No doubt, many Kings fans have a close eye on the Western Hockey League playoff series between Saskatoon and Kootenay. Why? Because Kings top prospect Brayden Schenn plays for Saskatoon, and when the Blades’ season ends, Schenn would be eligible to join the Kings. With its loss to Kootenay tonight, Saskatoon is trailing 3-0 in the best-of-seven series, with Game 4 to be played tomorrow. Now, here’s the rub. From what I understand, if Schenn joins the Kings for the playoffs, he would still burn a year off his entry-level contract if he surpasses the nine-game mark. Schenn appeared in eight games with the Kings at the start of this season. If Schenn should become available in the next few days, the Kings would face a question: is it worth burning a year of Schenn’s contract, with no assurance that the Kings will go beyond the first round? It’s certainly an interesting question.
In other playoff news involving prospects, the Manchester Monarchs will open the AHL Calder Cup playoffs on Thursday with a first-round series against the Binghamton Senators. Manchester finished with the fourth-most points in the Eastern Conference. Kings prospect Tyler Toffoli has joined the Monarchs.
Also in the WHL, Kings prospect Linden Vey and the Medicine Hat Tigers — which would be a great band name, by the way — hold a 3-0 series lead in the best-of-seven conference semifinals against Red Deer. In the Ontario Hockey League, Maxim Kitsyn and the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors lead 3-0 in a conference-semifinal series against Sudbury, while Robbie Czarnik and the Plymouth Whalers trail 3-0 in a conference-semifinal series against Owen Sound. In the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Nicolas Deslauriers and the Gatineau Olympiques trail 2-1 in a quarterfinal series against Drummondville, while Jean-Francois Berube and the Montreal Juniors trail 2-1 in a quarterfinal series against Lewiston.
I don’t think it’s worth bringing Schenn up at all
But it would have been interesting to see Toffoli get brought up to the NHL
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
@Paul G, Agreed, on both accounts. I hope Toffoli gets a real hard look during training camp.
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Chris P. Bacon Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
@Paul G,
I think it’s worth it. Why not? The PP stinks, team lacks depth down the middle, shortage of skill. At the very least Schenn can help out special teams.
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DBking Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 1:09 am
@Chris P. Bacon, You burn a year off his contract.. can’t do it. If we were in the Western Conference Finals and Kopi went down then I would say do it… but it’s not worth it this year.
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roadtripper Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@Paul G, If we had a fully healthy team that I felt had a real shot to go deep (like most of us felt to start the year), then I’d say yes to Schenn and anyone else that could infuse some intensity and scoring touch/depth. BUT, and I love my Kings, we’re not going anywhere this year. (More than anyone, I hope to god I have to eat crow in a month or so!!!)
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kingCow Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 2:13 am
@roadtripper,
I’m with you dude. I totally hope you eat crow.
GO!KINGS!GO!
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KING LOPEZ Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@Paul G, I agree it is worth it. As much as everyone( including alot of us Kings fans) have us getting dumped in round one, I think we have a chance. With Willy coming back and if Schenn we will be under the raydar. That, IMO, should push just enough scoreing, and are D should do the rest. We are just goals away from being Great. Thats it a few goals. Lets take a chance< and he would get playoff game time for the next year already under his belt.
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IceGuy Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:06 am
@Paul G,
When Kopi got hurt, the Kings did nothing to shore up the team. No one was called up.
I believe Murray stated something like, “We’re going with what we have.”
Murray has essentially refused to acknowledge the existence of Drewiski and Harrold and yet both continue to be “healthy scratches”. Murray must be crappin’ cupcakes in light of Williams possibly walking into his office and saying, “I’m good to go, Coach.” Why? Because now Murray has to find some other reason to support his continued use of Westgarth and his 5 minutes or less of valuable ice time on the 4th line.
Coach Murray had some nice things to say about Westy recently, but in reviewing his comments – he never said what Westgarth brings to actually improve the Kings play. He has a good attitude. He’s skating a little better. I remember him from the Flyers camp. What?
I have specifically asked here three times this season for Rich to ask Terry Murray straight up why Westy plays. What does he bring that improves the chances of the Kings team winning a game. I haven’t seen an answer here, and I think the comments made yesterday are about as close as we can expect.
The Kings are wounded, and are probably setting a new level for the use of the term “underdog” in playoff hockey. Lombardi knows it. Murray knows it. The players know it. We know it. And for sure San Jose knows it.
If we have any chance at all against the Sharks, we need to roll 4 Lines for the whole game. Make THEM skate hard against US for 60 minutes. An exhausting war of attrition, good goaltending and excellent team defense is our only hope. But we are faced with the reality of the personalities in King management.
Lombardi is always looking to the future and the budget.
Murray gets stuck in some kind of mental rut with regards to some players (riding Quick too hard last year without a break. Ignoring DD and PH for half this season. Not using Lewis with speedy wings. Using Westy, etc).
Apologies for the long windedness here, but to answer the question about Schenn, the is no scenario wherein he comes to play with the Kings this season.
We’re going with what we have, for better or worse.
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Paul G Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@IceGuy, i dont understand why they dont just replace Westgarth with Harold if they dont want to call anyone up
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royalmonarch Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
@Paul G, i agree its not worth burning a year of Schenn’s contract, but if im not mistaken he could join the Monarchs for the playoffs. we sure could use him here in Manchester , with him, Weal and Toffoli, along with Kozun, Holloway ( who continues to show that he will be knocking on the Kings door soon ) and the rest of the boys , its great to see all this talent developing .
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Vey also names CHL player of the week. Kitsyn lead the team with 5 goals and 3 assists in 7 games
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I think schenn should join Manchester if they get eliminated
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KH Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
@KH, Or is he not allowed because he is too young?
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Rich Hammond Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Schenn could go straight to Manchester if/when Saskatoon got eliminated.
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KH Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
@Rich Hammond, Thanks for the clarification
Paul G Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
@Rich Hammond, What about Czarnik?
I say YES!!! So he’s one more year closer to restricted free agency. I say let’s do it, we get eliminated then send him down to Manchester. We need skill like now. Also Game 4 is in Kootenay so he theoretically could be ready for Wednesday or even Saturday.
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LA Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
@Hesperia STH, dido hes restricted anyways
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Ravens Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
@LA, He’s especially good on the PP…for that reason I might consider it
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CB14 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
@Hesperia STH, FYI, we play on Thursday, not Wednesday.
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Hesperia STH Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
@CB14, I meant that Kootenay could be eliminated tomorrow thus Schenn could be available on Thursday or by game 2 on Saturday. Sorry, my bad.
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54FIGHTING Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:03 am
@Hesperia STH,
I say bring him up and let him pull a Chris Kontos.
Of course all of this won’t happen since Saskatoon will win the next 2 games.
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LOL at the band name Rich! What kind of genre would they be? Jazz, Folk, Rock and Roll, R & B. What do you guys think?
Regarding Schenn : I say bring him to LA when/if his team is eliminated, don’t call him up, just bring him here so that the coaches can evaluate him in practice and see if he’s capable of playing a top 6 roll on this team right now. If you’re not going to play him top 6 minutes, then send him to play for the Monarchs. Also depending on the timing, only call him up if the series is close, like 1-1 2-1 2-2 1-2 ect. If we’re down 2-0 then send him to Manchester.
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Dilapidus Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
@CB14,
I’m a half inch from taking that band name right now.
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number 6 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
@CB14,
Acid folk I think
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Ravens Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
@number 6, I’m thinking it would be a band like the Cult
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Capt Jam Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:40 pm
@Ravens,
Here’s hoping that no band ever sounds like the Cult again. Ugh.
Yes…that is quite a pickle.
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just put Schenn to the minors
We most likely be out game 5 or 6 even if we had Scheen in the line up
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Guss Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
@KingsFanFTW, don’t give up!! Your still going to watch the games right?? Then that means you believe somewhere inside there! gooo kings Goo!!!!!
