Ryan Smyth has a conference call going on now to talk about his move back to Edmonton. Smyth made an opening statement, in which he offered thanks to the Kings organization — specifically Tim Leiweke, Philip Anschutz, Dean Lombardi and Ron Hextall — and thanked Lombardi for “accepting my wish to come back to the Oilers’ organization.” Smyth confirmed that he had requested a trade, in contrast to comments earlier in the week, when he claimed to have no knowledge of the trade discussions or their origin. Smyth said that there were no illnesses or health concerns in his family.
In explaining further, Smyth said, “My wife and I discussed it for a while, that we wanted to come back to Canada, just for personal reasons. The kids are starting school situations, so we thought it was best to come back. … My wife and I discussed it just after the end of the season. I didn’t want (media reports) to explode to the level that it did. So yes, I did request (a trade) for family reasons. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time down there (in Los Angeles). It was just a different lifestyle for me and my wife to live in.”
fare thee well Smitty….
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LBlocal Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Is it time to invoke Quisp’s ‘D.H. Exception’ and start talking about the biggest UFA out there?!?!
Jaromir Jagr.
gKg!
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
@LBlocal,
No Jagr
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jet Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
@#1faninvegas, well, he is likely the ‘biggest’
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:53 am
@jet,
Biggest loser? The guy is 39 years old sucked with the rangers and missed playing at this level for about 2-3 years. Can we say washed up?
lost ALL respect for him, he lied about not knowing about the trade talks and not lied about having issues. glad he is gone.
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brymaster1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@brymaster1, ** lied about having “family issues”
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markisonfire Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
@brymaster1, this is much more of a blessing than you seem to think it is. Smyth’s production has dropped significantly in the time he’s been here, and we were stuck with a player that was overpaid by about $2.5 million. That could be the difference between a good third liner and a bad third liner. Not to mention, we now have the flexibility to go after a sniper type left winger at a better cap hit. Especially with how this team is shaping up, Los Angeles is looking more and more attractive to free agents. I wouldn’t be surprised if we made a deep playoff run next year, as we are now serious Stanley Cup contenders.
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Simon Gagne ($4.250m) / Anze Kopitar ($6.800m) / Justin Williams ($3.650m)
Dustin Penner ($4.250m) / Mike Richards ($5.750m) / Dustin Brown ($3.175m)
Kyle Clifford ($0.870m) / Jarret Stoll ($3.600m) / Scottie Upshall ($2.500m)
Brad Richardson ($1.200m) / Andrei Loktionov ($0.816m) / Trevor Lewis ($1.500m)
Kevin Westgarth ($0.525m)
DEFENSEMEN
Willie Mitchell ($3.500m) / Drew Doughty ($6.000m)
Jack Johnson ($4.357m) / Rob Scuderi ($3.400m)
Alec Martinez ($1.000m) / 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: $63,760,476; BONUSES: $347,500
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $539,524
Getting Simon Gagne (or Jussi Jokinen) and Scottie Upshall would be HUGE for this team. That is a Stanley Cup contender if I’ve ever seen one.
[Reply]
king lopez Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
@markisonfirwhy did you put Simon Gagne in the mix??
Poorman Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
@markisonfire, Dude, I agree with you. I think these moves are awesome, and they are a serious Cup Contender. But they MUST win at least 1 playoff round this coming year. No more excuses. Also, you have way too much time on your hands with these salary numbers. I think you should change your name on this blogosphere to DL Jr. LOL!
Belexes Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@markisonfire,
If DL were an artist, he would paint the Mona Lisa with this lineup. I like!
CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@brymaster1, He lied so that Dean wouldn’t lose all of his negotiating power.
[Reply]
brymaster1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@CB14, no he lied so there wouldn’t be any drama, which there still turned out to be a bunch. hopeful karma catches up to him. just flat out unprofessional. he told dean that it was for family reasons but it was just him being selfish.
[Reply]
RJC76 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@brymaster1, Funny everything he mentioned related to family reasons. Not once did I read that he was requesting a deal because someone was sick or anything like that. So to say that it wasn’t for family reasons is just plain ignorant.
CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@brymaster1, Selfish? How is wanting to live in a place that your family is comfortable in selfish? Last I checked Ryan didn’t sign here. We traded for him. DL asked Ryan to waive his no-trade clause and he did so because he didn’t want to be in Colorado where he wasn’t wanted. He and his family tried living here for 2 years but ultimately they decided they weren’t comfortable here. That’s not selfish where I come from. If Ryan wanted to be traded because he felt he should’ve been playing more, that would be selfish.
Not meant for you, but rather the people who think Dean should’ve held on to him because we didn’t get much in return; Dean had to trade him because Ryan did him a favor by waiving his NTC to come here, so because of that Dean had to do Ryan a favor by trading him where he wanted to go.
DB6 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
@brymaster1, This was a blessing. Not having his cap hit and having the ability to sign DD and still have room for another deal is big. Let’s see what dean can do with the extra $. Don’t get hung up on the situation, think how this benefits us now!
brymaster1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@brymaster1, he could have let his kids go to school in CA for 10 or so months while he does his job. He just wanted to finish his career in Edmonton and lied about it to get what he wanted. he is selfish, and to think I was defending the trade at first. what a pathetic excuse off a “leader”.
USHA#17 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
@brymaster1,
Let it go.
Plus he did us a favor and helped advance the process one season.
Poorman Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:20 pm
@brymaster1, Who cares what it was for! You are way too sensitive. The Kings aren’t losing Kopi.
Larry Braverman Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@brymaster1, he requested to go to Edmonton. Probably the only person ever wanting to leave so Cal for that place.
Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@brymaster1, Symth is a class act. He put his family first, much more important than being what you call “professional”.
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brymaster1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@Osaka, sorry but a class act wouldn’t lie to his fans and GM.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@brymaster1, Not to protect his family? It is just hockey dude, get over it.
wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@Osaka, “Protect” his family? Uh, from what?
number 6 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
@brymaster1,
Oh Please
deadcatbounce Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
@brymaster1, Have you ever fibbed to your boss or your co-workers? Didn’t think so. Nobody does…
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:49 am
@brymaster1,
He didnt lie to the GM or the fans. He did to the media so this bull **** wouldnt happen thats happening now. All this downplay on one of the most respected NHLers to date! End of story!
Crown Royal Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@Osaka,
What about the effort the Kings made to get him and integrate him into the team? He is not a villian for wanting to go back to Edmonton but this request to play for a specific team probably does more harm than good in the short run to the Kings organization.
This was not a classy move on his part. He left DL and the Kings high and dry, at least for now, until DL most probably has to overpay for his replacement whether it be a free agent or in a trade. Everybody in the NHL now knows the Kings need to bring in another winger.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@Crown Royal, Dean showed class in honoring Smyth’s request, I say that. It was just a request though, right? It wasn’t a demand. He didn’t threaten to hold out. He would have played this year in LA I’m sure. Hurt the team? Everyone knows the Kings would have loved to be free of his contract. Everyone was counting the days until July 1st 2012 until we had cap space to sign a free agent. Dean honored the request, why? Maybe it worked for both sides. Do really believe Smyth is the only King to ever request a trade? Yes Symth is a classy guy, he put his family before your beloved Kings. Any man who puts family first is a man in my book. “What about the effort the Kings made to get him and integrate him into the team? “What about the effort the Kings made to get him and integrate him into the team?” What about what? He played some good years and helped us grow. Time to move on. His days were numbered anyways.
linny Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
@Osaka, gee i hope the rest of the team doesn’t get to decide where THEY wantt to play…this is truly disgusting
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
@linny, Smyth waived his no trade clause to come here, he did us a favor. The Kings owed him one. When Smyth chose Colorado. Anyways he is doing us a huge favor again by going to Edmonton. Only thing that is digusting is the reaction by some Kings fans.
You guys are acting like he did a Rickey Williams. He just requested a trade, Kings didn’t need to trade him.
