Today’s interview with Dean Lombardi started with this gem: “Making the Ryan Smyth deal was probably harder than making the Gretzky deal.” A joke but, in reality, probably not that far off-base. Here’s what Lombardi said today about (finally) completing the Smyth trade, about the potential of keeping Colin Fraser, about contract talks with Drew Doughty’s agent and about his rough plan for replacing Smyth…
Question: You made the move today with Smyth and Fraser. Did it become clear that the deal you had in place before couldn’t be revived?
LOMBARDI: “Like I said (at the draft), that deal would not work for us if we had to take a guy who is not healthy, particularly if he’s got that type of (salary-cap) number. When it broke apart on the first day of the draft, we were there with the league lawyers until midnight. There was clearly an issue in terms of his health, and we couldn’t find a way to piece it back together. We could not do that. We were willing to assume some risk, but not that amount of money and not have the flexibility that having a healthy player would allow us.”
Question: Was there some type of dispute there? (Edmonton GM) Steve Tambellini was telling reporters at the draft that there was no health issue.
LOMBARDI: “Well, it’s fair to say that we had four league lawyers in there who worked their butts off. I give the league a lot of credit. Those four people stayed there after a long day. It’s not butt-kissing. When they do a good job, I’ll tell them. Four of the league’s lawyers stayed there, well into the post-draft period, trying to find a solution. It was very clear, in discussing with them, that this player would not qualify as being healthy. We tried to find a solution. It was David Zimmerman, Julie Grand, Jessica Berman and Daniel Ages. We said, `We want this deal to happen.’ They said, `Dean, there’s no way.’ Those people tried everything. They looked at the documentation and this was something that could not happen. There was no solution, given the documents and everything that were in front of them. So I’ll leave it at that.”
Question: You talked yesterday about needing flexibility in terms of what you got back for Smyth. Do you intend to keep Fraser?
LOMBARDI: “Obviously the contract is very different (than Brule). It’s a lot less money, so that certainly works. We had this kid in Philly. He’s a hard-working, honest player. He has a chance.”
Question: Any updates on the Drew Doughty contract talks?
LOMBARDI: “We met there on Tuesday, and basically we agreed to meet again. At least now, I think it’s fair to say the first couple meetings — I don’t know if you’d say it was a feeling-out process — it was more broad discussion. It was more about getting a feel for what’s important to each other, to make a deal. I think it’s fair to say, though, that on Tuesday we got closer to establishing the parameters, meaning, `OK, given your interests and our interests, here’s how we see it and here’s how you see it.’ So it’s fair to say that the numbers parameters are kind of in place. That doesn’t mean it can’t go in another direction. Because remember, one of the things that allows for flexibility is the term. One of the things that can happen, that can make negotiations tougher, is if you get locked into a certain term, and then it just becomes a numbers issue. At least, in this case — and given the quality of the player — you have more flexibility as far as term. At this stage, it’s fair to say we’ve exchanged numbers, and that we’ve agreed to meet again. The first two meetings were kind of about establishing parameters, what was important to them, what was important to us.”
Question: How important — or substitute any word there that works better — is it to get that done before July 1?
LOMBARDI: “Well, I said this before and I believe this. The most important thing for me, in terms of it getting done, is that it allows a young player to focus on competing in the offseason, with himself, so that he can compete in training camp, in terms of going to another level. My experience in this is what Nabokov, Marleau and Stuart, when they held out on me in San Jose. What happens is, a young player inevitably loses his focus because he’s uncertain. It’s hard for them, because there’s still that element of uncertainty that doesn’t lend itself to a young player pushing himself in the offseason, to be the best he can be. As it drags on, and as the uncertainty continues, there’s kind of that disincentive to push yourself that extra mile, to make sure you’re going to another level in terms of your conditioning. I think it’s particularly the case with young players. I’ve experienced this in San Jose. I saw what happened with those three kids. It just caused so much uncertainty, for themselves as well as the team.
“So if you ask me why it’s important, that’s what is critical. Now, you’ve got your ancillary issues. Would it be nice to get it done so that you can plan the rest of your team? Absolutely. But I put that second. The most important thing is for this player — given how important he is to this whole model — to be able to rise up like that, that emotional thing. I’d say that’s the most important thing. Secondly, yeah, it would certainly be nice to have it done, to plan the rest of our team. That’s what is funny. Most people talk about July 1, getting it done, offer sheet. No. That’s not what I fear the most.”
Question: Back to Smyth, you talked about needing to find a replacement for him. What type of player, or salary, would you look to take on?
LOMBARDI: “It’s safe to say that there’s a potential for a mid-range move.”
Sounds like Dean had a plan b4 Smyth moved on who he is looking at.
COME ON DREW… SIGN!!
Regardless, I am liking the look and change of this Kings team. Instead of being a 1st round wonder, we may go far this time!
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Ersberg Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@#1faninvegas, Yeah, it does appear has some inclination as to the player he may be after. Gagne, maybe?
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Hockeysureshot Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:31 pm
@Ersberg, My initial thought was Gagne also. Injury prone, but fast at least.
