As the Kings held their optional morning skate today, Dean Lombardi walked through one doorway and into another, pausing to take a brief look at the ice. Much like Punxsutawney Phil, Lombardi did not see his shadow. I’m not sure if that means “trade” or “no trade.” With less than an hour to go before the trade deadline, the much-discussed names — Brad Richards, Ales Hemsky, Dustin Penner, etc. — have not yet moved, so it should be interesting. Latest word, from reputable folks, is that Richards hasn’t even been asked to waive his no-trade clause. Anyway, after today’s skate, Terry Murray shared his thoughts about possible roster changes…
MURRAY: “With the group that’s in there, chemistry is so big on a hockey team. You’ve got to have the right mix, the right feel. You’ve got to play hard for your teammate every day, and that’s where we’re at. We’re just on page, and know what the job is in front of us. We have to play the right way. Every guy has to bring their best game every day. That’s a key ingredient, a key part of the makeup of your team, is that confidence and that belief in each other. I’m sure everybody is working hard to try to make their team better, and whenever you do make your team better, through a deal, then, as a player who has sat in there [the locker room] over the years myself, you welcome that player. You always want to get better as a team, and so we’ll just wait and see how the rest of the day plays out. But I really like our group of guys. They’ve been together for a couple of years now, and they are close. They battle hard for each other.”
I like the chemistry of the team. I’d like it more w/ a scoring left winger.
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cpmc29 Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@dabronx, kings trade for penner. Toubert 1st round, conditional draft next year
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408kingsfan Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@dabronx, I hope the team is focued on te task at hand tonight and not the trade deadline
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Sure, you can like the guys you play with. Chemistry is important. You know what is even more important? Winning the cup!! I could care less if the guys really like each other…this is about winning, not male bonding.
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fsd1 Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@Kris, it is about both, you can’t have one without the other
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Kris Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:17 am
I think you can….but like I said….it’s important, just not as important as getting a guy who’s on ice skillset could help the team win. He doesnt have to be invited to the post season BBQ at the beach.
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Player-X Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@Kris, wish I knew how to type the sound Burgess Meredith used to make when he played the Penguin on Batman, the TV show.
Aflac, aflac.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@Kris, I usually hate Matt Berry’s articles but one of his recent ones outlined each teams record after their trades this season (Nahsville for Fischer, etc.) Only the Flyers had a winning record, every other team that has “added” somebody had a losing record since the trade.
“Chemistry=HUGE”
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sounds like code for “nothing is gonna happen”
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Zorzi Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@jmsalsa, I read it as “I do not think the right fit is on the market”.
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dabronx Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@Zorzi,
The coach isnt going to say, “We need different players.” W/ the way the team is playing this is a canned response.
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Ari Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:26 am
@jmsalsa, 100% Agree!
With the Willie extension done today, sounds like we are being warmed with some kool aide that nothing is going to go down.
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The more I look at the possible trades available, the more I think we would be better off doing nothing. I love Richards, but why give up so much of our future when we can pursue him July 1st. and lose nothing.
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Need a forward as the thought of having to put in Harrold or Westagarth in every night isn’t too comforting.
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fsd1 Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@sstephen17, yea, westie sucks, it wasnt him standing in front of the goal when martinez scored, such a worthless piece of crap he is…..
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Kaiser Soze Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@fsd1,
Pretty harsh word from someone who isn’t in the NHL… Do we really need to resort to name calling on this blog?
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fsd1 Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@Kaiser Soze, dude, it was and still is dripping with the sarcasm font…..
Kaiser Soze Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@fsd1, my bad… my screen doesn’t correctly display the “sarcasm font” (I blame Bill Gates.)
Jose Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@fsd1, You need to tone it down, there is no need to come so hard on him. he has made it htis far he is still young and obviously he serves a purpose on this team. Teams have to think twice before they come after our best players. I don’t see the same cheap shots i have seen other teams take on our players as i the past.
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Blah, blah, blah……
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At least we’ve drafted well so we just hope that those young guys become stars before guys like Drew and Kopi retire…
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it could also read “no one wants to deal to the Kings without demanding we give up the farm”.
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HappyLappy Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@RedBear, yeah, if u look at the Kings past, we always watched our top prospects playing and staring for other teams. NO DEAL IS WORTH SCHENN!!
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408kingsfan Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@HappyLappy, What can Schenn do for us today. I might not be alive in 3 years when he is a good NHL player. We will probably be back in “rebuild” status by then.
