Dean Lombardi’s full post-draft chat with reporters is posted here below. Again, to be clear, without saying so, Lombardi is referencing the Kings’ willingness to take back Gilbert Brule from Edmonton, knowing full well that they don’t intend to keep Brule and need to use that salary-cap space to replace Ryan Smyth. This interview starts with Lombardi being asked if there was any progress in the trade talks…
LOMBARDI: “Without getting into the details, I guess, no, I don’t think we’re closer. … For this deal to work, under the way Edmonton had proposed it…it’s not done, obviously. I guess you could say it’s a technicality, but the way we had always proposed it, we were always very clear on what we could take back. The thing that’s hard about this is this isn’t a player [Smyth] we were counting on losing. Left wing, it could be considered our weakest position, particularly now if he’s out.
“There have been a number of players like this who have been moved, in the last year of their contract, that are good players. That was the parameters I had set with his agent and with Edmonton. I’m not going to come out ahead on this (trade), but here’s the market. Here’s what Simon Gagne brought, here’s what (Jason) Arnott brought. I had to be honest with Ryan and that’s why I had to include the agent (on talks), because he had to know that once I had resigned myself to do it, I couldn’t go to Edmonton and say, `OK, give me Taylor Hall,’ obviously.
“The point is, you don’t want the player to think you’re not trying. So now this goes on. To me, it was kind of simple, but it’s, OK, if something has to come back (to the Kings) to make this work, then there has to be certain things in place to allow me to run my (salary) cap. If they’re not in place, then this makes no sense. Because I have to replace this player. That’s the only urgency for me. I have to replace him. In order to replace him, whatever I’m taking back has to allow me full freedom to keep that (cap) space available. If that is not there, I can’t do this deal. And those conditions were not there. So there’s no deal.
“It makes no sense for me to lose this player and lose the flexibility. I need to replace him. That’s where it broke down. When it was clear that I couldn’t do what I needed to do with that player I’m taking back, then it’s not what the deal was based on, in any stretch of the imagination, and it certainly doesn’t make any sense for me.
“So I’ll keep working on it. As you guys know, there’s been another team involved. I talked to them today and they’ve got some other issues that aren’t related to us agreeing on the compensation. They’ve got issues relating to the fit.”
I love this guy! very practical
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puck73 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@tornado12, I disagree, Respectfully Yours Jim (@poorman) Trenton.
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jet Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@puck73, funny, now you only have to buy me one beer at frozen fury.
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tornado12 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@puck73, lmfao
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Scott Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
LA NEEDS to pick up Brett Sterling off UFA. Last year in 7 games on the 3rd and 4th line he scored 3g 2a 5p +1 1ppp. If LA put him on a line of:
Sterling-Richards-Brown he could be a 25 to 30 goal guy. At 1 mil a year he is a STEAL! Please DL grab him before someone else does, or PIT resigns him. He has the capibilities of putting up Smyth’s numbers from last year at a 1/6 the cost.
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Matt George Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@tornado12,
… my adoration and respect for RYAN in all this is waning by the second.
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Keith Berry Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@Matt George, What does Brule’s health, or lack thereof, have to do with Ryan Smyth?
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jet Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@Matt George, unless you have recieved that Thursday morning call that your pops has 6 months, you should hold off judgement. Remember this is a family first guy all the way.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@Matt George,
I agree with Jet. If I had kids or even if my family was in another city/state/province/country, and things weren’t adding up or something was going wrong. Id go with family. Nothing against anybody, but blood is thicker than water. I have always learned that when the going get tough, no matter what, family is always there. Sometimes, even friends you think are so near and dear to you, turn their back on you when the going get tough. So, yes, whenever family is involved, I’d jump in a heartbeat. Therefore, I have no disrespect towards Ryan Smyth. I will still cheer him on, no matter what uni he is wearing. Just like 99% of us did when Lappy was dealt. Same with Robitaille when he was dealt, and signed UFA contracts with other teams. We still love em, and I will still love Smyth.
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Matt George Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@#1faninvegas,
I agree about the family thing 100%.
Truthfully I shouldn’t be commenting because my true knowledge of his situation is bupkis.
I just read, however, that Calgary is actually closer to his “home” than Edmonton …
if that’s true .. and that’s a big IF … then this has nothing to do with family and everything to do with him wanting to play for Edmonton again.
In which case … enough is enough.
I’d like to “fit” a boot up Tambo’s posterior.
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DLB Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@Buster, Well said
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Keep trying DL. I have confidence you’ll get it done.
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Sounds like an unnecessary headache for DL. Maybe Ryan with reconsider staying with the Kings if going back to Edmonton will not be feasible.
