The chat with Dean Lombardi got delayed by 21 hours, largely because of the amount of activity in the Kings’ offices yesterday. With a big chunk of the organization set to leave Monday for Minnesota to prepare for the NHL Draft, there were a lot of last-minute discussions and planning. I was, however, able to get some time with Lombardi today and chat about some of the relevant topics. I’ll have the full interview on Monday, but for now, here are some of the highlights of what was discussed…
– The Kings, whose first pick in the draft is scheduled to be No. 49, would consider options to trade back into the first round but only for a deal that makes sense, not just for the sake of it. This year’s first round is not considered especially deep.
– Within the past few days, the Kings have made a “major” offer to Drew Doughty’s agent. Lombardi has made two trips to Toronto — location of the office of Don Meehan’s, Doughty’s agent — within the past four weeks, and the Kings would like to get a deal done before the draft, if possible. Lombardi said he is certainly aware of the risk of an offer sheet to Doughty but is not overly concerned.
– The Kings are still in the market for a top-level forward, either through free agency or trade. Lombardi said that even if it was guaranteed that Dustin Penner would have a big season, statistically, the Kings would still seek outside help to improve their scoring numbers, both 5-and-5 and on the power play.
– Penner, Lombardi said, has been dedicated to working hard so far this summer, and Lombardi expressed optimism.
– Anze Kopitar is making great progress from his recovery from ankle surgery, Lombardi said, as is Justin Williams from his shoulder surgery. Willie Mitchell and Jonathan Quick also had minor medical procedures but will be ready for the start of training camp.
Much more on all of this to come…
Quick had something wrong with him??
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CB14 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Probably something like a broken finger. Rich said it was minor, so I doubt it was something that affected his play.
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Who Knows? Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@CB14, Something minor in hockey= A season ending injury in the NBA
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CB14 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@Who Knows?, LOL. Also a career ending injury in MLB.
Buster Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@CB14,
A HANGNAIL would put a baseball on the IR for 6 months .
jofa6000 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@Who Knows?, LOL
MrMister Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 12:50 am
@Who Knows?, funniest MLB injury I’ve heard “Bi-lateral leg weakness”
big matt Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 7:15 am
@Who Knows?,
Bi-lateral leg weakness! Hahahaha, how about “general soreness” or the dreaded “sunflower seed finger”. Best of all was an injury suffered by Dodgers stalwart Billy Ashley many years ago when he stuck a q-tip too far into his ear and sat out a game. Really, I’m not kidding.
KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@CB14, lol oh nooo he cant play Basketball no more
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KC23 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 5:28 am
@CB14, hehee … never forget when I saw a baseball player leave the game because he stained his groin … on a home run trot.
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LAPD line Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 5:37 am
@KC23, Hope you meant “strained”, not “stained”. But, I would believe either….
Michael J. Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
Yup, just ask @Poorman
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@Michael J., LOL other than the mistakes he does i mean like health LOL…Every goalie has errors even Bernier both great goaltenders just dont get why everyone wants just one
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scott Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@KingsFanFTW, im almost positive every player has something injurd at the end of the season
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USHA#17 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
Assume he lost three toes and thumb to amputation until we hear differently.
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“Major” im assuming means he was offered a long term contract. Answers the question if they were gonna stray away from that, and to a 2 year contract for now. Hopefully Drew and his agent take it..
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CB14 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@Michael_DD8, I would think, and it’s just my opinion, that his agent would want to wait a year and see DD’s play improve to where it was 2 years ago when he was a Norris finalist before signing a long term deal. Right now his value is high, but not as high as it could be if he were playing at a top 3 level. I think he sign’s a 2 year 9 million dollar deal, and waits on doing something long term until his value is at its highest.
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lafan13 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 10:24 am
@CB14,
As much as id love to pay drew a billion dollars for another norris season…
If drew truely wants to win a Cup for LA, He wont handcuff his team demanding 8 million a year…
Do the right thing drew!!!!
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Garrett Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@Michael_DD8, This is the year to retain DD if you’re going to do it long term. Otherwise, I’d like to see him packaged for a 40 goal scorer. I mean, wouldn’t you rather have Parise or Carter than DD?
DD had a stellar first couple seasons, but I think we’re at least at a 50 / 50 reality that he isn’t THAT good. Move him now and ensure you get a star caliber player.
That said, if we can sign him for JJ type money or less – that would be ok for the long haul too. At that kind of money, he can be moved if need be.
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CB14 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@Garrett, Um, No. Parise will be 27 when the season starts, Carter 26, DD will only be 21. Why would you trade one of the potential best d-men in the history of the game, yeah I said it, for a 2nd line Center, or a 1st line L.W. who was out most of the year with a major knee injury. Lets not also forget that Parise is a UFA after this upcoming season, so there’s a risk that you would trade DD for 1 year from Zach Parise. That’s not a risk I would be willing to take.
Most d-men don’t even make it into the league until their early twenties, while DD made it as an 18 year old rookie. Also lets not forget he was a Norris finalist 2 years ago, and that wasn’t a fluke.
The only guy who at times has been rumored to be on the trading block that I would trade DD for is Rick Nash. He’s put up really good numbers playing without a #1 center, and has been very reliable, playing in 74 games or more in 7 of his 8 years in the NHL. I would just like to see a line of Nash, Kopi, Brown. That would be an awesome line. I know it’s a huge longshot that Nash even gets traded, but i like to dream.
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Osaka Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@Garrett, How do you come to the assumption that DD isn’t “That” good? What D-man in the league is better at his age? The guys was 5th in the league in mins played per game. 30 GM’s in the league would take DD over Parise or Carter anyday.
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Oh please, please, please let that Doughty extension happen before the draft.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@dailymehow,
Please please please. That would make my off season.
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Maybe there would be a legit offer for Penner then we could get someone who actually likes LA and gives 100% when playing.
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ike Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@gene, Yeah everyone hates LA but love Phoenix, Anaheim, San Jose, Dallas, Tampa…
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RLane420 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@gene, Penner did not prepare in the offseason to play in LA he prepared for Edm. So saying he doesnt like LA would be YOUR complete speculation unless you have a link to an interview. Lets see how he shows up to camp before we ship him out of town. If you remember when Zus first got here nobody liked him his knee wasnt 100 percent and everyone wanted him shipped out. True we overpaid him but do you see how things worked out.Zus has been a rock for this team and I for one am glad to have had him. Lets give Penner a offseason to prepare and then see how he does. Our system is not the easiest to learn either. Did you see Ovi’s numbers this season while trying to adjust to a very similar system. Not very good and Penner is no Alex Ovi.
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@RLane420, That’s what I’ve been saying. Let Penner have an offseason and a full regular season before we dump him. I mean, he was playing for the last place Oilers, he probably just forgot that there were such a thing as meaningful games past March, and wasn’t used to play after mid April.
I think Penner will be fine next year. Not an elite winger, but he’ll be okay.
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Deadmarsh Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@Bluecoconuts, Seriously people. 2 years ago everyone was throwing JW under the bus for his “lack of production”. Fast forward 2 years and he’s one of our most productive players and gets re-signed for 4 years. While I don’t quite think that Penner has JW’s heart, he undoubtedly still has skill for a big guy and don’t forget how exhausting the travel and the trades and the media and his personal life affects his game play. Give the guy a break. Penner will score 20+ next year.