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Ersberg Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Hockeysureshot, True, but that’s par for the course when it comes to the Kings. Playing in So Cal takes a lot of pressure of players that would otherwise play under a media microscope. Gagne could come in under the radar and play lights out hockey in LA. I’m all for it.
luc20rules Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
@Ersberg, DL went hard after Gagne this past season, but the talks with Philly brokedown. I posted this before, but I wonder if there was any possiblity that DL tried to get both Carter & Richards from Philly in a 3 team trade adding Edm getting Smyth and a prospect like Hickey, and Edm sending somethings to Philly. I think that would have really boosted our scoring punch. That duo worked good in Philly just add Brown to that for a 2nd line.
I know no point wondering, spilled milk, etc.
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Ersberg Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 9:27 am
@luc20rules, That’s entirely possible, but Carter is fairly expensive in his own right. I feel he Kings need a 1-2 year solution, unless it’s a young, highly skilled player.
Alright this is done, now let’s start the rumor mill on who will replace Smyth…
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Matt George Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@B-Dizzle,
OYE … ! … (i’m never putting the cursed laptop down!)
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CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@B-Dizzle, Brad Richards. I’m gonna keep saying his name until he signs somewhere else, or we trade for Zach Parise.
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Darrell Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@B-Dizzle, Handzus/Poni starting to look better now?
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tuan jim Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
@Darrell,
Yes. They’re BIG guys.
And I want BIG guys.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
@Darrell, Neither one is a top 6 Forward although we are desprite for a LW, which both can play.
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Wow. Thans for bringing this to us Rich!!
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Thanks Rich
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Yet another Philly connection lol.
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Kenny44 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
@vindogla, I know, that’s what DL was holding out for (“Haven’t you got someone that came up with Philly?”)
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T Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
@vindogla, Not to disappoint, DL got Philly and San Jose in there
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I hope a “mid-range move” doesn’t mean a Ponikarovsky for Frolov-type switch…
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@Henrik, I think if Poni was put into more of a scoring roll then a shutdown roll he could put up better numbers. But his contract was too rich for what he did (or didn’t) do.
I wouldn’t hate him coming back at a reduced rate though, if we can’t find someone else anyway.
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Duckbasher Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@Bluecoconuts, – I agree. It was hard for Poni to score from the corners. And he went into the corners a took the body a lot because I’m sure that’s what TM asked him to do. He can score. And he’s in good physical shape. Would I take him over Gagne at the same price? No. But at half… yep.. bring on the Big Russian. Besides, my wife thinks he’s a hottie and it might get her to watch more games with me.
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Hapakid50 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Bluecoconuts, I agree with yah Poni at a reduced rate would be nice. I think poni feels he owes his best to us. He skated hard, and had that playoff edge fir shir. Played super heavy bangin the hell out of Sharks d guys. $2mil a yr? Keep $$$ for late season moves. Win win. Penner,parse,clifford Poni. Holloway, D King n kitsyn gettin looks.
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@Henrik, I think if Poni was put into more of a scoring roll then a shutdown roll he could put up better numbers. But his contract was too rich for what he did (or didn’t) do.
I wouldn’t hate him coming back at a reduced rate though, if we can’t find someone else anyway.
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Here are 4 UFA which IMHO Kings should get as a replacement for RS.
Brooks Laich: age 27, height 6-2, weight 200 lbs.
Jussi Jokinen: age 28, height 5-11, weight 198 lbs.
Ville Leino: age 27, height 6-1, weight 190.
This is plan B, if we can’t get first 3.
Sean Bergenheim: age 27, height 5-10, weight 205
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brymaster1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@David V, i don’t think Leino is a second line guy, im hoping for either Gagne or Jokinen.
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David V Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@brymaster1, I would stay away from Gagne, he is good when he is healthy but his health is the biggest problem.Plus he is older.
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friarking Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@brymaster1, Gagne didnt want to waive his NTC last season when we tried to aquire him. I’d like to see Jussi Jokinen. He’s a bit streaky but has tons of skill.
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@David V, i think Laich and Leino would be best out of those four. i’m concerned over Gagne’s health and Bergenheim will be overpaid because of his playoff run.
i think Laich might cost a lot and Leino will probably re-sign with Philadelphia, but i think if either are available DL should give it a shot.
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Crown Royal Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@David V,
What about Max Talbot or Upshall? I think they’re both UFA’s?
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JMFJ#3 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@Crown Royal, both with horrible numbers and could only play their positions. Talbot is a center and Upshall could play 3rd RW but at too much cost wise? what’s their pricetag…i think too high for what they will do
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Crown Royal Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@JMFJ#3,
Upshall had 22 goals last season, Smyth 23. Talbott’s not a goal scorer but can score big goals (think game seven when the Penguins won the Cup) he can also play left wing with a lot of grit.
luc20rules Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@David V, I have been asking for DL to aquire Jussi Joliken since the first season with shootouts. With JJ, Stoll, & Joliken we would never go past 3 shooters to win shootouts.
Not to mention he has developed his game to the point where he is a good 2nd line LW that can take faceoffs as well.
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Does anybody have any insight as to what DL likely considers to be “mid-range”? $5M per year players? $2M? What?
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408kingsfan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
@Dave R, I would assume a player in the 3.5 mil range.
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Tambellini comes across as the most clueless GM in the league. He didn’t even know anything about Teubert when they dealt for him in the Penner deal, and now the whole Brule is healthy issue. Does he even have a clue?
