Here are the highlights of the Mike Richards portion of the conference call…
Question: Just curious as to your general reaction. Some of the folks in Philly were writing that you were very surprised by this…
RICHARDS: “Yeah, I was very shocked when I got a call in the early afternoon from my agent. He just kind of gave me the rundown on what he knew. As the afternoon progressed, I started hearing a little bit more and more, and then I ended up actually reading it on the Internet before I was able to get the confirmation from my agent about it. At first I was shocked, and then excited. I’m excited to go out to L.A. and be a part of a team that has a ton of great players. I’m just looking forward to helping them out.”
Question: You played under Terry Murray in Philadelphia. Can you talk about your memories of him and what you expect from him as your new coach?
RICHARDS: “He was great with me. He worked with me in Philly but I also had John Stevens as well in Philadelphia. They were both coaches that I got along extremely well with and who played me a lot of minutes and in positions to have success, on the power play and penalty kill. Those are two guys that I got along extremely well with, and I’m looking forward to working with them again.”
Question: (Flyers GM) Paul Holmgren seemed really emotional when he announced the deal. Can you just describe what getting that call from him was like, and how that conversation went?
RICHARDS: “It was tough for me, too. Paul and I have got along extremely well during my six years there. It wasn’t a long conversation, but I just thanked him for giving me the opportunity to play with them and to be a Flyer and live in Philadelphia for six years. I think we were both a little emotional, so it wasn’t a long conversation. It was one I didn’t think I was ever going to have to do.”
Question: Obviously the Kings feel they’re in a position to make the next step, and you’re going to be a big part of that. What are your thoughts on the team and what you know about them and where you see yourself fitting in?
RICHARDS: “I’m not sure how I’m going to fit in, but I like the makeup of the team. They’ve got an extremely gritty team with a lot of skill. They have two great goaltenders, up to a defense that is skilled and play the game hard, and then you’ve got a lot of depth at the forward position too. I’m not sure how I’m going to get placed into it at the moment, but I’m just looking forward to getting there and really just playing the game that has kind of got me to this point.”
Question: Had you heard your name mentioned in trade talks, or specifically about coming to L.A.?
RICHARDS: “I actually never heard one rumor, or not one person ever said anything to me about being traded until 1:30, 2 o’clock today when I got a call from Pat (Morris, agent), just to give me a heads-up that there was a good chance that, at some point today, I’d be traded.”
Question: If someone would have told you, when you signed that big extension, that this would happen one day, what would have been your reaction?
RICHARDS: “I probably wouldn’t have signed the deal, actually, if I knew I was going to be traded. But I was fortunate enough to go to L.A., where I’ve heard nothing but tremendous things, not only about the organization but about the city and how nice it is out there and how great the organization treats you. Obviously when I signed that extension I wanted to stay in Philadelphia for the rest of my career. That’s what I envisioned, probably up until 2 o’clock or 3 o’clock this afternoon, when I got the call. it’s unfortunate. Nobody likes to be traded, but I feel like I’m going to a team where there’s a good chance that we’re going to have success there, and we have good players in position and a good organization. Hopefully we can take that next step together, and I just want to be there and help out any way possible.”
Question: How many guys do you know on the Kings, and what will it be like to go to training camp with a new team?
RICHARDS: “It’s going to be different, showing up to training camp in a new place and not going back to Philadelphia. I know Drew Doughty from the Olympics, and Justin Williams a little bit just from being in Philadelphia, and Dustin Brown from playing against him in the OHL. It’s going to be strange, for sure, not going back to Philadelphia and seeing everybody there, and going to L.A. to see a bunch of new faces. I almost have to start from scratch there, but it’s an opportunity for me to be a part of an organization that has a good chance to have success, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
welcome aboard richie!!! i cant wait to see you destroying the ducks in a kings jersey!
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RLane420 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:07 pm
@king_stoner, AMEN! Look out Analslime Ducks
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Telos Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:10 pm
@RLane420, Audio from Richards conference call http://cinch.fm/anthonysan37/248361
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Luc20Rules Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@king_stoner, Thanks, Rich this type of coverage has been a god send the last couple of years we are lucky to have you.