Buster Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 12:02 am
@RLane420,
I was one of the few sticking up for Zeus when he had the knee problems because I knew how hard it would be to come close to 100% effective.
But does anyone REALLY want to see a full season with the North American version of Froloaf (Penner), but with less stick handling ability?
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kings should look to try and trade for carter from flyers they might need to deal him if flyers do sign a big deal with bryzgolov
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number 6 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@Mark,
He has a contract that most would not consider terribly short term…… 11 years. I don’t think that’s the sort of contract you want for anyone, unless it’s Drew Doughty, Crosby, Stamkos, Toews and a few other players. Certainly not the sort of player Carter is. (not saying he’s not a good player…. but there was a time when it seemed like a good deal for the rangers to get scott gomez and chris drury…. roberto luongo has another ten years or so as well…. look what can happen)! Definitely definitely don’t want carter.
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puck73 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
@Mark, Carter’s not going anywhere. Philadelphia is attempting to sign Bryz which means they are going for all the marbles. Carter is a big part of their core and they will dump other salary instead.
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KC23 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 5:31 am
@Mark, His contract is absurd. Nobody in their right mind would get into that contract, especially DL.
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lafan13 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 10:31 am
@Mark,
Carter isn’t going anywhere…
we should instead help philly by signing UFA Ville Leino… He put up decent numbers, @ a cap hit of 800k last year…
19g 34a 53p +14 in 2010/11
he could be had for pretty cheap IMO, and good for 15-25 goals
and he played with Detroit and Philly, deans favorite!!!
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puck73 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@lafan13, I think Leino would put up good numbers playing with Kopitar and Williams, and at a plus 14 he is obviously fairly responsible defensively. Trading for Parise is still my fist choice to play on that line, but I think Leino would do a good job, and at a reasonable cap hit.
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Dominick Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
@puck73,
I really like Leino. He’s also young enough to be considered a franchise core player for a few years. He’ll definately be looking for a raise, but I think it’ll be cheaper than anything we’d be paying for Carter, Richards, or Parise.
If the Kings went for Parise, I’d rather wait till next year (when we can more than afford it), when he’s an FA, instead of giving up assets to get him now. Plus everybody who has tried to figure out how to make it work with Parise (or any other high priced player) has Schenn spending a year in Manchester.
I would like to see Schenn here (IF) he’s ready, instead of holding him back to free up capspace. That’s a terrible reason to not bring up one of the top rated prospects in the whole NHL. Especially since part of the Kings identity is having the best, and deepest prospect pool in the entire NHL.
KindSir Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@lafan13,
no more filler!ok maybe a little harsh but lets aim for a proven 30 goal scorer can we?
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number 6 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@KindSir,
Here Here!
LOL @ “The Kings are still in the market for a top-level forward, either through free agency or trade. Lombardi said that even if it was guaranteed that Dustin Penner would have a big season, statistically, the Kings would still seek outside help to improve their scoring numbers, both 5-and-5 and on the power play.”
The masses want a sexy name, Dean has been “trying” to acquire one for years. (not really). This is just a typical quote from an organization. Next year if we’re complaining about more grit is needed, watch them come out with a similar quote. It’s all just part of the job to keep themselves safe and sound.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@Chris P. Bacon, what u want him to say yea our team sucks???that a sound fit for u?
Of course he going to say something to keep everyone clam and trust in him…so Far he doing a great job he trying to get everything done..Everyone that thinks he a Bad GM or whatever u guys say it..Just dont know how to wait and expect a Stanley Cup every year it wont happen it takes time to do it..When the Team knows how to put all their effort out there and play hard .
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CB14 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@Chris P. Bacon, Yeah because they don’t want to win, they just want to be good enough not to get fired. Come on. That might have been true under previous GM’s in the AEG era, but it’s not true now. They already have 48 million committed next year, and will be right near the cap once they re-sign DD and other free agents. There was only 1 top tier free agent last year and DL tried to acquire him, coming up short, thankfully so. We needed a top L.W. at the trade deadline, and DL got the best available one he could without giving up his best prospect Brayden Schenn. It’s not DL’s fault that Penner didn’t produce, that’s on the player and the coach. There’s only 1 top tier free agent, and you can believe DL’s interested in his services. As far as your statement that DL’s been trying to acquire one for years, that’s not true. Show me the quote where he said he’s been trying to acquire a top player for years. I’ll bet you can’t.
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number 6 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@CB14,
Yeah CB….. and also I was thinking today how I can’t in all honesty say there’s been that one player out there who was a great fit for the Kings that he could get within reason. Yes Kovi is great but not at 25 years or whatever it is – I never thought Dany Heatley was a good fit (nor did DL) and his career playoff stats are very poor for a goal scorer. Hossa…. yeah sort of…. but we were only gonna come in second best on that one anyway as he’d already been in two finals w different teams and chicago was much closer than the kings…. proven by the result last year.
I absolutely agree with you. People can say what they want, but I’m not that convinced that you snap your fingers and voila…. a 35-40 goal scorer with blazing speed…. you know, like the State Farm tv ads.
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CB14 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@number 6, Yeah, Hossa was the one guy the last 3-4 years that I would’ve liked to have seen us sign. However, as you pointed out, he wasn’t going to sign with a team that was that far removed from being a championship contender. I was never sold on Kovi, Heatley, Havlat, Gaborik, ect.
However I am sold on Brad Richards. He’s a proven winner, and a perfect fit for this team with his ability to play Center and L.W. The only question is whether he wants to play here, and how much money we can offer compared to Toronto and New York. I also wouldn’t count out Tampa Bay, he talked very highly of them in that article a couple of weeks ago. DL has got me encouraged with his comments above about wanting to acquire another top level forward. Richards is the only UFA available who fits that bill, and a trade would cost some very valuable assets depending on who he’s looking for. Plus DL is the type of guy who tells it straight, if he wasn’t looking for a top level forward, he’d say so. Mabye I’m getting my hopes up too high, but as Andy Dufresne said,”Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
bryanagee Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@CB14,
Something is wrong if we are near the cap and can’t get out of the first round…
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CB14 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@bryanagee, True, but we were about 6 mil under the cap last year, plus Smyth’s cap hit is about 2-3 mil higher than what it should be. Next year we should make it out of the first round.
KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
@bryanagee, yea that is we werent without our superstar then that be wrong plus our second year in the playoffs cant always expect to get out of round 1 with rookies still takes time just wait for it when we have our full team together then start hitting the panic button for right now just relax and wait in July to see what player we get
Plus it has everything to do without scoring so u cant get n where without scoring goals
RLane420 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@Chris P. Bacon, who would you have aquired and what would you have given up to get him. Would you have given Kovalchoke the deal the Devil gave him(not a mism spell). If you think DL is B S ing and is not really trying to get a top scorer, then why are we always rumored to be in the mix on any player available. How many people where saying Iginla was going to LA last season. Are you going to say Dean wasnt on the phone making offers. I dont think so. But he isnt going to do what we always have and give up the farm for a old past his prime player.