Doughty2Richards Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@brymaster1, Dude seriously? He had to deny the rumors…he was trying to help the Kings. By coming out and confirming he only wants to go play in Edmonton the Kings would lose any leverage they had. DL probably told him weeks ago to just sit tight and he’s try to work it out. Smyth did sit tight, he never went to the media about it. It only got out that he wanted to go home because DL had to tell other GM’s and other teams’ sources leaked the info…
…so in short…shut up.
[Reply]
Kaiser Soze Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 6:30 am
@Doughty2Richards, LOL – nicely put! How can anyone fault someone who doesn’t want their kids going to a California school?
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Duckbasher Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Kaiser Soze, – I moved to Idaho to get my kids out of So Cal schools. And it’s the best decision I could have ever made FOR THEM. Let’s see… what’s more important? kids or hockey? I’m glad some of these people on Smyth’s behind weren’t my dad. GO KINGS GO!
Francois Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 10:29 am
@Kaiser Soze,
It’s called private school, say it with me, P-r-i-v-a-t-e school. On a NHL salary you can easily afford it and there are some great ones in and around L.A. and orange county.
dahack11 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@brymaster1, Yea, me too. Not only did he not fess up but…..
I mean, doesn’t he want at least a CHANCE for the Cup??? What kind of a competitor is he? Not the one I thought he was. My loss of respect is it’s clear who wears the pants in his family. His family couldn’t wait one year to move??? Weird Ryan, weird. I guess wifey threatened to cut him off.
He’s just a “whipped” hubby apparently….
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@dahack11, So the “Cup” is more important than family? Really? Not more important than my kids.
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Crown Royal Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@Osaka,
“Everyone knows the Kings would loved to be free of his contract.” Who is everyone? DL said he did not want Smyth to leave. Do you think he was lying?
Personally I think Smyth was way overpaid for what he contributed on the ice. I’m glad he’s leaving but I wonder where you’re getting your information?
Also thank you, I didn’t know until now they were “my beloved Kings.”
dahack11 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@Osaka, yea, you’re right…I’m sure 10 more months in the horrible private schools Smyth can afford, would irreprerly harm his kids….lol
This has “wifey” all over it…..& me & others calling it out is no big stretch.
Whatever. Hopefully, deano gets a cheaper player that will score as much as we are losing. But we ARE losing our top power play scorer.
Poorman Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
@Osaka, In this case, the Cup is more important. 1 year is not going to ruin his family and kids. it’s not like he’ll be in LA for the next decade. This family stuff is ridiculous. If she’s that controlling a wife and that demanding, then just be glad she’s not married to you or I (unless she’s smoking hot, then maybe).
Osaka Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:12 am
@All,
Is this an Oakland Raiders blog?
HBFan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@Osaka, How can we be sure that you are not in fact, Ryan Smyth’s wife?
Sorry I couldn’t resist
Osaka Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@HBFan, Who leaked it to you?!? LOL Good one.
Crosschecked Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
@brymaster1, I’m sure you have told a lie or two in your time. And if you deny it, you’re lying. No one cares if you respect him anyway.
[Reply]
Kings11 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@brymaster1,
This is just sad at how quickly we turn on a player when it comes down to it, it’s a job and if anyone of felt like moving because of a family situation or just because we just want to raise our kids somewhere else we don’t get trashed we quit. Ryan is a class act all the way best of luck in Edmonton
[Reply]
Crown Royal Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
@Kings11,
If he had walked away from his 4.5 million dollar contract and retired because of his family it’s likely he would have gotten considerably more respect from many Kings fans.
If he or his wife were unhappy socially or otherwise in California it seems he could have waited ten months and fullfilled his contract. This didn’t seem to be an emergency. He demonstrated little regard for his team or teammates.
[Reply]
jonjon Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@Crown Royal, the thing is, he played basically half this year on heart. his back was killing him, that shows great regard for his team and his teammates learned a lot from a true pro. i think the reason he wanted a trade was he feels he only has one year left in the tank and wanted to finish in EDM before retiring. even still what do you value more, your sports career or your family? anything other thank a thank you and good luck to this guy is showing complete disrespect for a player that gave us everything he had.
USHA#17 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
@Crown Royal,
Yeah, he could have stuck it another 10 months but my guess is that “jonjon” hit the nail on the head.
Crown Royal Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@jonjon,
If it was a family emergency, fine. It didn’t seem to be that at all but just a preference in life styles. He was paid millions of dollars by the Kings to give everything he had. He was not getting paid to out skate or fight anybody. That is what is value is to a team, his effort and ability to tip the puck from in front of the net.
I don’t think he showed he cared much about the Kings in the end. He had a contract to fufill making a lot of money with this organization and he didn’t want to honor it but rather chose to leave this the town and team behind.
If you think I’m showing disprect to him then you’re entitled to your opinion. I would rather see players in a Kings uniform who want to play for this team.
Crown Royal Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
@USHA#17,
If it’s true Smyth has only this season left then wouldn’t it seem more important to take one last shot at the Cup? The Kings are a longshot to win it this season but Edmonton has no chance. Is it more important for him to get ovations from the home crowd and enjoy the lifestyle that Alberta affords his family instead of trying to win the big prize? If he is the kind of player he was always talked about being, it doesn’t quite make sense to me. It’s just a matter of months and he could go back home anyway.
I’ve always respected your comments here but I think we have to disagree on Smyth. I believe the Kings are better off without him. I’m glad to see him go hockey wise and have lost respect for him because of his decision.
Poorman Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
@Crown Royal, this is such a stupidly worthless conversation from a lot of people who have a lot of time on their hands including myself I guess.
BobKnob Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:05 am
@jonjon,
I never once heard anything last year about his back killing him. Do you have amy source for this?
Also, he’s since stated in interviews that he doesn’t plan to retire after next season.
txkingsfan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@brymaster1, lighten up, Francis!
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CB14 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:00 am
@txkingsfan, I’m pacing myself, Sergeant.
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Paul G Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
@brymaster1, He scored 2 goals against Edmonton in one game and being a team-first vet, he went to the refs after the game and told them that both goals were Drews since the young star was struggling on during a contract year…..that’s good spirit
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
@Paul G, Yeah what a jerk huh?
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FemaleFan #1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
@brymaster1, Relax….we’re not talking about Kopitar or Williams here. I’m sure u gave this team ur unconditional support when we lost Kopi to injury last season. Why not maintain that same support for a team ur supposed to love instead of trash talking Smitty when u know about 1% of the story. GKG…..with or without Smyth. Maybe spend some of that energy figuring out how the roster we DO have…..is gonna get us to the cup!
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@brymaster1, He needed to lie. The trade would have fallen apart. Business is business. Ask Jeff Carter. Bottom line is he gave us the flexibility we need to be a better team now instead a year from now. We should thank him for not making us force him into retirement as some stories were stating before any of this.
So I thank Ryan Smith for teaching our younger players what being a warrior is all about. And I hope the young Edmonton players don’t pick up too much from him.
OK, Moving on. Done with that story.
[Reply]
No hard feelings Ryan, thanks for everything. Good luck in Edmonton.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
@CB14, Amen.
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tomikaze Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@CB14, Smyth was an instrumental part of this team. He is A class act. I’m sad to see him go. His attitude was excellent. Worked hard every minute he was on the ice. His experience was important to our young team and he scored goals! If he wants to leave… For better schools…for lifestyle…or whatever…Fine! We can use the cap space. Overall, this Kings team is better off for having had him the last two years.
Thanks for everything Ryan. Good luck in Edmonton. You will be missed.
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HawKings Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
@tomikaze, simply, DITTO!
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CB14 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:16 am
@tomikaze, You’re preaching to the choir buddy!
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So Smyth just wanted to play fro Oilers. I magine if every player can come to GM and ask him to trade him to the team which he wants to play. Perfect world. I think it’s little bit selfish. But anyway, thanks for 2 years.