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Deadmarsh Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@scootty, Inept was what I was thinking.
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jet Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@scootty, Can you imagine the first day of camp when brule walks into the locker room.
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I say Booth out of Florida. The guy has serious speed which this team needs.
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David V Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@Puckhog, Booth is not UFA and will cost us more than we currently can offer.Plus i don’t think Florida would be interested in trading him.
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Puckhog Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@David V, yeah I know he is not a UFA. Just saying he is the type of player the Kings need. Maybe Stoll is expandable now? Or if Loktionov is not ready?
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PP Anybody? Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@Puckhog, I don’t think Stoll looks very expandable. He seems pretty fit. Doughty has the potential to expand a lot depending on how much taco bell he eats this summer.
Luke M. Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@Puckhog, Stoll is not expendable. He can play both power play and penalty kill minutes, he wins faceoffs and is money in the shootout. He doesn’t seem to have a problem being a third line center and his skills are not easily replaced. Plus, he loves living in LA, and he’s happy, you don’t let a player like that go until you know you have someone who can fill his skates. Currently, his specialties are needed and valuable.
luc20rules Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
@Puckhog, Loki can’t fill the 3rd Line Checking Center Roll, and Kopi-Richards are 1-2 Centers on the team. From what DL has said I just don’t know if Loki would be a 4 center as it doesn’t give enough minutes to make him better, and with last years LW sampling TM & DL agree he has to be a center to be in NHL at this point in his career.
luc20rules Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
@Puckhog, role not Roll.
friarking Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@Puckhog, Trade Penner for him. He’s signed for another 4 seasons
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Bickleton Wigglesworth III Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@Puckhog, I’d love to see Booth, even with his injury history, on the Kings but Florida was asking too much back at the trade-deadline and I see no reason why they’d be more in Lombardi’s price range this time around.
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KingMe20 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:15 am
@Puckhog,
Booth is one guy I was hoping to hear the Kings had grabbed on trade deadline day. Great speed and hands, he’d be a great fit on Kopi’s wing.
It would be interesting if they had him and Mike Richards, seeing as how Richards nearly ended his career.
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centericeman Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:59 am
@Puckhog, Booth and Richards on the same team?
That would be interesting.
I case anyone didn’t see, Richards almost ended Booth’s career/life with a monster hit.
I would love to see David here, but that likely won’t happen either.
Brad Richard would be a monster aquisition!!!
Maybe what we have done over the last few days will swing him our way?
Pray my fellow Kings fans…Pray!
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We got nuthin but a little cap space which will be more than eaten up by Doughty. Also DL now decides to abandon his plan to build from within by trading Scchenn. IMO he’s lost his mind and is now doing exactly what he ended up doing. In SJ and led to his firing.. he is in scramble mode now and though Richards is very good I just don’t see him having enough cap space to put together 3 solid and competitive lines.
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408kingsfan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@linny, Yeah I’m on the fence about all this. Especially after I just watched the first game of last season and Shenn looked like he is ready to contribute now.
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KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@408kingsfan, Schenn didn’t do squat in 9 games. He has proven nada so far.
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crashin' da net Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@KC23, Agreed. I think DL beleives he can take this team all the way in 1-3 years with what he has and one mmore piece.
crashin' da net Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@KC23, And I blieve it too if we do not get sabotaged by TM and JK.
JMFJ#3 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@408kingsfan, we should have like 7mil after signing Doughty, Lewis and Richarson. Colin Fraser who we just go could play solid fourth line minutes. we need to pick up a left winger and thats about it. i think we can find one for 7mil and under. the cap went up from last year and Doughty will get a deal like 5.5 mil. The cap was 59mil its 64mil now. so the cap going up alone will cover Doughty. We lost 3.2mil in Poni and 4mil in Zues. thats 7.2 Mil that we have open.
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number 6 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@linny,
It’s not like Richards and Kopi are exactly over the hill. Maybe not this year, but certainly the season after that, I have to bellieve that either Toffoli or Vey or someone else will slot in.
Add that to Kopi, JW, Brown, Richards and one other player maybe Moller comes back) and then you have a solid top 6. As for a third line, they don’t need help there. Between Stoll, Lewis, Clifford and Richie, there is more than enough for a third line. Plus maybe Loktionov. I have my own issues about the team, but what you mention would not be top of the list.
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Duckbasher Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@number 6, – Issues? JK? TM?
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CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@linny, A little cap space, come on now. We’re 16 million under the cap. DD will take 6 mil of that. Richardson, Lewis, and Martinez will eat up about 3.5 mil, leaving 6.5 to fill 1 mabye 2 spots. 2 nd line LW, and 3 rd line RW. If we sign someone like Brad Richards, then we go with Lewis as the 3 rd line LW.
B. Richards. Kopi. Williams
Penner M. Richards Brown
Clifford Stoll Lewis
Parse Lokti Richardson
Fraser and Westy
Mitchell DD
Scuderi JJ
Martinez Greene
DD2
Quick
Bernier
Or
Penner Kopi Williams
Gagne Richards Brown
Clifford Stoll Ward
Parse Richardson Lewis
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@CB14, it’s gonna take quite a bit more than $6M to get Richards. this is his last contract – i’m thinking he gets at least $7.5M.