I was abit thrown off by this one, after it all unfolded. I was just wondering if there was any chance we could have pulled off a 3 team deal with say Hickey/Loki & Smyth to Edm, Picks/Player from Edm to Phil, LA sends Simmonds, Schenn, & 2012 2nd rounder and we get both Jeff Carter and Mike Richards?
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Welcome aboard Mike! Cant wait for Frozen Fury so I can get a look at our new team!
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well this guy is a very good guy.Lets hope for the best.Lets hope Dean pulls another good trade without loosing anyone else just Smyth thats all.sings a decent free agent player for this team.other then that
Go Kings GO!!
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I have to be honest, I didnt like this when I first heard it but now…I am cool with it. I just know what Schenn will be one day and Simmer what tough~ GO KINGS
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garry Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@Chris Bond, I hate the trade!!
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dahack11 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:42 pm
@garry, I can’t say i HATE the trade, b/c it makes us better right now. But I do hate dealing Schenn. But hey, Deano is obviously going “allin”, & that’s nice for this long term Kings fan.
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RLane420 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@dahack11, Schenn is geing compared to the guy we got (potentially). We got the real guy (For sure). By the time Schenn would be at his prime level Kopi, Brown and the rest of the core would be past there prime. This gives us a chance to compete now. We are past the waiting game its time to win.
Luuuuuuuuuuc! Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:39 pm
@dahack11,
RLane420 hit the nail on the head. The rebuild has showing excellent progress, but we are several years in and its time to come to an end. The kings are due for some success now.
ChiTownKingsFan Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:28 am
@dahack11, Don’t ever question the DL. Who built the sharks? That’s right.
Seems A Good Fellow Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@Chris Bond, I don’t see anything to hate about this trade. everyone seems to be concerned about giving up Schenn and his potential. is Schenn going to be a good player? Probably. Is Schenn going to be a great player? Maybe. Simmonds was a fan favorite but can be very easily replaced and the 2nd round pick probably won’t turn into much. With Richards we know we are getting a GREAT player that is just now coming into his prime. Richards plays in every situation, is a physical guy and a proven 30 goal scorer! Bottom line, I am a big believer of always taking the for sure money and with Richards we have the for sure money for 9 years!
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Guess who the big loser of this trade is?
That’s right…
Anaheim
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Jack the Lad Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:08 pm
@Vic, And San Jose, and Phoenix, and Dallas, and Vancouver, and Chicago, and Detroit and………….
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NoDoughty Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:24 pm
@Vic, LMAO
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@Vic,
Tweet from @icemancometh/
Ducks GM Bob Murray said trade talk is “picking up” on his end but that “right now I’m dead” as far as any potential deals at draft.
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Bamaking Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:28 pm
That was great. Stupid ducks!@Vic,
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Don’t anyone ever deny again the Philly “conspiracy” theories.
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DesertKing Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:28 pm
@BringBackTheShieldJersey,
Whaa, whaa, whaa yuse talkin ’bout? Don eva use dat woid “conspiracy” roun here cuz you get a bada-bing if yuz know what I mean.
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fsd1 Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:36 am
@BringBackTheShieldJersey, DENY
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Welcome to LA Mr Richards. I too was ‘shocked’ when I first heard the news, but having thought about it I am extremely pleased to have a player of your quality come to my team. Now help bring us a cup and this day will go down in Kings lore, up there along with the Gretzky trade. Not to put any pressure on though-lol!
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garry Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@tornado12, We gave up alot. I have feeling DD may also be on the block because of our stockpile of D’s and how quite it’s been.
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Chris Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:48 pm
@garry, DD isn’t going anywhere.
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the_guv Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:59 pm
@garry, No way
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HeyChief Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:05 pm
@garry, Doughty will be signed tomorrow.
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Luuuuuuuuuuc! Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:40 pm
@garry,
DD gets signed the day Smyth gets dealt. Bank on it.
