The sixth set of “Open Forum” questions and answers…
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Cortex949 asked: We hear a lot about players contracts all the time. The length, the dollar amount, the break down year by year, and even the performance incentives, but I want to know how they actually get paid. When do they take a check home? Is it monthly? Is it a big lump sum when the contract is signed? Is it after every game? I’d imagine the performance incentives need to be paid at years end but I’d be interested in hearing about the rest.
Answer: Players, I believe, get paid on a biweekly basis. In terms of end-of-season bonuses, yes, that is something that would be resolved during the summer.
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kb asked: Hey Eich – This is more of a question for you. Any thoughts on posting recorded interviews with DL or TM post game etc? It would be a neat feature on the blog to be able to listen to some of this stuff rather than have to read it. Not that i don’t love reading your beautiful transcriptions. I would however love to be able to listen in on Kings info while i go about doing other things in my day. Just a thought you might consider. Thanks for everything!! Much appreciated.
Answer: It’s certainly a good idea, but I don’t know exactly how feasible it is in the context of what I do now. In the immediate aftermath of the game, my first concern is to get quotes for use in my game story and on the blog. I’d have to think about a way to do that. There are, however, KingsVision videos regularly posted — at least after home games — of the postgame interviews with Terry Murray and players, so that might be a good option for you. Posting more multimedia stuff from the road is definitely one of my goals for next season.
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MacSwede asked: (1), do you still think that Lombardi is searching for another high scoring winger this summer? Both Penner and Smyth have pretty high salaries. I noticed though that Lombardi mentioned something about the offense is needed to be better. So, (Question 2), do you think it is more likely that DL will go after a second line center? A real offensive center? I dont think we will land Richards, allthough I would be happy if we did. I think that if DL is going after a center it will be by trade. (Question 3). We have a real logjam at center, especially if DL aquires another one. Do you think that Kings will keep both Handzus and Stoll (even if DL does not get another center)? Handzus is UFA, but Stoll can be used in a trade. Do you think that DL would take a chance and hope that either Schenn or Loktionov will break out next season? If they dont and we have let one of Stoll or Hanzus go we are very short on centers.
Answers: 1) Yes, I still think they will go after a forward. 2) I don’t think there’s any advance decision, in terms of specifically targeting a potential addition through either trade or free agency. It’s more about evaluating potential targets and determining what it would take to land them. A trade might seem more likely, but then again, other players could be traded to create salary-cap room for a free agent, so anything can happen. 3) Handzus is a free agent and Stoll has one more year on his contract, so those are two different scenarios. I could easily see both players being on the roster in the fall. I don’t think any decisions will be made based on the idea that Schenn and/or Loktionov is ready. They have to prove that first.
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michal asked: in your mind would DL consider trading j.bernier in a package if it means getting a much needed forward? we can possibly go get a vet. goalie to back up JQ or perhaps zatkoff….
Answer: Any player has the potential to be traded. If you trade a goalie for a forward, and the net result is that your team is better for it, you do it. Some players are more likely to be traded than others. I wouldn’t consider it particularly likely that Bernier would get traded, but it wouldn’t be the most stunning thing in the world either.
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jonsey asked: Rich, if someone like Florida offer sheets Doughty for an unreasonable amount of money, what do the Kings do?
Answer: Who is setting the standard of “unreasonable”? In any event, it’s not going to happen, and it’s unlikely to even reach that stage, but in the wildly hypothetical, the Kings would match an offer sheet.
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goes to eleven asked: Why do we often get the opaque “lower body injury” for weeks, yet we knew the extent of the Kopitar injury almost immediately? What determines how much information they give out and do you think we can ever make any assumptions if they continue with the obsfuscation for an extended period vs. coming clean right away?
Answer: There is no league-wide standard on this, although I believe there should be. Either give out information or don’t, but at least be consistent with it. There is, at least, a mild consistency. In terms of Kopitar, he was gone for the season. There was no sense in trying to mask what was wrong with him. In a case in which a guy might be trying to play through a bruised shoulder or a sore knee, etc., the thought is that teams don’t want opponents trying to target a player who might not be 100 percent.