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One decent LW to place on that first line with Kopi wont disrupt the chemistry thats for sure! if anything it will make it better! i dont think we need to crazy with trades BUT we do need that one player cause Richardson on that first line = ZERO!
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launch Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@dude, i thought Richie played great on Sat….great wheels and was all over the loose pucks
he may not be the “answer” but he and Simmer had a great game with Kopi…sure it was the Av’s but a great warm-up for tonight against the Wings.
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pucktime Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@dude, can’t agree with you there, I thought Richardson looked pretty good. I’m more surprised that Simmer is actually playing decent on a line withouth Zeus… I don’t want to trade away too much just to get a winger that may not fit.
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dude Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@pucktime, well we just picked up Penner and tsn says kings payed too much
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Quacks get winchester
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………45 minutes
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Could mean he doesn’t want penner
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New thread!
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feels like we aren’t going to do anything else today….Williams signing is probably the extent of it…
can’t say I’m upset….don’t want to give up the future for what is available in this market…
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man helene on NHL Live is going crazy about the Kings needing to make a move
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Shakes Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@TradedForAPick,
and she’d also be the first one to say that the price was too high if we did pull the trigger
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@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
it was a fake twitter account that broke it…
penner is still an oiler..
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lafan13 Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@lafan13,
Funny, someone breaks a false penner trade, and HFboards crash HAHAHAH
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@lafan13,
HMMM>>>
Yep.
Twitterverse just jobbed NHL Home Ice.
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Nice to know… Good post. Now are we getting a LW or what? HA
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Not expecting anything big, but I think Lombardi will get a 2nd tier player. My prediction: Hemsky stays put, Richards as well. Penner to someone other than us, we pick up Booth from Florida with our 2011 1st round pick and a d-man prospect. I don’t think Lombardi trades anyone off the NHL roster, with the exception of Drewiske.
Then, lines will be reshuffled eventually to:
Booth – Kopitar – Brown
Smyth – Stoll – Williams
Ponikarovsky – Handzus – Simmonds
Richardson – Lewis – Clifford/Westgarth
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TradedForAPick Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@Brian,
I like those lines. And the truth is the team has a hole in the forward ranks with Lotki and Sturm gone
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Paul G Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@Brian, Brown is on the 2nd line and Williams is on the 3rd and Simmonds on the 1st right now
and Clifford always plays…its Richardson and Westgarth who fight for a spot in the lineup
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AZ King Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:21 am
@Brian,
I could definitely live with that…
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outsider Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@Brian, Booth would be nice, but switch Brown and Williams on the 1st line…
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I do agree that chemistry is important, and this team appears to have it….But, they are still lacking a #1 LW/Power forward, hence the chase for that guy in NJ over the summer. That was a problem that needed to be addressed and unfortunately still does. I think this team is very strong, and I don’t think there is a clear top team in the West or East. With that said, a healthy Kings team right now is a legitimate threat to make some noise in the playoffs. The positives, solid D, PK, and great goaltending. The weaknesses, not enough scoring threats in top 6 forwards, weak PP. Those weaknesses are just enough to keep them from a long run in the playoffs. Finding a legit scorer, not even a star, at this deadline is crucial, and it will be very disappointing if it doesn’t happen. Yes, drafting well and nurturing prospects is very important to a teams success. But, identifying where your team has an excess of depth, and using that depth to improve your team during the season is also important and a big responsibility of the GM. If the need(s) are not addressed by DL at this deadline, then I will call this a very big disappointment.
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id rather have nothing happen then them force a stupid trade…
lets trade Drewiske and Harold for something or someone…we dont need him we have 6 D plus a ton of amazing D prospects
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Great first paragraph Rich. I am glad you clarified the groundhog angle because I was starting to think “vampire.” Besides DL not wanting to give away the store, has anyone yet mentioned the possible fact that no one wants to see us get any better, thus either the lack of offers or the offers that do come are ridiculously high (Schenn, your first born and that DD guy)? I’m not going to stress it and have already started looking forward to the puck drop at 7:30 tonight.
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with whats out there, DL current track history, and TM’s satements above i would be surprised if we did anything. I actually think we are OK as is the rest of the season and should look to bolster the roster in the off season.
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How bout we trade 1 of our 3 third lines for a descent 2nd line?