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KingsRule99 Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 2:56 am
@tornado12, August 9, 1988
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“I’ve heard nothing but tremendous things…about the city and how nice it is out there.”
Wow. I’ve never heard a hockey player say this. There’s a first for everything.
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mash-ola Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@wavesinair, Well, considering that Philly fans are known for booing everything from Santa Claus to brides at weddings (see Philadelphia Eagles fan), and I think that is a funny comment. Welcome to LA, buddy!
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variable Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:22 pm
@wavesinair,
likewise, mike…
we all have heard tremendous things about you…
take a couple of minutes to get a hold of yrself…
(waiting music)
ok…
get on the next plane, join brownie and the boys for their (and now yr’s too) summer workout routine…and help us win…(!)
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@wavesinair, What do you mean. There are plenty of nice places and it is nice in L.A., when you make that kind of money!
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This is what we are getting http://youtu.be/5ws-5435ZFw The guy plays with tons of heart!
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gmo Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@Osaka,
GREAT VID cant wait to see him play
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mash-ola Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@Osaka, Ian Lapperriere who???
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Simmerfan11 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@mash-ola, Oh no! You didn’t just dis Lappy! We talking about this at Danita’s
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the_guv Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:10 pm
@Osaka, See this guy hit? He’s like another Brownie, gonna fit right in!
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RLane420 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:19 pm
@Osaka, Cant wait to see him put a hit like the one he did on Booth, to Katie Perry.
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the_guv Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:25 pm
@RLane420, Love the new nick-name! I don’t know who should be more offended though, Corey or Katie. LOL
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Osaka Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 8:42 pm
@RLane420, Richards fought Katie in juniors http://youtu.be/xjCa5T9EsKE
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M.T. Netter Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 9:34 am
@Osaka, that 1st punch would have killed anybody had it landed! haha.
Central Coast King Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 8:48 pm
@Osaka, WOW!!!!!!!!! That just made me @!#@#^$#^$#^, Can some one hand me a towel. LOL,I hope we get more of that this year. Can’t wait for the FF. GKG!!!
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Pesus Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 10:25 am
@Osaka,
Thanks for the video. I didnt know he can drop the gloves like that. Cant wait for oct.
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crashin' da net Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
@Osaka, gosh we need this.
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Brian Burke must be blowing a gasket…..he loses out on his dream of moving up to select B. Schenn in the 2009 draft. Then he can’t will B. Schenn away from Lombardi with his many attempts at seduction.
Now, not only does he say goodbye to “HIS” player, but he gets beat out by DL in a late in the negotiations coup for Mike Richards, who, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Burke was in hot pursuit of, and was told by Philly “we’ll get back to you…” but they never did, when DL swooped in and nailed it down.
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Matt R Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:10 pm
@18,118,
That’s what we call the ol double finger!
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the_guv Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:12 pm
@18,118, Feels so good! That alone makes this a great trade! LOL
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408kingsfan Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:15 pm
@18,118, I am sure Burke has a DL voodoo doll that he sticks pins in and lights on fire.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:03 am
@408kingsfan,
It ain’t workin’.
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i think this is a solid move…
how-ev-er…
only time will tell…
we probably will be better off revisiting the “was this a good trade?” question in about 2-3 years…
but, despite losing some key young talent, i feel that we now have a solid 1-2 punch up the middle with (hopefully) one or two more free agent additions to balance out the top 12 forwards…
plus, we still have plenty of third and fourth liners to fill any voids left open…
this was a deal that had to be made…and even when we revisit the aforementioned question sometime in the future, unless richards turns out to be done at 26, the kings and lombardi will be better off in the long run – the future long stanley cup run – one would hope…
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USHA#17 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:12 pm
@variable, Looks like DL is working toward locking up a solid core lineup for the next 3-4 years.
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Seeing as how #18 is up in the rafters, He’ll need to pick a new number… 17 and 10 are open.
I doubt the name on the back of his jersey will have to read “M. Richards” (to distinguish him from another player with the same last name), but with DL ya never know.