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number 6 asked: So I guess that would be my question to you. If you’ve got all these assets which is lovely, but you can’t trade them because they’ve proven nothing, yet you now have a better team, so unlikely you’re going to be drafting top five or top ten in the near future, have they sort of created a difficult situation for themselves?
Answer: I have to be honest and say I’m not really sure where you’re going with the question. Is the point/question that it’s harder to improve your team by trading prospects because prospects haven’t proven anything at the NHL level? If so, I understand the point, but teams also have extensive scouting staffs. Brayden Schenn has played only nine NHL games, but quite a few GMs around the league would love to pluck him from the Kings. In particular, teams that are looking to get younger and cheaper with their roster would be happy to take on prospects in trades.
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7holesniper asked: Hey Rich, i watched pretty much every game of the 1st round in the NHL Playoffs, every other player who left their feet on a hit was suspended. what happened with the demers hit? was it not looked at or did the stoll his overshadow it? there we’re two hits where he left his feet AND made contact with the head in the series, which neither were called for. (penalty or disciplinary action.)
Answer: There wasn’t even a hearing for Demers, so no, the league did not seriously look at suspending him.
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Pond Hockey asked: Any info available on how the Kings TV Ratings have been trending the past couple of years ? Puck Daddy had the top 5 and bottom 5 teams by TV Ratings, we were not on either list (not surprising that we are not in the top or bottom). Just like attendance, improved TV ratings puts more $ in the team’s pocket, which hopefully gives management more options.
Answer: I don’t have those ratings available to me, know. As I recall, the numbers that were posted were also tied to market size, meaning they’re projected out over the entire population of L.A., so they’re sort of estimations at best. The only thing I had hears was that the ratings were up over the past two seasons. By how much exactly, I don’t know.
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KFII asked: I seem to remember reading somewhere that Luc is the one who designed our current 3rd jersey. Is this true? Can you tell us how many fans are currently signed up as Insiders? And how much the fan base has grown since this forum started?
Answer: I’m sure that Robitaille, as president of business operations, had a lot of feedback in terms of the jerseys, but I don’t believe he actually designed them, no. As for how many different people post, I really don’t know. There really is no sign-up or registration process, so I don’t track them. One thing I definitely can tell is when people post for the first time, and it’s amazing — in a very positive way — to see how many people are still discovering the site, almost two years later.
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Vahe asked: Who will win a championship first the Cubs or the Kings?
Answer: The Cubs need to worry about getting to .500, then making the playoffs. At least the Kings have taken those two steps,
Thanks a million rich!
GO KINGS!!
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garry Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@kb, Stoll is not fast enough to center the 3rd line and not talented enough for the 2nd so, will be traded. Handzus all heart but too slow and someone tell me where would you play him so will not be re-signed! Schenn is certain to make the team! Bernier is too talented to play a few games a season as back-up for Quick. Poni is gone because will have plenty for the 4th line in Manchester. Many rumor’s about who get’s Bernier and for how much. The most interesting is Denver(Denver Post)geting him for their #1(2nd overall)plus a 2nd and third round pick. Sorry Rich, I know you are handcuffed on what you can really print.
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Godzilla Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@garry,
Agree w/ your assessment of our centers. The biggest lost I see from the possibly departing Stoll would be faceoff and shootouts. He’s pretty awesome at both. Handzus loss would be a big body, great team and responsible (d-zone) player.
I would go a step further and we don’t really need a Penner and a R. Smyth. They more or less fill the same void. They’re not the best skaters and aren’t the best in the d-zone. Both make their living close to the net.
So I say a package could possibly include Stoll, Bernier and Penner/Smyth. Unfortunately, not sure how much a low cost team would want stoll, penner, or smyth in a trade. Which may leave Toronto (Kessel?), NY Rangers or some other big market team that never really starts over.
anyhow, all just speculation and rumors – - that’s what happens when the season ends.
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garry Reply:
May 3rd, 2011 at 9:47 am
@Godzilla, Just do something DL because we will not be satisfied just to make the play-offs again because this is not why you were hired.
regulate Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@garry,
Stoll not fast enough? Completely disagree. Not only is he a good skater, he is the perfect third line center. Strong on defense, who can contribute on offense, and one of the best faceoff men in the game to go against the opposition’s top lines. Way under appreciated.