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Stagger Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
@David V,
Agreed. For the salary he is making, he should suck it up for one more year. Does he think he’s the only one in this situation? The whole league is full of players from Canada/Europe that are living in environments that are nothing like where they grew up. Suck it up dude. If it’s that important to retire as an Oiler, then sign a one year contract next year.
That being said, i think we’re better off without him, as long as we use the cap space to sign a comparable player.
[Reply]
Poorman Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:37 am
@Stagger, Agreed, and don’t forget, you too would want to be in Edmonton if given the chance. Especially in the Winter L.A. 75 Degrees Edmonton 35 Minus. Makes sense to me, and I’ve been there when the temperature hits it
[Reply]
still like the guy, he’s earned the right to do this in the last year of the NHL, I’m wondering if he’s setting himself up in Albera for some sort of coaching career? in the end, I think he believes it’s what was best for us, the cap relief to persue a younger forward who can give 100% all season durring the grind and travel, otherwise I don’t think he would have concidered it
[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:55 am
@Ravens,
That is true, I dont think his body could handle working over seas for the beginning of the season, to than come back to USA and do a road trip. I think it would have killed him.
[Reply]
So the guy can’t honor the final year of his contract, ha? 10 months, and you could go home without all this drama, plus a good chance to win SC….. i am not getting this. No you needed to go and lie, lie, lie……
[Reply]
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight
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From his statement that’s what you guys pick out of it? His thoughts were probably more about his kids growing up in the poor educational system that California has, and the life style that is lot faster than that of Edmonton I am sure. I still have a lot of respect for him, tried to keep it out of the media, it failed, not necessarily his fault. I hope all the best for him, his family and thanks for the time he spent with the organization helping out our young guys. On top of that, him leaving gives up a lot more cap space to grab some players for low to mid price ranges, maybe even gamble on a couple left wingers if not a big splash pick up in the UFA.
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teach Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
@LAKings77, I sincerely doubt that the area his kids would have gone to school in was “poor.”
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DLB Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@teach, and surely they can afford private schools.
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jet Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
@DLB, private school does not always egual a good enviroment. Think Paris Hilton and friends. Second, he may be looking at his children’s grade levels. It is always easier to move when the kids are starting the first grade of a new level of school (jr high, sr, high). He always has been a family first guy. He is sacrificing his last shot at a cup for his family. how can you not respect that
KindSir Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@LAKings77, poor educational system does not apply to the wealthy.
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capster Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@LAKings77,
Many of us grew up in LA and went through the “poor education system”. I hardly think that’s an excuse. Gretzky’s kid goes to a rival of my high school. There are plenty of fine schools to matriculate from. I think this move lacks class. Sure we have more cap space, but now we have to replace him with not many good UFA’s out there. I doubt we can make a real play for b.richards given all the signings that have to occur. Let’s not forget the holes we have to plug with Zus probably not coming back.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@capster, Stoll takes Zues’ spot as the third line center. The only spot we need to fill is Smyth’s second line LW. DL now has 6 million to work with, plenty to find a second line LW. Our highest paid winger only makes 4 million, so we’ll have plenty of cap room.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@capster, Sure, and the principal of Gretzky’s kid school had an affair with a 14 year old student at the school. Also, Gretzky’s kid school looks like a BMW dealership. Values are askew.
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Mopa Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:27 am
@capster, I believe we went to the same high school, in which case, all the area schools (private and public) are pretty high performing schools. Wealthy areas have good schools, I’m sure Smyth could have found one.
That said, I have no problem with him requesting a move. He didn’t throw a hissy fit, and Dean accommodated him because it made sense for the Kings and it fulfilled Smyth’s request – it was a solid business decision.
[Reply]
OCKingsFan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
@LAKings77, Agree…I wonder if we have enough cap space to sign Doughty long term, re-sign our RFA, sign Brad Richards and maybe a guy like Joel Ward or if we will have to sign a few different players at around 2-3 mil.? Going to be an interesting free agency period.
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joe v Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:59 am
@OCKingsFan, joel ward – yes!
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rundownrob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
@LAKings77, The schools from Manhattan Beach to Torrance are excellent. This is no excuse.
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LAKings77 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:13 am
It is what it is. I would risk picking up Simon Gagne, if the price is right, for a year. He wasn’t great last year, wasn’t terrible either, but the year before he was pretty damn good. Bit of a health risk, but again, if the price is right, I would go with him. If Richards isn’t in the cards, then go after the talented players that are waiting for that right combo and/or break out years, like Chris Higgins, Jussi Jokinen, or if possible Ville Leino. Go for some hard grit like Raffi Torres or Brooks Laich. There is a lot of players that are UFAs this year for the LW position, though I couldn’t tell you if they “fit”, I don’t have the resources to know these guys personally, but these are all possible avenues we could go. I don’t see Smyth leaving as killing our opportunities for a chance at the cup, if anything it helped.
[Reply]
Ur telling me….edmonton schools are better than Manhattan Beach schools?
[Reply]
Luke M. Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@tellmeY, Public education in Canada is better than public education in the States. Spend some time around Canadian high school students and it becomes obvious, very quickly, that they are getting a much better education than American students. Canadians even have a better grasp of American History than our own kids. Sad, really, but true.
[Reply]
Andrew Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Luke M., you honestly think his kids weren’t in private schools
btw canadian high school kids aren’t as well educated you are saying. (i would know being i deal with alot of them on a daily basis)
[Reply]
Andrew Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Luke M., you honestly think his kids weren’t in private schools
btw canadian high school kids aren’t as well educated you are saying. (i would know being i deal with alot of them on a daily basis)
[Reply]
Luke M. Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@Andrew, Your Canadian kids are the exception. I don’t like it any more than you do as I’ve experienced both public and private schools with my kids. We’ve spent a great deal of time in Canada due to youth hockey and those kids are so far ahead of ours it’s difficult to swallow. In the end, the reality of the situation is the educational system in Canada is better than ours. Private schools are more readily available and at no cost to Canadian residents. The US could learn a lot from Canada when it comes to education, they’re not perfect, I’m not convinced they necessarily have better teachers, but they are certainly educating their students in preparation for university and not to some standardized curriculum set forth by beaurocrats. But I digress….
Good luck to Smyth, I’m disappointed he refused to finish his contract, but I’m hopeful the Kings will come out of this ahead of the game.
BobKnob Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:15 am
@Luke M.,
“Private schools are more readily available and at NO COST to Canadian residents.”
Haha, are you joking me? Yes, the teachers, administrators and staff all work for free.
Bobcraneselbow Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:56 am
@Luke M., Ever visited Toronto?…I think your opinion of the Canadian educational system may change after a week in Toronto.
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Eh Good luck to him and no hard feelings. He made a request and we honored it. Nothing wrong with treating players like people and honoring said request. The fact he was in the last year of a big money deal helped us out big time regarding Cap Space so not sure why the fan animosity.
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@HESPERIA STH, A kings fan from the high desert! There’s more then just me, awesome.
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KindSir Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
@jmac, palmdale here! Lol
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Buster Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@KindSir,
Do they still keep bricks in their pockets while crossing the street…so they don’t get blown all the way to Vegas?
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Andrew Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@Buster, im from lancaster
neil Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
@jmac, acton!!!!!
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JunkyDare Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
@jmac, Lancaster Kings fan here! haha cool
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LuckyNumber20 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:08 am
@jmac, Hey hey Ridgecrest here!
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KindSir Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:47 am
@jmac, We are greater in number than I thought! haha
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I have no hard feelings..really sad to lose him..I feel like he could’ve waited one more year, but it is what it is..good luck!
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I apologize for my since removed comment. However, when you’re making millions of dollars and you were counted by this or gan I zation to be a productive left winger for a cup contender, then the millions you are making are suppose to counter any “lifestyle” inconvniences that you may encounter. I wish him well but a leader is suppose to act differently. Now I know why the Islanders hated him. Thanks for the memories, enjoy the Edmonton lifestyle.