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Just to confirm, the interview was delayed 21 hours and didn’t actually last 21 hours? It would be great to have DD locked up soon so we know where we can go reference another scoring forward. Forget this draft, it is reportedly a poor crop and if you don’t have one of the first 5 picks, then everything else is a throw of the dice so don’t even consider trading to move up. I wouldn’t worry about an offer sheet to DD either because whoever does that will ignite NHL Armageddon (which would be totally interesting to watch).
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Bill M. Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 12:37 am
@DesertKing, Yeah. You can bet that if somebody opened the offer sheet can o worms on doughty, you can bet that DL will take that as all bets are off…if I were him and I lost doughty to an offer sheet, I’d see no reason at that point not to compensate by poaching that hot young forward we need.
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lafan13 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@Bill M.,
Only hot young forward worth poaching like that, is parise from NJ… and hes protected by arbitration till start of training camp… soooooo ya… DD better not get offersheeted….
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lafan13 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 10:36 am
@lafan13,
unless we’re talking about stamkos?
DesertKing Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@lafan13,
C’mon DL, work that sign and trade for Parise!!!
KC23 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@DesertKing, You would have to make sure there were no sharp objects in reach for Rich if he had to listen to DL for 21 hours.
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DesertKing Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@KC23,
I wonder if the tranquilizers helped
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Buster Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 12:08 am
@DesertKing,
With DL, it’s a possibility that an interview COULD last for at least 21 hours.
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Penner is going to work hard this off season and during the season to try and get a 3 year deal somewhere next year. He can’t be so stupid to not know when to turn it on.
Just before the trade deadline let’s trade him to a trigger happy playoff team and get a prospect or a couple picks back.
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wes Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@LA_1968, I’m right there with you on that. Penner should indeed bring a better effort if he’s smart enough to look ahead a few months, to new contract negotiations. But even if he looks like a 30 goal guy come the trade deadline, I’d _really_ be interested in what some anxious team might give up to get him. DL’s not going to blurt that out casually, but I suspect he’d be thinking similarly.
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scott Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@wes, playoff teams dont trade away 30 goal guys at the trade deadline.
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Deadmarsh Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
@scott,
Mike Gartner.
Wow I’m old, what year was that?
RLane420 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@scott, exactly. We had better not be sellers at the deadline.
scott Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@scott,you only had to go back 25 years to prove me wrong.lol
wes Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@scott, you’re absolutely correct, of course, as is RLane420– but . . . you are both making assumptions that i was not. perhaps i should be operating with the same assumptions (that LAK will be a legitimate contender). yes, yes, i like that. but . . . if you’re looking at another struggle for a #7 or 8 seed in a strong conference tournament with a 3rd straight 1st round exist likely, I seriously want to hear all trigger happy offers for Penner.
LA_1968 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
@scott, I know that playoff teams don’t unload 30 goal scorers but Penner is a flake. I just don’t think Penner is a guy you can count on in the playoffs. If he’s got 25 at the deadline and a bunch of them are key goals then that’s one thing. Keep him. If he’s got the 25 but they’re more like Smyth last year then unload him. I know this isn’t conventional.
Osaka Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 6:15 am
@LA_1968, Penner will have a great season and everyone here will say how they knew all along the trade for Penner was a good one or how they knew he just needed time to adjust. Just like how everyone now is a Frolov fan or a Purcell fan.
Oh and that contract year stuff, Poni put up 5 goals in his contract year and Zues 12.
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wes Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
@Osaka, The “Penner will have a great season and everyone here will say how they knew all along the trade for Penner was a good one” optimism that swims through this blog is fascinating. The Penner defense typically argues that Penner is a misunderstood ‘pure finisher’ that just needs the right compliment of hardworking battlers with more diverse skills than he himself should be expected to possess. Hardworking battlers of more diverse skills feeding him the puck at the opponent’s goal mouth. I say try to move the guy for a hardworking battler of more diverse skills. One guy actually made that ‘pure finisher’ game work for him and his team, his name was Phil Esposito. Dustin Penner is no Phil Esposito.
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Osaka Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
@wes, I never said he is a pure finisher. I would not call him an Esposito, Tim Kerr, or John LeClair. Not close. I can see a 30-35 goal big body Dave Andreychuk type winger playing next to Kopi. Penner has played 5 full seasons in the NHL and has had seasons of 29 and 32 goals. He came to a new team and struggled, period. How can you say the guy is no good after 20 games with the Kings. I am judging from 5 years he has been in the league, not 19 games with the Kings. I can understand you were disappointed in Penner and understand frustration Kings fans have. Just make decisions with your head not heart. The guy had trouble adjusting to a new team, was not in the best shape….. whatever. History shows the guy can and will score.
wes Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@Osaka, fair enough, i admit i was rebutting a lot of Penner defenses in these forums that may not have been exactly yours. sorry about that. bad on me. anyway, for the sake of the Kings’ next campaign, i have to hope you’re right about the guy. you see ‘the glass as half full,’ so to speak. I have a hard time going there. i can’t, and don’t deny that ‘history shows the guy can score,’ the problem is that history also shows other things. his dismal 1/4 season in LA may have been a kind of highlight of the sleepwalking Penner, but that’s not just something that abruptly happened when he landed in LA– Edmonton was happy to get long shot prospects for the sleepwalking Penner. the guy’s got some work to do. LAK have to hope he can answer the bell. based on what I’ve seen, the fire seems to be out. can “good Penner” displace “bad Penner”? i’m skeptical but would be happy to see DP prove me wrong.
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Great news about Kopi. A complete recovery by him would be the best thing that could happen to the Kings this off season.
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Hockeysureshot Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
@rick, You’re so correct! The fact that Kopitar is making a smooth recovery should give us all a sense of relief.
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KC23 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@rick, I suspect he’ll have a slow start this year though. Pretty common for someone coming back from their first serious leg/ankle injury.
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OK, I was wrong. Who would have thought that the lifetime King’s fan DD would require so much more work to lock up than JJ? Certainly not me. Oh well, lets hope he works with the Kings like #3 did and gets it done sooner than later.
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CB14 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
@Michael J., DD has an agent, JJ did not. That’s the difference.
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Scot Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 12:39 am
@CB14,
Bingo.
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KC23 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@CB14, And DD agent is the most experienced agent in the business.
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DougS Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@Michael J.,
It certainly seems weird, I agree. But DD retained one of the bigger player agents in hockey in Meehan, so some back-and-forth is to be expected. In cases like that (unfortunately) it’s not always about what the player himself wants, it’s about what the agent thinks he should want, and the higher the agent’s profile and the younger the player, the more influence the agent is likely to have.
JJ, for whatever reason, decided to cut to the chase and negotiate his extension himself (IIRC). That shows a lot of trust in the organization, and that the kid has stones, going it alone like that.
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RLane420 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@DougS, Also Jack doesnt have to give an agent a percentage. Which means he can sign for less and still make more than others with higher dollar amounts. Smart kid.
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CB14 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@RLane420, Good point.
DLB Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@DougS, Meehan is a very busy man right now — he’s Parise’s agent too, and he even had Shea Weber until Weber bolted for another agent the other day. Well, maybe now that he only has 2/3 of the biggest RFAs to deal with, things will move along…
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DLB Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Oh, darn, forgot about Stamkos. Didn’t mean to. Well, I guess that’s 3/4 for Meehan instead of all of ‘em.