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
@Guss, yea of course i watch my team all the way even if we lose 6-3 but not in reg season i just turn my tv off cause they will be next games but this is the playoffs
So i watch them into whatever happens
GO Kings GO!!
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Guss Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
O@KingsFanFTW, yea lol I feel u on the turn ur tv off during regular season, were kings fans we’ve definitely done that lol
and spokane leads tri city 3-1 in the 3rd period
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CheezyPoofs Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:40 am
@jayrew, Hey! I’f from Yakima! Nice to see other Kings fans from Washington State.
Go Kings!!
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Burn, baby burn!
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Ravens Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
@Munchrat, you bring the matches, I’ll bring the gas
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Rich, does the CBA prevent him from immediately signing a one year extension for the same amount? Sounds like a potential win-win. Call him up and get him the experience, plus not really lose a year. Not sure what the actual dollar cost of the move would be.
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number 6 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
@Viperhockey,
I think everyone including Rich has said it. He burns a year off his entry level contract. Not sure what you’re referring to about a one year extension. Don’t even suppose that they can do that. Once his entry level contract is up (at bargain rates) then he’s eligible for a big contract, so it’s not so simple as what you’re thinking.
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Viperhockey Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:12 pm
@number 6, Let’s assume that the kings have to choose between starting his contract this year or next. They might just choose next. He would then have three years left on his contract at the entry level amount. If however, they called him up for the playoffs, he would only have two years left. A compromise would be to call him up this year with him agreeing to a one year extension at the same price. Kings are on the hook for some amount this year and they still get him for three more years at the entry-level price. If this is allowed, and the kings would otherwise sit him, why wouldn’t he agree to it?
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jonsey Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
@Viperhockey, Just use him on the 4th line for 2 years and let the arbitrator try to give him a huge raise. He’ll get a small contract and we’ll sign him for like 1.97 mil and then it’ll not even matter. If he plays well in those 2 years then he deserves the extra money quicker. He’s not going to ever be a number 1 center. Just use him. Nothing to lose.
sd Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
@Viperhockey, First of all, you can’t begin negotiating any new contract with a player in his entry level deal until July 1 after his 2nd season (like Doughty this past summer). If we brought Schenn up and burned a season, that would be next July 1st. If not, we get an entire season more to evaluate before paying him the big bucks.
Secondly, it’s also about the age at which he becomes a UFA. If we burn a year now, he’ll be a UFA one year sooner, I believe. Could be wrong on this, though. I haven’t looked it up.
ViperHockey Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@sd, the UFA timing is all about how long the second contract is. It can be a couple of years or a long one like Johnson got.
I figured there must be some part of the CBA that addresses the scenario that I described. Perhaps Lombardi, could get a handshake deal on some reduced amount in the first year of his extension?
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
@Viperhockey, Simply put, no, they cannot. Every player must sign a 3 year entry level contract. Once that contract is up, they are still a RFA, but that is when they get their BIG raise, assuming they play well. I.E. Doughty this summer.
So, by burning the first year of his ELC for the playoffs, you must resign him with only 2 years of evaluation. A GIANT gamble.
It would be nice if there were an easy way to bring him up just for the playoff experience. However, he’s been in the big show before and he wasn’t ready to full time it. Coming up for the playoffs is one helluva re-introduction though. By all accounts it’s quite a shock to come from the minors to the NHL and it must be doubly bad for the post season.
What are the contract rules. Can they renegotiate? Say, hey look kid, we’d love to bring you up, but we don’t want to burn the year. He could say, Ok .. I come up for x dollars and we don’t burn the year. The cap room is there. He could make some decent money and maybe help out a little.
Anyone know the rules?
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number 6 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
@Dilapidus,
I’m quite certain that a player can’t just say ‘oh ok let’s do that then’. There are structured rules in place that are part of the CBA. Quisp would know much better, but I’m 90% certain that what I’ve said is accurate.
Also, I’m not just saying this about the Kings…. I don’t think most of the western conference except for Vancouver and maybe one or two other teams would eliminate the Sharks in the first round. They are playing exceptional hockey, scoring lots of goals. And as for the ‘they choke’ stuff…. that is at this point an old reputation. They went to the conference final last year and are very battle tested. Plus several players who have won the Cup (5 I believe).
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number 6 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
@number 6,
So the moral of the story and what I started out to say is that I find there is no point in bringing him up. If it could realistically make a difference in a run to the Cup then I’d say ‘maybe’ and at that it would only be maybe. They don’t even have a first line. You’re not gonna win a Stanley Cup without a legitimate first line. I don’t think it’s virtually ever been done.
That being said, of course I’ll be pulling for them to put in a good showing and upset the Sharks.
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PRMan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:01 am
@number 6, I’m pretty sure the Canadiens beat us without a first line… They had great defense and goaltending and Hrudey to shoot at.
RobSD Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:36 am
@number 6,
I pretty much agree. Playoff hockey is not going to be a good thing to toss them into, especially if they couldn’t cut in the regular season. I think Schenn and Moeller on the PP would be interesting. Why is it they still have Stoll playing point? Is that working? The other thing… enough with the giant wind up slap shots. They take so loooong to shoot the puck, it either get’s blocked or goes wide. I think that is 80% of the problem.
I’d like to see Schenn center Toffoli in Manchester and win a Calder. THEN you bring them up together next season and they already have some chemistry and have done some winning together.
Imagine this line coming in next season:
Holloway – Schenn – Toffoli
Imagine if they could win a Calder together this season before coming in.
That’s a nice thought to me…
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jonsey Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
@Cynic, I feel bad for his team right now -they traded a lot to get him.
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Ravens Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
@Cynic, Kitsyn-Schenn-Toffli
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LBlocal Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
@Cynic, 100.00% Concur. Part of the learning process. Calder Cup first. In 1-2 years. Let’s review the “DL squares.” It will get dicey, especially during training camp.. Because that line, Holloway – Schenn – Toffoli is a SOLID NUMBER 1A/2 LINE FOR THE NEXT DECADE, or more.
I also look forward to a Clifford – Schenn – Toffoli combo: Scary good potential. Nothing against the GWG master Bud ‘don’t call me George’ Holloway.
GO Monarchs, and gKg!
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Cynic Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@LBlocal, I didn’t think about Clifford instead of Holloway….That would be nice!
Holloway is good enough to fit on any line that has at least one big (size wise) player on it.
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Osaka Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
@Cynic, Do you live in Manchester? If not why would you want him to play there? Should we send Clifford down too?
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Cynic Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 1:55 am
@Osaka, I have to live in Manchester to want Schenn’s development to go right? What kind of a question is that? Should I respond entirely in questions like you did? Did my first question answer your second question? Why do you use the name Osaka? Do you live in Osaka? If not, then why would you want to use that name?
Are you getting my point yet?
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Osaka Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:18 am
@Cynic, Yes I live in Osaka.
You were making lines up for Manchester so I thought you actually like to watch minor league hockey. Anyways my only point was in LA was the only place I could imagine a Kings fan wanting see Schenn play. I don’t see him as a savior, but I think he could help the team in some way. If it was the case and he could help, why not play him? He has played on the big team this year, the reason he didn’t make it was he wasn’t better than the top 3 centers we had. Well we are missing one of the 3 centers. He is not over his head, same age as clifford. In fact unlike Clifford Schenn has been in the spotlight in juniors and WJC. I am not for putting him in for first line minuets, but I think he could add depth where we need it. As for the contract….. really? The payroll is almost $56 million this season. How much will it cost us in 2 years? Peanuts. He will never make Kopi money, nobody expects that kind of player from him. The Kings are in the NHL playoffs! We are already thinking of next year before a game is played? I am in for some Kings hockey until June. Play to win, that includes management. I am sure DL will play Schenn, no doubt.