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brymaster1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@HESPERIA STH, the last place Edmonton lifestyle
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Anyone find it odd he didnt thank TM? He thanked Ron Hextall. I think there is more to this than just wanting to play at home. Oh well he’s gone. Hopefully we bring in a better LWer.
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vindogla Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@Pesus,
He thanked management, Terry Murray is not management. Threw Hexy a bone there, too.
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Pesus Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
@vindogla,
Ur right, just think there is more to this than wanting to play at home, most likey working for the oilers after he retires. But to say its for family reasons is lame. His wife doesnt have newborns at home, its 10 more months for a shot at something u have dreamed about since u were a kid. I dont want to come off as unsensitive to family, I have young kids and would find it hard to be away from them. Dont really care either way anymore he’s gone and lets work on replacing him. go kings!
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Mark C. Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@Pesus, That’s because Terry Murray has nothing to do with making a trade with another team, that is a Managment decision not a coaching decision. Anyway, glad it all worked out as sometimes there is more important things in life then hockey. So Ryan and his family get what they want (at least Ryan was responsible enough to do this after the playoffs and before Free Agency) and the Kings get 6.25 million in cap space to sign a LW FA. Good luck to Ryan and Go Kings Go!!!
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Thanks, city of Los Angeles, for being such an awful place to live and raise children.
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puddle Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@CR, Haha, that’s kinda what I got from all this as well.
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Ravens Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@CR, if it helps us dump horrible contracts so we can go out and get people to win a cup with, then I say lets make our city even worse
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I don’t understand those here who are badmouthing Smyth for wanting this trade. Towards the end of last season so many were hoping DL could find a way out of Smyth’s contract. Well now its happened, so be happy. The Kings now have cap space and have moved a player that was not very productive towards the end of the season. Some are NEVER happy!
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:00 am
@Shotongoal,
Agreed, that is why I left during the season, because I got tired of it. However, I thought come the Mike Richards trade things would be better. HA! There are still people that complain over the trade and now this. I think I am going to go back to my favorite, NHL blog, just to have the respect from people who love hockey and understand the game and business side of it. Not these wanna be GMs and coachs
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I get all of the positives about Ryan Smyth and that he is putting his family first, but wow… talk about letting your teammates down. I will never know the sacrifices that professional athletes make nor will I fully know what drove Smyth to request this trade, but I am so glad this guy doesn’t have his name on the Cup. Sorry, I know that’s mean and it comes from a place of misplaced emotion. Right now? Smyth=quitter.
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Merlin9 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@Irish Pat, You have only known him for a year or two so I’m not surprised at your comments. After 12 years of playing in Edmonton, don’ you think, we know Ryan Smyth and what his character is like? He’s very respected here and we are all super excited to have him back. He’s not a quitter and never has been. We are very glad that Mr Lombardi let him come home to finish his career here.
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Smyth Fail Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
@Merlin9,
What you do in the past is great and all, but his present is fail.
True character is based on what you do when tough decisions need to be made. When he wanted money, he left Edmonton and went to another team. Now that the money is going to be gone and his skills are in a declining state, he asks to be traded back to Edmonton. He signed a contract with a no trade clause in it, Then he asks to be traded to one specific team and puts his current team in a bind. I don’t really see a person of character. I see a person that decides what is most important to him and doesn’t care about the other people involved. Money was important to him before so he left. Living in Edmonton is most important to him so he left.
I am not shocked you like him in edmonton. It’s easy to like someone who performed well in optimal circumstances and on his terms.
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CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
@Smyth Fail, What’s with the name? Come on now. Show some respect to Captain Canada.
He didn’t choose to leave Edmonton, they traded him to the Islanders. He then chose to go to a team that wanted him, Colorado. After 3 years they didn’t want him, so they traded him to the Kings. DEAN LOMBARDI asked him to waive his NTC, Smyth chose to do so because he didn’t want to play somewhere he wasn’t wanted. I repeat, DL asked him to waive his NTC. After 2 years in LA, he and his family came to the conclusion that they weren’t happy here. He ASKED to be traded to Edmonton. He didn’t say “If you don’t trade me I’m going to retire”. Smyth ASKED to be traded just like DL ASKED him to waive his NTC so that he could play in LA. RS did DL a favor by waiving his NTC in the first place, then DL did RS a favor by trading him back to Edmonton where he wanted to play.
Lastly, His Family being happy is what’s most important to him, that’s why he asked to be traded. That’s a man who puts his family first. Do you honestly think he’s going to be happy playing on a last place team? I don’t think so. He’ll be happy knowing his family is happy being back home. That’s not Selfish, that’s a person with CHARACTER. PERIOD.
Darrell Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:08 am
@CB14, I love how EDM fans like to point out Smyth didn’t DEMAND, he ASKED. Please. Do you really think Lombardi would force him to stay? If he wasn’t going to be happy, it was better for all the ship him out. Just because he was polite about it doesn’t mean it wasn’t selfish.
CB14 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:37 am
@Darrell, Here’s the definition of “selfish” from Websters dictionary:
Definition of SELFISH
1: concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself : seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others
So now that you know what the definition is, I ask you, How is ASKING to be traded because his family didn’t like the lifestyle being Selfish? Just because it’s not what you would’ve done, doesn’t mean it’s selfish. He did what was best for his wife and kids, not himself. Do you really think he wants to play on the team that was one of the worst in the league last year? I’m sure he would much rather be on a team that has a chance of winning the cup.
Also, there is a HUGE difference between demanding a trade, or asking to be traded. Evgeni Nabokov demanded a trade after being claimed by the Islanders. He told them he would never play for them, and that they should trade him because of that. They didn’t, and he didn’t play for them. That’s demanding to be traded. Asking to be traded is what Smyth did. Also what Kobe did 5 years ago. The Lakers choose not to honor his request to be traded, and look how that turned out. Pretty damm good for everyone involved.
Crown Royal Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 6:04 am
@CB14,
Sorry, but Smyth DID choose to leave Edmonton. He was offered a contract extension for millions of dollars but decided he wanted even more money so left his home, his team, and the Edmonton fans for a few hundred thousand dollars more. He could have stayed in Edmonton with MILLIONS but decided the money was more important.
Now it’s so important to live the Alberta live style ten months sooner so he leaves his team and teammates in L.A. to go back and get standing ovations in Edomonton instead of fulfilling his contract and trying to help the Kings win the Stanley Cup. If he loves Edmonton so much why didn’t he stay there from the beginning? I guess being a celebrity and millionaire wasn’t enough for him then. Good riddance Captain Self Centered!
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:14 am
@Smyth Fail,
You know for all of those knocking on Smyth for what he believes in and what he feels is best for him and his family… makes you guys sound like the self-centered classless indiviuals… I agree with some of the people in here, that 90% wanted to dump his salary at the end of the year complaining of how slow he is… HES GONE AND YALL WANT TO WHINE AND MOAN ABOUT HOW IT WAS DONE. WELL BOO HOO CRY ME A RIVER!!
The part I find funny, is when Wayne Gretzky felt it was time, he asked to be traded and Kings accomodated and ya’ll didn’t moan and complain. That’s probably because he was the greatest hockey player to ever walk this earth.
My opinion… QUIT DWELLING ON THE HE SAID SHE SAID REASONS… Thank him for his service and let it go!!!
Darrell Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@CB14, perhaps you should also look up the definition for HYPOCRITE. Pronger and Heatley did exactly the same thing Smyth did, yet they are villified. Why? Because what they did was “classles” and “an insult to Edmonton”. Now the same thing occurs and it helps Edmonton, you have to go to ridiculous semantics to justify your point. “Asked” vs “Demand”? Give me a break. Next thing you’re going to say is those weren’t “real” Canuck fans in the streets torching their own city.
Smyth had a contract and bailed for personal reasons. He makes millions of dollars a year – if LA was so bad for his family move them out until the trade deadline, when we could’ve gotten a real asset back for him. He made his current team worse and made a rival better, for no other reason than he didn’t like the “lifestyle”? Throwing your teammates under the bus = SELFISH.
