is.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@LicoriceBiscuit,
Isn’t Iginla in that 7-8 mil area?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@DesertKing, Iginla would do for us on the powerplay what Selanne does for Anaheim…the one timer=finisher !
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I don’t really understand? He is on waivers to create roster space… but he can still practice and play in games? If he plays in a game wouldn’t that mean he is taking up a roster spot therefore eliminating flexibility for the deadline? So unless a trade happens today …
[Reply]
TheRussianKing Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@VanKingsFan, If he clears waivers, he stays. It’s the system. I can’t find even a single peep of rumors involving DL today.
[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@TheRussianKing, Rumours mean nothing a lot of the time. Most of the trades so far this year were not specifically mentioned in rumours. Big trades are often not mentioned in any rumours.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@VanKingsFan, Yeah, that’s usually the way it works, is most of the stuff thrown out there doesn’t happen, then a bunch of stuff you never heard does happen–especially at deadline.
Kings Fan Vancouver, WA Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@VanKingsFan, Exactly.
[Reply]
KingsFaninsano Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Kings Fan Vancouver, WA, i read DL was dangling simmonds and Schenn in a package. I definitely hope he’s not.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@KingsFaninsano, That’s what they were asking for, plus a pick.
Kostamojen Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@KingsFaninsano, I’d do that deal for Rick Nash. It ain’t going to happen, I’m just saying you gotta look at what you’re buying. But, I generally agree I wouldn’t give up Simmonds or Schenn in most deals.
Simmonds hasn’t had the best scoring year, but he adds a lot of physicality to our team. While Schenn is still a prospect, he prospects to be great NHL center. I’m really excited to see how he matures over the next year or two.
Quisp Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@VanKingsFan,
you can’t trade a player during the waiver period. also, during the waiver period, he’s still on the active roster. thus the ability to practice and play. in order for him to be off the active roster, they have to loan him out.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@Quisp, But you can make a trade and then put a player on waivers, right?
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@wavesinair,
Yes and no. The “yes” part is that the CBA does allow you to put a player on waivers after a trade has been made, and then, 24 hours later, to send the player to the minors. The “no” part is that both players’ cap hits count against the cap for that 24 hour period. Which means, in the case of Sturm, his cap hit would stay on the books and the cap hit of the in-coming player would now be on the books. And if the traded-for player’s cap hit plus Sturm’s cap hit puts the team over the ceiling for those 24 hours, the trade is a circumvention of the CBA and not allowed.
So, Sturm is put on waivers beforehand.
wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Well then, at the very least, if true, DL is certainly TRYING to make a move unlike other speculation that had him standing pat.
Also, wasn’t Chicago over the cap last year for like the last 2 months of the season? Or am I insane? (don’t answer that last one)
So why wouldn’t you send AM down to create that wiggle room? He’s sat the last two games anyway and you can call him back in a couple of days. Why expose Sturm to waivers. Still seems suspicious to me…
[Reply]
jammer06 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@sparky,
Going theory is that Sturm is going to clear. DL and TM want to have that defensive flexibility in case they need A-mart back (I know harrold’s there too). Basically look at is as Sturm would be the casualty if there is a trade, because it would not involve current roster players.
[Reply]
sparky Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@jammer06, That makes sense, it’s just that Rich is saying that this is just a move to give roster flexibility and create space if/when a trade happens (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). I would think ( and I am speaking our of ignorance, since I don’t understand all the intricacies of all this) you could do that by sending AM down for the next game or two and then bring him back after the deadline. I just think our friend Rich is playing his cards close to the vest;-)
[Reply]
JMFJ#3 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:53 am
@sparky, Cap Space…sturms contract is way more than harrold or Martinez
Quisp Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
@sparky,
the thing you’re missing is that Lombardi needs the flexibility to bring in more than one player. Martinez is the player who immediately gets sent down if Lombardi brings in two new bodies.
KingsFaninsano Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@jammer06, idk if he will clear. A lot of teams are looking for scoring. he is a plus 6 and has 4 g and 5 a in 17 gfames
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@sparky,
Because the Kings don’t care if somebody claims Sturm and they lose him for nothing. In fact, they are HOPING someone does. Why else would they do it?
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
@Scot,
so that Lombardi can bring in more than one player without giving up any.
[Reply]
threepwood Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@sparky,
Suspicious?
The entire NHL is suspect until Monday night!