It is only 8:18 PM Wens night here in Japan, you guys get to sleep.
Osaka Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:25 am
@Cynic, I also think the Kings really jerked Schenn around this season. Have you seen any interviews of him in Canada? I get the feeling he doesn’t have a lot of warm fuzzy feelings for the Kings. I think DL might need to throw him a bone.
Cynic Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@Cynic, Well, that explains your name then..
You make some valid points, especially about not thinking of him as a savior at this point. Which of the current 4 centers: Stoll, Lewis, Handzus, Richardson, are you gonna sit at this point? ALL of them are playing well. You’re going to jack up the most important of your forward structure (Which happens to be our best asste at forward right now, even without Kopitar) to bring in a kid, untested in the NHL playoffs, AND screw up his development?
Let’s say Schenner is disappointed in the Kings right now (Which he’s not, I’ll explain in a moment), how disappointed will he be in the Kings if we rush him too quickly and he chokes as a player in the playoffs? Good players care about their development as well. I’m sure he’d like a chance right now, but he could get more minutes, better playing time and a greater chance of success in Manchester right now. THey need him too. DL has said many times they want to see Brayden WIN, not just compete. His junior team isn’t looking that good right now. Manchester would be a great chance for redemption of that THIS YEAR.
Burning up a year of his ELC will hurt our payroll a year early, because there is NO way I can see right now, us NOT signing Schenn at the end of that contract. We still have guys to sign. I would keep the year over just a few weeks or months for the long term.
Schenn is expected to replace Handzus with more scoring. That’s kind of an important role and one I don’t want to lose. None of our other prospects measure up to that mold except Marc-Andre Cliche and I don’t see him being nearly as good as Schenn.
Now as far as Schenn’s demeanor, he’s always pretty mellow/deadpan. I met him after one of the suite nights at Staples and he’s a pretty quiet kid. Of course, that’s in public and all, but I don’t see him being upset by any means. You can tell he wants to play, but he knows his role.
Glad to see Japan represent. Fukufuji is a good dude. Hope things get better over there with all the disasters and such.
Token Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:27 am
@Cynic, The only place I would like to see Schenn or any of our fine prospects play is wherever it benefits THEIR development the most. I’ll be a Kings fan for life, so I got me some time to see them all hoist a cup.
If Schenn going for the Calder first makes him a 30+ goal scorer for next season, I’m all for him being in Manchester.
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RobSD Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:46 am
@Token,
Unless you get hit by a bus. The entire season comes down to making the playoffs and the sentiment that, it’s a whole new game, anything can happen. Why not throw everything we can at trying to win? I think Schenn was playing well but we didn’t have room for him. It would have meant sitting him or one of our other centers all season. It was looked at to be best for him to be playing all the time.
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Cynic Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@RobSD, Like I said to Osaka, Who’s gonna sit? Stoll, Richardson, Lewis and Handzus have all been playing well. Richie is not as effective on the wing and I think he would be more effective than Schenn right now at center.
I believe that’s just one reason why he goes to Manch.
Cynic Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@Token, THIS.
Unless of course there’s a very special circumstance involved.
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Schenn is better than Moller, Poni, Westgarth, Lewis, Holloway, Toffoli.. Come on. If he can play for the Kings, he plays.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
@Josh N., So, in 2 years (after they most likely do nothing this year), you must not only resign him as a RFA, but he will be due a giant raise, and you must resign him to that contract based upon only 2 years of evaluation.
One giant mistake.
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54FIGHTING Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:42 am
@mrbrett7,
Like they did with JJ? You only get a giant raise if your name is Kopitar or Doughty and I don’t see Doughty getting Kopitar money next season – yet.
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Anyone that thinks bringing up Schenn will somehow replace Kopitar as the #1 center is delusional. Leave the kid in the minors. If anything, move him over the the AHL with Manchester.
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jonsey Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
@JimmyShine, If only Loktionov were available.
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CUP4LA Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
@JimmyShine, Nobody believes that.
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kingrussell Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@JimmyShine, Just because he’s not as good as Kopitar yet doesn’t mean he wouldn’t help the Kings right now.
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CB14 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
@kingrussell, excellant point!
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baby23 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@kingrussell, Just curious do you have a son that plays goalie?
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Osaka Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:30 pm
@JimmyShine, OK, #2 center. He will only be compared to Stoll. Nobody said he would replace Kopitar. The hope is he could contribute, period. Put the kid in.
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CheezyPoofs Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:51 am
@Osaka, ^^^^^THIS!!!
Everyone is flip-flopping from it being a big gamble to observe the kid for 2 years instead of 3. So he gets his money a little sooner. Big deal. With 2 years of development he will command less of a raise, and thus have a lower cap hit for the 4 year deal he signs. This is opposed to the 3 years of development and better play in the 3rd year (presumably) that will command a big pay day. Have him play sooner so he gets paid less. I say thats a win instead of a loss.
The kid can flat out play. He’s been killing it in Juniors and the Kings desparately need scoring. Get him to the big club to have him contribute.
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Sorry if it’s been said.
I guess it is not okay to burn a year of his contract.
However, why not use his one game before burning his contract -say in a game where we are up by 2 or down by 2 games.
That way he gets to feel like a very important member of the teamgoing into next year.
The worst that heppens is we win and have to decide to drop him or keep him OR we lose and realize he is not going to be a game changer at his age.
He had more goals in 8 games than Smyth had in 20 games.
He had more goals in 8 games than Lewis had in 40 games.
He had more goals in 8 games than Moller had all season. (Is that right?)
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jonsey Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
@jonsey, That number is apparently zero. And Moller did score this year.
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Mickey Keenan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@jonsey, He does not have one game to spare… As soon as he starts the next game on the bench, he burns 1 year of the contract. If say, he had a game to burn, then sure no harm… but in this case, not a smart move… Let him play for the Calder… and use his contract next year.
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We need to believe in our team. The fact is Dallas will be watching the playoffs on Tv and the Kings will be there. Everyone is ready to throw in the towel because of a couple of bad games against the Ducks. When did LA fans become Red Sox fans? The curse of the Bambino is dead and our time could be here to go the distance in the playoffs. Our team needs us. Lets be there for them. No matter how it turns out.
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Crownme87 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
@Rico,
Exactly! We’re in this! It’s over when we lose 4 games. Not before.
GO KINGS GO!
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BigSeeGas Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@Rico, Got my tickets for Tuesday. How about you?
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boxtime17 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@Rico,
For Sure! This is a brand new season…EVERYONE BE POSITIVE… Just need to win more 16 games! ONE AT A TIME!
~ GO KINGS GO !!! ~
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You play to win the game, kids like Crosby, Ovechkin, Staal, etc etc were all talented enough to play in the NHL and not be brought through the system…if Schenn is the real deal bring him up, you are here to develop but you’re also here to win.
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jonsey Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@David, Wish we had Evander Kane instead.
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tim chaney Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@jonsey, here, here…
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
@David, He isn’t Crosby, Ovechkin, Staal…etc.
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John Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
@mrbrett7,
Yes, true, that is the case.
But he IS the real deal – we all saw him play this season and he wasn’t out of place at all. He would give us options in regards to Moller & Westgarth & Richardson on the wing.
If DL thinks Schenn can makes us better in the playoffs I say he burns the year.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:03 am
@John, Yes, we all saw him play this season, and you REALLY think he didn’t look out of place? REALLY?
First of all, he wouldn’t give you options on the wing, because he isn’t a wing. You’re asking a 19 year old kid to step in the most difficult hockey you can play, and play out of position. That’s lunacy. You’re asking him to play a different position, which means different responsibilities on defense, different responsibilities on the breakout, different responsibilities in neutral zone coverage, different responsibilities in the offensive zone.