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CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Dave, In yearly salary for the first 5 years or so yes, but if we give him a long term deal like 9 years for 54 million, it would work. 8 million the first 5 years, then 6, 4, 3, and 1 million. That’s a 6 million dollar cap hit, and he gets 40 million the first 5 years. That is a good deal for both Brad and the Kings. IMO. I think it would work.
JMFJ#3 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@Dave,
FORWARDS
Dustin Penner ($4.250m) / Anze Kopitar ($6.800m) / Justin Williams ($3.650m)
Scott Parse ($0.900m) / Mike Richards ($5.750m) / Dustin Brown ($3.175m)
Kyle Clifford ($0.870m) / Jarret Stoll ($3.600m) / Brad Richardson ($1.200m)
Colin Fraser ($0.825m) / Trevor Lewis ($1.203m) / Kevin Westgarth ($0.525m)
DEFENSEMEN
Jack Johnson ($4.357m) / Drew Doughty ($5.475m)
Rob Scuderi ($3.400m) / Willie Mitchell ($3.500m)
Alec Martinez ($0.875m) / Matt Greene ($2.950m)
Davis Drewiske ($0.616m)
GOALTENDERS
Jonathan Quick ($1.800m) / Jonathan Bernier ($1.250m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $56,972,060; BONUSES: $135,000
CAP SPACE (21-man roster): $7,327,940
tuan jim Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
@CB14,
Parse-Lokti-Richardson?
The Amoeba Line?
Size. SIZE.
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
@tuan jim, I don’t know what your post means, but I laughed!
tuan jim Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:19 pm
@Jamesonafterawin,
With the loss of Poni and Zus and Simmonds and Ryan Smyth we have lost one of those things that gave the Kings an identity — bi-i-i-ig forwards.
I noticed that CB14 proposed a line made up of three of our smallest guys.
This is NOT the identity I want for the Kings.
Late in the season, when every team in our highly competitive conference is scratching and clawing to snatch one of only eight playoff spots, I want the opposing teams to come out against us in the third period with a sigh, knowing that they have to deal with wave after wave of obnoxious oversized hogs, who clutch at them, pound on them, lean on them, and wear their already weary behinds out.
SIZE. Again, SIZE.
And again, SIZE.
That’s what won us so many consecutive road games. That enabled us to beat a damned good Nashville team on their ice, to beat a hungry Dallas team on their ice, when they were as desperate to make the playoffs as we were.
SIZE.
Speed, great hands, super-talent — yeah, I love all those things. But gimme SIZE.
Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@linny, i disagree 100%.
Schenn is unproven and just about everyone agrees that his ceiling is Mike Richards in his prime.
DL traded that unproven commodity and a 3rd line wing for Mike Richards in his prime.
The Kings are now set up the middle for the next 10 years. Plus they have Loktionov and Lewis that are young and should be solid centers.
DL now is solid…
in net for the next two years before he needs to pick either Quick or Bernier.
on the blue line for this year with the top-6 he has plus the next 4-5 years with the five major prospects that will be ready (Hickey, Voynov, Muzzin, Deslauriers, Forbort).
up the middle with Kopi and Richards for the next 10 years with quality young centers Lewis and Loktionov behind
DL is now going to go to work on bringing in a goal scorer or two. He made the deal for Penner (who will pan out this year) and i’m sure he will go after at least one more guy. Plus he has some nice prospects coming up.
there isn’t an NHL team that is in better shape to make a run right now and be a contender for the next 4-5 years.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@Dave, Yep. Concur. Well said.
The only thing I don;t quite agree with is Penner. He’s going to be a wild card I think this year, but I sure would like to seat him next to Mike Richards in the locker room. Sure would improve the odds of Penner working out.
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Duckbasher Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Cynic, instead, maybe Richards tells him he’s going to put a “David Booth” type hit on him in practice if he doesn’t step his game up?
Gustavo Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@linny,
You don’t think any 3rd line with J. Stoll at center, Clifford on left wing and some other bruiser or speedster on the right wing can be called ‘solid’?
Despite being top scorer and giving headaches to SJ in the playoff series, I don’t think Clifford is ready for the top two lines. But this guy in one of my top three favorites in the team, and as a good capricorn boy, he’s always learning..:)
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Dana L Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@linny,
Not sure what kind of cap space you call little. We gain about 5.5 million if we keep Fraser. Accoring to capgeek, we have about $16 million. DD gets 6, that leaves 10, our UFA’s get another 3.5 and we are at 6.5, almost exactly the amount that we saves with Smyth. That leaves us at what Lombardi says is a mid-level move. I dont seem him maxing out, so look at 3-4 at most. Gagne or similar. IMHO!
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KH Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
@linny, We have 16 million in cap space right now, if doughty eats up 6 we still have 10 million left. How do we not have enough money to put together three solid lines?
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:27 am
@linny,
Dean Lombardi didn’t lose his mind. He is giving the millions and MILLIONS of adoring Kings fans what they want, and what they cry about on this blog from day in and day out. BOO HOO, WE NEED THIS GUY TO HELP OUR TEAM… WE NEED THIS GUY.. SOB SOB!! Grab me a kleenex, I am so pissed they didnt sign Kovalchuck, he could have won us a cup…. but no, Dean sits on his tail and just brings in two guys. Great, Dean didnt do anything and thats why we got eliminated out of the first round… WAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! WHERES MY MOMMY!!