P.S. http://kings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=40786 – KINGS ALL-TIME JERSEY NUMBERS
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WELCOME TO THE KINGS MIKE RICHARDS
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Welcome Mike
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The way he answered Rich’s questions shows how much character and how humble this guy is. We’re very fortunate that Philly was dumb enough to trade him to us!
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Boy, this guy sure seems alot happier about being here then Penner did initially. Maybe its because Richards is used to busting his butt on every shift. Boy, Penner better get his act together Quickly here or the leadership in our dressing room will have him shipped outta fast !
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McDonalds Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:21 pm
@puck73,
agree with you 100%.
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Goring 19 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@puck73, if he plays to his potential, holy puck73 batman!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@puck73,
It seems like maybe a multi team deal is in the works. Smytty gets to go to the Oil, and we get a forward from…….????? How about a 4 team deal???
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Cynic Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:45 pm
@puck73, Mike Richards won’t let Penner play like he did at the end of this last season….guaranteed.
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Osaka Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@puck73, I won’t say I told you so but…..
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flatlinered Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@puck73 you nailed it, I still can’t get over the Penner interview after his trade… there is a reason Mr. Richards was a Captain in Philly.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:24 am
@puck73,
Here ye… Here ye… I totally agree. Puck73 the man of wisdom =)
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KC23 Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:25 am
@puck73, Penner is gonna have some serious peer pressure. Richards hits like Brown, stick handels like Williams, fights like Clifford and interviews like Mitchell. Can’t believe Philly let him go. I’d be one upset Flyers fan if they were my team.
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crashin' da net Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@KC23, Please don’t say fights like Clifford. Not even close. TAhis guys throws compact punches stright on and leading with his knuckles. Clifford “wails” and again, will much to my dislike and truest of wishes, will likely get seriously hurt if he doesn’t learn how, and just as importantly when, to fight. All else is true. One problem, we have serious Captain competition brewing now.
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hey this might be crazy but…
with NJ and parise going to arbitration and with marty getting up there on years. DL should package bernier somehow to get parise. then send smyth somewhere to clear cap. that would give NJ their next brodeur and give us cap room for both parise and DD long term.
imagine…
parise-kopi-williams
clifford/penner-richards-brown
penner/clifford-stoll-richardson
parse-lewis-westgarth
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Eric Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@king_stoner,
That’s what I was telling my brother. Package Bernier, Loktionov, and a 1st rounder.
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king_stoner Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:20 pm
@Eric,
dude seriously…. parise, kopi, brown, DD, richards, JJ and quick long term is a great core to work with
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Eric Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@king_stoner,
Getter done Deanno. Toe says hello
colo king fan Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@king_stoner, I would actually bust a ***. no joke, literally. change my shorts, im finished.
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the_guv Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:21 pm
@king_stoner, Wow, how sick would that be! Not holding my breath though.
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broncokings Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:19 pm
@king_stoner, I love the idea, was just wondering if we get rid of bernier now , who will we have as a backup?
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KC23 Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:27 am
@king_stoner, Pairse contract was sent to arbitration. Have to wait till next July.
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With the loss of Simmonds, maybe Brad Richardson gets the nod for third line duty? Maybe Clune finally gets a real opportunity?
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ULVkingsfan Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@Eric,
I really hope Clune gets another shot. I think hed fit in real well and would help to replace Simmonds. Imagine Clune an Clifford on the same line…ouch! I think im starting to scare myself.
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Eric Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@ULVkingsfan,
Yeah, that would be fun to watch and hard to play against…
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colo king fan Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:59 pm
@Eric, get b richards then go richards richards richardson… or triple rich… k not the best line combo but entertaining nonetheless!
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snbrdsummit Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@colo king fan,
If all three are in the starting lineup, you can be sure it will happen eventually. If its a permutation that Murray hasn’t tried, it will get used.
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Kings Fan in Vegas Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@colo king fan,
Poor Bob Miller, we could always call that “The Ricardo Line”, like in Lucy, you got
some ‘splainin to do.