There is a reason why when someone is being switched to a new position they are sent to the minors first in order to LEARN that position.
Desperation breeds insanity.
John Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:25 am
@mrbrett7,
REALLY he did not look at out place AT ALL! (please reread)I’m NOT saying play him at wing, I’m saying Richardson at wing & Schenn would give us that option by playing 4th line center.
Many, many, many players step into the NHL at playoff time (see Rob Blake) and are just fine! He’s experienced it, so he wouldn’t be jumping into the NHL blind. Sure the playoffs are a whole different ballgame, but like I said, he’s the real deal IMHO.
This would NOT be a desperate move – he was here before, we thought hard about keeping him & if we could’ve, when Kopitar went down, we would’ve called hium up already.
David Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
@mrbrett7, never said he was but I can go on and on about young players that were highly rated that were thrown into the deep end of the pool. Some guys man up and some doubt but babying them isn’t the way to be unless you are extremely soft.
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David Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
@David, *don’t
number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:04 am
@David,
It’s not about babying them, or him in this case. It’s about his Contract. You Burn a year of his three year entry level contract. OK, Maybe the Kings upset the Sharks. But if they do it would be a big upset. If they don’t and he plays three or four games, voila, you’ve burnt a year off of a reasonable contract.
Then as others have mentioned, you have two years to evaluate him before signing him to a long term contract.
As for this ridiculous point that others have brought up about Crosby and Ovechtrick etc, that is simply naive. Those guys were known to be franchise players when they were drafted in the No. 1 spot. Same for Eric Stall. Please. Schenn may end up being great, but it wasn’t even a given that he would be drafted in the no. 5 slot the year he was drafted.
54FIGHTING Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:50 am
@number 6,
Who says you have to sign him to a long term contract? JJ signed a 2 year deal. Doughty is going to sign a short term deal.
What’s wrong with only 2 years to evaluate him? What if he stinks? He has less time to prove himself and has more of a chance to get less money. See where I’m going with this?
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:06 am
@David, Yeah, you basically did.
@54Fighting…there is nothing wrong with a 2 year deal, or a 1 year deal. You want to confirm that with Schenn when his contract is up and force him to sign that? It goes both ways.
There is a HUGE deal with only 2 years to evaluate someone. 2 years is NO time at ALL to prove yourself. Your resigning someone to a giant raise when they are 22 years old. He could be Alexei Yashin, or he could be Eric Staal. In two years, you have NO clue.
David Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@mrbrett7, If I said he was any of those guys I would’ve, don’t make assumptions just because I named a few young players. If I wanted to extend this I can easily say the 80′s Oilers were all young players (majority anyways) and they were thrown into the wolves right away. If you can play in this league then you can play. Lombardi decided to baby Bernier because he feels that a high draft pick goalie needs to be protected….fine, that’s on him. He also feels that a defenseman like Doughty can play but needs a huge veteran presence with him to protect him. Both guys were high draft picks, but now you want Schenn to be brought along just as slowly too? Winning is a now thing not a future thing, injuries, bad chemistry, fall out, retirement, trades, it all happens. If Schenn can help you win now you put him in now and let him learn the NHL game at its highest level. Bottom Line
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Let him play one game and see how it works out.
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jonsey Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
@CUP4LA, Here here
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Matt George Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
@jonsey,
isn’t that hear hear?
or no?
i truly don’t know !
… finding out now!
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John Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
@Matt George,
So which is it?
Matt George Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:07 am
@Matt George,
from Wikipedia:
Hear, hear is an expression used as a short, repeated form of hear him, hear him. It represents a listener’s agreement with the point being made by a speaker. It is often incorrectly spelled “here here”.[1]
It was originally an imperative for directing attention to speakers, and has since been used, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, as “the regular form of cheering in the House of Commons”, with many purposes depending on the intonation of its user.[2] Its use in Parliament is linked to the fact that applause is normally (though not always) forbidden in the chambers of the House of Commons and House of Lords.[3]
The phrase hear him, hear him! was used in Parliament from late in the 17th century, and was reduced to hear! or hear, hear! by the late 18th century. The verb hear had earlier been used in the King James Bible as a command for others to listen.[2]
John Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@Matt George,
Cool! Thanks so much – I’ve always wondered too & thought like you did.
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
@CUP4LA, He plays one game, his 1st year of his ELC is burned. The very second he steps on the ice, that 1st year is burned.
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KingTrojan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 12:54 am
@mrbrett7,
Even though he’s only played 8 games? I thought it was burned at game 10, which would give us a one game buffer.
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CheezyPoofs Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:55 am
@KingTrojan, I think you’re right. After the 9th game his 1st year is gonzo…
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:06 am
@KingTrojan, He played 9 games if I’m not mistaken.
more intrigue off the ice then on…….
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A few side points…
–Manchester plays the Binghamton Senators, a team that just received 5-6 players that had been playing with Ottawa. There is no guarantee Manchester will get out of the first round.
–Schenn may eventually be great, but he cannot handle Thornton et al right now.
I say let him go to the minors, help Manchester the first round, then see what happens…
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John Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
I bet he can handle Thornton et al better than Richardson & possibly Lewis.
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:10 am
@John,
I just don’t understand what people are saying on this site. I’m sorry my apologies.
Yes, OK great. He handles Thornton better than Richie and Lewis. Vs. those guys Thornton averages 2 points a game (for example) – and Schenn helps shut down the Thornton line (lets imagine), the Kings play fantastic defense, but guys like Dan Boyle, Pavelski, Logan Couture and Ryan Clowe pick up the slack, and the Kings lose in Six games. They lose of scores of lets say 2-1, 1-0, 4-2, and 3-2.
Schenn played FANTASTIC. OK……that’s cool. You’ve still burned off a year of his contract and he’s played six games. I don’t understand why that is so difficult for people to understand. If the Kings were one of the say three or four teams that were favorites to win the cup this year and they needed him to replace Kopi, well, maybe you do it. But they aren’t.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:07 am
@number 6, They have no patience 6. They have no long term vision.
Marbles Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:49 am
@number 6,
What part of playoff experience are you not getting. Schenn getting playoff experience early in his career is invaluable and only will help him in his development and bring it to next year.
John Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@number 6,
We did it with Jack – why is everybody so hung up on burning a year?? Yeah better save him a couple months (because he will make the team out of camp). I’m sorry, but I don’t understand your point of view either. If he’s ready, he’s ready, period. And I happen to believe he is – sure, he’s young & has a ton to learn, but there’s no better time then now!
And I do have plenty of patience – I’ve been down with this rebuild since day one!
Puckn-A Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@John, Burning a year of ELC for what could be 13 or 37 games total (if we won the cup with every series going 7 games) isn’t worth the possible 82 +playoffs worth of experience if we don’t bring him up.
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John Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@Puckn-A,
WHY is it not worth it??? Everybody understands we brought Jack in for the final 5 games of the ’06-07 season, right? Was that not worth it?
If you believe the G.M. that this is year two of the rebuild then you dont burn the year……If you really really think that you have a chance at the cup then you bring him up….
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:12 am
@neil,
Oh Neil, I just read your thread here. Wish I’d read it before. Would have saved me all the wasted emotion I spent on my comments above….. and you said it in a phrase. Hey, you could be my teacher.
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RobSD Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:53 am
@neil,
Yes. Excellent points.
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decisionOverload….I think my head is going to explode….come on game 1
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GO KITSYN! Die Sudbury Die! (Wow, that is hard to say coming from someone who grew up just outside that city, but I still can’t forgive them for beating Tofoli and Ottawa this year). I’m trying to like Kitsyn, but I tend to hold a grudge, and that WJC finals will take a while to swallow…
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Ravens Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
@OttoKing, How could you not like a guy with a chin that could deflect pucks into the net?