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honestly i think we need 2 forwards. 1 top 6, and one bottom 6. people are always saying that the kings are so full of prospects and players for the future. well, what happens in the future when you have a bunch that are ready to play and you don’t have room, and then you have to trade someone, and maybe not get much for them. i would be fine with DL pulling the trigger on just about anything if it means we get the team improved now that helps solidify a playoff spot this year, and something put together for the next few years. i don’t see the point in standing pat when there are needs obviously present. that doesn’t exactly scream dedication to winning to me.
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Last year was the year I thought things would get slower…
One year too soon, I guess.
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forget about Richards, how can Dallas trade one of their best player to the team that is on the same division and battling the playoff spot.
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LA HOCKEY Girl Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@zdfun, I think you hit it on the head. ALso why do we need another concussion victim? We saw how long it took for DD to shake off the cobwebs this season. DD didn’t start really playing at his usual level til about 15 games ago. I say we sit pat…..or add Booth for future 2nd round draft choices. We have enough talent in the farm system to keep us strong and deep for another season.
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dl CALL UP OSCAR MOLLER!!
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Capt Jam Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@Paul G,
I would be ok with a Moller for Penner deal.
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LA HOCKEY Girl Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@Paul G, he’s good “enough”. Maybe a little small…but fast. Might not give you what you need on the PP….but we should be ok if we don’t get another LW at deadline. Nothing like dragging it out. 29 minutes and counting
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Penner!!!
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Penner for Teubert and a 1st round pick ….. and another draft pick…. too much to give …. too much
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dailymehow Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@VanKingsFan,
Better than what was being floated around.
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Josh M Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@VanKingsFan, Not too much considering Teubert’s been hurt and hasn’t panned out yet and we don’t need no stinkin’ draft picks!
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Sebastian Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@VanKingsFan, i like Teubert, but Penner fits the role the team needs. good trade in my opinion
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Penner is a king!
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First round pick, teubert and second or third pick for Penner!!!
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Penner to kings for 1st, Teubert, and maybe a pick in 2012
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The Penner deal is done . . .
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Penner to Kings.
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Penner deal seems more legit, according to TSN.
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PENNER TO KINGS!!!
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Yes!!!!!
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Penner to the Kings, for Teubert and two picks including #1 pick this year
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pucktime Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@EASportsMgt, What a deal!! Way to go Deano!!
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MartinRW Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@EASportsMgt,
This seems like a good move. I wanted Penner. My only quesiton is did we overpay in light of some other transactions?
I.e. Kovalev for a 7th rounder.
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PENNER!!!
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Great Deal Dean!! WTG!!
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interesting re: penner…
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Dustin Penner is King
Bye Bye Teubert and two picks
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Great, Penner for a reasonable amount!!
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Penner for Teubert,1st rounder and another rounder…hummmmm ok Penner be good,Booth would of been better or worse?
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YES!!!
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kings made a trade…we got dustin penner…for 1st pick 2011, colten teubert, and 2nd or 3rd pick …great pick up ..good job dL
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PaulHB Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@ryanzlakings, DL WAY overpaid for Penner. Maybe I make that deal for Hemsky, not Penner.
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Penner TSN!
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Sounds like a little too much to me too.
Edmonton GM is playing it tough, the price for Hemsky was probably too high.
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Just announced – PENNER TO THE KINGS FOR TEUBERT, 1ST ROUND PICK 2011, POSSIBLE 1ST ROUND PICK 2012
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cjms Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@pucktime, I’m willing to give up Teubert.
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txkingsfan Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@pucktime, no way it will be a second 1st round pick in 2012 – not sure where you heard this but that is utterly false
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Too much for Penner, I think…
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PaulHB Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@markisonfire, Way too much.
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Dustin Penner is a LA kings now
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wow sturm gone lokti goes down and now a kings randsome for penner? yikes!!
Thoughts anyone?
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cjms Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@jess, Teubert’s never been a sure thing prospect. Our 1st this year is going to be probably in the late teens to early 20′s judging by standings now. I’m good with it.
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cjms Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@jess, + He’s a TM kind of player.
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jess Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@cjms,
Cool well hope kopi has a playmate that produces results up on the board!
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pucktime Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@jess, I will wait and see how he fits here, but not sure it was a horrible price – we are deep in good D prospects and have done well with our drafting the last few years.
It could have cost us Oscar, Voinov, Simmonds, or any number of others. I would rather it was Hickey instead of Teubert, but considering we are getting a confirmed goal scorer for a D man that hasn’t been tested in the NHL yet… I will wait and see how he turns out.