So no, Dean didn’t lose his mind… He is finally doing what most of the bloggers want, going out and getting known young NHL players se can get out of the first round and potentially win the cup!
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Gagne would be a good short term fit for the right $. Poni for a severe pay cut would also be acceptable and would add depth.
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Jeez they re probably off by 2 million. I like the way DL is pressuring DD to be professional by telling him to get this done so he can focus.
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LA_1968 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
@LA_1968, ps its going to be $6 x 6yrs. Sign Here: x________________
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@LA_1968, a $36 dollar contract? What is this..1912? LOL!
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Garrett Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@LA_1968, We better not be paying him 6 million. No way!
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jet Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@Garrett, 7 years for 36M
Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@Garrett, Better not? Or what?
JMFJ#3 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@LA_1968, he will get 5.5 mil
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Is Loki now expendable as well? We are now locked in with a 1a and 1b in Kopi and Richards. Stoll fills the 3 spot center perfectly. Loki is a top 6 prospect and definately a center. Did fairly well at LW, but everyone saw the difference when he played as pivot. Dont see him taking on the 3rd line center roll next year. However Richards could. With the emergence of Martinez and Muzzen is Voynov expendable? How about Hickey?
Is getting Parise from NJ that big of a long shot…..Bernier, Loki, Voynov, Hickey as bait. Penner is most likely gone after next year anyway. Parse to rotate between 2nd and 3rd line if healthy and produces as DL feels he will.
No Gagne. Laich or Joikinen, then Ward for Simmers spot. Leino will get resigned most likely. Total of 5 mil for the 2 spots.
My 2 cents. Have a good one.
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@src, i think NJ will re-sign Parise for this year but he might be available at the deadline if NJ isn’t playing well. and i think DL will wait on Loktionov – he hasn’t proven anything yet so i don’t think there is much of a market for him. give him a full year in Manchester and see if he can stay healthy. then Stoll leaves after 11-12 and maybe Loktionov takes his spot. from all indications he’s good at both ends of the ice.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
@src, I don’t think the Kings are in the market for Parise even if NJ wanted to trade him. I do agree though that I see Lokti as expendable. He is a player that needs to center the top 2 lines and they are locked up for years.
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
@Osaka, Why can’t a team have young (and cheap while it lasts) talent on lines 3 and 4?
Escpecially since Terry demands his players to be 2-way.
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Bonvivant1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@src, If parse has a good season he is certainly going to double his salary next year. He could potentially make over 2 mil by 2012-2013. DL has to consider that some of these young guys also will pan out and have to be paid.
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So how much does DL have available to spend…
well, Richardson made 900K last year so let’s assume he gets $1.25M
Lewis made 800K so he gets $1M
Martinez made 875k so he gets $1.25M
that’s $3.5M – capgeek says they have $16M to spend…
so that knocks it down to $12.5M. i think everyone can agree Doughty is going to get somewhere between $5.5-$6.5 cap hit. so that is going to leave DL with somewhere around $6-$7M to work with. i don’t think he’ll spend to the limit so i would expect DL to spend around $3-$3.5M.
the question is where does he spend that? it seems to me the only reason you have Parse on the roster is to play a top-6 role. so if he takes the #2 LW spot, then it’s the Simmonds #3 RW that needs a replacement.
DL should easily find a quality replacement (Upshall) for Simmonds.
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src Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@Dave,
Always liked Upshall, but we need a little more grit with the loss of Simmer.
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@src, i think there is enough grit now with Richards, Clifford, Fraser + Westgarth.
i just love the thought of Clifford-Stoll-Upshall. faceoffs, toughness, grit, scoring, speed. that’s a perfect #3 line.
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
@Dave, Nice.
KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@src, We have more grit now than we did with Simmonds.
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wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@Dave, I’m a Parse fan and hope he comes through. BUT, DL can’t rely on his hip to sustain a whole season. He’s got to get another LW.
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
@wavesinair, and do what with him? if DL is going to sign a top-6 guy what does he do with Parse? DL is going to have to decide in the next week if he believes Parse is healthy enough to play a full season. to bring in a top-6 LW it’s going to cost a lot of money. Parse is a skill guy that really doesn’t do any good in the bottom-6. so if he signs a guy like Laich or Leino that means Parse is gone.
i don’t see any way DL could keep both.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@Dave, Parse isn’t paid enough for that to be true. If we sign a 2nd or 1st line LW, Parse will get platooned on the 4th line and be a scratch(based on performance or matchup). He hasn’t done enough in the NHL to have trade value, so we will keep him just incase a top 6 guy gets hurt.
Who will be our 3 regular scratches? DD2 and 2 more?
Being painfully aware that Dean L. burned Brian Burke twice already, first by getting Penner at the trade deadline and now plucking M. Richards from the Flyers, it is fair to suspect Mr. “biggest whining GM behind Gillis” Burke is lurking like a snake in the grass eager for the opportunity to present a nonsense offer sheet to D. Doughty.