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Ravens Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@Ravens, actually he could probably intimedate the puck into the net with a hard stare
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Matt Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:59 am
@OttoKing, are you from ottawa?
If so we get the Monarchs series on the radio because they’re playing the Sens farm team
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OttoKing Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@Matt, Woah. really? Awesome, I didn’t even think of that! Thanks Man!!
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Look how close the Kings came to not making the playoffs this year. After the Vancouver series, everyone thought they would easily return to the playoffs. There are no guarantees they’ll make it the following year. This team needs offense in a major way. Bring Schenn up! No brainer. Also, my prediction (even if they don’t bring him up): Kings in 7. Why, because Sharks are fragile mentally in playoffs every year.
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Ashykins Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@Poorman, Yeah but now the backbone is niemi
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:16 am
@Poorman,
If they are so fragile why did they go to the conference finals last year. They lost to the eventual champs.
Also, say what you want about their fragility, but although they haven’t done as well as expected, this isn’t the same team at all that they had two or three years ago….. you guys all think they’re fragile. Rest assured, They don’t think they are fragile.
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Interesting quotes from Dean to Helene (don’t call me Helen) on the issue.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/04/kings-san-jose-sharks-terry-murray-nhl-playoffs-dean-lombardi-brayden-schenn.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LAT_Sports_Blog+%28The+Fabulous+Forum%29
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KC23 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@Hesperia STH, Sounds like he will not bring him up.
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What if we bring him up in an elimination game. For example if the kings & sharks go into a game 7 if we bring him up for 1 game and if he does great we keep him going into the next round but if we lose he is still under the mark where we don’t burn a year… Would this work????
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Synergy Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
@BigSeeGas, Sounds dicey. If you throw him into the lineup it could potentially destroy any chemistry that has been created. Or he could give us the edge to win. Sound too risky for a game 7 imo.
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BigSeeGas Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
@Synergy, Agreed. What if we are down 3 games to 0? Put him in for 1 game to give him playoff experience? We don’t lose anything because he will still be a rookie next year. What would you suggest in that scenario?
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The Kings need to act like a winning franchise. Winners do what it takes to win. Of course they should play him, burn the year. There should be no question! The Kings payroll is $55,862,417 and someone would think about saving a few bucks a few years from now? Really?!?! I don’t think Schenn is the savior but if he can help the team in anyway he is in the lineup. Is this franchise serious about winning? If so there should be NO question.
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:22 am
@Osaka,
If you read DL’s comments (link above) you see that he says no way could Schenn fill the hole left by Kopi. And there isn’t. He’s gonna be a good player for sure but people seem to think he’s the next Sidney Crosby in waiting. I find that highly unlikely. Nor the next Ovechkin in waiting. He’ll be a good pro but it’s gonna take him time.
Had he been this ‘franchise player’ they would never have sent him down at the beginning of the season.
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Rainman Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@Osaka, Well said. The Kings have certainly been offensively challenged recently and should welcome all of the help they can muster. If Schenn is available, then bring him up.
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If Schenn can play for the Kings and doesn’t, Murray and Lombardi are officially the biggest morons of all time. No question about it. If you’re not going to ice the best line up you can in the NHL playoffs, then what are you doing in the league?
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Osaka Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
@Arthur, Bingo.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
@Arthur, So if he becomes a superstar, and the Kings then need to decide between keeping him, and some other kids because they can’t keep them all under the cap, ALL because they burned 1 year of his ELC…who is the moron then?
If this team was primed for a cup run, you play him. But reality is, they are not.
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ksy57 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:32 pm
@mrbrett7, If he becomes a superstar and you still have to decide between him and some other kids, then we really know who the moron is.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:09 am
@ksy57, Okay then…welcome to Chicago. That is EXACTLY the thinking that got them into the situation they are in.
Osaka Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:45 pm
@mrbrett7, Your fear is he becomes a superstar? Really? I hope that is our problem. I hope the Kings have trouble signing him.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:11 am
@Osaka, You’re being blinded by the possiblities. You listed the payroll NOW.
Doughty and Simmonds to be resigned this summer. Add at LEAST another 10 million to that payroll. It’s not hard to think ahead…or is it?
Bernier needs to be resigned next year. Add another 2-3 million.
If Tafolli hits…add more.
You lose Smyth off the books, delete his 6 million.
Wait, when is Brown’s contract up? Who replaces Mitchell? Scuderi?
A team is made up of more than one player dude.
If he comes at least he’ll be match fit unlike Parse.
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I read somewhere that Toffoli scored in his Manchester debut. Good news…boy does that kid have a release.
No on Schenn…no way…too big a jump IMO. Let him play in Manchester when the time comes.
Go Kings!
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mcdangles Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@Gislaw, He has a Mike Bossy type release…hence he scored over 50 g this year with the 67′s. Going to add the scoring (along with Schenn) that the Kings will be needing
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This really is a Non-starter. If there is anything to be learned from the way DL has approached his job, it’s that he won’t do anything unless he feels it’s exactly the “right fit” or the “right way” to bring along a player, or the “right time”. Do any of you think that DL is sitting in his office, and thinking that if he just calls up Schenn, that this team will then win the Stanley Cup this year? Realistically? I say no. It’s completely impractical, and DL is far from impractical. Is he a big risk taker? I don’t think he’s that either.
The only thing that makes sense, is to ship Schenn off to Manchester, so he can be exposed to a higher level of play in the AHL playoffs. Then, if under some strange circumstances, we find the Kings in the Finals and we lose someone like Stoll or Handzeus, then, maybe then, we could still call him up and take a chance and burn the contract year, cause then maybe it would be worth it.
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:25 am
@PP Anybody?,
You’re right. Great points. Not only that, but with everyone here thinking they know how to do DL’s job better than DL, I’d hate to see what they would have said about Lou Lamoriello, one of the finest GM’s in hockey….. EVER! You guys would be going ballistic if he was the GM of the Kings. He has kept players in the minors for a long time and brought them up to the big team in NJ when he was certain they were ready. Not before, and not after.
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mcdangles Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@PP Anybody?, I agree with you on having Schenn play with Manchester to see how he does at the PRO LEVEL, as they did with Toffoli. Would be the smartest thing that the Kings could do when and if Schenn’s Blades get eliminated from their playoffs
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i haven’t read all the posts above b/c i’m lazy
but yes it’s worth it. why? b/c it’s the stanley cup. you do what you can to win it.
we’re lacking in offense big time. if schenn can help that, then you do it.
would you rather have someone like westgarth in the lineup over schenn?
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Dominick Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
@Newf,
So that year that we take off when we might have a healthy Kopitar, and Williams, along with a Schenn who’s been playing for 2 years in the NHL, you want to trade for an injured Kopitar, Williams, and a Schenn who’s only played 8 games in the NHL?
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Let’s bring Schenn up for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, where he will be 3+2 and the 1st star of the game, and it won’t affect his contract. I really don’t see any downside to this.
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Dominick Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 12:02 am
@Eggplant, 1 game makes more sense then burning an entire year. Not sure if it’s possible, but I’m in.
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Those DL quotes from the LA Times Puck notes sounds more like DL doesn’t want Schenn to lose. DL has no control over that. Or does he? Hrmmm Fix is in?
I can’t see DL paying a few million for what might be four games. He’d be better off cattle prodding Penner to get some value out of that deal.
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kings are so lacking in the center position as far as point producing goes. Schenn could be a real spark come playoff time
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:29 am
@jason,
Yes, you’re right jason. He could. He could even score 4 goals in a six game series that the Kings still lose. Or he might not score any goals at all. If you think the Kings are 70-30 to beat the Sharks because you bring up Schenn…. OK. But even with Kopi And Schenn, they wouldn’t be 70-30 to beat the Sharks in a seven game series. WITH Kopi, we beat the Sharks Once in regulation this year out of six games.