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Wow lombardis got his hands full. And the oilers are feeling a little too good about themselves. In dean i trust.
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Dean Lombardi is right. We need to replace him that will fit in our plans. We dont need just a player that will mess with the cap. Gilbert Brule would have caused that problem if he couldnt have been bought out. Hopefully, DL can think of an awesome manuever to get a liable replacement!
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Jordan Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@#1faninvegas, Agreed
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FrustratedKingFan Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@#1faninvegas, liable??? you mean viable?
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So Calgary is out after they signed Tanguay, and Oilers just stubbron. We can buy out Smyth but the cap hit of 3.25 in 2011-12 and 1.5 in 2012-13 is kinda high. I think Smythi will be dealt eventually, but when and for what or for who?
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@David V,
Stay tuned to, “As the Hockey World Turns”!
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RLane420 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@David V, Better to keep Brule at a much lower cap hit, than to buy out RS. DL wants to get a top notch player to replace RS and needs every bit of cap space he can get. We still need to resign a few players as well.
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Dave Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@David V, buying out Smyth makes no sense. DL won’t lose him for nothing and then take a cap hit of $3.25M this year because he’s a nice guy.
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I do not see how DL can trade Symth at 2.7M for a fourth rounder.
Aymth may need to stay until the trade deadline. We just have to hope he can keep his mind on the game. tough situation for everyone involved.
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Rob Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@jet, 2.7M?? Isn’t Smyth’s cap hit around 6.5 Million per yer??
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jet Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@Rob, 4.5M minus 1.8M is the cost to the Oilers and to us.
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LuckyNumber20 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@jet, His AAV Is 6.2m per but his actual salary is 4.5. The 1.8m comes off the books when Brule is bought out. Bringing the total hit to right around 300k per.
RLane420 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@jet, They want to dump his salary as well as his slow speed. He will not be able to keep up with Kopi line or Richards Line. He for sure wouldnt do any good on the 3rd or 4th lines. He has to go.
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jet Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@RLane420, how fast do you need to be to stand in front of the goalie and let your snipers get one off. Speed is great, but heart, knowledge, and toughness combine to beat speed. In addition, he showed the youngens how to step up in the playoffs.
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the_guv Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@jet, Agreed. To say Smyth doesn’t fit on this team is a stretch for me.
Goring 19 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@jet, I agree that’s what Smitty does best, plant himself in front of the net, but that’s too 1 dimensional. TM wants the 2 way game played and Smitty’s a little slow in that realm. Don’t get me wrong, I love Smitty’s game and heart but he’s in the twilight of his career. He can still be useful and contribute, but the sun is setting. This is all just my opinion.
Bill M. Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@jet, You have to be fast enough to be on-side, and get to the front before the shot does. Smyth has lost just enough speed that he isn’t making it as much. He’s still clutch when he’s in front. But that doesn’t matter if you are there before the puck.
jet Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
@Billm, That was what they said about Luc and he played 15 more years. look we need one of these type of players with the level of goalies around the league these days. Zues was probably next best.
In addition, he is probably our last good phase C forward. with the youth on the team and coming, we need his mentoring, his example of how to play, live and balance the game and family life.
We just lose too much losing Zeus and Smyth.
I never thought I would do this, but I am going to quote a backstreet boys song (or is it nsync?) “We don’t need you anymore, ryan walk out that door.. bye bye bye BYE BYE!!”
I can’t believe I just did that.. ugh..
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RomJan27 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, you actually knowing the lyrics to Backstreet Boys troubles me…
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jet Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
@RomJan27, he lives in portland, he gets a pass
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the_guv Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
@jet, No one gets a pass for that! LOL
dan Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@RomJan27, worst post ever.
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CB14 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, You should be ashamed of yourself.
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Ravens Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, Please tell me you have daughters that listen to those boy bands….please
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kevinebel Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, I just threw up a little bit in my mouth …
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Alexb20 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, It’s an NSYNC song, for your information.
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Voice Of Reason Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
@Alexb20, I love the fact that you know the difference between the Backstreet Boys and Justin Timberlake’s career starter.
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Smyth, your not going anywhere, so just suck it up buttercup, and you can see your family next year.
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Cutty Sarkn3ss Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@Dominick, so much fail in this statement
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Dominick Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
@Cutty Sarkn3ss,
Why do we have to sacrifice a left wing? Why can’t his family move to LA (where he spends most of his time). Jeez, we’re only talkig 1 year here, and he’s getting payed millions to do it. If I lived in Edmonton, I wouldn’t have my family live in LA while I’m gone 9 months out of the year.
Does LA suck that bad?
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dMan Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
@Dominick, dude, seriously “payed”?