[Reply]
CupRun2011 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@sparky, If AM’s cap his is only $875k, Sturm’s cap hit is $3.5M and Harrold’s cap hit is $583k; I’d take my chances on Sturm clearing waivers…
[Reply]
sparky Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:50 am
@CupRun2011, Now that is an answer that makes sense, thank you.
[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@CupRun2011,
No because they will only be clearing $875,000 in cap space by waiving Sturm. Contracts are prorated.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@tantrum4, if this is his bottom line in the teams wallet, then that makes things even more intruiging… (I know I hammered that spelling lol)
Quisp Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@tantrum4,
not exactly. contracts are prorated, but so is “payroll room” (i.e. cap space). For example, if a team has $4MM of payroll room, they can bring in a player with a $4MM cap hit. It doesn’t matter if you’re 3/4 through the season so there’s only $1MM in cap space and the player’s cap hit is only $1MM. Everything is prorated, so it’s all, so to speak, “to scale.”
Quisp Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@tantrum4,
I didn’t say what I meant to say. There are issues regarding the tagging rule that make this issue very confusing. But the bottom line is that if you’re acquiring a multi-year contract the rules are different than for an expiring contract. When it’s a pending UFA, you CAN (for example) bring in a $4MM cap hit if you only have $1MM cap room, if you are beyond the 3/4 point of the season. However, if the player’s contract continues after the current season, tagging rules kick in.
sturm : LW
[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@Yuri, Finally someone who speaks the truth!
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Rich, I think you know something we don’t (and I think you may have hinted at it last night w/ Heidi), but I wouldn’t want you to play this any other way. “If” something is in the advanced stages at this point, I would hate for it to go public and get ruined.
STAMKOS to the KINGS for Drewiskie, Westgarth and 2 1st rounders?! WHAT?!
[Reply]
LordStanley Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@Doughty99, I remember when I had my first beer
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@LordStanley, LOL!!! sounds like his first CASE
[Reply]
Irishlak Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@Stuart, im guesing its not beer, maby the green fairy ( absenth )
TheRussianKing Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Doughty99, I thought I was crazy, throw Dwight King in to sweeten the deal. Lol
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@TheRussianKing, hahah, you could not throw in the entire Manchester team into that deal to convince a contending team to give up their best player who is leading the league in goals.
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@Doughty99,
Shhh, now everybody knows!
[Reply]
Doughty99 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@Stagger,
Crap! my bad.
And yes… if parting with Dwight King will put Yzerman over the moon… sigh… we may just have to accept.
[Reply]
TheRussianKing Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@Doughty99, But he’s just sooo good, Remember all those plays he had on Kopi’s line? Me neither!
DesertKing Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@Doughty99,
Throw in the rights to Fukufuji and I bet we got a deal.
[Reply]
ok i feel sorry for Sturm i do i like him alot they should of put Westy in waviers
not Sturm he could be a healthy Scratch at least u got a player that can score then having a guy that supposed to fight that doesn’t fight at all or score pretty much do nothing…thats my opinion tho
but i do understand y they put him in Waviers hasnt bring anything for the kings at all just being injuryed
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@KingsFanFTW, He’s not necessarily going anywhere. It’s a dice roll that makes sense if DL is trying to make a big trade and wants options. I don’t think there are any snake eyes on this set of dice, and there are a lot of sevens.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, yea true
i hope there a trade but we never know
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@KingsFanFTW, If there’s any big drawback, it’s that Sturm turns out to stick around, plays great in the playoffs, then DL can’t resign him in the off season because he’s bent about the way he’s been treated. If he gets picked up on waivers, at least we’ll never know (unless he lights the lamp for someone else) but I don’t see that happening, anyway.
Westy should not have gone on waivers, he would have been claimed. Teams still like to have a “battleship” around and some teams don’t have one, or have an adequate one.
Bottom line is that Sturm is the roster player most likely to pass through waivers without being claimed given his recent injury history. Lombardi appears to want the roster space but at the same time, since Sturm is practicing today, also appears not to want to lose anybody. Just as I figured, this is basically a chess-move maneuver by Lombardi and I expect to see Sturm still wearing #10 and in the lineup after this.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@Pumpernicholl, yea true but still never know what happen but oh well hope we get a good trade that what matters the most
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@Pumpernicholl, That’s the way I see it–it’s not so much that the Kings want to dump him as they expect other teams to be afraid to snag him. Sucks to be Sturm in this position, but it’s not bad being in DL’s spot.