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kevin Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:30 am
@number 6, Playoff hockey is different I am not saying bring him or not to I am saying the style we play is brutal in a 7 game series we will grind the sharks down they are going to lose a step every time the play us we may lose the first and maybe the second but I dont think its gonna be a cake walk for SJ.
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Am I missing something here? Other than fattening up the wallet of the owners and dancing for the people, isn’t a league title the ultimate goal of a Pro Sports Clubs existence?? Isn’t that almost always accomplished by throwing all possible pertinent assets at the run to glory?
Mgmt is worried that using their Blue Chip Center to make a run at the playoffs (the same playoffs that they’ve made only 2 times in nearly 10 years) may shave a year off his EL contract???? FFFFFFFFFFFFFacepalm.
You want to know why this Club will never win a SC and is satisfied with a mediocre existence??? Answer: Priority sequence is FUBAR.
I dunno, maybe I’m like… old skool or something. Enjoy yet another fast post season of fail….and make sure you pick up your new, old, new again, $300 Kings Jersey on your way out of Staples!
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Been reading through these posts for the past 30 minutes. Also spent some time researching recent posts on TSN.ca and the blogs of the several contributors.
My conclusion is we need to give the offense a large shot in the arm. Kids like Schenn and Toffoli and others can provide the offense way better than what we currently have. Is it about the AHL team winning or the big club ultimately. We all know the answer of that. The big club!
The Kings must start thinking like a winning franchise. DL and TM talk about changing the culture and mindset of the organization.
34 years ago my lower level seats at the Forum were $8.75. Today the same lowers are $58.00 at Staples (yes, we still own them from NC). I beleive the walk up price is even around $70-80. New Jerseys every other year. OMG. We keep spending the $$$$ as the fans. We could use a shot in the arm as well.
We are so below that cap I’m not concerned about entry level deals. It is about winning and experience. If we are going out in 4-5 games like the “experts” perdict let the kids have a shot. I personbally think the Kings in 6 sounds better. Remember last year in the east….all but one of the lower seeds WON the 1st round. Upsets do happen. Youngsters need to be included. Use the veterans to lead and the kids can score. Look at the other teams.
Please sit Poni and Westy. We need offense and neither provides that. Sure Westy has improved, however, we need goals!
I would like to see Williams and Schenn play if available. Remember I have been stating for a week DL has something up his shirt pocket. Let re-energize the team and fans by making a bold statement like this. Pull the trigger DL if available.
It’s all about the big club.
Go Kings Go!
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:32 am
@Carolina Kings Fan,
NO, thats not the way it works. If you think like a winning franchise you do what Lou Lamoriello does in New Jersey and THINK about what you do, and you bring up players when they are ready to be brought up. You don’t throw a guy like Toffoli who has never played in an nhl game into the Stanley Cup playoffs, get schooled by a very difficult and experienced Shark team, lose his confidence and …… poooof…. there goes the future of your draft choice…. until the Kings trade him away and it takes him years to get his confidence back with another franchise.
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Schenn must be able to help on the power play could he not?
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Don’t know if anyone said this already, but it’s worth it to burn a year to give him a taste of the playoffs. If they are so important to experience, as Murray claims (and rightly so) then it should happen if he’s available. Now, if Kopitar were available, there would be no need to bring him in, but the Kings need the scoring potential and Schenn gains valuable experience. Does EVERYTHING have to be about dollars?
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anonandonanon Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:45 am
@Minnesota Kings Fan, A second round in the playoffs brings in a significant amount of money. Hell the parking concession brings in significant amount of buck for a second round. Not to mention sales for next season. Schenn might make a difference.
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Why it IS worth burning one year of Schenn’s entry level contract:
Because of what it would say about the organization if they didn’t.
It would say all or at least some of the following:
King’s upper management doesn’t believe Schenn can make a difference.
King’s upper management doesn’t believe this years team is worth taking a chance on.
In short, it means the King’s upper management doesn’t believe.
From everything I’ve read and heard about DL, that is not his style.
DL, if you expect your team to believe in themselves, you dam well better demostraght you believe in them as well and give Schenn a chance. Our current centers have proven beyond a shawdow of a doubt that they lack the one thing Schenn brings … play making and scoring ability.
Do it DL, you know you have to.
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Shotongoal Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:44 am
@KC23, I agree with this. This team may not be Cup material right now, with or without the injuries. But, if they have the opportunity to play the “jewel” of their prospects, a player who has already had some NHL experience, a player who has definitely had big game experience, then they HAVE to do this. I’m not going to rip Lombardi on this, because it could be a moot point if Schenn’s team continues in their playoffs. But, I do know that this franchise has very rarely made the kind of player moves that lead to success. I’ve been a fan of this team for 40 years, and that is obvious! I like the direction that the team is going, but I can’t think of any team in this league that has any history of success that would not bring up a player of Schenn’s caliber for the playoffs if they were in the same situation. Most of the posts I’ve read regarding this subject bring up burning a year of his contract, well you know what, I’m not going to play Kings management, coach, GM, I never do here. What I will play is fan, and as a fan I want this to happen, because it gives the Kings their best chance to be successful in these playoffs. I don’t want to hear how this mortgages the future, he’s not ready, or whatever, those things will work themselves out over the next couple of years, the future is not now for this team, but its dang close and this move helps the future more than hurting it….BTW the Kings did the same thing with Rob Blake in the Cup year, that didn’t work out so badly.
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Tony Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:32 am
@Shotongoal, Totally agree with you. “Burning a year off his contract” just means he becomes an RFA a year earlier. Big deal. No franchise that is really trying to win would worry about that. By the way, he still has one more game he can play without “burning a year” because he has only played 8 and 10 is the magic number. I say play him one game and see what happens.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:01 am
@Shotongoal, I’m just as impatient about winning a Cup here as the next guy, but bringing up Schenn is not going to do that. We could have Sidney Crosby on this team, and it wouldn’t be the difference maker right now. TM’s system stifles creativity of any offense, so bringing in any offensive player is just going to result in them playing along the boards and back-checking. So, really, what’s the point? Burning a contract year this day in age, only makes sense if you are willing to take RISKS. I for one, am totally willing and would love to see it. I would also love to see a player like that given free reign to play his best offensive game. But that’s not what we have, and it’s just not going to happen, so on to next year, and hopefully some changes for the better after an early playoff disappointment. Just a reality check that most on here don’t seem to want to contemplate right now.
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Shotongoal Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@PP Anybody?, First off I have to say I’m not impatient about them winning a Cup. Impatience was about 20 years ago!!! And, I never said that recalling Schenn would win the Cup. What I did say was that he is their best option to fill a need or needs going into this playoff season. As far as Sidney Crosby goes, please give the Kings a healthy Crosby right now, I would like their chances in the playoffs then! Terry Murray’s system has nothing to do with Schenn being recalled or not, its simply the Kings’ system while he is the coach and no matter what players are on the roster, they have to adapt. As far as “burning” a year on his contract being a risk or not, basically comes down to if the Kings are serious about these playoffs. I wold hope that the Kings are serious about these playoffs, and I really do believe they are. Again, I am not looking at this team with rose colored glasses, and I’m about as realistic as you can get on this blog, my past and present posts prove that. Again, all I’m saying is that I hope and would expect the team to put their best players on the ice for this playoff season, and I think if Schenn becomes available he fits that description and its worth the “risk”.
Pili Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@KC23, I’ve been on the fence as far as how I feel about it, but your post addresses it well.
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KC23 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
@Pili, Not to mention how important it would be to get Schenn some NHL playoff experience. Huge value in that as well.
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Osaka Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@KC23, BINGO!
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Osaka Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@KC23, Williams is playing hurt, he could hurt his shoulder again and end his career. He is playing because it is the playoffs. He is not saying next year guys. Management has to be as committed. Time for all in.