Stuart Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
@dMan, LOL leave Dom alone, he was all fired up. Of course he knows it’s “paid.”
PK Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@Dominick, true dat. didn’t smythers think about this when he signed a PROFESSIONAL contract? i understand you miss the wife and kids, but that’s the sacrifice you make for 5 million $$$. Suck it up buttercup
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brymaster1 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@PK, you people clearly don’t know anything, his wife and children like with him. didn’t you see the kings vision on him? It sounded more like someone was ill and wanted to be back there when something happened. but that’s just my guess.
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Joel Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@Dominick, I agree. Just say no. Smyth should play out the contract here in LA. Don’t deal him Dean unless we get a replacement or an upgrade.
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Tambellini is Busch league.
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Chris Knight Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@KGB,
I think you mean “bush” league.
The only thing bush league about any of this is the mainstream sports media for reporting that the deal was “done” yesterday.
I’ve no doubt Smyth will be traded to the Oilers, but it won’t be for Brule. Lombardi wants the cap space and he’ll get it, question is, what does he have planned for it?
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Whoever said this was shades of last summer was right!
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
LOL! An off-season never feels right now, with-out some sort of drama.
Thanks A LOT ILYA KOVALSPANK!!
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Tambellini tried to pull a fast one, and he damn near got away with it. I guess it’s no secret that Lombardi, in an effort to find value, will overlook health. See: Cloutier, Dan. or McAuley, Alyn.
Luckily, Dean looks like he’s learned a lesson and maybe the days of brining in ruined bodies on toxic contracts are over.
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Smyth asked to be traded because of family issues,, Now DL and the Kings are trying to give Smyth his wish… DL is thinking about helping Smyth and the Kings and the people from Edmonton are only thinking about themselves.. That’s selfish,greedy and un-professional… First they tried to forced the Kings into taking Souray off their hands in thisd deal and now Brule.. They know what the Kings plans are to get a high price player or two,not to mention re-sign players aswell… this deal as to get done soon for the kings to do just that…
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Choralone Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@kfan, Well, Edmonton should think about themselves – it would be wierd if they didn’t. The NHL is a business, not a charity. This is what happens when it becomes public knowledge that your player has asked for a trade. And if he wants to go to only one team, it’s a nightmare. Edmonton has all the leverage.
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jet Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@Choralone, Do the Oilers really want him, or are they just making it look like they tried to keep the faithful happy.
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Choralone Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@jet, I think they’re too close to an agreement to be faking it, but they’re definitely tyring to wring every advantage from the deal that they can – and I think they are perfectly fine with walking away from it, too.
jet Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@C, good point
bonvivant1 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@kfan, Edmonton pulled a fast one a few years back that really pissed off Brian Burke, then G.M. of the Ducks. Remember the Penner fiasco that sent him to Edmonton?
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Ryan Smyth for Jim Vandermeer. Oil get Smyth, Kings get their tough D-man.
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puddle Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@Eric, And Vandermeer replaces whom? Kings are completely set on D.
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Bill M. Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@puddle, Right. Definitely need to get tougher on D when your third pairing includes a guy who took a direct hit from a jeep and played a game the next day.
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Eric Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@Bill M.,
They need an animal back there to watch out for Doughty and Johnson. Someone who can actually inflict fear into opponents. Matt Greene, I love the guy, is a horrible fighter and nobody is scared of him. I would love to replace Martinez with an animal.
We all know Westgarth will only get a few minutes of action and we don’t want Clifford pulling all thew weight in that department either, so why not have a beast on the back end who will be on the ice for 12-15 minutes a game watching the back of our youngsters and starts alike, while keeping the crease nice and clear?
jonjon Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@Bill M., six reasons they dont need an animal on the back end
first, greene flattens guys into the boards on a daily basis. even offseason. second jack and drew are completely capable of just leveling a guy. theres a reason everyone would give their left foot for them. speed, skill, checking and agression, sometimes you dont need to inflict fear, but rather frustration i.e. nick lidstrom. in time they’ll be there. third martinez gets the puck to the net, im not moving him anywhere unless i want the PP% to drop even more. fourth cliffy fights, greene has fought, westy fights, brown has fought, richards has fought, the RW that will replace simmonds will most likely scrap. fifth the kings arent exactly given the green light on fighting for retaliation.. theyre an “honest” team. sixth a big hit is a bigger momentum swing than a fight. you dont need guys afraid of fighting matt greene you need guys afraid to get hit by matt greene.
Eric Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
@jonjon.,
Did you watch the finals? The Canucks were scared %$%$%$%% of the Bruins. The Bruins intimidated the Canuck team for that matter. Look at the Bruins D-men. How many of their defensemen are mean, tough, good fighters, and willing to fight?