CB14 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@DLB, He sounds like the Scott Boras of the NHL.
DrGonzo Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
@Michael J.,
In comparing JJ with DD: Jack is a very smart, classy, humble and talented individual who did things on his own and showed a great deal of team dedication in the way things were handled. Drew on the other hand, still very very talented in his own right, portrays more a sense of arrogance and borderline young gun stupidity if you will. I love Drew and want nothing more for him to sign as a lifer but I feel im gunna be stressed out a lil while longer for this to happen.
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DLB Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@DrGonzo, Stamkos and Weber have agents and haven’t signed either, has anyone ever called their character into question? The biggest names have the biggest deals, and they have the biggest impact on their teams’ futures. Those usually take time. Lombardi himself wanted to wait until the offseason.
I feel the stress too, though, since it’s the franchise’s future on the line. Time to self medicate with beer.
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KC23 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@DrGonzo, When a player has that high a profile agent, the player doesn’t have all that much to do with the speed of the process.
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Garrett Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@DrGonzo, Agreed! And as I’ve said: I’d like to see him packaged for a 40 goal scorer. I mean, wouldn’t you rather have Parise or Carter than DD?
DD had a stellar first couple seasons, but I think we’re at least at a 50 / 50 reality that he isn’t THAT good. Move him now and ensure you get a star caliber player.
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BobKnob Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@Garrett,
Jesus, you guys. Patience. He’s what, 21 years old? He’s going to be a great defenseman for a long time. He plays a ridonk number of minutes each game (not in shape? howaboutno), plays solid with occasional flashes of brilliance and occasional lapses in judgement (will gain experience and make fewer mistakes), and still has tons of upside potential on both the offensive and defensive ends.
Stop being blinded by the sexy looking stats of forwards. Stats aren’t a really good way to judge a defenseman. Very little of what they do good or bad shows up on a scoresheet.
Paul Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@Garrett, That would be the dumbest thing the kings ever did. Drew Doughty>>>>Parise/Carter
The “Lombardi Interview Highlights” might more appropriately be titled “Lombardi Lite”
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Scot Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 12:41 am
@JackKent Cooke,
Not bad.. Not good, but not bad..
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Ok just for the fun of it since I’m bored,,some twitter hocky blogger Gino De Paoli is claiming the Kings are interested in bringing back Poni , my question to my fellow insiders is..what would be your oppinion? I’m assuming if it where true it would be for a big pay cut. I know, I know…they guy is crazy, but lets just say what if for fun….actually I like the guy and what he brings to the table, just not at 3 Mi. or whatever he was getting, I’d say 1 Mi. and I take it
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CB14 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@Ravens, I would take him back for 1 mil, but I can’t see Poni coming back to play for Terry Murray again after being put on the 3rd line all year and then getting benched at the end of the playoffs. Plus I don’t see Poni taking that kind of money.
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Token Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@Ravens, Not gonna happen. Getting Poni for a mill would be like getting Frolov for a mill. He’ll bolt to the KHL and make way more tax free.
There also is no room on the roster for him. Who do you bench? Cliffy, Parse?
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Ari Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
@Token, Agree … Don’t know where he would fit:
Missing Piece LW – Kopi – Williams
Parse – Schenn – Brown
Penner – Stoll – Simmer
Cliffy – Lewis – Richie
Don’t know about Smyth and Zues (though I love the guys).
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wes Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
@Ari, true that Smyth is tough to place at this point (gotta like the guy, gotta play him and pay him far too much, but he’s not part of the team’s future) and i think you’re on the right track with your lines. It would be fun to just plug in Maxim Kitsyn as your “missing piece LW”. Maybe. But ‘first line” LW looks like Penner (4 and a half million reasons, or whatever) although Parse should get a serious look– at something like 1/5 of the price tag he gives you an actual 85 x 200 competitor, can’t say that for Penner.
Scot Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 12:45 am
@Ari,
I can TOTALLY see Ryan Smyth spending some games in the press box this upcoming season for the first time in his career. I love Ryan Smyth, and there aren’t many players I’ve ever seen for whom I have more respect. But he is just getting slower and slower, compounded with the fact that the Kings have an infusion of young kids with talent and lots of speed coming up.
I can see Smyth being a healthy scratch here and there, and then getting back in the lineup if injuries start occuring. We’ll see.
KC23 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@Ari, Poni ain’t coming back. No way no how, but I do think he is better than he showed last year. I liked his compete level. Didn’t see him take too many shifts off when he was healthy.
Penner – Kopitar – Brown
Ryan – Stoll – Williams
Parse – Scheen – Simmonds
Clifford – Lewis – Richardson
That is how I see it will likely go, but I’d rather it be:
Penner – Kopitar – Williams
Clifford – Lewis – Richardson
Parse – Scheen – Brown
Ryan – Stoll – Simmonds
Dave Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
@Ravens, i don’t think there is a place for Poni…the top four LW are Penner, Smyth, Clifford and Richardson plus Parse needs a spot. unless DL finds a way to trade Smyth there is no place for Poni to play.
by the way, my lines are…
Penner-Kopi-Williams
Smyth-Stoll-Brown
Clifford-Schenn-Simmonds
Parse-Lewis-Richie
Westgarth
unless DL doesn’t think Schenn can make the team. Then Richie moves to center and that potentially opens up a spot. but why wouldn’t DL just re-sign Handzus for a year to play center if Schenn or Loktionov aren’t ready?
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JMFJ#3 Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@Dave, I dont’ know about Parse making it there he really hasn’t been able to do much. There is no space for Zues…Lewis is the cheaper faster version of him he only needs to work on face offs.
Smyth, Kopi, Williams
Leino, Stoll, Brown
Clifford, Schenn, Simmonds
Parse, Lewis, Richie
Just move Penner and get someone with speed like Leino. Then we can ROLL 4 LINES all with speed, grit and skill.
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Dave Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 12:42 am
@JMFJ#3, at center it just depends on if Schenn is ready. if not there could be a space open until he is.
i don’t get the hate for Penner – sure, he didn’t play well after kopitar got hurt but there are plenty of reasons for that. he was fine before the kopi injury. plus, one could argue Smyth was worse than Penner for a very long stretch last year and he has a lot less upside. i like Smyth a lot, but i’d rather see DL go after Leino instead.
i’d much rather see DL try and move Smyth to a team with some cap space. his actual salary is a lot less than the cap hit and if DL sweetens the pot maybe he can move him.
what about Martinez + Smyth to Colorado or Edmonton for their first round pick? they both could absorb Smyth’s salary and they both need a quality but inexpensive d-man. we could use the top 10 pick and the cap space and we have Voynov, Hickey and Muzzin to fight for Martinez’s spot.
JMFJ#3 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 12:58 am
@Dave, Yeah Smyth (could see him back in Edmon)is a great guy but we could really use the cap space if we are keeping Penner and Schenn comes in with his 3+million. I really think Schenn needs a season in Manchester, but who knows. If Lokti plays then that changes things again.