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Toffoli=one game, one goal. Bring him up, he is too good for the AHL.
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KC23 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:26 am
@TRuskowski, I’m all for Schenn coming up, but I watched some Toffoli on youtube and this guy is not nearly ready. Great hands, very slow feet. The guy can’t skate any where near NHL level yet.
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:44 am
@KC23,
Oh KC. Why do you do such things as talk sense about this?
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Rich…POLL TIME!!!!!!! In or Out???? Not the bugers but for Schenn!!!!
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I say: stay on the course and stick to your plan DL.
Schenn to Manchester when the WHL Blades are eliminated.
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fsd1 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:37 am
@Jay GoLAKings, bless you!
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Bring him up! its the playoffs and you have to go all out. at least give him one game to get him up to 9 and see how he does. Kings desperately need speed, skill, creativity, and someone who can finish.
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I think we should leave the kid playing in Juniors and if they are eliminated, let him get some experience down in Manchester.
I realize everyone wants a quick fix and while he has a ton of upside, what makes anyone feel he’s ready for NHL playoff-style hockey? same with Toffoli. Schenn didn’t look like a kid ready to contribute big time minutes when he made the club out of camp. He looked like someone who needed some seasoning. Now after a full season of juniors, we think he’s ready for NHL playoffs?
Man, if Oscar Moller hasn’t shown everyone what a huge difference it is between Juniors/Manchester and the NHL, I don’t what will…
Moller was a scorer down in juniors and the minors. He comes up to the NHL and is like a deer in headlights. I guess people finally realize that the numbers don’t translate so easily in the NHL.
Let the kid grow and gain the experience the right way. Don’t put him in a situation that could lead to failure. He can’t replace Kopi, so let’s not put that on him now. Let him make the team out of camp next year and let him have a full NHL season to prepare for the playoffs.
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fsd1 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:38 am
@nykingfan, nice post, agree
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TJB Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:40 am
@nykingfan,
I think you are missing the point. He would not be brought up to replace Kopi, because we all know that would not happen. I do beleive he could help the teams offense with puck possesion, creativity, and playmaking skills. Which is what the team could use desperately!
I agree about your comment about putting him in a situation that could lead to failure though…but what if it lead to SUCCESS? NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW!
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@TJB,
You said ‘but what if it lead to SUCCESS’. Such as???? The Kings winning the Stanley Cup this year?
And what if it doesn’t. Then you have essentially just cost your franchise a LOT of money. Instead of getting a year out of him at the league minimum, you’re getting 5, 6, or 7 games out of him….. unless the Kings win the series. I have to be honest, I’d Love It if they did…. but really, not a lot of people are expecting that at the moment.
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TJB Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@number 6,
No, not neccessarily winning the cup. There are many degrees of success. What if we did only go to 7 games in this series, and gave the Sharts all they could handle. Or, maybe winning a series or 2, and making a run @ the cup. I realize that not a lot of peeople are giving us a chance, so why should we even play the games then? Should we just fold up our tent and call it a season?
nykingfan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@TJB,
If he’s not being brought up to replace Kopi’s offensive skill and creativity, then why would he even be considered?
That’s the only reason he’s being considered. He would be asked to play top 6 minutes in the playoffs..He’s replacing Kopi!
We have no scoring and everyone is hoping that he can provide the offense that this team sorely lacks. That’s putting the weight of the franchise on this kids shoulders…that’s just not fair to the kid.
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TJB Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@nykingfan,
To contribute his (Schenns) assets towards helping improve the team. Not to be itts savior, or to replace anyone.
number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:08 am
@nykingfan,
Hi NYKF!! I like your post. Don’t know if you read any of mine above, but if you did you’d see that I was getting a bit frustrated
(my problem…. I need to breath deep when I read some of these things). You’re exactly right… it’s as though bringing in Schenn would be the same thing for the Kings as the Pens getting back a healthy Crosby.
But, you and I know that it wouldn’t. What people don’t seem to realize when they are talking about him getting ‘seasoning and experience’ is that…. eventually….. Yes eventually there will come a time when he may is gonna be a RFA and then a UFA.
Why hurry that process along?
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@number 6,
Sloppy sentence at the end.
There Will come a time when his contract structure will change…. so why hurry it along for what may possibly be only 5 or 6 games?
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nykingfan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:45 am
@number 6,
I agree and I did sense your frustration.
I understand people’s feelings on the sitaution. We have a lot of guys who just haven’t pulled their weight since Kopi went down. It’s not fair to put that on Schenn’s shoulders. How about Stolly start scoring a few goals? How about Penner stop trying to imitate the worst of Frolov?
If we were scoring goals, nobody would be asking for Schenn, but since we’re not, people are looking to him to be the savior this year. It’s not fair and why waste the contract year for a hope and a prayer?
If the guys I mentioned don’t step up and start doing what they’re paid to do, it won’t matter. We’ll be blowing a year’s worth of a contract for 4 games.
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@nykingfan,
I know you have a normal job here. Is it as a psychologist? Cause you obviously have a good understanding of human behavior (and no I’m not being glib…. I really appreciate how you express thing). But I think you’re absolutely spot on. Spot on.
Others haven’t been pulling their weight (I’m actually quite surprised that no one other than Brownie and to a certain extent Richie and Simmer has).
Consequently you are correct that people are probably pulling at straws to find something, anything that will shift things.
Problem is, one guy who has all of…. what, 10 nhl games under his belt, is not gonna make a difference in a 7 game series against a team that is very very deep.
The KINGS could make a difference, but not one player with such a small amount of experience.
He’s the Kings center best creative center behind Kopitar. Why the heck wouldn’t you bring him up? In my opinion, he should’ve never been sent down. He should’ve spent the season as the #2 for the Kings.
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Scootty Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:56 am
@Scootty, That should say, “He’s the Kings second best creative center behind Kopitar.”
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I’m not sure about Schenn and if it’s worth bringing him in for one playoff game–although it seems like if he knew that it was only the one game maybe the pressure wouldn’t be as much for him, and there might be an upside to having him here. As for his fragile psyche, please….
I hate to sound like a broken record, but first Williams goes down and then Kopitar is obviously out for the rest of the year…why didn’t management bring up one or more bodies to try and improve the team at that time? Even if it was just Zeiler, somebody or somebodies needed to come in and get used to playing with the big boys for ten games or so before the playoffs. Then TM admits that Westy may only play in one game. WTF? Can you say undermanned? What, are they going to put Bailey on the roster?
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Does anyone think that Schenn would make a difference in TM’s system. If guys like Poni and Penner are struggling offensively why would Schenn be any different?
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:11 am
@bill donnelly,
It’s not even a question of whether or not he’d make a difference in TM’s system. In Anyone’s system how much difference would he make at his current point in development? It’s not like he scored seven goals in his first nine games earlier in the season. He wasn’t overmatched by any means at the nhl, but at the same time it’s not like he was turning heads the way Doughty was early in his rookie season…..
and anyone will tell you that D is a much more difficult position to learn than forward.
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kevin Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@number 6, he was playing on the fourth line with no offensive help you are comparing apples and oranges put schenn in a top 6 role at the start of this year and who knows what he does but you play him less then 10 mins a game and on a 4th line with nobody worth a thing offensively and now your going to say he didn;t do much I wonder why
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rontheking Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:21 am
@bill donnelly,
Somebody needs to explain to me why players are supposedly hindered by TM’s system–other than the idea that there is so much emphasis on defense…does that mean that there is no practice or planning spent at all for the offensive zone? I don’t get it. Players should still be free to work their offensive magic in the offensive zone as long as they play their required role in their own end. People talk about it as if a team can’t play both an effective offense and a stifling defense, when the two are separate facets taking place at different times at different ends of the ice. It should be possible to have both a good offensive and a good defensive strategy. Look at Vancouver, with what? A 90-point differential in goals scored to goals allowed?