Gary Livingston Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:39 am
@ jonjon.,
Don’t forget Jack can go into Bear Mode and mess a dude up. Remember his fight two years ago towards the end of the season? I forget who he got into the scrap with. But, he just mauled him against the boards. Was great!
Kinda sick that we have to keep dealing with Edmonton. There are 28 other teams. I know Smyth wants to be back in Alberta and in good faith DL is trying but man, talk about getting a broken down Yugo for a BMW…
I think Tambellini thought that pawning off Penner for Teubert worked, why not try again??
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Deader2818 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@SavebyCechmanek,
Gunna laugh when Penner puts up 30+ goals this year with Kopitar
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SavebyCechmanek Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@Deader2818,
In a system where it’s defense first? If he puts up 20 I will be impressed. He put up those numbers in Anaheim and Edm where he didn’t have to put a body on anyone on the D end. The only upside for me is that the only way to go for him is up because he looked like he skated with 1000 lb lead boots after the trade. If he gets in shape and buys into using that large frame of his then he’s worthy. Again, DL / TM not asking him to score 50, just use his strength size to make impact CONSISTENTLY.
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Mike in Oregon Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
@Deader2818, I’m with you bro. People are overlooking this guys history, and the fact that Edmonton wanted him so badly they took on all the NHL GM’s to get him. He played very badly with us, but I think he will be a stud this season in contract year and especially when home ice crowd boos him at intro, which will likely happen. He’s a PROVEN power forward in the NHL with a lot riding on his performance. I think he’ll score 30 goals this year. Good posting.
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jofa6000 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
@SavebyCechmanek, True that.
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gralx Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@SavebyCechmanek, You are incorrect sir. We only deal with Edmonton or Philly. (or at least ex Philly property!)
I am curious though. When is DL going to come back from a deal with at least as much as he gave up if not maybe a little extra for once?
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SavebyCechmanek Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@gralx,
and that’s after the Kings raided the Sharks for their broken down players and has beens.
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John Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@gralx,
As recently as Thursday.
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It didn’t make sense to me too DL, good job. What’s next? Iginla for Smyth and…I wish
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PRMan Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
This actually makes some sense. If we trade some pieces, prospects and picks, we could get Jerome Iginla and Calgary could get a quick rebuild.
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Kingstane9 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:09 am
@PRMan, wow does it, honestly don’t know his contract and the situation n Calgary so…it’s a guess or my wish, but it would nice to see that happen for sure. Anyway I would totally fine and happy, if Smyth stays in LA though.
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If Tambellini let’s this fall apart all of the patience the general fan base will be gone.
The causal fan had bought into the “short-term pain” for long term gain, but no one will forgive him for not bringing Ryan Smyth back when the cost was so cheap. (The not-so-casual fan has been in pain for 5 years already)
Perhaps Tambellini thinks if Symth is here he won’t get another lottery pick?
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Glad DL told that Oiler GM to kiss his behind. Let him feel the heat from his media and fans over this for a while.
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Dominick Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@KC23,
Agreed. I like that DL is being upfront with everything. It takes the guess work out of who is not offering the right deal. I do hope if Smyth has a legitimate reason for wanting to leave, he realizes that DL is working on it. If it goes into the season, maybe Smiyth will work twice as hard to show Edmonton that they have to deal as soon as possible.
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KC23 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 11:23 pm
@Dominick, I consider “family” (in the context of him being in his last year), legitimate reason for wanting to go to the Oilers. I bet they’ve penciled him into a staff position coaching job at some level as well.
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if smyth stays,
Penner/Kopi/Brown
Smyth/Richards/williams
parse/stoll/lokti(i know hes a better center, but…)
clifford/lewis/richardson
I can live with those lines
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the_guv Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@tornado12, I really like it! Maybe switch Lokti and Lewis, or Brown and Williams, but nice combos.
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tornado12 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@the_guv, thanks. Im not sure if lokti fits on a fourth line though. but he is a natural center. I think he ultimately takes over stolls spot after next year.
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Dominick Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@tornado12, Actually he’s been groomed to play the right side in Manchester. It’s the left side he has no experience on.
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JMFJ#3 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
@Dominick, I think are you mixing him and Moeller up. Lokti was play center with Moeller on his right side in Machester
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Dominick Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
@JMFJ#3, I thought they both played center, and right side. Maybe I’m wrong.
The Fourth period now saying sources close to Smyth saying Calgary back in and serious
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Goring 19 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@Ravens, what would we get outta the deal with said Flames?
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Ravens Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@Ravens, Cap relief is all most likely
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Goring 19 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@Ravens, I’m all right with cap relief. Better for what we need.