CB14 Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 2:03 am
@Darrell, HYPOCRITE? Huh? I never said anything about Pronger or Heatley, you did.
He didn’t make the Kings team worse, he made them better by allowing them the cap space to acquire someone younger, faster and more skilled than he is. If you can’t see how this trade helps us, then I don’t know what else to say. DL would never say it publically, but he is thrilled that Ryan asked to be traded. Just wait until July 2nd, and then you tell me if you’re happy or not Ryan Smyth did what he did. I’ll be on here, and I’ll bet you we’ll be better then than we were before Ryan Smyth was traded. And if we’re not, I’ll personally say so in a post dedicated to you.
Will/Should he be booed next time the oilers are at Staples center?
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D Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@DBking, I really hope not because I don’t think he deserves to be booed at all. Some things in life really are more important than a job (yes it is unlike most ordinary jobs, but it is still a job none the less). And keep in mind, he is going to a team which realistically has no chance of winning the Stanley cup next year. In LA, he at least has a shot. He is sacrificing a life long dream of his own to do what him and his wife believe is the best for their children.In no way is that selfish, and in no way does that reflect poorly on his experience with the Kings organization or the fans in LA.
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16,005 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:19 am
@D,
I will not “boo”. He has played hard for us for two years… if a family man makes a decision that he believes is in his best interest, so be it. Good luck to the entire Smyth family.
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KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
@DBking, He will get booed, but no he shouldn’t. Just like when people boo Quick on a single off night despite several wins in a row it will always happen.
Haven’t lost one tiny bit of respect for Smyth. He saw a way to help himself and the Kings at the same time and went for it. If anything my respect for him has gone up. The Oilers are the worst team in the entire league so clearly the team had nothing to do with it.
I bet if you put every King player to a lie detector test you wouldn’t get one negative thing about Smyth at all including this latest drama.
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brymaster1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@DBking, im going to make sure to get seats behind the oilers and boo the crap out of him when they come to LA.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:04 am
@DBking,
No Ryan Smyth should not be booed. For those that want to boo Smyth, should move to Vancouver so they can join in on with the rioting idiots next time, because they have no class. Same as the rioters!
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Darrell Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:12 am
@DBking, If we miss out on the Playoffs because of Edmonton, the hell yeah.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:44 am
@Darrell,
LOL! WOW! We are not going to miss the play-offs!
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I love Smytty, but at times last year his age was showing, and he is now a year older. I wonder how many posters calling him names now would be calling him different names when the old legs catch up with him in Feb. He did a great job here, just saved us a butt load of bucks, and gets to finish his career where he wants to. No loser here!
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Buster Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@edwood2,
Last season I was wondering if he was even wearing skates out there.
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wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
@edwood2,
More than anything, this is why I’m glad he’s gone. But I don’t respect his decision.
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Crown Royal Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:56 am
@wavesinair,
Totally agree on both points!
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i still like the guy. i think there’s more to his reasons for leaving than what he is saying, but i have a feeling something happened here that made him want to go back.
im sure he knew all along that he was eventually going to go back to edmonton. maybe he talked about that with dean, and said “i plan to go back after my contract is up, but, if it’s possible to go a year early, and you can make it happen, then thats ok with me. if not, i would still be willing to honor my contract here.” but once it became public knowledge, a trade was inevitable. he also lied about the trade request as to not handcuff dean and put him in an awkward position – which is what ended up happening regardless.
think of it this way: if none of it ever became public knowledge, and there was simply a trade made, we wouldn’t come down so hard on the guy and call him a liar. im sure these kinds of deals happen all the time, but this one just happened to slip through to the media.
i know this is all speculation and i have no proof of anything. it’s just a feeling i have that his intentions were always good and he never intended to corner DL or put down the kings organization.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@blahblah, Well said.
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“I will never know the sacrifices that professional athletes make nor will I fully know what drove Smyth to request this trade…” Then how could anyone have one more thing to say? Nobody knows so let’s not judge. It is what it is.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@Osaka, Sorry, I quoted you Irish Pat, the post was meant to be a reply to you.
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Irish Pat Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@Osaka, Totally understand your point. I’m just terribly disappointed. I’m sure if I walked a mile in his shoes (or skated a few laps in his skates) I’d be more understanding. Just bummed.
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Buster Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@Irish Pat,
Would a lap in his skates take a month and a half?
Does anyone else think this sounds like he’s getting a butt-kicking from his wife to force the trade and move back home? I’m the most happily married guy in the world, and I get my butt-kicked like that all the time!
Wish this wasn’t how it had to end Smytty, but thanks for all you did for us and our young players. Please repay Lombardi by mentioning what a class-act the Kings organization is to EVERYONE you encounter. Beleive me, lesser people than DL would not have been so generous.
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friarking Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:32 pm
@Kings Fan, That’s what I was thinking. I remember in an interview with some kids, they asked something about if he missed Edm, and one of the other players on the panel jokingly asked if that was his wife asking the question.
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I’m still perplexed on what to do with my Night Train bobble head?!?!?! =’(
gKg!
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wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
@LBlocal, Break out the orange and white paint.
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bfarm Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
@LBlocal,
my kings memorabilia:
Ryan Smyth bobblehead, Wayne simmonds bobblehead, Teddy Purcell signed picture, Alex Frolov signed stick….
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KingMe20 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:26 am
@bfarm,
All this tells us is that you should not collect any more memorabilia.
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Ravens Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
@LBlocal, it could be worse, you could have gone out and bought a Dan Cloutier jersy when we signed him…..or even Randy Jones…..oh the horror!
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jet Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
@Ravens, I got a signed Cloutier stick, but it was defective. It has a big hole right in the middle of the blade.
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Buster Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:53 am
@Ravens,
Can you imagine when THE Salvation Army got a truckload of jerseys that were donated from a sporting goods store that went out of business and we turned DOWN 22 Rany Jones jerseys?
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Ryan Smyth is classless.
This isn’t a “regular world” job where you can pack up your family and just move. He is under contract, and I think a lot of you don’t grasp this concept. As I’ve stated numerous times, good riddance. All he wanted was to move back to Canada with his family. And to play on Edmonton, not Calgary, which is just as close, if not closer, to home. Sound too much like memememe? Because it is. He had ten months to live and work out the rest of his contract here. 10 months. Not years, but months. I guess those fans who agree with Smyth wouldn’t be mad if Kopitar, Brown, Doughty (once he signs), or any other player on the Kings wanted a trade so they could go back home, leaving high and dry.
Almost all the time, in these types of trades, there is a major reason why the person wants the trade. See Derek Fisher. This is horse crap.
I’m not necessarily mad he is gone, depending who we can pick up, but what a classless act to end out his career. Anyone wanna talk crap about the way I feel go for it, I’ll never see your viewpoint.
See ya later, and once again, I can’t wait for Richards to crush you into the boards when we play you slowpoke.
/ rant
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, How did you feel when he waived his NTC to come here?
Was he classless then?
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@Cynic, Uh, think about what you said. He didn’t ask to come to the Kings if my memory serves me right. He agreed to waive it.
This is an entirely different situation.
He stated this was strictly a family decision. If it had been “strictly family,” he would/could have chosen Calgary, as it is closer to home than Edmonton.
This was more about “I want to play my last year in Edmonton.” Which is fine, but don’t lie about it Mr. Canada.
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Darrell Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, He’s not saying that either. He’s saying he wants to extend his deal (Selanne-like) into the future. Let’s face it, that team is only a couple of D men and a goalie away from being better than us. I don’t begrudge the man his choice of cities to play in.. AFTER his contract was up. But forcing this trade now made me lose all respect for him. The only saving grace for the Kings is if Lombardi actually does something with the cap space. If all he does is sign a Poni-like player it will have all been a waste.
KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
@Cynic, Of course we can agree to disagree.