Penner, Kopi, Williams,(gets a little grit from williams being jumpy)
Leino, Lokti, Brown…(brown makes space goes to the net and lets creative and speed work)
Cliffy,Stoll, Simmonds, (grit, face-offs, some scoring with more grit)
Parse, Lewis, Richie (speed, grit, and being able to roll a 4th line to keep others fresh)
I think either way Penner or Smyth have to get moved for some cap space…or maybe move matt i make too much for a 5th guy greene…speaking cap space to ice time only.
Leino: would come with a small cap hit, he was 800k maybe pick him up for 1.1-1.5 mil for a few seasons.
Smyth/Penner Cap hit…hard to move???? i don’t really know maybe.
Might be easier to move Stoll to free up cap space this year if needed.
don’t think we would get a 1st for smyth and martinez though
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number 6 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@Osaka
Thanks Osaka!! I was certain of that (well, obviously not as I put in Lowe’s name) but it was early a.m. and I was too tired to remember about Tambellini. Yes indeed. In any case, glad you agree w me. I try to keep my ‘mouth’ shut (or my fingers off the keyboard) but then people just do that don’t they. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking on their part?
number 6 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 5:25 am
@Dave,
Dave, first of all I can’t speak for Lowe in Edm but I’d tend to think other GM’s aren’t that stupid. 1st round picks are valuable, even in a shallow draft. Martinez still isn’t proven enough, and Smyth? He’s far closer to the end than to the beginning. Why would they give up a 1st for player who has a huge salary and is getting slower?
Also, it’s not like he’s the ‘missing piece’ to get them over some sort of hump. DL gave up a 1st and a former 1st round pick to get Penner as he thought it would fill a major gap on our first line. Unfortunately w injuries and all it didn’t really, but you don’t just give up a 1st to get some players on your team.
If you’re talkin JJ (who he wouldn’t trade anyway) then, yeah he’d certainly get a 1st. It’s the same thing coming back the other way. People say we can get Zach Parise for Matt Greene and our 4th round pick in 2014.
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Osaka Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 6:06 am
@number 6, Since Lowe was fired 3 years ago it would be really hard to speak for him, but I don’t think Steve Tambellini would trade his first round pick pick for Martinez and Smyth. Just messing with you on the GM thing, you are 100% correct on Kings fans over valuing our assets in trades. We would have to give up a 1st to get a team to take Symth, he has a 6 mil cap hit!
number 6 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@Osaka
Oops, put the reply just above in the wrong place. Anyway, just my brief response to you.
Thanks again for the reminder.
Come on Doughty don’t play hard to get. LOL Take the offer!!!
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great to hear Penner is working. This could give us the biggest pop next season.
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Peter32 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 12:30 am
@jet, would love to see Penner score +30 goals next season playing with Kopitar.
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Osaka Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 6:07 am
@Peter32, He will have a great season.
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puck73 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 8:20 am
@Osaka, You seem sure, but to me the jury is still out on this guy. Just because somebody is in the last year of their contract, doesnt guarantee that they will rise to the occasion. Also, having a srarting job on this team means that you fit in with the overall scheme with what the Kings are doing. I have read your posts and you seem like a pretty smart guy when it comes to the Kings so I am sure you would agree with me on this…if this guy isnt willing to buy into the system, Guys like Lombardi, Hextall, Murray, Brown, and Greene will want him GONE !
Osaka Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@Osaka, Oh I agree about the last year of a contract stuff, doesn’t mean anything. Poni put up 5 goals in his contract year. Fro put up 17 in his contract year with the Kings. I say Penner will have a good year because he is a good player. I come to the conclusion from his 6 year career, you come to yours from 20 games. He came to a new team and struggled, lots of guys do that. Kaberle didn’t click with Boston the way they wanted, doesn’t mean he is a bad player. Dustin came to a new team and had problems with the system, his conditioning……. whatever. To me Penner looked hesitant in his play, that comes from not being sure of yourself or confident in the system, not from a lack of heart. I think 20 games is a little to short of a time period to judge his heart.
DesertKing Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 8:50 am
@jet,
I have been bashing on Penner since he turned in such a lack of effort during the last weeks of the season and the play-offs. I would love to see him score 30+ goals, prove me wrong and make me lok like an idiot (usually something that is not hard to do). To see Penner and the Kings hoist the Cup next season would b the ultimate!
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Osaka Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@DesertKing, Good post brother!
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DesertKing Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
@Osaka,
GKG!!
KC23 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@jet, Penner’s a smart guy, he’ll play the “team player” act to the hilt and likely have a decent season, but I’m not fooled. You give this guy a mulit-year contract and you’re asking for multiple seasons like last year out of him.
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Thanks for the update Rich! Your DD08 news is sweeping the web.
Great to read that DL & gang are spending quality face time in Toronto at the Newport Sports Management offices.
Because, besides Doughty, they have B.Richardson, T.Lewis, M.Greene, J.Stoll, and R.Smyth as clients. (not to mention S.Stamkos, B.Richards, Z.Parise)
Negotiating Richardson/Lewis contracts might not be a difficult as Doughty’s.. And I would never accuse the franchise of unscrupulous behavior (FA tampering)
My curiosity lies with Captain Canada.. Would it be protocol for the team (Kings) to request a ‘NMC release’ to the agent in order to trade said player?
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Scot Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 9:46 am
@LBlocal,
It would be interesting. Moving Smyth would require the Kings to take on a “bad contract” in return. Exactly how the Kings made Colorado take a bad contract in return when they acquired Smyth. (Tom Preissing). Although it would be nice to be free of Smyth’s cap hit, which is somewhere around 6 million, the trade would not give the Kings 6 million of cap space, because of the cap hit the Kings would have to acquire in return. Would saving 1-2 million in cap space to get rid of Ryan Smyth be worth trading him? I say unless you can create AT LEAST 4 million in cap space in a Ryan Smyth trade, don’t do it. He still has some value.
It comes down to how much does a team believe Ryan Smyth is worth? If a team believes he is only worth 3 million for a season, that team will trade a player to the Kings who makes 3 million, but they won’t trade a player who makes any less, because that means they are overpaying him. If Smyth was a free agent right now asking for a 1-year deal, and I were a GM, I would say he would be worth about 3 million this season. I would hope to sign him for 2 million, but not more than 3.
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LBlocal Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@Scot, With Smyth’s 11-12 actual salary (4.5M) it would be easier than you think.
The intrinsic value to Edmonton specifically, Smyth is worth far more than 4.5M and could easily justify his one year 6.2M cap hit, mentoring the Oiler’s youth movement. And, to be able to retire as an Oiler.
Hypothetical
To Los Angeles – Gogliano, 19th pick
To Edmonton – Smyth, 49th 80th picks
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LBlocal Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:28 am
Errrr.. Cogliano…
gKg!
KC23 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@LBlocal, I’m not ready to put Ryan in the retirement home just yet. Word is he wasn’t healthy much of last year. I’m guessing groin or perhaps ankle. I’m picking Ryan to surprise us all next year.
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Dominick Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@KC23,
I agree with you on Smyth being a player that could surprise some people, because of that exact reason. He didn’t look like he was skating comfortably, and as hard as he works away from the game, I’m not convinced it’s all age. If the Kings can open it up, it might help him play a game suited to his style. Edmonton played a more wide open style when he was there, and I think the grinding style of the Kings took it’s toll a little.