If and when that happens, I’d expect Dean L to say “eat it, Burke!” Enjoy your Kovi like contract and best wishes to D. Doughty in the east. DD’s numbers last season were atrocious for a long time after his early season concussion. His multiple late game discipline brain farts costs us several games while he sat on the penalty box.
Playing the Primma Donna ‘let’s wait and see who else wants me after July 1″ does nothing to build good chemistry in the locker room, either. Quite the contrary.
True professionals like Scuderi, Mitchell, Green and Johnson have a clear understanding of what the word commitment means. Remember how JJ negotiated and signed a long term contract WITHOUT an agent in mid season? Try that for cojones, Doughty!
LET DD GO!!…..Give Bieksa an offer he cannot refuse and more minutes to Alec Martinez. Would you miss DD if T. Murray plays these three lines:
Scuderi – Johnson
Greene – Mitchell
Bieksa – Martinez
And it would also free up enough money to attract Brad Richards AND Leino, heck…maybe even Stamkos, lol
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
@Gustavo, to be totally honest i wouldn’t have that big of an issue if someone gave Doughty an offer sheet. if it was in the $6.5M range then DL matches. if it’s more then DL says no thanks and gets a ton of #1 draft picks and he has plenty coming to cover the blue line.
i don’t think that will happen but if it did i don’t think it would be the end of the world.
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Sydor25 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@Gustavo, Drew wouldn’t sign an offer sheet from Toronto, he loves LA and Dean has the Kings setup nicely for some runs at the Stanley Cup. Toronto is a mess.
You don’t let a Norris finalist at 20 go for nothing but picks. Imagine if Detroit let Lidstrom walk when he was 21.
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Gustavo Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@Sydor25,
DD’s performance this last season was but a shadow of what he did to be a Norris finalist the previous season. I’ll take Bieksa to win now and the next 3-4 years over DD any day of the week and twice on Sunday. He seems more like a flash in the pants to me than anything resembling N. Lidstrom.
By giving Schenn and Simmer for M. Richards DL is yelling to us “We’re done rebuilding. Time to win NOW!” I believe we can win more with Bieksa than with DD.
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Gustavo Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@Sydor25,
Also, if Mr. Doughty loved LA as much as you think, why is he dragging these negotiations to the RFA opening deta of July 1? His actions speak for themselves. DD is posing like the spoiled rotten mercenary everyone labeled on Kovalchoke after he misled everyone into thinking he wanted to play in LA. But in the end it was obvious he only used the Kings to squeeze more out of the Devils.
NO..I do not buy the ‘I love LA’ lines when DD signs them. Wish it was true, though.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@Gustavo, You would sign Bieksa to a big contract and have him be a 5/6 D-man?!? No thanks, DD is a better player by light years.
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Hockeysureshot Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
@Gustavo, Totally disagree. Doughty is an absolute stud that will win a Norris trophy or two. Yes, he didn’t have a great year, but did you remember Game 2 vs. San Jose? He scored two goals and dominated that game. The guy has immense talent. He proved that in the Olympics and he’s still only 21! He MUST be re-signed. If the Kings are to be a serious cup contender Doughty must be part of that.
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Gustavo Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
@Hockeysureshot,
Perhaps I should have said this first. I do not question Doughty’s talent and promising future. And NO, Bieksa will never match DD shift for shift. However, I think Doughty’s heart and mental focus may be on his purse in an unbalanced and mercenary manner.
Instead of immersing himself in the off season business of preparation for winning and creating harmony among his peers, this delay is probably causing havoc among his teammates. Not to mention the obstacles it throws into management to chase the wings we need to complete the puzzle.
Everything I read so far points out to “MERCENARY HOLD OUT”. This should have been done long ago. Shame on Doughty!
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I would take Frolov again vs Poni. Solid not, flashy – say $2 million.
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
@CWW, Frolov is heading to KHL and is coming off major injury.
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Only 103 days before opener.
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Sydor25 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@LA_1968, the offseason is too damn long and it isn’t even July 1st yet…:(
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Pili Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@LA_1968, I’m counting the days.
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I hope the Kings sign Brad Winchester to fill in for Simmonds. He’s tougher, bigger, more physical, a better fighter, and can score 10-15 goals per year. Clifford-Stoll-Winchester would be interesting and fun to watch, not to mention menacing to the opponent.
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David V Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Eric, I think Kings need to address loss of Smyth first, we have parse who can produce same points as WS. It’s LW2 spot which needs to filled not RW3
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
@David V, i believe Parse is LW, not RW. he was slated to be #2 LW last year before he got hurt. Parse would be #2 LW and DL will find a #3 RW.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@Eric, Honestly I think the 3rd Line RW is going to be filled from within. I like Lewis there if we bring up a 4th line center from Manchester. I just get the feeling Cliche will be this years Lewis.
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It sounds like this to me:
“If this thing drags on, DD is going to be unfocused.” He was unfocused last year too. So you tell me, what option does DL have but to make a move using DD as a blue chip?
If DD isn’t on the same page number wise from the beginning, this thing is going to end with a trade.
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brandyn Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@Garrett, I think it is more the agent then Drew.
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wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@Garrett, They’re not going to be on the same page number-wise from the beginning. That’s why it’s a negotiation. And Drew will be a King for a long time.
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Do we have to pay any part of Smyth’s contract while he plays in Edmonton especially since we signed Fraser for a lot less than Brule?