I think it is sending the wrong message that when the going gets tough, instead of working through it, leaving. But to each their own.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, Didn’t he “request” a trade? I didn’t remember hearing Smyth mande a trade demand.
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
@Osaka, requesting is the same as demanding, the difference is demeanor. And no playing would barge into an office and yell “I DEMAND TO BE TRADED!” C’mon now.
There are two ways to be traded with a NTC.
Either
A)Management asks
or
B)Player asks
Trying to use word games is not the right way to justify. No player demands, they request.
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puck73 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, You call Smyth classless and you light him up like this on the blog ? Dude, obviously Smyth is skating around like he has a piano on his back, that being said, he has been a great influence on the young players, and showed some of them that quite often you have to pay the price in the NHL if you wanna score some goals. Personally, I dont care about Smyth’s intentions, the fact is he just did the organization and the fans a HUGE favor by taking that 6 million dollar cap hit with him to Edmonton. Now DL can get us an even better player or 2 to replace him. Your hatred toward Smyth is over the top, chill out, I mean this isnt Bruce Mcnall we are talking about who defraude banks for 236 million dollars, gave up some of our fanbase to Anaheim for 35 million, and pissed away draft picks like they were water !
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
@puck73, and the rest who responded…
I feel the same way about it all, no matter what the situation. And sure, maybe I don’t have class. But I’m also a fan posting on a forum, not an NHL player who makes millions of dollars and has a million times more responsibility.
In some respects I’m happy he left, as it frees up a spot or two for other guys. That said, there are always FA next year and I would much have preferred he had stayed here to finish out his contract and kept teaching some of the younger guys the finer points to the game.
Once again, Osaka, and a few others, you are free to move wherever you want for family. You are not bound by a contract. Did he really need to move? No. There were no pressing family issues involved, obviously his wife and himself did not like Los Angeles. Problem is, he is under contract, and put DL in a very bad place to have to make this move.
What he did is a bad lesson to teach people. When you don’t like something, just quit and go somewhere else. He is rich enough to have his family by him 24/7.
Lousy lousy excuse.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, I completely disagree this was a ‘bad’ thing to teach people. It’s a FANTASTIC thing to teach people. Do what you must, but do it with respect and understanding that you might not get it. If you do, great. If not, honor your commitment and leave when free to.
The Kings did this for him. He’s not wrong for asking. The Kings are not wrong for accomodating. Professionalism all around. That’s what my kids got out of it when I explained it to them anyway.
Guess we’ll agree to disagree. We’re OK doing that, right?
brymaster1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, he didnt do it with respect, he lied to all the fans, media and DL.
CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, He is under contract as you pointed out, but he didn’t sign that contract with us. He signed with Colorado, then agreed to waive his NTC because Dean asked him to. Now Ryan simply asked Dean to trade him. Ryan did dean a favor, so dean did ryan a favor, it’s that simple.
CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
@brymaster1, How did he lie to the fans? I’d really like to know how he lied to us, because he DIDN’T.
Yes he lied to the media. BIG FREAKING DEAL. Every player, coach or GM has lied to the media. Ryan lied to the media so that Dean wouldn’t lose all of his bargining power. He did us a favor. Yes it was ultimately blown by ” sources”, but that wasn’t Smyths fault.
How the heck did he lie to DL? He ASKED to be traded for family reasons. His family wasn’t happy living here, and wanted to move back home to Edmonton.
He did us a HUGE favor by asking to be traded. Rich had even commented about the possibility he might be bought out back when he did the player evaluations. Instead we got a depth player who is cheap, and 5 and a half million in cap space. Now Dean can use that cap space to fill his spot with a younger/faster player, and have enough left over to fill Simmonds’ spot via free agency if he chooses to do so.
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:11 am
@CB14,
I agree with you that everyone lies to the media. It dont matter if your a player, coach, GM, politian… On that note, ask Bill Clinton if he lied to the media. He didn’t? HAHA… Monica Lewinski who? Ya, even the president lies to the media. So, he lied to the media so things could settle down a bit. End of story! Thanks for that, and hopefully this helps a bit on this lying issue!
Steve Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:27 am
@KingsFanInPortland,
Ryan Smyth is Classless? Let me ask you this. Lets say Smyth went to Dean and asked for the trade. After awhile, Dean says it cant be done. What if Ryan Smyth said, “ok, I retire then”
Would he still be classless?
On one hand, fans are bashing Smyth for wanting to go back to Edmonton, calling him classless and a liar. In the same breath, they are already talking about how Smyth was a bum, how to spend the extra cap space, and who they can get. Which is it? Either your angry that he’s gone, because he was a good player, or your happy he’s gone because we now have the cap space to improve the team.
Personally, I have no problem with this. If the deal could not have gotten done, Dean would have told him it isnt going to happen and Ryan would have played out the contract or retired. Im glad to have the cap space with which to manuever now. We moved a 36 year old winger with a cap hit of $6 mil. Let me ask this. If the situation were reversed and the Kings were the rebuilding team, and Smyth wanted to move back to Los Angeles for family reasons, would Kings Nation be happy with the acquisition of a 36 year old winger with a $6 mil cap hit? I think not!!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:07 am
@Steve, Thank you for some refreshing common sense this morning.
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i categorically do NOT “still like the guy”
im … just …. wow ….
… this guy (and i’m censoring myself with the description) couldn’t stomach ONE MORE YEAR?!?!
…one year.
…….just …. unreal
[Reply]
KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@Matt George, Preach
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Anyone who has a family with young kids, living in an area they are not accustomed to, will completely understand Smytty’s position here.
I have 3 kids, but I’m a SoCal native. My wife on the other hand, is from Jalisco, Mexico and is always wishing she could raise our kids there instead of here. Now that example is extreme compared to Smyth’s because of language differences and the like, but the premise is the same.
Smyth & his wife want what they think are best for their kids.
No, it’s not always accomodating to others, but that’s life. Remember, HE WAIVED HIS NTC TO COME HERE! He didn’t have to, but he did. He make the younger guys in the room better players and better men by teaching them to be classier guys.
Sure, people are gonna say this move wasn’t classy. Why not? Because he tried to lay low and deny everything while Dean tries to accomodate him and get the most return possible for a difficult request made by him? Please…..
Smyth only has a few years left in his hockey career. You only get one shot to do it on your terms. He’s doing it and deserves to. If people hate him for that, let them. I don’t. I respect it. I wish I had the clout to dictate my next career move. I’m sure a lot of people do. He’s putting his family first and making an (now successful) attempt to finish his career where he wants to. I certainly don’t think he’s a ‘Quitter’. I don’t think his teammates are jolted by this either. Probably more jealous than jolted to be able to choose where you play like that.
Big Kudos to Dean Lombardi for being so accomodating with such an unbelieveably difficult request and for making it work out reasonably. I’ll bet this was harder than Gretzky, considering you can’t move hard cash anymore in deals. Smyth should quietly send Dean and his wife on a VERY nice vacation ASAP for the effort.
Again, good luck to you Smitty! Appreciate all the help the last two years as our boys learned quite a bit from you I’m sure. I’ll never forget when they all came out in mullets for your 1,000th. Priceless. Half of them looked better with them than without.
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LBlocal Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@Cynic, Right on spot.
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Kings Fan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@Cynic,
Well said. Not an ideal situation for anyone involved, but has worked out as best as possible. Let the haters hold judgement until July 1st before passing judgement.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@Cynic,
Good post!
I pulled a Smyth and moved to Japan for my family so I understand Smyth’s situation all too well.
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kq949 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@Cynic, Also, his wife and kids could have moved back to Edmonton, he would have left them in September and would be gone for 8-10 months. Not that bad considering what millions of other people are doing just to keep their jobs and their families fed. He also has millions where he could fly them in over vacation times, etc.
Just not seeing this as “awww shucks, Smitty did us a favor”. In the long run, we’re better off, but looking at it on a personal side, I don’t see him as a good guy doing the right thing for his family with months left on his contract. If it was years, then maybe.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@kq949, Someone else made the point (Puck73 was one) that he’s doing us a favor by leaving because of the cap hit that goes with him. If we pick up a Gagne, Leino or even BRAD Richards, who would you want now?