My real dark horse though (even though no ones bold enough to join me) is Stoll. I might be alone at the momment, but I think he’s primed for him to have a career year offensively. If it happens next season, remember you heard it here first.
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puck73 Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 9:29 am
@Dominick, You could be right. I am sure not giving up on this guy.
LBlocal Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Hmmmm….. Per Bob McKenzie http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=369517
gKg!
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Great Update. Hoping Doughty is all over the offer.
I have a scenario that I am kind of hoping happens somehow. (Maybe mentioned before, but I didn’t have time to read all the posts)
Trade away Dustin Penner to anyone that will take him to clear cap space to sign Brad Richards. I don’t know if he’d play in LA, but I think he’s certainly all around a much better value for the money than Dustin, even if Dustin was playing to his full potential. (No offense to Dustin intended here). I don’t know what we could honestly get for DP right now, but if we have a legitimate shot at Brad Richards, I think it really doesn’t matter.
Now that being said, having BOTH (with DP playing to potential) would be INSANE, but would make us cap heavy and I don’t think Smyth would be willing to waive his NTC. Zeus would be gone unless he could sign for about 1 mil/year. Who knows. I’d love to have Richards though. Perfect fit.
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KC23 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@Cynic, Richards has ties with both Toronto and New York and seems to be using Tampa as bait to get his price up. Both Toronto and New York have cap space. IOW, we’re not in the mix. Ain’t gonna happen IMHO.
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number 6 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@Cynic,
Only way imo someone takes Penner after all the baggage he’s carried is the Kings literally give him away And pay like half his salary. Someone might go for that, but given the scenario of A) Kopi’s injury and B) DL’s dictate that he get in shape or ship out, I tend to think he’ll stay w the Kings unless they got an offer they couldn’t refuse. And given that he has one year left on his contract, no one is gonna take that chance.
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Waxieman Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@number 6,
Nhl prohibits paying half the salary of a player your trading or aquiring. That is one of the things Brian Burke keeps trying too get changed, so more trades can be made.
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Doughty was quoted on promising DL a cup for LA on his draft day, so if he is offered a reasonable deal by the Kings he needs to be a man of his word and take it.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@408kingsfan, i hope he smart enough to just make a deal then playing around..Cause if he does that and show his real colors just wrong for the Kings Fan..He doesnt sign with the Kings is showing that he doesnt like this team..All we wanted was the best out of him..We dont care if the team fails again as long as he was trying his best 100% out of time then we wouldnt look at him.but this year we have to he wasnt there..I think he the best player and we need him most of the time..He did great as Defense than Offense when he a Defensive/Offense player..He should be great on both parts..AT some games he was like his old self trying and making the right plays to make a goal then other times when he just does stupid and wrong plays or cant even hit the net…I like Doughty i really do i just want him better than what he was this season.and i believe he will
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I just read that the Devils and Preds have filed for arbitration on Parise and Weber in order to protect themselves from another team signing their RFA to an offer sheet. Why hasn’t DL done this yet? I trust him but this situation is bothering me. Weve had years to resign him, something doesn’t smell right.
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Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there
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Dom Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@KH, thanks.
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Is it October yet? Happy Fathers day everyone. Also, we’re gonna miss you “Big Man” Clarence Clemons RIP buddy.
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Funny! I thought we didn’t need 5 on 5 improvement, because we’re sound offensively, and we have improved the past 2 years 5 on 5, since that’s what some have argued with me about.
2 years ago DL identified one major area that contribued to why the Kings lost ground after making it all the way to the top of the Western Conference, was because of the games in hand other teams had, and that the Kings weren’t strong enough 5 on 5 to sustain it.
Since then the Kings have improved from 19th, to 17th overall. One thing I think I’ve argued is that 17th , no matter the improvement offensively, 5 on 5, isn’t enough to contend for the cup. No matter how good you are defensively.
Maybe I’m still wrong, but I don’t think I’m being negative in pointing this out, or being a TM and DL hater for looking at the big picture.
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Kings Fans…. We tend to over value our own players and under value other teams players. Under that premise (one that I believe to be 100% accurate), we need to trade Drew Doughty for the big fish forward we all covet.
1. Drew has played more “average” hockey (and at times, below average hockey) than he has Norris Trophy hockey.
2. NHL teams are notorious for paying NHL defensemen as if they are Lidstrom or Bourque after a strong year. Then they get stuck with impossible contracts to move or sustain.
3. TEAM defense wins championships, not a defenseman. This starts with great goaltending and ours is at least good, with great potential. Doughty isn’t going to make or break this team.
4. We are unbelievably strong on defense. That said, if we added another B level defenseman or two through free-agency over the next year or so, would wouldn’t be in any worse shape.
CONCLUSION: If we want Carter, Parise etc. then the only logical player to move is Doughty. It’s going to take a player of that caliber off our team to make it happen and we don’t have that many. I”d keep Brown over DD. We under appreciate Brown cause he’s asked to play above his skill level for us – and often – has done just that.
Think with your head… you put Doughty in a package for a player and the doors open wide for a legit 40 goal scorers. You put Doughty and Bernier in a package and you’re being risky. You’ve just helped another team build their backend.. but that should tell you what the return might look like! We help a team rebuild their backend and here is what we look like:
All-Star Goalie
Solid Defense (that could be improved with standard hockey moves)
Kopitar playing with a world-class lineman
Makings of a great second line (Nash maybe?)
Schenn playing third line (NHL experience gained)
Improved team speed
A legitimate shot at the SC NEXT YEAR!
And did we mortgage the team? Nope. Just let two great draft picks go for a guaranteed return right now.
Tell me why you’d keep DD over this scenario? And do you think this can happen without a major move?
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Dominick Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@Garrett,
OR, we could just wait till next year, when we have the money free and clear. Next year we have money coming off the books, and won’t have to give anything to anybody to aquire anything we need, to make a legitimate cup run.
Maybe see what we have this upcoming season, give them a year of experience, adjust offensively, then make that move without crippling the franchise.
OR just give away DD.
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Garrett Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@Dominick, Who said give away Drew? You would honestly take DD over a 40 or 50 goal scorer. And you would take DD and Bernie over the ability to add 2 or 3 players to our roster that make us a Cup contender?
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Dominick Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@Garrett, NO! I would wait till next year and pay cash without trading a thing.
Why is the only answer have to be addition by subtraction?
Garrett Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@Dominick, Well… that only comes down to what we pay for DD. If we get him for a long term deal at what we are paying JJ, then I’m OK… not great, but OK.
However, if we over pay for him, we will all be talking about the over paying for years AND won’t be able to add more later.
I’m just saying, safest move is to sell an asset while at a peak and while he may be a great defensman, the Kings need a goal scorer to play with Kopi and that would unleash his talents as well.
It’s time for the Kings to make that big move. And add Bernier to it as well and get us two of the top lines in the NHL!
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Dominick Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@Garrett,
Next year we’ll have 6 players coming off the books and an extra $20.5 mill (maybe more if the cap cieling goes up)on the books. Some will be replaced by promotions (at least 3), some will get raises (maybe 1), a few will be signed to big contracts with the extra money. 2 biggest needs are going to be left wingers, and maybe a stronger natural goal scoring #2 Center.