Great trade. I would imagine more than a few teams are looking at the just released schedule and shivering at the thought of facing our boys. The thing I like, is Mike Richards is not afraid to throw his body into an opponent when needed. He leads by example, can you imagine
DD and JJ looking at THAT and picking up their game? Hell, maybe even Penner plays like
he is expected to, that makes the Kings a very tough opponent, night in and night out.
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Do the Kings have a Sports Psychologist available to Mr. Richards?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Why-Flyers-Mike-Richards-needs-to-drop-his-medi?urn=nhl-214233
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inqflyersreport/Richards_rips_media.html
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nykingfan Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@Rainman,
It was 2 years ago. Guys mature in that time. Besides, Philly media is like NY media. They’re always trying to prove how tough they can be on players.
I can’t see Rich reporting about Kings player’s nighttime activity..nor Helene Elliot.
He’s been a leader coming into a locker room full of leaders.
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iansez Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 pm
@Rainman, A Sports Psychologist?! Uggghh…./
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How about a conference with Wayne Simmonds for pete’s sake… He’s the one who has put his heart and soul into this organisation…
You will be missed Wayne.. from a “wayne simmonds fan club” member
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ForumtoStaplesFan Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 8:21 pm
@bfarm, agree
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tuan jim Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:29 pm
@bfarm,
Sing it, brother.
Simmer will be missed.
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Awesome trade, dont like loosing simmons but you have to give to get. Now with Smith out in the next couple of days who does DL go after now??????????????????????????????????
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CB14 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@gene, I can’t wait to find out. Gosh it’s fun being a Kings fan these days!
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“The force is strong with this one” We’re getting better and better people, hate to see Simmer and Schenn go, (didn’t see Schenn leaving but hey, I’m ready for a run NOW!) And free agency yet to come? Are we going to be a force to be reckoned with? I say it’s looking pretty Stanley Cupish around here. (Ya gotta love my enthusiasm)
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colo king fan Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:01 pm
@Goring 19, BONUS: if (**IF**) the kings somehow won the cup, we’d win our first before the cansucks… and that would make my year.
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Your 2011/12 Los Angeles Kings
Brad Richards / Anze Kopitar / Dustin Brown
Dustin Penner / Mike Richards / Justin Williams
Kyle Clifford / Jarret Stoll / Brad Richardson
Andrei Loktionov / Trevor Lewis / Scott Parse
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- ViC - Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, HA! I wish the lines end up being like that.
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CB14 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, I wish!
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Chaz Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@Barry’s Mullet,
Brad Richards / Anze Kopitar / Justin Williams
Dustin Penner / Mike Richards / Dustin Brown
Kyle Clifford / Jarret Stoll / Brad Richardson
Scott Parse / Andrei Loktionov / Trevor Lewis
How badass would that second line look? Like a freight train coming at ya!?
Oh, Loki clearly showed he needs to play at center. Kid was a different player out there when TM finally threw him at center.
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Eric Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@Chaz,
Realistically, this is how the lines will and should be made up, without considering another acquisition of course:
Penner-Kopi-Williams
Clifford-Richards-Brown
Parse-Stoll-Richardson
Clune-Lewis-Westy
Clifford should get the opportunity to play in a more important offensive role and would mesh very well with the physical and talented Richards and Brown. That line would hit hard, play in the hard areas, fight, score, pass, etc…
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Chris Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:23 pm
@Eric, certainly parse would pull 2nd line duty over clifford.
Harty Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:12 pm
@Eric, I like this thought, Clifford has more to bring then Parse
John Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:36 pm
@Chaz,
Clifford-Richards-Brown would be a KILLER 2nd line!
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crashin' da net Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, Don’t waste Richards on Penner’s line. Knock Penner down to 3rd or 4th even. rather see Richardson or Parse. (or even Westy!).
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crashin' da net Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@crashin’ da net, And geez Lewis. He was the playoffs man last season. I think he’s gonna breakout this season too.
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Poor Bob Miller…..