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KC23 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 11:25 pm
@Goring 19, The only reason I’m okay with just cap relief with Calgary is to stick it to that dam Oiler GM. We should at least be getting a latter round draft pick.
Why anyone would want to deal with the Oilers is beyond me. The way that management team does things is beyond shady at the best of times. I see Tambo has learned well from Lowe.
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What if we sent Smyth down to the minors? He’s have to clear waivers and Edmonton can just claim him off of waivers and it’s a done deal, no? Isn’t that how we got rid of Sturm to Washington?
Another option: as I understand it, Brule can’t be bought out because of his injury situation. His remaining $1.85-million salary would cause a cap hit of $616,667 after a buyout, spread over two years. Because this doesn’t seem like it can happen, we have to look at other options on Edmonton’s roster that have buyout numbers in the same range (a buyout that causes a cap hit under $750K). There are only a few options:
1) Colin Fraser: $550,000 cap hit spread over 2 years
2) Sam Gagner: $758,333 cap hit spread over 2 years
3) Devan Dubnyk: $266,667 cap hit spread over 2 years
4) Hunter Tremblay: $188,333 cap hit spread over 2 years
5) Tanner House: $400,000 cap hit spread over 4 years
Unless Tambellini includes one of those guys instead of Brule, the Kings rightfully should not consider the deal.
Just a thought: Brule never lived up to his draft status, but is Lombardi unwilling to give him a shot? He’s got speed and plays hard when he’s healthy and he’s been cleared to play ..
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David V Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
@indeed, We can’t send him anywhere or trade him to any other team because he has NTC on his contract.
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thegreydude Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
@David V, Ok, but he can’t go through waivers and be claimed.. ?
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KC23 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
@indeed, Sure we could do it, but I think DL is telling them “no deal” because they were’n't up front. They basically tried to pull one over on his and DL didn’t take the bait.
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Has it occurred to anyone that now — without Simmonds, prospectively without Smyth, without Poni, without Zus — we’ve lost a lot of size up front?
Heart and grit are wonderful. But one of the key reasons why we were able to win so many consecutive games on the road last season, games that mattered as much to the playoff hopes of the teams we were playing as they mattered to us, was that we were simply able to out-muscle our opponents.
I don’t care how much talent we pick up. SIZE DOES MATTER.
And don’t fuss about Penner’s laziness. WHEN he was useful, he planted his immense a$$ in the crease or, late in third periods, leaned his lumbering bulk on the backs of weary defensemen.
Again: SIZE DOES MATTER.
I want a beast on each of our lines — or as many beasts as we can put on all of our lines. So when I see a combo of Parse-Stoll-Lokti — a mouse line — I get mighty uncomfortable.
Speed is great, too. But SIZE UBER ALLES.
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tornado12 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@tuan jim, i see what you are saying, but in the new NHL you also need skill lines to go with size lines. it keeps the opposition off its game. IMHO, thats one of the weaknesses with the kings, inablity to adjust style and adapt.
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tornado12 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@TJ, also the marchand/bergeron/recchi line seemed pretty effective for the bruins in the playoffs. thats comparable size there
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tomas sandstrom Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:40 am
@tornado12, if you dont think the horton, krejci, lucic line was the best line for the bruins the other 3 series’ youre sadly mistaken.
tornado12 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@tomas sandstrom, did you read my post? where did I say that? I said you need to be able to bring both and didn’t say one was better than the other. Boston won the Stanley cup, so obviously they had more than one effective line.
Ravens Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@tuan jim, I was sort of concerned about that as well, but knowing DL and TM’s love of big gritty guys, you got to think they have something in mind, I almost see us kicking the tires on Poni or Zues at a reduced price, but I also think they are going to pick someone up who fits that role.
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pesus Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@Ravens,
zues is gone and loki will be in the manchester for another year to get stronger. with richards there is no need to rush him. our top line is pretty big and cliffy just gets more ice time now that simmonds is gone. maybe poni comes back only on a team friendly contract.
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indeed Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@tuan jim, This is a really good point. We have lost a lot of size and guys that are willing to work in front of the net. Simmonds wasn’t big so much as he was tall. Ponikarovsky, Handzus .. those are big dudes that we’re going to miss. That’s why I really would like to see the Kings pursue Joel Ward, Brooks Laich, or Scottie Upshall (who isn’t big, but is a great agitator) for a third-line role next to Stoll and Clifford (also a big man).