[Reply]
I’m a little muddy on this whole clarification thing…as someone else pointed out:
How does putting Sturm on waivers give the team flexibility, IN ADVANCE OF MONDAY, if he stays on the Kings and plays tomorrow?
Signed,
Confused
[Reply]
Kings Fan Vancouver, WA Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@wavesinair, Yeah “IN ADVANCE OF MONDAY” does this mean trade today or tomorrow????
[Reply]
kb Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@wavesinair, if someone pics him up we have more rosterroom and they inherit sturms contract
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@wavesinair, OT: Your nic reminds me of Thomas Dolby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP1RTAft_B8
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@wavesinair,
IF he is claimed, doubtful, it brings flexibility.
You’re right though, I don’t see how it brings flexibility if they keep him up here rather than sending him down.
[Reply]
Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@wavesinair, I’m thinking the issue is being able to make a deal right away, in which conceivably (although not necessarily) one option is the Kings bringing in one more player who is under contract than they trade out. This gives Lombardi more deal-making flexibility but in the immediate term only.
[Reply]
SLG1013 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:50 am
@wavesinair, I believe that once he clears waivers, he doesn’t have to clear them again. So, if he goes unclaimed today and plays tomorrow and then the Kings make a trade, they can send Sturm to the minors at that point (clearing a roster spot for the new player) without putting him on waivers again..
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@SLG1013,
Ahhh.. If you’re right, that does make sense.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:53 am
@SLG1013,
This is the only thing that makes sense to me. But it also begs the question, why take the chance if there is no deal pending? Just put him on waivers when a deal is ready, right?
In other words, there’s a deal in the works.
[Reply]
sparky Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@wavesinair, Right. Nice analysis!
SLG1013 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@wavesinair, I think the issue is that both the new player and Sturm would count against the salary cap (which the Kings could exceed depending on the player traded for, e.g., Brad Richards and his 7.8M cap hit) when the trade is made. If Sturm could be immediately moved to the minors, his salary comes off the books at that time; if the Kings have to wait 24 hours for him to clear waivers, they would be over the salary cap with both salaries until a move could be made. I do believe this is a violation of the salary cap rules (although I’m not positive, so please don’t ‘quote me’)
Quisp Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@SLG1013,
that’s right.
@waves
no. the reason to put him on waivers NOW is the cap space issue. it does not mean there is a deal pending.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@Quisp, so then it’s cap flexibility, not roster flexibility. and why hasn’t this particular, crucial aspect been reported? (other than this reply)
Quisp Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@waves
“roster flexibility” is a euphemism. and dean knows nobody understands waivers anyway. why say “cap” outloud? that just tips everyone off.
Bill M. Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@wavesinair, What this really means:
DL thinks he’s got his deal. So he puts sturm on waivers today, and DL has 24 hours to close the deal before he has to decide what to do (or not do) with sturm.
four possible options:
Sturm is claimed and we don’t make a deal: We make a call up or plug in Harrold.
Sturm is claimed and we make a deal: new player shows up for tomorrows game.
Sturm is not claimed and we don’t make a deal: Sturm shows up for tomorrows game.
Sturm is not claimed and we do make a deal: Sturm goes off the roster (AHL I guess?) and the new player shows up for tomorrows game.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@Bill M.,
On your last point, why not just wait for the deal rather than exposing him on a “possible” trade? That’s the part I don’t get. Everything else makes sense but without this part clear, it seems obvious there’s a trade about to go down. No?
[Reply]
MarkA Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@Bill M., Great reply, thanks for the info.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@Bill M., Doesn’t the roster limit go away Monday? Maybe Sturm doesn’t have to go anywhere if a deal (even bringing in multiple players) is made Monday?
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@wavesinair,
Technically, this move allows the Kings to add someone to the roster if a deal should come through. Considering it’s a left wing that’s been put on waivers, I can only presume that what Deano has cooking includes someone to take his spot.
If no one takes Sturm and Deano makes a deal anyway (which would put us over the roster limit, presumably), the Kinga will have the option of releasing Sturm since the waiver process will have already been completed.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@Capt Jam, Right, so again, why not just wait until a deal is ready to put him on waivers? Why now?