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Goring 19 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@Deadmarsh, he’ll find a way, in Bob we trust
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This is a great deal for the Kings! They needed an established centre to go with Kopitar to strike fear into the hearts of the opposition. And with Loktionov the loss of Schenn won’t sting as much! The Kings have a tonne of forwards in order to parlay into deals and this shows that Lombardi has a lot of guts!!!Good Luck to Richards,Lombardi and Kings going forward! Good Luck at the 2011 draft Tomorrow!
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I’m telling you man, this dude can show the entire Kings organization how to play with HEART and what it takes to get to the Cup Finals. Lead by example, no better way.
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Bye to cheese steaks and hello to in n out burgers Richards…. unless he’s Tommy’s kind of guy.
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king_stoner Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:38 pm
@SaveByCechmanek,
tommys over in n out any day, no disrespect to in n out… also delish
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Goring 19 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:52 pm
@king_stoner, Doughty can take him through the drive-thru lol couldn’t resist
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KindSir Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 pm
@king_stoner, I’m sorry my man, but in n out is second to none. Keep yoyr treasonous thoughts to yourself!
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tuan jim Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@king_stoner,
In-and-Out for nutrition.
But sometimes I don’t want nutrition. I need toxic waste, and plenty of it.
For that, only Tommy’s will suffice.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:12 am
@tuan jim,
Yesterday we got Mike Richards.
Last nite my girlfriend & I got In-and-Out.
What a great day!
This is going to free up some ice for kopitar out there, if he draws their best defensive pair/ offensive line, MR is gonna be a serious force. Although you hate losing a prospect like schenn, you gotta love the kings shaking it up and making some blockbuster type moves. I’m all in for 2011-12!! GKG!!!!
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Jossey Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Here’s the thing everyone,
Shenn at that point should be takin’ over for
Kopi!!!, not now, but in 2_3 years from now
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Trade Observations:
1. Confirms the organization’s commitment to the Terry Murray philosophy of play. Richards is his fantasy.
2. Schenn’s offensive skills would have been underutilized as he tried to adapt to TM’s style. With the organization going all in with Murray, we are better off with Richards than Schenn. Whether we are better off with TM is another question for another day, but Boston looked like what the Kings want to become.
3. Interesting conspiracy theory- the Kings intentionally left Schenn in the minors to showcase his offensive skills, only gave him a cup of coffee in the NHL so as not to expose his defensive shortcomings, gambling that he would be trade bait for just the type of player they got. He was the hockey equivalent of a financial derivative. Could DL actually be that smart?
4. Murray practically appointed Richards captain.
5. The trade certainly won’t hurt Drew Doughty’s desire to commit long-term with the Kings.
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Roger Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 8:05 pm
@JackKent Cooke, I also believe that Schenn could not face the rigors of the NHL and was injury prone.,
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I’m from pa close to philly im a huge fan of Mike richards you will be missed! Good luck in L.a.
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Richards (and probably Carter as well) must have had some off-ice issues over there. No reason to trade them for kids when you’re trying to win a Cup.
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Watch Burke put a huge sheet in front of DD to get at DL
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tornado12 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 8:16 pm
@Dan SanDonkey, no way…remember how mad he got at kevin lowe?
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Stagger Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 1:06 am
@tornado12,
Over Dustin Penner too. LOL
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Richards,
Say the word ‘cup’.
That’s it. ‘Cup’.
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RICH,
Boy, the blog is blowing up today.
Anything happening??? LOL
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how soon fans forget….why try and guess what the lines will look like….remember??? they change daily????
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fsd1 Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@neil, could you please stop living in the past?
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snbrdsummit Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@fsd1,
And what evidence can you provide that Murray won’t do what he’s always done?
A leopard cannot change his spots.
@neil,
I hear ya man. I see lots of people getting excited… its like we’re all Alzheimer’s patients.
I’m happy to see a quality player come over, but I never really believed the players were the problem. We got this other “proven” 30 goal scorer from Philly a couple years ago. People said he would fit in great because he played with Murray and was on a Cup team. How many 30 goal seasons has he had since we got him?