I’d choose all three of those guys for this team where it is at right now, ESPECIALLY with Mike Richards here, over Smytty. I like Smytty, but This was a decent time for him to move on.
Now you mentined you get the ‘Do us a favor point’. The personal side however, you want him to just be away from his (I believe) 3 small children for 8-10 months so you can watch him play hockey?!?! He doesn’t have the right to ASK to move his contract elsewhere? He’s honoring it just fine, just not in LA.
If you had a job where they were asking to relocate you for 8-10 months, far away from your family, if you could find some way to change it so you could take them with you or avoid it without losing your job or career, would you? I know I would. LA had every right to say no. DL didn’t. You can’t put that on Smyth. You don;t get if you don;t ask and Smyth did it the right way. No demands, just asked. We accomodated, Done.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:18 am
@Cynic,
Excellent response!! You couldnt have said it any better!
KingMe20 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:42 am
@Cynic,
Exactly. I find all of the “c’mon dude, it’s just one year”-ing that we’re seeing here to be incredibly selfish on the part of fans. In what world is it fair for us to say what is right for this man’s children? If you were him, would you want me to say where you should raise your kids? Think about it. This man is KNOWINGLY foregoing a chance at the Stanley Cup for his family. That’s not an easy thing for a hockey player like Smyth.
At the end of the day, the only people he owes anything to are his family and his employers. He made a request, not a demand, and his employers chose to grant his request, when it was their option not to. He even attempted to help his employers by denying to the media so they could attempt to swing a better deal.
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@Cynic,
Well said. I concur except for one addition. I think half (or more) of our boys are better hockey players because of having Smytty on this team, much less better men.
I also think the one person slightly overlooked in all of this finger pointing at Ryan Smyth is Dean Lombardi. If I EVER get the opportunity to stop him and shake his hand and remind him what he did for Ryan, I will thank Dean for the effort and job put forth in all of this.
Dean Lombardi, you are a great man!
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puck73 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
@Kingsfanone, Well said.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@Kingsfanone, Yep. Second that.
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Stonewall Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@Kingsfanone, Hey man, you said what I felt even when I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:20 am
@Kingsfanone,
I will concur with you. Thank you! I think that is what I am going to do when I see Dean at Frozen Fury, I will thank him to no end!
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KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@Cynic, Well said. There will always be those who want to turn just about anything into a big drama fest. This does nothing but help the Kings and himself.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@KC23, You know what, believe it or not, I hold TSN somewhat responsible for the drama. They built the story up and kept reporting it was done when pretty much everyone was saying it was on hold. Maybe because their insider was breaking the news and they wanted to stick with him. Dreger is usually pretty responsible, but this should have been corrected much sooner.
Tambellini is to blame as well. I think he just tried to stick DL with a sick guy and sweetened the deal with a higher draft pick. How do you go from Brule & a 4th to Fraser & a 7th? Is the 3 round drop in later rounds worth 1 mil in cap space?!?! The stat guys could have a field day figuring it out.
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KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
@Cynic, Good take, but TSN got fed that info. My guess is it was Smyth’s agent, but it could of been any of the parties because all had something to gain from it. I personally think it was the Oiler GM who screwed the whole thing up trying to pull a fast one over on DL. I’m am very happy to see DL stand his ground until it was made right.
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:24 am
@Cynic & KC23,
I believe it was the Oilers organization that leaked it… I was on here before going to Edmonton homepage to see what Brules stats were. Nothing new was here, but it was sure posted quick on the Oilers website. Hammond is quick and I mean really quick, but Edmonton was quicker than Hammond, so Edmonton was way to quick for comfort. I 100% believe it was the Oilers Organization that leaked. They need to get in good PR again. They dont have a Luc Robitaille running there PR as we do!
wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
@Cynic, As always, strong take my friend. Don’t entirely agree, but still strong. I respect it far more than I do Smyth. Certainly there is more flexibility than simply “hating” him. He’s a nice dude. Can’t hate him. BUT I do think he’s kind of an idiot. He’s not the sharpest skate on the ice and this could have been handled better even though it worked out ok. Seems to me he left other organizations under questionable circumstances too (que up the crying video). Question is: Are we a better organization because he was here? I think we’ll look back and say no.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
@wavesinair, Thanks Waves- He may not be the sharpest skate on the ice, but he makes 6.5M a year being stupid. I guess I need to dumb down a bit.
I believe we’re better, but we really won’t know for a few years to see if his work ethic rubbed off on the youngins. I’d like to know how much Smytty meant to the guys and how they feel without the media answers they would tend to give.
You’d be boring if you always agreed…
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
@Cynic, to reply to your post on mine, yes we can agree to disagree.
I just happen to believe it is sending the wrong message.
When the going gets tough kids, just quit and go somewhere else, don’t work it out.
He had 10 months left. He didn’t have years left.
But whatever, it’s a moot point now.
For the sake of us all, lets hope we get someone better in return.
wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:09 pm
@Cynic, I give zero credence to how much an athlete makes in relation to the human he/she is. I couldn’t care less that he makes more than you and I, combine, in a lifetime. I care far more about behavior. No one is perfect (god knows I’m not) but I’d bet you would flick him off that pedestal with no hesitation if you actually knew the guy personally. He’s a goof who plays wicked ice hockey. That’s about all there is to RS in my ever-so-humble opinion. As for all the crap about schools and such… my god, as if he has any clue. I place a whole Benjamin on a bet that it’s the in-laws…
Cynic Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:10 am
@Waves, Deciding to test that agreement statement already I see…
LOL! Yeah, RS is a goof, but I do give creedence to anyone who can make a more than decent living. it takes an incredible amount of dedication to do what RS or any other athlete does. You or I aren’t doing it, so it must be a choice they committed to. You have to have respect for that and you really can’t fake your way up that ladder.
I don’t think Smyth did anything wrong. He didn’t demand anything. Maybe it was his in-laws. Who cares? Does it matter? He asked, Dean said ‘Yes’, end of story. Ryan got lucky DL was accomodating. I guarantee you if this had happened a year ago, the answer would most likely be NO.
I’m surprised you know him personally. I don’t. I’ve said hello to him, seems nice enough. I trust your opinions, but I just can’t see him being a bad guy.
More importantly, this whole thing should not be on RS, but DL & the Kings. They held the power to keep him and force him to stay. They could have and chose not to. I believe RS would have honored his last year here if the Kings needed him that badly. Maybe I’m just giving him the benefit of the doubt because that’s what I would want if this was about me. Shame on me I guess.
RLane420 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@Cynic, Boy I hope the next contract I sign is with you. Who do you think leaked this to the press. Once it was there was no way DL copuld keep him, it would be a nightmare in the locker room. He hand cuffed DL. He could have been a man of his word and honored the last year, that would mean he could be here for 10 months and go home. You should change your name cause you are not any kind of cynic. He new how old his children where when he signed his contract and when HE agreed to come to LA therefor he new his children would have to spend Kindergarden in the USA. What we cant teach his kids how to tie there shoes and color inside the lines, because that is all they teach in kindergarden. Also you should let your wife take the kids to Mexico it is the honorable thing to do.
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So long, Smyth. I feel bad, he’s going to be hurtin when the Kings drink from the cup and the Oilers come in last again.
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Ryan Smyth has earned a good spot in Kings lore. He gave his team everything he had. He was an invaluable asset in the room with the kids (our future). And when it came down to it, his leadership qualities started at home, where they should. Captain Canada wanted his kids to be raised/educated Canadian, and who can honestly argue with that? He asked Lombardi for a trade to the Oilers and Dean obliged him. When word leaked, he tried to give Lomabardi some cover to negotiate a deal privately. I look at his leaving as his final gesture of support for the Kings. His leaving with his $6.25 M cap hit gives the Kings room to maneuver in the final phase of building a long term contender in Los Angeles, i.e. signing Drew long term and getting a replacement LW.