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garry Reply:
May 3rd, 2011 at 9:49 am
@regulate, If he is not traded then the 3rd line center is where he will play in the last year of his contract.
Rich, alot of players have pregame rituals or certain meals they always eat before playing. Do you have any?
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Rich, you are one BAAAAD Dude (Michael Jackson BAD)! Thanks for all you do! GKG!
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Ravens Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
@KingFan79, He is one Bad Mutha….Shut Yo Mouth,,,as Isaac Hayse once said
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“One thing I definitely can tell is when people post for the first time, and it’s amazing” — it took a move to norcal for me to discover this site
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Rich, it’s obvious that this team is playing about where their talent level is currently. In camparison to other Pacific Div. teams, the Kings just can’t compare to the firepower of the Canucks, Sharks, and even the Ducks, and that difference IMO, is the main reason why they didn’t advance. With that said, this season’s FA class is weak with snipers, certainly nobody of Kovalchuk’s ilk is available. With that said, I feel it’s very unlikely that DL will be able to sign someone of significance. And it’s also unlikely that anyone from the Farm system will be able to fill that role, as Toffoli has barely played in the AHL, and there’s nobody at Manchester that seemingly can fill that bill. And while, I’d love to trade Bernier and Hickey to the Devils for Parise, I don’t see that happening either.
So what can DL do to help with the scoring? Kopi needs some help, and it doesn’t appear that there is any on the horizon.
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oscar Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 12:48 am
@KHenry14, punt
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Just want to thank you Rich for your great coverage and posts and wish to thank all the Kings personnel, (use this term ‘cos there are too many to list) including front office staff, coaches, players trainers, equipment handlers, media staff, etc., etc..
Also want to thank all King’s fans for their support and will forever be a Kings fan, through good times and bad. WELL DONE!
GKG, next season is too far away for me, I’m already having withdrawal symptoms.
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Rich..What is your favorite color?
And animal?
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Rich,
Sorry if you took my comments earlier about Kompon as disrespectful to you. I think nothing but the best of you and your coverage and it wasn’t pointed your way at all.
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Rich Hammond Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
No, I didn’t at all, but thanks…
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Rich, what do you think will happen to the western conference, more specifically, the pacific should Phoenix move up north? I’m pretty sure they won’t change things immediately, but I can’t imagine that being very efficient.
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Rich I posted this last year and I guess since it hasn’t been addressed this year I’ll ask again…
Dustin Brown had mentioned in a post game interview that he needed surgery on his teeth and that the recovery time was extensive. Any word on whether he’s going to do that now and how long he might need to recover?
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 1:16 am
@Matt George, I would imagine he would be since he isn’t playing for the US National team like he normally does.
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Hey Rich if it’s not too late. can you let us know, if there is any good Buzz on Kitsyn in front office, or have you herd any rumors to demands on making the NHL or bolting to the KHL like Voynov is rumores to have done? I really like this kid,, he has done everything he’s been asked to do at every level. one of the best players on a team that won gold in the World Juniors and now the leading scorer on the Missisuaga St Micheals Majors in the OHL playoffs with size speed and grit, oh yeah, and he’s a left winger with a right hand shot. Thanks Rich, your the best
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Hey Rich..
What are the protocols in the NHL for Drug Testing?
How often and at what times during year?
Are they random set-ups?
Any kind of explanation would be appreciated..
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SLIM Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
@SLIM, Also ..Are you watching the rest of
the playoffs and do you have a favorite?
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can we have a daily tread where we could post about that day’s play off games.Not a update just one threat for all the games?? Thanks
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neil Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
@neil, with that in mind…S.J. had 18 shots in the second period and are outshoting Detroit 27 17…..
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Are there any plans for a road trip for Kings fans next year? Where we can buy tickets, flight, and a hotel room all together? I know they had an option for this on some website a couple years ago (the road trip was to Detroit) but I couldn’t find anything this season. Thanks
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OK…I’m sick to my stomach….
SJ just won in OT..
Rich are you as sick as I am?