I still haven’t seen an article where we have fired Kompon. What are we really changing?
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I am a Flyers season ticket holder. I just want you Kings fans to know how good of a player you are getting. In my opinion he was the heart and soul of this team. He was everything a true Flyer should be. He plays in all situations. First line pp, first line pk, first line 5 on 5, he plays the body, sometimes real hard. Look up the hit on Booth. And he fights. In Philly he was the AntiCrosby. He is very well loved by Flyers fans and he will be sorely missed. I hope these guys we recieved can live up to just half his legacy. Good luck Kings fans and you now have another fan with Richie’s acquisition…
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LA_1968 Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:20 pm
@Flyersguy1818, I flew to Filly from our home in Guadalajara Mexico last year to see the Kings beat the Flyers 1-0. You guys are good fans. Fast reactions to the plays on the ice. Knowledgeable commentary coming from fans in my section. You guys get a bad wrap in Filly. I hope Schenn will be good for you but not too great to make us sorry. Take care and good luck.
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408kingsfan Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:23 pm
@Flyersguy1818, Thanks we are happy to have him.
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Roger Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@Flyersguy1818, Your going to like Simmonds. Hard worker and grit type of player.
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I just Love when these big acquisitions start using “We” (in reference to their new team), in their “You-Just-Got-Traded” Media interview. Love this guy! Love this Trade! Welcome to LA Rich!
*And don’t ever let anyone tell you “This ain’t a hockey town”!
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when this trade first went down, I won’t lie, I was pretty pissed off… but over the past few hours, I’m starting to come around. Lookin forward to seeing him in a Kings jersey!
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good luck in la richy you will be missed.and a fyi to you la fans upshall and richy together in philly was electric
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What a differant reaction to coming to L.A. compared to Penner.
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As I look forward to my 41st year as a King’s fan, I can only say “hope is eternal”. I’m not the season seat holder I was for most of those years mainly because of retirement and relocation, but the fire still burns as hot.
I plan to root just as hard, wish just as strongly, and hope the team does well with whomever we skate.
Mlke Richards? He will definately be an asset, and Penner will show up this season.
Dustin (congrats on the award), Anze, Williams, Stoll will be chomping at the bit. Our defense goes without saying and doesn’t need anything (except DD’s long term contract).
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Roger Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 8:10 pm
@old codger, 41 years thats impressive loyalty ! I hope we get one for you and Bob Miller !!!
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old codger Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@Roger, Thanks
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Bravo!
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I don’t know if this has been said, but isn’t simmonds and RFA this year, make him an offer sheet
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It’s always sad seeing fan favorites go, simmer here… richards for philly, it’s always tough. But it’s easy to forget that they must be just, if not more, sad at being shipped off. Lots of people say, “don’t marry yourself to the players” and it’s certainly good advice, but whats the point of having a team to root for if you can’t somewhat attach yourself to the players. It’s what makes watching the games so exciting.
We’ll miss you Simmonds. Good luck out there.
Richy, i think a lot of the fans out here already respect your game and i expect a lot of love for you going forward. Welcome aboard.
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Welcome Mike. Can’t say I won’t miss Simmonds. Man I loved that kid. Obviously no one wants Penner, but would rather see him go. If the coaching staff can get him to stop playing like a figure skater and use his size AND skill we could be pretty formidable. What a shock, thought Schenn was untouchable. I’m sure Richards will be great, just hope getting rid of Brayden doesn’t come back and bite us!
HEY MIKE, JUST PLAY HARD AND GIVE IT YOUR ALL, THE KINGS FANS WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, CUP OR NOT. BE EVERYTHING PENNER ISN’T!!
WELCOME AND GOOD LUCK, CAN’T WAIT!!
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KC23 Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:42 am
@Jack, There were a lot more Philly fans who thought Richards was untouchable. I’ve spent my life as a Kings fan since 1969 hating the Flyers and their fans and now they come in here with a ton of class and blow my whole hate the Flyers routine.
It’s getting harder and harder to hate the Flyers.