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bryanagee Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@tuan jim,
RIP Boogeyman…
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Dave Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@tuan jim, there is still size. kopitar and penner, brown and richards, clifford, westgarth. size isn’t an issue up front.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@tuan jim,
I think that you have forgotten, that Mike Richards does add that size. Hes a gritty hard nosed guy, that is out to win. Therefore, we may lose some, but we did add as well. Also, Simmer, we have a player that reminds me of Simmer, but is even better… add in the picture, sophmore, KYLE CLIFFORD. Kyle Clifford is the same type of player as Simmonds, so we have to a degree, replaced Simmonds!
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Dominick Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
@tuan jim,
Your right. I do believe Stoll can make up for Zues in different ways. Simmonds wasn’t that big, but played a real heavy game. Poni had the size, but didn’t always put it all together, and didn’t play alot of minutes when he did. The Kings will have to change their game from a physical man on man coverage along the boards, to a more positional game with support. They won’t be able to muscle the puck to the safe areas like they did last season. If they try to spend the whole game grinding it out like before, they’ll get worn down faster and make mistakes, or (god forbid)fall to injuries.
When I looked to see who could play with Clifford, and Stoll, that’s when I see that we’re missing an element on that right side. Can’t put Lokti there (too small), and Richardson has speed, but can’t body up like Simmonds could. TM will definately have to adjust their style of play.
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jonjon Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@tuan jim, obviously we need to replace simmonds but i think thats easily done by free agency, smyth only used his “size” in his office, poni was only good for a few games and stoll has better checking ability that handzus, we havent lost much. i would like to see some size playing with the 2nd and 3rd lines because of who they will probably play with but i feel any good grinder could fill those holes with the skill we’ve aquired now. remember now the kings have strength down the middle, stoll is going to be an amazing 3rd liner and having size and skill at the center position has twice the payoff it does at the wing.
really my only thing is if handzus was resigned for the 4th line we would probably have the strongest combined centers in the west. come on, kopitar, richards, stoll and handzus? even san jose only has 3 strong notable centers.
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tuan jim Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:26 am
@jonjon,
I’d LOVE to re-sign Zus — not at $4-mil, of course.
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Does Brule have any gumption when it comes to the music business? He certainly has endeared himself to Bono and U2 fans all over the hockey world?
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If Smyth remains a King after all of this, I’m going to be annoyed with Smyth and Edm.
First, forcing your GM’s hand like this in the last year of your contract is uncool, regardless of what your family situation is. People have to work through unenviable work situations all the time and most of the time they don’t get paid millions of dollars for it, and most of the time they don’t have only one more year until it’s over. I agree with whoever it was that said if it’s so damn important to move back, then Smyth should just retire. If not, honor your contract and move back when the season is up. It’s disrespectful to the organization, his teammates and the fans to put them all in this awkward spot.
Second, Edmonton is being a bunch of douches by trying to slip Brule in this trade knowing full well the Kings would have trouble buying him out. I get that they have leverage, but with 8 kajillion dollars of cap space, why not just trade the fourth rounder for Smyth and call it a day? They’re not going to miss that cap space this year anyway. Hell, they probably won’t really miss that 4th rounder. Trying to squeeze every drop out of the Kings AND sneakily trying to screw them over seems petty and unprofessional.
But that’s just my take. If it all goes through in the end, I guess it’s all moot. I just feel for DL. His situation totally sucks.
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Deadmarsh Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@puddle, Bravo my friend! You nailed it!
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Dominick Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
@puddle, Until someone can reason that away (maybe some words from Smyth), that’s exactly how I look at it.
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I think RS is awesome and in no way mean this to sound disrespectful of to him.
But can’t he just retire? Do the kings have to pay the last year of his contract if he retires? If his family issues in Canada are that bad that he wants to move back and the kings can’t get him back to the Oilers, I would think retirement would be a plan to look at. Maybe the oilers would give him a front office job???
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KC23 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
@Dan SanDonkey, … and throw away 4.5 mil dollars? Not real likley.
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gralx Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
@KC23, yeah, with 4.5 million for one more year, you’d think that RS could just fly the family problem to LA for the next 11 months.
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Sybil227 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:03 am
@Dan SanDonkey,
If his family is that important to him – and we can’t swing a trade, this is his final option. Retire – or refuse to report & we suspend him. Either way, he doesn’t get paid. Up to him to decide how important being up north is to him.
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When Smitty goes and gives us that much more cap space… I know everyone wants THE OTHER RICHARDS..But i think the first guy to get would Ville Leino to play with Mike Bichards and Brown.. He had pretty good numbers ( 19/34 ).. If we can’t get Brad Richards,maybe someone like Brooks Laich LW ( 16/32 )… But if we did land the other Richards,plus either Leino or Laich… that would be a very potient line up… Just a thought…………. GKG!!