[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@wavesinair,
And how can he play tomorrow? What happened to re-entry waivers where teams can grab him at half price? That’s another 24 hour wait I’m pretty sure.
Capt Jam Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@wavesinair,
Because there’s a protocol that has to be followed under the CBA. Can’t just a kick a player to the curb. In other words, Deano is trying to stay ahead of the curve by getting the technical part out of the way if a deal happens. If it doesn’t and Sturm is still here, no harm no foul. If a deal doesn’t happen and someone decides to take Sturm off our hands, Loktionov could be on the next flight out of Manchester.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Capt Jam, Unless they make the deal Monday, right? Then anyone can stay.
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Yeah, but the deal could happen anytime between now and then. Based on how I’ve seen Deano operate, I don’t think he would take this measure unless he was fairly close to getting something done. Plus, it’s a conservative move on his part, which is in keeping with his M.O. He knows the likelihood that another team is going to claim Sturm is very low, but yet it gives him the flexibility to add another player.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
@Capt Jam, I’m thinking if they hold the deal off (and why can’t they?) then they work that angle where everyone stays on the roster. I’m sure Quisp knows what’s wrong with that, if anything.
BringBackKingston Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@wavesinair, if this is precursor to a deal that means the kings are most likely trading picks and prospects (ie no roster players) for someone in the $5-6M range (2.57 in cap space + 3.5 for sturm). Sturm then is assigned in Manchester, if he clears waivers.
Would DL do that to Sturm? Or would DL try to get him included in the deal so he doesn’t get sent down? Sturm would be a salary dump. The other team would get a player with a lower cap hit who is a FA and only have to pay about a fourth of his remaining salary plus the other team would get the picks and prospects.
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as per sportsnet:
Mark Spector Sports: L.A. waiving Sturm could free $3.5M in cap space, if he is claimed or demoted. Hemsky still best fit in LA. Kings have multiple prospects.
IMO:Not a big fan of this constant Hemsky rumor! Booth,McArthur and/or Richards would be great!
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FREE LOKTI
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@KingsFanFTW,
Westy has a minimum cap hit.. Sturm has a higher cap hit, 3.5 M? Like Rich said, a trade is NOT imminent, it just gives the Kings a little more “flexibility” in case there is a deal, or in case they want to send him down in order to negate his cap hit, and call up Loktionov. If they send Sturm down tomorrow, they can call him back up, and hope someone wants to take a desperate chance on him on re-entry Waivers, which would cut his salary and cap hit (I think) in half for the claiming team.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@Scot, yea dont know that much about Cap stuff LOL
But true gives some room on that
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Capt Jam Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@Scot,
If there’s one thing we should all know from reading this blog, it’s that if Rich knows a trade is brewing, he is not going to be the one to clue is in about it first. No offense intended, but Rich is usually not the one to break Kings news these days.
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Scot Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Capt Jam,
Yeah, I noticed too. He does provide more depth and analysis about what happens, but I don’t think he is as in touch with management as he is with the players and coaches. I love what he does. I don’t think it’s in his job description though to break the trades and all that. What he does is provide the color commentary on it, interview the new players, etc. Good point CJ.
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Capt Jam Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Scot,
Agreed. It was one of the things that intrigued me most about the Kings hiring Rich. At the time, Rich was, by far, the most invested “tradiional” print media writer on the Kings beat. I don’t think any other paper had an assigned writer covering them consistently as is the case now. On one hand, his hiring could be seen as the Kings striving to reach their fans and give them more “access” to the team, but the old music industry warhorse in me also saw it as the Kings gaining a manner of controlling the spin, not only in terms of content but in terms of timing as well. So, it’s ironic to me that the “LA Kings Insider” is usually not the first to break team news.
None of the preceding is meant to criticize Rich or the job he does. I mean, he does provide Kings fans with invaluable content that no other medium (that’s not fan-based) could do. That cannot be questioned. My comments are aimed more at the political aspect of the blog.
**NHL BREAKING NEWS**Source: Kings have a DEAL in principle with Oilers 4 Hemsky (That part is done) more work to be done on other players
http://twitter.com/#!/incarceratedbob
reliable source
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Scot Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@brandyn,
I heard that a deal has been in place for over a week, but until Lombardi “signs off” and actually commits to it, it won’t go through. I think DL wants Tambellini to bring that price down slightly, thus they are playing a game of chicken up until Monday.