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@Derek,
That would be no.
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Good riddance Smyth. Too much drama! Let’s move on and find a 30 goal scorer to help us win the cup.
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The possibility of keeping Fraser is an interesting twist. Not sure how it will all work out, but I’m going to venture to say that Lombardi is targeting several wingers with a $7-million, two-year deal (Simon Gagnes, Ville Leino, Jussi Jokinen, Brooks Laich, or Tomas Fleischmann).
I don’t think the Kings will keep Richardson around anymore. It looks to me like there just won’t be space for him, especially when you consider the possibility of Loktionov, Elkins, or Cliche coming in if anything were to happen to Lewis injury-wise. Plus, Fraser is more than capable of pivoting a fourth-line. As much as I liked Richardson’s versatility, I don’t know if it will be needed moving forward because he isn’t an answer on the LW at the top 6.
In the interest of building a team that has guys serving various roles, I think it’d be great if ..
Laich – Kopitar – Williams .. Laich’s got great hands and will play in front of the net.
Penner – Richards – Brown .. Brownie can do the dirty work and Penner hopefully steps up.
Jokinen – Stoll – Clifford .. good size and speed for a hustle line
Parse – Lewis – Westgarth/Fraser .. Parse can find himself moving up if he produces.
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colo king fan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
@indeed,
You’re the first person to mention Fleischmann and I love it. That dude was crazy good with Ducesne on his line.
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indeed Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
@colo king fan, Thanks! I wouldn’t mind him in a first-line role next to Kopi, who is defensively responsible enough to cover for his .. um .. inability on that end.
I like Laich (HA!) a bit more, though, because I think it’ll free Kopitar up to be a superstar. Crosby has Dupuis next to him and it allows him some freedom. Everyone seems to think that Kopitar needs a sniper next to him, and although I certainly wouldn’t mind it, a defensive-minded, front-of-the-net guy with good hands works wonders.
We do have the money to get both Laich AND Fleishmann, in which case ..
Fleishmann – Kopitar – Williams .. Kopi gets his sniper, but he needs to backcheck HARD
Laich – Ricahrds – Brown .. Penner isn’t going to be in front of the net, so Laich can
Penner – Stoll – Clifford .. Clifford plays hard up front and Penner is free to roam
Parse – Lewis – Westgarth/Fraser .. hey, if Parse has skill, he can take a top spot
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:39 pm
@indeed, i definitely would rather have Richardson over unproven guys like cliche and elkins. they haven’t proved they can play well at the AHL level let alone NHL. if DL can re-sign Richie for around $1-$1.5M then he needs to stay.
plus, clifford doesn’t play RW. you can’t just move a 19-year-old kid around to a position he is unfamiliar with and expect him to play well.
there is clearly one position open right now – 3rd line RW where Simmonds was. Parse is the logical replacement for Smyth as he was slated to start as 2nd LW last year before the injuries.
re-sign Doughty, Lewis and Richie
trade Martinez and let one of Voynov/Hickey/Muzzin take the 3rd pairing with Greene
sign Upshall
if a quality LW is available at the right price then go after them. if not, start the year as is and see what shakes out during the year. it is very possible DL can get a better player off a struggling team during the season than he can get on July 1.
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I think its a long shot, but we need to take a shot at signing B. Richards if he’s willing to play LW with Kopi…and who wouldn’t. And as we just witnessed, not a bad idea to have someone with that much talent ready to step in a center if someone goes down.
Why spend $4m on a Gagne and company when you can have a B. Richards for a cap hit over 6-7 years at $7m or 7.5m. Isn’t this the reason DL has locked up everyone for so long with cap friendly hits so he could sign the likes of a B. Richards? It will put us right up against the cap next season, but you have Penner and Stoll’s money to play with after the season ends. Penner would need to have a career year to get re-signed at $4.5m, and we do have plenty of depth in Manchester waiting to fill their spots.
Put most of your $$$ in your top 5-6 forwards who can log big minutes on the PP, PK. Your bottom 6 you stay close to the league minimums with one or two exceptions and wait for someone in this group to force DL’s hand.
With the exception of Penner, everyone is locked up for the next 4 years with Brown the only one who he will need a raise in 2014/15.
I’m not saying give away the farm to sign Richards, but if wants to play in LA…he’s just too good of a player to take a pass on.
B. Richards / Kopi / Williams
Penner / M. Richards / Brown
Clifford / Stoll / Richardson
Parse / Lewis / Manchester???
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indeed Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, Not a bad idea, but I don’t think you want to risk being totally capped out (assuming Mr. Doughty signs) .. what if there is an injury and a midseason trade is needed? It’s just a very risky play and it might negate the possibility of re-signing Lewis, Richardson, and Martinez, who I think can go anyway because I want to see Voynov get his shot, finally. But I’d rather play it safe and keep Marty just in case Voynov doesn’t look good coming out of camp. Richardson, with the addition of Fraser, is totally unnecessary and you’re going to rely on call-ups on those bottom lines.
This is an all-in move that makes us a top five team if we do indeed get the gem of Prince Edwards Island. We’d have a ton of money tied up, though, and DL has shown he likes flexibility. Don’t get me wrong – I’d love to see the lineup you’ve put together (imagine the powerplay!), but I think it’s just too expensive.