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Dominick Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@kfan,
I’m pretty sure Philly is done, and Ville Leino is completely off the table. Even if he was tradeable, it would be a PR nightmare for them to give him to us, at any price.
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JMFJ#3 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
@Dominick, Ville Leino is a UFA July first if Philly doesn’t sign him
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JMFJ#3 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
@JMFJ#3, oh yeah and they have to make an offer to Simmonds because he is an RFA and they are going to have to pay him alot. And if they don’t its all a waste for them if they can’t get a contract done with him. SO Leino will only get signed after Philly does a deal with Simmonds and they have less than a week to do it in.
Dominick Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@JMFJ#3, You know, I’ve actually been harping on that for over a month now, and with all the excitement, it slipped my mind.
bonvivant1 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
@kfan, Leino just signed with Philly for three years.
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in DL we trust!!!!
GO KINGS GO
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Since DL was man enough to try and accommodate Smyth’s request but feel apart because of Edmonton, I think Smyth should return the favor and waive his ntc so DL could get other teams In the mix. Since Smyth dosnt want to be here and if he can’t go where he wants what’s the difference where he goes for the next year. Return the favor Mr Smyth. You owe it to him.
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Dave Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@Redlights, if Smyth wants out of L.A. he’s going to have to waive is NMC because EDM isn’t going to bend on this. i think Tambellini has proven he won’t give anything of value for Smyth and he thinks he has DL cornered.
if I’m DL i tell Smyth he has three options…
1. stay in L.A. for one more year.
2. waive his NMC and DL will try to move him to a team up North (CGY, WPG)
3. retire
as much as i like Smyth i’m glad to see DL isn’t willing to take a bad contract back to accommodate him. EDM is the one with something to lose. how do you tell your fan base you didn’t want Smyth back for virtually nothing?
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What about Ponikarovski? He’s all we need to make a run for the cup!
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gralx Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@Shutout, that was last year
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Shutout Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
@gralx, No doubt… just kidding about Poni! He’s still my neighbor so I like to make a little fun of him.
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This is getting ridiculous, as puddle says Edm is trying to dump brule on us as if we are trying to dump Smyth on them. DL is just trying to accommodate this player and his trade value is very little. Edm should just give us the pick and call it a day. And what does that say about edm management when with plenty of cap they cant just take smyth who would be their captain? Cant make the guy feel very good. If this keeps going on DL should call tallon who desperately needs to get to the floor and give them smyth because now this is really messing with our ability to free the cap space to replace him. I love smyth but he is really messing with our Kings the longer this goes on.
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If D.L. is not able to swing a trade with the OILERS or FLAMES then MR Smyth should retire that is if his family problems are that dire,What is more important Family or Money, The KINGS should not buy out his contract, we will need the cap space to replace him.
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Does anyone else find it odd that the whole deal is based on DL trading Smyth for a guy that’s going to get bought out? There’s no upside at all in this situation.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@friarking,
The upside is a whole lot of cap space freed up.
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LuckyNumber20 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@friarking, The upside is the cap-space freed up to replace Ryan on DL’s terms. He doesnt want Ryan to go but he is trying to accomadate his request for a trade back home.
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I really wish Smyth would say something right about now. I would find it comforting to know he would be wiling to compete for the team for the last year of his deal if something that works for both teams cannot be resolved.
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Is it too much to ask for a Q&A with Smyth to get the specific reasons for the request? “Family reasons” are one thing, but is there a compelling issue that I haven’t heard about (illness, etc.)?
If it is merely that his wife does not enjoy life in Los Angeles then I can’t really appreciate the request to be moved. How about sucking it up and honoring your contract. How about coming to camp in the shape of your life and playing for a team that can contend for the Stanley Cup and go out a winner?
How about some answers?
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Nothing says class like trying to trade a player with a head injury.
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LuckyNumber20 Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@Matt George, This site needs a “Like” button.
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If Smyth goes to Calgary, they will want us to take Hagmans bad contract, I guess we would save about 1.5 but is that enough for what you’d lose?
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SLIM Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@Ravens,
Larry Hagman plays hockey??
I loved him on Dallas, plus he used to take LSD..
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Rich, might I suggest you put on your journalist shoes and find out exactly how this story got public. If Smyth talks to DL and asks to “go home”, it would seem Smyth, his agent and DL are the parties involved until the call to the Oilers. Someone opened this story up, going public, and I’d like to know who, and more, why.
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Ravens Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@IceGuy, maybe we are trying to show Brad Richards that when he gets old a senile we will let him go play for the Prince Edward Island……UMM nerver mind
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For the money these guys make and then two years into the deal they want to come “home.” I say, good riddence!
My respect for Ryan Smyth has hit bottom.