Doesn’t help now, but I think if we can make it through this season with what we got. Maybe when the playoffs come we can rent someone, but I don’t want to spend it all now, while we’re still trying to just get through the first round.
Go for broke when we’ve actually won a round or two.
Garrett Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@Garrett, If we move DD now, we still have all that money coming of the books next year. But IF DD turns out to not have another good year, his stock is going to drop so heavily we will have missed a window.
Case in point is the fact that we can sign him (God willing) for a fraction of what we would have to paid if he kept his performance up from his ONE good year.
He hasn’t proved anything yet, but teams would be willing to trade major assets.
However, if we can sign him for what he’s shown to be worth ($4m per year) tied to a long term deal, it would be worth it. We can trade him at that price later.
He isn’t the answer… he’s not.
Dominick Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@Garrett,
Trading to get the best value is hard to estimate (timing is everything). One thing that makes him still valuable to the Kings is the minutes (not the points). If you look at 21 year old defenseman in the league now, you’ll see DD leading all major catagories (or at least top 5).
You can’t teach that.
No ones career has gone upward their whole career, so suggesting he be traded seems a waist. Some made the same claims about Quick last year, and he rewarded those that believed in him this season by staying in the top 5 in goaltending stats, all season long. DD could very well do the same next season.
Michael_DD8 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@Garrett,
Drew has played more “average” hockey (and at times, below average hockey) than he has Norris Trophy hockey.
This statement is not true. Drew Doughty level of play, even when considered “poor” by us FANS, is still above most other defense man. Drew Doughty’s “off nights” are judge by fans like us who dont see the little things he might do. Just because he doesnt score, messes up a pass, does not mean he isnt a factor in a game.. Everytime Drew hits the ice, he has the potential to do EVERYTHING, and he has before, so when he doesnt, we feel let down. Dont….
I dont understand. If were gonna trade any HIGH touted defenseman, you trade Jack Johnson.. High value, lots of upside, but he isnt foreshadowed to be a mutliple norris trophy winner
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Dominick Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@Michael_DD8,
I agree with you that DD had 2 really good years as a defenseman for the Kings, and 1 average year. Hardly justifyiable in those comments.
I do think we shouldn’t be even thinking about trading any defenseman off a defense that ranks 5th in the league.
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number 6 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
@Dominick,
oye Dominick…. not sure why one can attempt to convey this information…
sure trade DD – absolutely trade him….. but don’t forget to say hi to him and congratulate him on his induction into the HofF and his 3 stanley cups like larry murphy…. another excellent trade.
i do lose my patience with this stuff. he’s wha? 22 years old for cryin out loud? and one relatively below average year? reading his pre draft interviews he did with rich I thought he lacked maturity (honestly i did) but that doesn’t mean he’ll always play like he did this year.
you don’t even need to know much about hockey to watch the guy and see how talented he is.
Garrett Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@Michael_DD8, You aren’t getting a 40 or 50 goal scorer for JJ. We’d be lucky to get one for DD, but I think we would.
My point has been missed by everyone. If we want to land the kind of guy we all talk about, you’ve got trade:
Quick, Kopitar or Doughty. Plane and simple.
I think we would be a better team without Drew and perhaps Bernier (or being objective, Quick) and picking up thekind of players we would get in return.
No one is saying, as one of you said, “Give DD away.”
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Goring 19 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@Garrett, DD’s not going anywhere. He’s what’s known as a franchise player. Keep in mind the kid’s what, 21? I think the only downside to him is he’s still got a lot to learn because he proved it this past season. But if you look at the upside, remember the game in San Jose he pretty much took over single-handid? He has several issues to deal with that he will overcome with maturity and experience. I can’t wait to see what he’s gonna look like by the time he’s 25 (although we all want a cup sooner!)
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Garrett Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@Goring 19, I hear you, truly. And I’m sure he’s not going anywhere. The point is, he MAY be a great player one day. But he can fetch us a great goal scorer now – and that is what we need at this point. We’re deep enough on D-fense.
It’s the law of diminishing returns. What we need now is offense.
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Osaka Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Garrett, No he is a great player now, he may be a superstar in a couple years. A D-man of his skill is more valuable than a goal scorer.
If your talking about the law of diminishing returns goal scores only have a few good years, D-men can dominate for a much longer period of time.
number 6 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
@Garrett,
Trust me, you gain a 40 goal scorer who quickly becomes a 28 goal scorer under terry murray and you lose a guy who runs the power play as well as playing half the game almost every night.
So that moves us exactly no where closer to where we were before.
Who is then the Kingpin on D? If you look at the post lockout Cup winners, every single one had a talisman on D. Can’t remember the name of the guy the Pens had (russian), Detroit – Lidstrom, Chicago – Keith, Boston – Chara.
So, what? JJ will take over the D? No, trust me, he isn’t anywhere near taking over a defense.
You doubt that? Minus 21. Don’t doubt that.
CB14 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
@number 6, you took the words right out of my mouth. When I read what was said about team defense being the key I immediatly thought about Chara, Keith, Sergie Gonchar(I believe that’s who you’re referring to), and oh yeah, the Quacks. They had 2 Hall of Famers back on defense. He wants us to trade DD for a 40-50 goal scorer after a team with 1 30 goal scorer, Lucic had exactly 30, just won the cup. That doesn’t make sense. You need balanced team scoring in order to win a cup. Look at what happened to Vancouver who got most of their scoring from the Sedin sisters and Kesler. They were shut down, while Boston flousished because Van couldn’t key in on 1 or 2 players. 2 years ago Chicago won in large part due to guys like Andrew Ladd, Dustin Byfuglin, and Kris Versteeg, in addition to star players Toews, Kane, Sharp and Hossa. That’s why I’m so sold on BR, he doesn’t score a ton, but he helps all of his linemates score. Smyth and Brown would both score 30+ playing on a line with Brad Richards.
BringBackKingston Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:34 pm
@Garrett, to piggy back off Number 6, it’s what you lose and whether you can replace it. Send DD away and the kings don’t have a legitimate #1. Just looking at the last 10 years, the only team I can’t think of without a true #1 is Carolina, and they may have had one but I don’t recall. #6 pointed out some names and i’ll add pit & gonchar, ducks & pronger, TB & Dan Doyle, devils & niedermayer, and col & bourque.
Now whether DD can become a player like those mentioned is to be seen. But he has the potential, and unless an all-star #1 d-man replaces him I think the kings chances at the cup are less regardless of adding a top line scorer. If DD is traded, we will be discussing if the kings have the chips to bring in a new #1 d-man for a run at the cup and not them winning it all by trading him.
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
@Garrett, Make a hole to fill a hole glad your not the Gm.
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puck73 Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 9:35 am
@Bkrs-Bud, I guess @Garrett wasnt around when 21 year old Larry Murphy was traded away. Fortunately with Dean Lombardi around, we dont have to worry about people like George Maguirre making knee jerk reactions anymore.
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Dominick Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@Bkrs-Bud,
That was kinda my point to begin with. You can’t just trade your #1 without having someone else ready to step in and take on all those extra minutes. JJ already plays enough minutes, so it has to be either Martinez (who is only a sophmore), or a rookie.