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Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@brandyn, WOW
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Kings Fan Vancouver, WA Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@brandyn, I am seeing the same but until Dregger or McKenzie report it…I dont buy it.
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Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@brandyn, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t trade Schenn, is all I’d like to say
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Brian Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Pumpernicholl, Then there is NO deal. If they still haven’t agreed to who the Kings would send back, then that inherently means that no deal is in place. Overpaying for Hemsky is A LOT WORSE than doing nothing at the deadline.
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Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Brian, I don’t think it’s certain that that means there is no deal.
The Kings have numerous young players other teams wuold consider strong assets, not just Schenn.
But if it’s true that keeping Schenn does happen to mean no Hemsky — then no Hemsky it is and I’m fine with that.
kyle Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@brandyn, because every reliable source turns out right? And gotta tell you, a guy whose twittername starts with “incarcerated” isn’t sending out signs of trustworthiness…
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sparky Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@kyle, he he he, that’s funny & so true!
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@sparky, Lol that was good.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@brandyn, I think the situation was they wanted too much and DL is probably waiting them out. The way I see it, the deal happens right at deadline, and may involve more than Hemsky.
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Ari Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@brandyn, Hemsky = RW.
We don’t need a RW. If we get him, Williams or Brown will play off wing, which means their performance will drop.
Might as well do nothing and stick with Sturm, IMHO
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@Ari, Dustin Penner’s a left wing.
Just sayin’.
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Bill M. Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, So’s Booth. both reasonable options with pros and cons. But people keep floating these rumors about centers and right wings (richards, weiss, hemsky). These guys are just looking at buyer’s apparent needs, and matching up big names with names they’d like to see going the other way (simmonds, schenn, bernier).
Anybody who has followed the kings for more than five minutes knows that they are set at every other position except LEFT WING. This team is good and getting better at every other position. So WHY would a seasoned, veteran GM make any move that doesn’t fill that hole? If DL makes a move that doesn’t bring in a shoot-first left winger, it’s just point-less deck-chair shuffling.
I know the game of hockey on the ice, but little about some of the procedural rules of the NHL, so I apologize in advance if this is a dumb question…
I understand Rich’s point about giving us roster flexibility in case a trade is made, but if he’s claimed by another team, would the Kings be able to pull him back similar to baseball, or he’d become property of the team that claims him?
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jayhay Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@nykingfan, he’s exposed. no mulligans
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sparky Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@nykingfan, Not 100% sure, but I think if another team claims him he becomes their player. I believe that is the point. To negate the players contract the team has to make it available to other teams first and then if nobody wants it, you go from there… I think.
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what if we could look like this:
McArthur Kopi Simmonds
Smyth Richards Willy
Cliffy Lokti Brown
Poni lewis westy/harrold
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Capt Jam Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@dude,
Have conjured up much the same in my head for some time now. I am concerned about McArthur’s size at 5’9″ (which probably means 5’7″ or 5’8″). Must be a feisty bugger.
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With all the talk about possible trades, who would you be okay to part with provided that the Kings got someone to improve the team in return? Then, would that player really provide enough to the other team for them to want to do a deal?
It seems to me that any really impactful trade would require parting with too much, so any deal would most likely be minor and not really make a huge difference. If history is any indication, this is just the calm before the calm for the Kings. I’d be shocked if anything big or meaningful trade involves them.
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dude Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@vplaza, id be ok with shipping out Stoll,Zeus,Drewskie,Richie,Poni
Zeus will be a UFA at the end of season BUT he has a no trade clause so it would really be up to him. Brad Richards will be a UFA and if Dallas was up for it IMO i think a package of Stoll,Drewiskie & a pick is fair! if Richards were to re-sign with us then u give another pick.
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A brief point of clarification – Clifford IS waiver exempt, but he cannot be sent to Manchester. Only to his Junior team.
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jayhay Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@2hitnik, AND Schenn COULD come up, but when he hits that 9th GP, the contract kicks in.
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fsd1 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@jayhay, i might be wrong but i think brayden has to finish his season in juniors before he can come up again
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2hitnik Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@fsd1, I’m all confused. I was just told by twitter@helenenothelen that since he is now 20 Clifford does NOT have to go to Juniors. But as she stated “It’s all hypothetical, he’s not going anywhere”.
Anyone have an update on Schenn? How’s the shoulder? Will his team make playoffs or can we recall him early?