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MOSH Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@SLIM, Since Monday i really hate that team,i really want to face them next year in playoffs but this time a more stronger kings team
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Ravens Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
@SLIM, I hate the Sharks, but how much would that speak to the strength of a young Kings team that could have beat them, if the Shraks beat up on the rest of the League
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Dominick Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 5:22 am
@SLIM,
It will sting a bit if the Sharks take home the cup this year. The Kings will have been here longer than the Ducks, or the Sharks, and be the only hockey team in California without a cup. Oh the irony!
Next year we beat up both of them.
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Ravens Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@Dominick, We beat them both for the next decade, seems we finally have a system wide plan to compete for years to come rather than to bring stars to sell tickets
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Rich, what kind of un-earthly spell have you cast upon me that I am obsessed with this blog?
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I have actually seen a copy of Sandis Ozolinsh(colorado days) bi-weekly paycheck that he left in a hotel by accident. Very nice indeed. Don’t worry the check was returned to Sandis, but it was just interesting to see the breakdown. Almost half gone to taxes.
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First, thanks Rich for everything and the blog. Specifically, I’ve been a daily visitor since before the move to the new site (3 years?) and all of the changes have been positive – it’s only gotten better. As a Kings fan living out of state, I sincerely thank you.
1) When competing for a roster spot among defensemen, it seems like they are more specifically competing for roles within the defensive system. If that’s they case, can you group the current defensemen in the Kings system by style (ei who are they defensive d-men as opposed to the rovers etc). 2) How much can fan input influence what jersey the Kings will have next year? This is a hot button topic with the fans but will they even ask us what we want, or (as Tampa recently did) are there any plans to get fan-feedback? 3) I’m all for home fans right to jeer and generally try to make the visiting team uncomfortable, but should there be a line drawn at hanging upside down undulating on the glass in a green spandex suit? 4) Who on the Kings had the best playoff beard? 5) Is Trevor Lewis the only NHL player from Utah?
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Thank you Rich for all you do for us fans…
After reading all all your A’s, I agreed with 95% of all the things you said. You Change my mind on few things I did not agree with what the Kings where doing. So thanks again, look forward to meeting one day.
The thing I did not agree is you saying Washington is playing Murray style hockey, I watch about 20 of Washington games this season and I just do not see them playing that way. Yes they where playing the O game way to much the last 2 years and lost in playoffs for playing the O. But they still played one man High in the D zone and scored many goals that way. I did not see Murray play any of his players that way.
Maybe the Caps can play it that way because they have the speed to do it, the Kings have half thier speed. I saw SJ do the same this year and my feeling these 2 teams will be in the Finals.
So my question to you is if the Kings had the speed (of course when I say speed not skating like a chickens…) That TM would play a man high on Defancive zone?
I think you Know I am not a TM fan and maybe I am wrong, becauce the Kings do not have speed to come back and play D or the two-eay hockey that most teams use now with the red line gone?
I know I confused you
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Is the marathon over rich? Nice job!
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Thanks so much Rich. Is there any chance these open forum blogs will turn into an audio book format?=) I need to take some time off work so I can catch up with all of these!
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Do you think the kings will try and go after an restricted free agent like Zach Parise and what is the compensation for signing a restricted free agent?
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It is weird to watch Jack Johnson playing Austria this morning taking passes from Ranger rookie Derek Stepan
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Thanks Rich. I did not expect to see my question up here, but good to hear. I know offer sheets are rare and that Doughty is kind of untouchable, but Florida has been mediocre for too long to do something and I remember how Vanek got a huge contract that maybe he was not ready for.
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Rich, I don’t know if the question and answer session is done but I’ll ask anyway. What is it gonna take for the Kings to get on an NBC game of the week during the latter half of the season. I know it’s pretty much an east coast “bias” thing but c’mon, shouldn’t the NHL bring some other teams into the spotlight other than Penguins, Capitols, Rangers, Flyers, Bruins, Penguins, Capitols, Rangers, Flyers, Bruins ad nauseum…..
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Rich, I really like the site and definately think that it is better than the other King blogs but if I have one suggestion I think that you need to provide more analysis and opinion to the content. I know that you come from a newspaper background so I guess what I’m asking is to be more of a columnist and not alway in a reporter mode.
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