Why do people talk as if you can only have one without the other, when teams like Vancouver prove that this assumption is false?
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:49 am
@rontheking,
BRAVO –
Standing O
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kevin Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@rontheking, its not that you cant have both. We are one of the easiest teams to prepare for defensively our entire game plan is dump the puck 1 man forchecks one man along the boards and one foward high we rarely control the puck and attack the net we never go back door we get the puck deep try to retrieve it if we do play along the boards till 1 of 2 things happen we loose the puck or we shoot from the point or boards and the puck is blocked or covered we dont crash the net we dont control the puck. our record is like 4-26-2 or something like that when trailing after the 2nd. That is due to the offensive system we play. You try to say look at Van they dont play a dump and chase system from the late 80′s early 90′s wonder why? It doesnt work in todays nhl its all about spees and backing the d men off and attacking the net things we never do.
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nykingfan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@bill donnelly,
System?
Last I looked Kopi still finished high up in the leading scorers while playing in the “system”. that’s jsut a dig at the coach and not a valid reason why guys like Penner can’t score.
Penner can’t score because he’s a lazy piece of youknowwhat….
All will be forgiven if he decides to play the way he’s capable of playing though
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This is a NO brainer….you bring him up! Whenever you makes the playoffs, there is always a chance you could go all the way. I don’t see that happening this year, but to think you will get there every year is foolish…ask a few former Kings who hardly made the playoffs and when they did, never got past the first round.
He gets playoff experience along with all the pressure that comes along with the post season. Great experience going into next season.
If he is your future C2, you get him as much playing time as possible. Our weakness is offense and he has all the tools we need right now.
Kopitar is injured…If Kopi was healthy they send him to Manchester…or do they?
He’s had a great run this year and shouldn’t miss a beat if they insert him.
How many times have we seen someone come out of nowhere, join his NHL team at the end of the year/start of the playoffs and make all the difference….ask any pro scout…this kid has all the makings to be a very good NHL player.
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Does anyone remember P.K. Subban and his playoff run last year? Schenn will do as well and if not better. Who cares about burning a year of his contract, we need the ‘Win Now’ mentality because I’m sick and tired of oh let’s wait for the future. The future is now, bring him up. Higher Risks= higher rewards!!
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 9:53 am
@Marbles,
Can you make some suggestions as to what might be some good stocks to buy? You are clearly clairvoyant and I think thats quite exciting.
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rick Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:41 am
@number 6, You made me laugh.
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Yeah why bring up Moulson Boyle and Purcell and burn money. Its all about saving money nopt winning. What happened to the win at all cost attitude? We don’t bring up fresh blood when somebody goes down. This organization does not know how to use their talent wisely. We don’t have goal scoring depth so what are we waiting for? I hope we burn off some of thes old fart players and lose their fat million dollar contracts and get some young hungry guys. Rember the 82-83 Kings? Miracle on Manchester young guys? Smyth Handzus and Richardson. Let them Go. Give new gusy a chance
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fsd1 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@KingsOfComedy, heavy sigh…..
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bill donnelly Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@KingsOfComedy, the Miracle was April 10, 1982. TM is so focused on his system. He is not good at making adjustments. He would rather try to pound a square peg into a round hole. That is why Moulson, Boyle and Purcell are having success elsewhere. He also commented that Moller can play in the NHL just maybe not for the Kings. Once he is convinced a player can not play for him that player is done for. Ersberg was never given a chance under TM. TM was convinced Lokti wassn’t responsible defensively so he was sent back down. Brining up Schenn is not going to make a difference this year. And as long as TM is head coach we will be perenial contenders but not champions.
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No Call-up, No motivation, No Incentive, No Stanley Cup
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I like the idea mentioned earlier in the thread about bringing Schenn up with the big team. Just have him practice and be around the team. I think it would be fitting for him to begin the season with the team, then bring him back around the guys for the playoff run at the end of the season here.
Have him rest a bit and watch, salivate at the NHL level, like he did earlier in the season. If there’s an emergency injury situation, he’d be available to play, yet we’re not relying on him to put the team on his back with Kopi out. I think he’d be able to hang with Thornton/Couture (I think he’s a fairly similar player to Couture) out of the gate, but I don’t think it’s worth burning a year of his contract, especially given an unknown return. He’s had a long season — Kings, then Monarchs, then Kings again, then Juniors, then World Juniors, then another Junior team, now potentially back with the Kings/Monarchs is a tough task to adjust to, not only physically, but emotionally.
I do think bringing him in on a no-pressure, practice and hang out with the boys level would be a good transition into next season.
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deadcatbounce Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@Brian, Why a no-pressure situation? That’s totally useless if you want to see how he’s going to react under pressure because playing in the NHL brings pressure, whether it’s in the preson to make the team, the regular season to stay there or the postseason to help your team win the cup. He’s been on a lot of teams this year and maybe, as someone suggested, he’s tired, but dude’s a teenager and he’ll have plenty of time to rest during the summer. This is it–Hold his feet to the fire and see just how tired or motivated he is!
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Schenn is burned out. He is the best player in the league on the best team and he is about to get swept. The Blades should have won this series 4-0 or 4-1. He has played on five teams in 6 months. Give him some down time and do not throw him into an NHL playoff game. This one time we need to do what is best for the player.
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John Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@39scars,
He’s 19…they don’t get burned out.
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I’ve read a lot about burning a year off of his contract, but what does it matter, really? By the time his contract his up he’ll be negotiating a new contract under possibly very different CBA rules. I don’t understand as well peoples’ assertions that his next contract is going to be huge. People are assuming he’s going to be a superstar, yet all I’ve read from scouting reports say that he could be a very good second-line player. Do the people here who think he’s going to be a superstar know something scouts don’t? The road is littered with junior superstars who never even get a sniff at the NHL. Anybody remember yanic Dube? Didn’t think so…
So, yeah, bring him up and put him in the lineup. He’s going to have to play sometime, and there’s no time like the present.
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Bring the kid up! Playoff experience can not be bought!! This will get ready for next season and he will have some playoff experience for are run to the cup next season!!
Willimas Schenn. Penner – hopefully that will create some scoring in the playoffs that the kings lack!!
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If (and that is a big if) he makes the team better, why not bring him up? If it is truly about winning – and we all know that the Kings organization does not register a perfect 10 in that category – let’s do everything we can to go as far as we can. Plus, I think it would be a great experience for Schenn, and bringing a new face into the lineup would be good for fans and teammates alike.
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Has it occurred to management to ask Brayden Schenn what he thinks? Why not ask him if he wants to be on the team, and if he’s willing to add another year to his contract?
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rick Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Gotta believe that has already happened.
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You have to add Schenn to the Kings’ roster. There is no guarantee that the Kings make the playoffs next season. You have to try everything to win now. If DL thinks Schenn can help now, he will be added to the team. Burning 1 year off of his entry level contract is not a big deal. Please!
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bleedblueking Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@Rene, absolutely agree, it wont take 2 years to realize that schenn belongs in the NHL and what a great story it would be if a kid could lead us to the promise land none of us will ever forget that you cant take playoff births for granted
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Schenn better be called up when available to show the committment to me that they are will to waste money to win and then I will keep wasting money on tickets.
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I schenn is so great why is his team losing 3-0?
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John Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@rmartin1951,
Because there’s 22 guys on a hockey team…
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Blades lost,call him up.who cares about burning a year,its a player we have to lockup long term anyways.time for everyone to stop trying to make calculations and just try to start winning
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Well, it’s now decision time. Kootenay won again.
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Kings have to bring up Schenn he’s their 2nd best centre behind Stoll right now which isn’t saying a whole lot for the rest of the group. Plug Brayden in with Clifford and either Simmonds or Moller
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