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And by the way, after the Penner debacle, why would we even pick up Tamberlini’s phone call? Once fooled shame on you…twice fooled, shame on us!!
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David V Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
@SouthbayFan, necause Ryan Smyth asked Dl for trade to Oilers.
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since we’re all sitting waiting for things to unravel, how about thinking up some situations better than the anticipation of this trade, like…
AFTER CAPTAIN RICHARDS GOES TO LA; KINGS MAKE BLOCKBUSTER TRADE, READY FOR STANLEY CUP PUSH
LAK trades Ryan Smyth to EDM for Gilbert Brule, Bono and 2012 U2 Record. . According to rumors, Bono is set to fill Ryan Symth’s old position while Brule will be filling the driver seat for him. The 2012 U2 Record will be a shoe in for the 3rd line RW spot. Reports credit EDM GM Steve Tamborine for making this trade possible.
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Stuart Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
@jonjon, ganja much?
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DesertKing Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
@jonjon,
I would rather trade for Slash and the he could also play the anthems. On a serious note, I feel bad for DL. There is obviously something serious going on in Smyth’s personal life and DL is trying to help him but he is also trying to protect the team. It is hard to be a nice person in a tough business.
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colo king fan Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
@DesertKing, slash isnt real, our parents just made him up. wuunderslaush!
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Gary Livingston Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:15 am
@colo king fan,
haha
If it makes sense for the Kings to move him, than by all means do it. If not, he is just going to have to play out this year, then be an UFA next season, then he can go to Edmonton. It doesnt make sense for the Kings to just give him away and it doesnt make sense for the Oilers to give anything of value for a 36 year old LW making 6.2 mil, when you are trying to rebuild. I understand the Oilers need a veteran or two with all the kids they got, but Smyth would also take away playing time from one of their younger players who needs the experience. The Oilers are dancing a fine line as well. This deal may never happen for those reasons.
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Dave Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
@Steve, but the Oilers aren’t against the cap and they could use Smyth plus it’s a huge boost for PR in EDM after the mess they have made up their over their favorite players (Gretzky, Kurri, Coffey, Fuhr, Messier, Smyth, etc.)
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gmo Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
@Steve,
great post
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Let me translate the DL speak here…
I’m trying to be nice to Smyth and get him back to Alberta but EDM keeps trying to screw us
First they offered Souray and i hung up the phone
Then I called CGY and got talking to them and Tambellini called back and offered Brule
That was going to work because i’m just going to buy him out
Then we discovered that we can’t buy Brule out because his melon isn’t right
So I told Tambellini to take a flying leap and called CGY again and that’s where we stand
If we have to we will keep Smyth and he’ll either play nice or retire. There is no way in H-E-double hockey sticks that I am buying Smyth out. I’m a nice guy but I’m not stupid.
and there would be some reference to the Yankees in there as well.
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xeropoint Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
@Dave, LOL! Funny, that’s exactly how I read it too.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:38 am
@Dave, Well done
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@Dave, Bravo
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We don’t seem to want any players on the Oilers. How about a 3-way trade: Smyth to Oilers, an Edmonton player to another team, the other team gives us a winger we like (and that they are willing to trade). Surely there’s something somewhere….
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Just trade him to the Winnipeg Jets! Duh! He can go to an awesome team that needed just a little push. They’ve got vets and young guys and Smyth might fit in very well there. Problem solved. They could use Captain Canada in the return to Canada.
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hey EDM want a 20 goal scorer for a song? no, fine, go **** yourself. have fun with your 28M cap room and your god awful record… Kings have the edge in this still, stick to your guns DL.
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Dave Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
@colo king fan, like button, like button!
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Edmonton wants to trade bad contracts with us. Period. Like someone said above, Edmonton could just throw a fourth rounder for Smyth and be done.
What is Smyth’s problem that would be solved by being in EITHER Edmonton or Calgary? Sorry but it sounds like his wife caught him banging an ice girl and wants him out of LA but she won’t move anywhere besides Albert because she doesn’t feel like moving again. That’s right I said it.
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gmo Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
@LA_1968,
love it
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colo king fan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@LA_1968, Ice Girls do love some mullet. its a fact.
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Edmonton’s GM is just doing what we’d hope DL does for us: get the best deal for his team.
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Smyth wanted out of LA right after the Kings got bounced by San Jose. That’s why he hurried out of town and moved back to Canada one weed after the playoffs ended. Is this such a bad place to live?
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Buster Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:43 am
@Shutout,
At least he didn’t ask to be traded to Vancouver.
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colo king fan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@Buster, of course he didn’t, he’s probably as creeped out by the children of the corn (sedin twins) as much as the rest of us.
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