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COLTEN TEUBERT???????? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHAT A RIP OFF FOR LA
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Josh M Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@Paul G, Teubert= BUST. People said the same thing when we traded Sully for Willy.
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KingzzFan Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@Josh M,
We are deep on D prospects and Teubert was expendable. No real loss for us
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Paul G Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@Josh M, ill let it go bcuz we got Forbort, Voynov, Hickey and Deslauriers
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It must be true.. Wow. LOL Dean did okay.
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Couldn’t get Richsrds so actively went after Penner,
Now is this THE Move. Add one more.
Just saying
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Didn’t give up any roster players and filled a hole that needed to be filled. I think it was a good deal…
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Can we forgive him for being a Duck?
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Sebastian Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@Slim, we forgave OD didnt we.
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rcinsc Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@Sebastian, OD was a King long before he was a chicken. Of course he gets a pass. Have to withhold judgement on Penner til we see how this plays out. A deep run in the playoffs, all is forgiven.
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pucktime Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@Slim, considering he left there as soon as his contract opened up, yep ;o)
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Penner has won a cup, not going to be a speedster, but we needed to get a LW without losing anyone from our roster
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Now let the descusion begin about how we overpaid. Really you guys, we picked up a 30 goal LW and didn’t have to give up anyone on the current roster.
What did you think we were going to get him for? Get real, and be happy!!
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HappyLappy Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@AZ King, agree!
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Agame Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@AZ King, I agree, that’s the deal for a deadline trade! Good one!
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pucktime Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@AZ King, I am happy! I like Teubert, but he isn’t proven in the NHL yet, and we have good depth already in young D. As for giving up one or two picks, I think we came out well on this deal.
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Penner for Teubert and a pick, i think it’s done.
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PENNER!
That is a great move, boys and girls…
Teubert will disappoint in EDM, mark my words.
I like it!
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pucktime Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I don’t know that Teubert will disappoint, but not sure how just one big physical defenseman will change their team. Teubert is like Clifford but a little behind in development and self-discipline.
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i think this is a great move…immediate improvement without losing a roster player. now just one more forward…someone to improve the 3rd/4th line so we don’t have to have westgarth down the stretch. lol.
i’d be happy with Arnott, or someone similar.
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We’ll see how it shakes out, but Penner should fit very well on this team, stylistically and physically. Gives us another big body up front.
And it didn’t cost us anyone off the current squad or our very top prospects. Next round’s on me, Deano.
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Newf Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@Capt Jam, exactly. so a top line of Penner, Kopitar, Brown. i am pleased.
Penner/Kopi/Brown
Smyth/Stoll/Williams
Simmonds/Zeus/Poni
Clifford/Lewis/Richie/Westgarth*
* – bum
lol
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YEEEEEEESSSSS!! That’s what I’m talking about!!! With all the D propects that the Kings have accumulated this is a trade they could make. I’m not a huge Penner fan but, he is a big forward, versatile, can play the PP, has playoff and Cup experience, and they didn’t give up anything off of the roster. Sorry to those who hate this deal, but prospects are cultivated for htis reason sometimes. Let’s see what happens now. This team is now as legit as any others in this conference.
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Ahah> Penner married a Montreal actress in January, who now lives in LA.
The plot thickens.
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Get Penner on a plane!
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Penner is a proven performer in the play-offs, so I am not surprised, But I would have prefered Hemsky for his youth and skills… At least Schenn knows that he is still wanted in LA, good to see DL keeping that in perspective
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I think it’s a good trade, it doesn’t affect our existing players and we are getting a good LW.
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So Penner makes $4.25M for the rest of this year and next. big upgrade over Sturm but a little more expensive. i doubt he will play tonight, but i cant wait to see him on that top line for the kings.
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Newf Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Sebastian, still a small price to pay i think, since they only have to pay just over 1 million for this year, and then 4.25 for next. if he works out next year, then DL can resign him.
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A good deal. Getting a possible first line winger and not giving up anything from the roster. I don’t think that Teubert could’ve gotten into the lineup next season anyway. We already have both Hickey and Voynov along with Martinez and Muzzin for example (and possibly Forbort) next season. So there’s no worries for the Kings’ D-line.
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Sebastian Reply:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@McSorley, exactly…i really like Teubert’s size, but there are a lot of guys ahead of him, so hes a guy the Kings can afford to let go.
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