Bill M. Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
@fsd1, 2hitnik, Schenn CANNOT be recalled until his junior team’s season is done. At that point he could rejoin the kings bug if he played in a game his contract kicks in.
Add to that, he was traded to the front runner, his shoulder is healed and he is tearing it up (other night he had a 5 point night – 2G 3A), which means his has added serious firepower to a team that was already a favorite. they will make the playoffs, and are expected to go deep. Schenn will not be free any time soon. On the other hand, he is clearly progressed above juniors now, as he is dominating, and the experience of a playoff run will be good for him.
He’s gonna be a monster. We are SO loaded at center. Once Lokti and Schenn arrive we will be as strong down the middle as any team not named after a flightless snow bird.
jayhay Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@jayhay, i was mistaken
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this is where i’m confused. people are saying this is for cap space. dont we have unbelievable amounts of cap space? James Duthie, the host for every NHL thing TSN does, was on NHLive last week and was saying that the Kings, literally, have room to add “30M” in salary. as in taking in 5 guys with 6M per, right now (if i’m mistaken about these #’s, its very close to this. point is the Kings have huge salary room). pro-rated, adding them now, thats what we could take in. so the “making room salary-cap wise” arguement is not doing anything for me.
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Jason4Kings Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@jayhay,
I think the guy misspoke, or you misunderstood. I think the cap room is between 1 and 3 million, but i’m not sure. Maybe someone else can be more accurate.
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sparky Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@Jason4Kings,
Quisp! Where is Quisp in all this madness? He know the answer to this one…
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wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@sparky, Well, he’s where he always is…on his website…
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2011/2/25/2015338/you-might-well-ask-why-put-sturm-on-waivers
But I still don’t get it. There are some basic question still left unanswered.
sparky Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@sparky,
wavesinair, thanks for the link! See, in knew he’d have a breakdown, and one that makes sense to boot!
jayhay Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@Jason4Kings,
Kings have spent $55M
Cap Space $4.3M
Can take on $18M
http://capgeek.com/
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Quisp Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@jayhay,
no no no.
The Kings have x cap space, they can take on x cap hit. the cap space (known as payroll room in the CBA) is annualized. so is the cap-hit. when you take on a contract in the middle of the season, the salary is prorated, and, if you choose to look at it this way, the cap hit is prorated, but so is the cap SPACE. So it’s just much easier to keep everything annualized.
Quisp Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
@jayhay,
however, YES YES YES if the contract expires after the current season. If you’re only talking about players who are UFA on 7/1, then yeah, you could add approx $16-18MM in annualized cap hit. but if it’s a multiyear contract, e.g. kovalchuk, crosby, kopitar, you’re not allowed to exceed the cap room unless there are tagged contracts that balance out the overage.
Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@jayhay, I think it’s only for immediate-term roster space, not for cap space.
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cjms Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@jayhay, If it’s 30m, they’re referring to next year, when we have an incredible amount of money coming off the books.
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jayhay Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@cjms, what i gathered from what he was saying, by his intro saying “we were pounding on our calculators”, lead me to believe that if they brought in players A, B, C, D, E, and F. all players made 6M this year, the cap hit to the Kings, brought in today, would still fit under the cap. now, looking at capgeek, it appears that number is 18M, so i guess thats 3 guys at 6M per, 6 guys at 3M per, how ever you want to break it down.
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To anyone who thinks the Kings should have waived Harrold or Drewiske instead, you would stand an excellent chance of losing that player whom you probably would rather keep. Lombardi likes and wants depth at defense, for good reason, and to be honest, both Harrold and Drewiske could play regularly on some other team’s roster since there are many teams whose defense is not currently as strong as the Kings.
Again it should be stressed that recent injuries and salary level make Sturm the obvious waiver choice to get roster flexibility in advance of the trade deadline
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@Pumpernicholl, …and to boot, Harrold can fill a forward spot anywhere below the top six, if necessary…
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bbb7 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@Pumpernicholl, Agreed… and when you see how many teams are ravaged with injuries at the moment, it reminds you that having quality depth in your system is a blessing you shouldn’t take lightly nor fritter away lightly.