I understand the sentiment to get something now (even though I absolutely don’t agree with it), but defense and goaltending are our strengths, and it seems foolish to weaken ourselves there, just to strengthen ourselves somewhere else.
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PEOPLE ARE SAYING THE 2011 DRAFT IS AS DEEP AND AS GOOD AS THE ’03. BUT LOMBARDI AND THE KINGS SEEM TO BE LOST OR IN DENIAL WITH REST OF THE LEAGUE. HERE’S WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS SAYING!
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=566324&navid=DL|NHL|DraftMicrosite2011
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Osaka Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@steve, This is the first article I’ve seen that said this years draft was deep. Everything said outside to top 5 or 6 picks was a very average year. It is all subjective guessing what 18 year olds will be like in 5 years. I think Dean does his best work in the 2nd round and beyond anyways.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@steve, I think the point is, outside of the top 5, players from the later rounds maybe just as good as players in the later first. Therefore, not having a first round pick this year might not really matter that much.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:21 pm
@steve, The sky is falling the sky is falling the KINGS do not have a low 1rst round pick.lol.
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CB14 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
@steve, If you read it more carefully they say that while it may produce similar amounts of players, the quality of players is not as good. ’03 produced all star players throughout the entire first round, while this draft will simply produce NHL players throughout the first round, not all star players.
Oh and please take your caps lock off, it’s like you’re yelling at us.
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OMG, I just can’t wait for DL to pull the trigger and get Kovalchuk signed and in a Kings uniform!! We would have the sniper we desperately need, our PP would improve, and …… Sorry, just had a flashback to last summer. Life was so simple back then
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Dominick Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@DesertKing,
Ha ha ha. You caught me off gaurd for a second. Some of us here are actually hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself this summer with Richards.
Life is a little more complicated this season.
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something tells me the rumor mills are going to be on steroids starting tomorrow.
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Osaka Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 1:36 am
@Ravens, I hope so, let’s make things fun.
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Wait another year to sign a top line fa and one or two second or third line fa’s, let at least 2 or 3 of our young guys get nhl time. If we regress for a year, so be it. It will only be to our collective benefit years down the line.
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CB14 Reply:
June 19th, 2011 at 11:20 pm
@FanInPortland, While that might benefit us down the line, we’re not that far away. As others have said, we’re only 1 player away. Well IMO, 1 player, 1 head coach, and 1 PP coach. If we get a new head coach with a different offensive system, and a new PP coach with a new system, along with a top 6 forward (Brad Richards), I think the Kings could possibly go all the way.
The drawback to bringing up some young guys, is what you pointed out, we could regress next year. I don’t think TM and DL can have another 1 round and out performance. It would most certainly cost TM his job. Kopi’s injury might have saved his job last year, as weird as that sounds. I think had Kopi been healthy, and we went out in the first round, that DL would have fired TM. I’m not saying that we would’ve lost if Kopi was healthy, just that had we lost with him in the line-up, TM would’ve more than likely been canned.
DL has done a very good job as GM, but 3 straight first round exits wouldn’t look good when his bosses evaluate his performance, regardless of the talent on the roster or in the pipeline. DL hired TM, and thus he is responsible for his head coaches job performance. DL can’t say, “Well I gave him good enough players to make the finals, and he just didn’t do a good enough job coaching them”, when it’s his head coach that he hired. That’s why I expect TM to be on a short leash next season, and also why I believe DL will try to make a splash this off-season.
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FanInPortland Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 1:12 am
@CB14,
I agree with everything you said, and if said coaching change(s) happened, maybe it is a blessing in disguise. I don’t dislike TM as much as others have stated, but his offensive system is lacking. I won’t get into PP, that is fairly obvious, but dumping the puck and cycling can only go so far if that’s pretty much all they do. While it keeps us in games, and may hold leads, it doesn’t necessarily win us games, and that is what we need more of obviously.
I understand your points, we may be close, but unless there is overall improvemnt across the board, I myself don’t see us as being one player away. So we get Richards (who I don’t think wants to play here) or Parise (ain’t gonna happen most likely), that won’t change our offensive system, you know what I mean? I think there is a bigger issue besides needing a player or two.
But we will see. If TM opened up the offense a bit more, I could see one highly skilled player being a difference to go late
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FanInPortland Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 1:13 am
@FanInPortland, into the playoffs. Question is, again, will TM open it up? Million dollar question in my mind. But all valid points on your part.
DesertKing Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 9:03 am
@CB14,
I don’t necessarily agree about TM, but you are 100% correct about our PP coach. If we could improve our PP, then I believe it would also improve our 5 on 5 since teams would be less willing to take penalties against us. It seemed like last season, our opponents were glad to see us on the PP because we were so predictable. If the PP improved, our offensive numbers would improve also and thus change the peception of TM. The one thing that does worry me about TM is his failure to take control of and fix the PP when it was failing.
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So Jaromir Jagr said he had enough of KHL and wants some NHL action.
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DesertKing Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 9:08 am
@Zorzi,
Maybe he could be our Mark Recchi?
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Wonder what the next DD anouncement will be … long term with the Kings, or arbitration with a chance of losing him next July?
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Seems like there will be some positive news from DL..always nice to hear during the off season.
I was reading Larry Brooks column in the NY Post yesterday.
He was talking about the difference between the Bruins and the Canucks and why the better team didn’t win the series.
The Bruins won because of spectacular goaltending and just grinding the canucks down to the ground. The bigger, stronger team won the series and that’s whwre the NHL is at right now. Skill is necessary, but having a big team that will make the opposition pay for touching the puck is how you win in this league.
Take a look at the Kings. We’re a big, strong, physical, talented team jut like the Bruins. with experinece and goaltending, there’s no reason we can’t win the cup now.
It’s so easy to say that during the off season….
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puck73 Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@nykingfan, When I was watching the Bruins in the finals, I saw the same thing you did, a more experienced version of the Kings…cant wait til the draft, and when free agency starts !
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I wonder why so many posters rag on Jack Johnsohn’s +/- rating but at the same time beg for Brad Richards, ya know the guy who is -72 for his career.
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nykingfan Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 9:11 am
@Puckn-A,
People always think the grass is greener on the other side.
People value other players more than their own because they see the flaws in their own players, but never in another teams player.
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puck73 Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@Puckn-A, Jack Johnson’s hockey sense at game speed, and in his own zone especially are piss poor at the moment. That being said, he is only 24 and their is still a little time to get his act together. But he better not wait too long because Muzzin, Hickey, and Voynov will be pressing hard in September. Also, Deslauriers and Forbert look very promising in the near future. Bottom line….For him to be be roughly a minus 35 the last 2 seasons when the Kings have been one of the best defensive teams in the NHL is unacceptable and he knows it !
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Dominick Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@Puckn-A, HA ha! I’ve wondered the same thing myself.
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CB14 Reply:
June 20th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
@Puckn-A, Because Jack Johnson is a defenseman while Brad Richards is a forward. Defenseman are the last line of defense before the goalie, while forwards aren’t. Plus how good your team is helps determine your +/- . Every other top 6 d-man on the Kings was on the plus side, while JJ was -21. That’s a big problem.
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Sign it DREWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
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