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I’m worried, very worried…..I still don’t think Penner is the guy.
Love Mike Richards, are you kidding me, wow big trade for Kings.
Trade a goalie for another big forward.
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vplaza Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 9:49 am
@Harty,
Unfortunately, we’re stuck with Penner. Tin Man is here to stay. Let’s hope he finds a heart in the offseason.
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Going to throw a couple stats at you guys here on Mr. Richards.
Last FULL season under coach John Stevens: 30g 50a 80pts 63 PIM
This guy clicked with his coach, who just happens to be an assistant here in sunny LA.
Watching his developement was his assistant coach terry Murray, who just happens to be the head puck coach in…yep you guessed it LA.
This is what DL has been speaking about all along when he said were looking for the right fit at the right time.
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I’m a philly born Flyers fan living here in Los Angeles, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching nearly every game Mike Richards has played in the last 4 seasons. To say that we as Flyers fans are in stunned disbelief is an understatement. You might not have seen enough of Mike Richards to truly understand what type of player he is, but consider that in what was an off season for him in many ways he put up 66 points, playing a substantial stretch with offensive juggernauts like Andreas Nodl and Dan Carcillo on his wing, and taking on the other team’s best lines. And did I mention he played the entire season with torn cartilage in his wrist that he suffered in training camp. Of course Richards is also a throw back — the type of player who plays hurt, and doesn’t make excuses. Other players will tell you, with Richie on the ice you start thinking that you better keep your head up, and his 2 way play 2 seasons back should have got him the Selke, although he did come in 2nd in the voting. You have coaches who know Mike and what type of player he is — this is a huge win for the Kings. A healthy Mike Richards in his prime — I simply don’t have words. It’s going to be quite a year at Staples with the team the Kings have on paper. If Brad Richards is truly in the mix, there may be more cars burning in Vancouver by the end of the week as it slowly dawns on them what has just happened.
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KC23 Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:49 am
@FlyerKing, Dam it yet another classey Flyers fan … geezus what is happening? Busted a gut laugh at “If Brad Richards is truly in the mix, there may be more cars burning in Vancouver by the end of the week”.
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Bold move….
1. Simmonds >> scrappy, tenacous, always ready to play, energetic, a momementum magnet, great fit for philly. (This [player will truly be missed)
2. Schenn >> Great stats, potential plus, think I’ve seen him play once. Shoulder ??
3.
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thestorm Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 10:55 pm
@thestorm,
3. 2012 1st round draft choice>>> ouch… did I read that right?
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Osaka Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 11:21 pm
@thestorm, 2nd round
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crashin' da net Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@thestorm, Agree with yr #2 but #1 isn’t the very streaky Simmers I saw and know.
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Too bad we won’t see the CRASH line with Schenn-Simmer and Clifford.. With this trade and the Smyth trade coming up,the team is still left with several holes to fill. The 1st line’s set but i would move Brown down to the 3rd line with Stoll and either Clifford or Richie.. Get Richards 2 brand new line matesd via trade.. I mean if you’d traded Schenn and Simmer?.. Why not trade 2 more young players + picks for 2 top 6 wingers.. shoud of gotten Hartnell or Briere along with Richards….Should try to get Lucic to play with Richards…………..
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JWR Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 1:09 am
@kfan,
I really don’t expect another high end move.
As things stand right now I can see this setup
Penner /Kopi /Williams
Parse /M. Richards /Brown
Clifford /Stoll /Holloway
Lewis /Loktionov /Westgarth/Richardson
Drew /Mitchell
JJ/ Scud’s
Greene /Voynov /Hickey /Martinez
Quick /Berier
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:24 am
@JWR,
“As things stand now”
You forgot Smyth.
Jus’ sayin’
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as a die hard flyers fan i’m gonna miss richie, he is my favorite player and kings have just got a gem!!!…this kid is relentless and is non stop hustle!!!…i wish him all the best in LA and i hope he gets to raise the cup there…SHHHHH don’t let my philly friends know i said that!…lol
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