If anything, it might be time to call up Loktionov instead of re-sining Richardson. Defensive zone face-offs would be taken by Stoll and Lokti will get the offensive side ones. Loktionov is creative and fluid and can allow Stoll to focus on one thing – SHOOTING – since he’s really good at that. But that line is terribly small.
Richards – Kopitar – Williams
Penner – Richards – Brown
Stoll – Loktionov – Clifford
Parse – (hopefully Lewis) – Westgarth/Fraser
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Barry's Mullet Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
@indeed, You are right about having no flexibility, but thats a risk you take for next season only. After that DL has the room to play with Stoll who may or may not get re-signed for close to what he is currently making. The only wild card would be if Penner surprised all of us and played lights out for an entire season and we have to re-sign him at his current salary.
Its more wishful thinking that DL would even sign B. Richards. More than likely it’s Gagne for two or three years. The guy is a great player when he’s healthy. Maybe he’ll have more luck playing out west.
I would love to see Lokti take that 4th line spot, but I think DL will keep him in Manchester for one more full season. With his skill set, he’s really a top 6 forward and we saw how much better he played at center and currently there are no vacancies until 2019/2020….lol Since he’s not a checking forward, there really isn’t any room for him unless they move him to wing.
Basically all the pieces are in place. DL has done a masterful job getting us this far and all we need is another LW and resign DD8 and were set!
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This will be an interesting week for Lombardi.
The Mike Richards trade and Smyth’s departure was changed the team. For the better I’m thinking. But Dean has now reached the tricky last phase of the Kings rebuild.
Mike Richards and Penner in the top six. Good. Well, for sure Richards. Whenner still has a lot to prove to me, and apparently management as well. Yes, he’s got to replace Smyth, but how does he balance all of that with the possibility of bringing up more kids to join the young(ish) core? How do you give ice time to the likes of Voynov, Clune or Lotki? Where can you put the likes of Vey, Trafoli (sp) or even Bud Holloway?
Lombardi is smart enough to know we are ALMOST there. Next year would be nice, but being realistic, I’m guessing the season after that is the beginning of the Kings claim to annual Cup contender. And as luck would have it, that’s also the time Terry Murray will be vacating his spot behind the bench.
The guys who are looking to play RW3, any spot on the 4th Line or the two guys that sit in the booth are all looking at a dog fight to prove their worth. We have finally arrived at the time when a young player who wants to play for the Kings is damn well going to have to earn it – just as it should be.
Have a good week Deano.
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Of the UFA’s I like Brooks Laich.
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alright, i stopped reading the posts about halfway down, so i’m not sure if this name has been thrown out there, and if it has, my apologies.
what about joel ward? i believe he’s an UFA. he is a little on the older side, but he was one of the main reasons the preds advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs. he’s a big guy who can replace smyth, albeit on the opposite wing… thoughts?
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thanks rich. nice to get the straight scoop. doughty signs and Dean has had one hell of a summer.
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Brad Richards, I didnt really like the idea of possibly still going after him come july first because he is a centerman and we already have three quality centers and wee would need B Richards to play more than third line minutes and need Stoll to play more than fourth line minutes. but then i got to thinking what if we just rolled three centers and moved Stoll to the wing but still used him at center on the penalty kill and in other situations when we needed. Kopitar and both Richards would get adequate ice time and it would allow our team to be a lot more versatile in the style of hockey that we play. It would also allow us to dress a seventh defenseman (martinez) who can play both foward and defense so if an injury occurs or we need another man we have him.
Stoll———-Williams
——Kopitar———-
Penner———–Brown
——B Richards——-
Parse———-Clifford
——M Richards——
Richardson——-Lewis
Doughty-Scuderi
Johnson-Mitchell
Greene-Martinez
Voynov
Quick
Bernier
This would also help build the team chemistry, and make it a lot harder for teams to to match up lines the way they want to against us because there would be so many different line combinations. It would also help evenly distribute the scoring among the forwards because every line would always be going out with a number one center and all three are great playmakers and scorers
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Getting Richards from Philly shows DL wants to win now. Next step needs to be signing BRAD RICHARDS July one at the opening of UFA season. I can’t imagine, with the addition of Richards 2 that we don’t go DEEP into the playoffs or win a CUP. This is a crucial time for LA especially with the recent developments. Acquiring Richards is a great way to make up for the loss of Smyth’s goals, AND for striking pure fear into every other team in the west. DL, do it (if upper management doesn’t get in your way)!
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Based on top left wingers available on NHL.com I would have to go with:
1. Ville Leino
2. Jussi Jokinen
3. Andrew Brunette
4. Simon Gagne
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The Kings have some of the best young talent in the NHL right now, hochey’ future has them rated the number one organization in the NHL overall as far as prospects go.Dean Lombardi has done an outstanding job of rebuilding the Kings, i just hope we have a deep playoff run i still think if we were to get to the semi’s and face the SHARKS, the Kings win because the Sharks DO NOT KNOW HOW TO WIN IN THE PLAYOFFS! With the NBA going to implode THIS IS THE YEAR THE KINGS BECOME CENTER STAGE IN LA !!!! JUST WIN BABY !!!!!!!
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