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There’s a lead story on espn nhl about the teams in the west, and the lead photo is of Anze. So…. if anyone out there is interested in knowing what Kopi looks like, you can see a photo of the teams No.1 center there
http://espn.go.com/nhl/
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@number 6, Turns out that story links to a two-day-old radio show, in which they seem to agree the Kings and Ducks will both make the playoffs, and San Jose might play better in the playoffs this time around, having faced adversity in the middle of the season. I’m not sure I buy into the San Jose part, and the Ducks look like they’re in a lot of trouble, to me. The surprise is Chicago, who will probably manage to squeak in, and I predicted before the season would miss the playoffs.
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cjms Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@number 6, Pretty sure we all know what Kopi looks like. Lol
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Via Twitter: @DennisTFP Dennis Bernstein
Sturm on waivers – ‘I’m disappointed but I understand. I expect to be in lineup tomorrow. Feeling better with every game’
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@wavesinair, Yeah, sucks for him. Wonder how he’ll feel if he clears and plays well in the playoffs–he’ll probably expect to get paid.
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Just posted by @Real_ESPNLeBrun on Twitter: http://es.pn/hjcyNH
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sparky Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@2hitnik,
Thanks for that! Kind of a “non-update” but at least it’s reliable.
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2hitnik Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@sparky, LOL, you’re welcome.
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Could all this be as simple as the Kings deciding that Sturm is not what they thought he was and are OK moving ahead without him? TM has been very critical of Sturm, so not totally surprising to me that this happened.
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TheRussianKing Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@rick, He’s offensively expendable on waivers, DL obviously made the roster space with the intention of filling it with a trade player. The question is, who’s he gonna push the hardest for? The balls in his court.
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sparky Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@rick,
I don’t think that’s it. Sturm is just the kind of player the Kings like, damaged with potential (ie. Zues & Williams). There is more to this whole story and we just have to wait in anticipation to see how it all plays out.
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fsd1 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@sparky, you named 2 players, does 2 players (both which have worked out fine) makes the Kings a team that “likes” damaged players?
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sparky Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@fsd1,
I get your point, a bit of an over-generalization on my part. The point being that DL isn’t afraid to take chances on players like Sturm ( history of injuries with potential) and that his production or lack there of isn’t the reason for waiving him.
tuan jim Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 1:06 am
@fsd1,
You can add Willie Mitchell to the list of injured players with potential. I think that was a star move, and to get him for two years when no one else had the kishkas to take that big a chance on him was a demonstration of DL’s willingness to deal and deal with guts. To my recollection even Ryan Smyth might qualify, since he’d been hurt befgore he came here. DL also picked up Modin, who’s had a history of injury and who played well enough for us — especially in the playoffs.
So I’d say, yes. The current Kings GM not only believes in building a solid infra-structure of draftees but also will raise the pot to get a recovering vet. I say, God bless his ass for that! That’s a guy who loves hockey.
I predict a trade in the next 24 hours, either Sturm is playing LW tomorrow night or what his name? you know that guy (?). Oh you’ll just wait and see, I can never remember his name.
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Sturm didn’t play much for the Kings. No Team is going to take risk with his injury. He will clear waivers. Dean is not going to sign him next year. It’s all about making a big move. Look for the Kings to make more than just one move. It could be two sinpers coming in the lineup. One could be a rental for the playoffs. The other is going to cost some talent and should be for long term.
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Capt Jam Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@Jesse,
I wouldn’t be so sure about that if Deano can work out a sweet (read: much cheaper) deal and next summer’s UFA fishing trip turns up nothing but guppies and newts. I mean, a lot of people were ready to throw Handzus overboard after his first season here when he was coming off major knee surgery, and look at how invaluable he is to us now.
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If we were to get Hemsky, I wounder how that first interaction between him and Zus would be. I know these guys are professionals, but if there is some lingering animosity there would it be a good thing to bring that into the locker room? Also wasn’t it Hemsky who hurt Simmer’s knee, when Hemsky grabed him from behind?
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driller1 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@AZ King,
No big deal. JMFJ almost decapitated Smyth in Col, but they seem OK now…
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they need to put that lazy ass handzus on waivers.besides faceoffs what has he done for us
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Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@john olive, Ridiculous
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AZ King Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@john olive,
He’s done more for us than you have. Can we put you on waivers instead?
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deaderhead28 Reply:
February 25th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
@john olive, wow… you may as well have posted… “Hi, I don’t understand this crazy game played on frozen water but would like to sound as if i do.”
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Not that it would ever happen, but …. Semin anyone?
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