The way this story and drama all played out was unfortunate, but I have nothing but admiration for Mr. Smyth. Thank you, sir, and best wishes to you and your family Up North. And should you ever find yourself back in LA on business, the burger with mayo is on me.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@IceGuy, Well said.
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build a bridge and get over it. it’s just a game. his family is more important.
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Yes we came out ok on this but we did give up a quality player to get him and he agreed to the term when he waived his NTC. This is a business and although there is sometimes personal reasons in a business decision, it was not fair to put DL in that situation. It would never be acceptable if the situation was reversed sch as the kings saying we know we Agreed to pay you 6.25 million but we woils Luke to to take less.
Again, we gave up what we did because he agreed to the terms. Although we might be better off there is no guarantee we will land the player that will make it worth it and we really got nothing for him when you think of what it cost us to get him. He did not live up to what he agreed to but he took the money.
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jet Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
@Redlights, We gave up a player we got for free and who played 21 games this season. he did have one assist.
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At first i was kinda bitter he asked for a trade to only one team, then it leaked. But im over it already, the kings should be able to replace him with a cheaper player that isnt slow. Smyth was here for 2 years and i think his work habits hopefully rubbed off on some players.
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Best of luck to you Smitty! It is sad see you go, but we all understand that home is home.
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hey Rich,
Will there be an interview with Colin Fraser? would like to hear what he has to say
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blahblah Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@TYLER,
my post below is a reply to you.
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blahblah Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@TYLER,
my post below is a reply to you.
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Mark Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
@TYLER, Fraser is a punching bag. He gets pummeled in the 6 or 7 fights on YouTube.
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he sounds stoked.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370077
“I am excited, I am really excited,” Fraser told the Los Angeles Kings website. “It hasn’t sunk in yet but the first thing I thought of when I heard the trade was how good the Kings are and the direction that the club is going.”
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wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@blahblah, first thing I thought of after reading this was your name. blahblah.
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Ravens Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
@blahblah, Oh No, that poor kid actually thinks he’s going to be on the roster next year. Well I guess nothings impossible, go work out kid
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puck73 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
@blahblah, i wish the kid nothing but the best. Tell ya what, he is gonna have to work his rear off to get a spot on the team when you consider how many players are coming to training camp. I would say that if he gets a spot on the 23 man roster then he earned it because this organization is deeper then anywhere else in hockey currently.
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I concur with others that this was a classless and unprofessional move on Ryan’s part. Move your family back since you’re mostly gone during the season anyway, and finish out the contract. Does anyone think this will make LA more attractive to other players around the league? What kind of culture does the organization have now, and what does it say when one of your team leaders and vets leaves because the city sucks for everything family related? With this precedent set, who’s next on the Kings to pull another Smyth? It’s a sad situation indeed.
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rick Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@Miller29, I really don’t get all the negative talk about Smyth. Lombardi didn’t have to deal him. He could have said “sorry, can’t do it at this point in the team’s develoment”. Smyth is a professional – he might not have been happy about it but I cannot believe it would have affected his performance on the ice. I have to believe that Lombardi and the Kings were not entirely unhappy about this development. Smyth is a declining asset with a cap hit way in excess of what he is now capable of producing on the ice. Lombardi would never have let him go if he didn’t think he could find someone who could contribute as much – if not more – than Smyth now can. Let’s wait for the dust to settle on everything before we condemn Smyth – or thank him for letting us rid ourselves of a contract millions of dollars in excess of what the player was worth.
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puck73 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
@rick, One of the most reasonable takes I have read…solid post.
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CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@Miller29, What about Rob Scuderi winning the cup with Pittsburgh then deciding to move his family out here after signing with the Kings. Or Willie Mitchell choosing to come here over San Jose who was closer to the cup and I believe offered more money. Or Greene and Stoll both signing 4 year deals after being traded here from Edmonton. How about DB, both he and his wife were from New York state, yet live in the south bay year round. Different people like different places. Just because one guy chose to leave LA, it doesn’t mean anything.
Ohh, I almost forgot Kopi’s whole family moved here from Slovenia, and he just signed a 7 year deal to stay here.
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After hearing that it was just “a preference,” I’m a little bent that he let this get out of control and let it cost the Kings, as it obviously did. I’m not going to be a ‘hole and boo him at games, and I hope that doesn’t happen, but I’m not particularly pleased to hear that it wasn’t due to a tough situation like an illness or something.
I hope things go well for him, and I hope Lombardi gets a chance to “make lemonade” with the tremendous cap space he was eating.
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, You are being reasonable with your assessment. I can’t quite grasp others who see nothing wrong with this. It obviously wasn’t family reasons fully as he states, if at all. It was just to join the Oilers.
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This to me is kinda simple.
This will be Ryan’s final year of his contract and I truly expect he will retire at the end of this year. He wanted his last season to be played for the team that he still to this day wishes he never left and where he has roots.
Remember he has had a NMC which he waived to join the Kings and I do think that even though it puts DL in a tough spot in the short term. it really speaks volumes to any potential free agent the Kings might be interested in as to what kinda of organization we now have.
Now I recall the grief DL got for trading Visnovski so soon after he signed a long term contract but before the NTC kicked in. Well look at what Philly just did with Richards & Carter signing cap friendly “hometown” discounts then trading them both within 30 minutes. Not to miss that the Sharks dumped Setoguchi within days of his signing a 3 year deal. Dean was willing to honor a request of a player who we all respect even if it hurt the team short term (now needing to fill his spot at top 6 LW) even if it gave us a cap relief that spot still need to be filled.
Only way we don’t spend those saving is if DL and staff believe Tyler Toffoli is read to make that step. I truly believe Simmon’s spot on 3rd line RW is ticketed for Bu Holloway.
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KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
@JWR, Wondered several times last year why Holloway didn’t get his “cup of coffee” look last year. I agree with you, he has paid his AHL dues and now looks to get a legit look at the RW spot on the Kings.
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jet Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:34 pm
@KC23, bingo, it would have been great to let Bud get in a few games. I think the race was just too close all season to do it.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
@JWR, Now THIS is a solid take IMHO and I like the idea of Holloway getting a shot this season. You could be dead on there, except he’s a LW. Sure he could play the RW, but why couldn;t you give this kid a shot as the 2nd line LW and just switch him and Parse between the 2nd & 4th lines. Whoever does better gets the spot. Clifford should be the 3rd line LW.
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JWR Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@Cynic,
According the Manchester site Bud Holloway is listed at RW
http://www.monarchshockey.com/bio.php?bid=206
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Cynic Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:00 am
@JWR, And the Kings website has him at LW
http://kings.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473431
There is a Manchester story that names Bud as a Left Wing here: (Copy & Paste) http://www.monarchshockey.com/news.php?nid=3930
Doing searches for Bud, 1/2 the time he’s listed as a LW & the other 1/2 he’s a RW. I thought his primary position was on the left side, but looks as if he plays both well.
Better for us!
Meh, let him go. Better to let him leave than to be homesick all year or otherwise not have his mind on the game. It benefits us in the long run. Hopefully he doesn’t hurt himself too bad when he facepalms himself watching the Kings lift the Cup! Good luck Smytty! Hope it works out for you!
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Bye Smyth enjoy ur game style..Hope for the best
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It’s always interesting to me how the mood of fans can shift depending on the hyped up circumstances. For example, we heard Richards say his trade to LA was “just business” or “this is the business side of hockey.” And yet, when Smitty invokes some kind of “family” bs excuse, it all of the sudden draws out the, “family is the most important thing” crap.
The fact is, neither one is the truth. It’s as if people can’t deal with the reality that it’s a combination of both (and more)…personal and business. To pretend it’s one or the other I guess just makes people feel better.
In other words, if you think DL moved Cryin Ryan because he’s a nice guy, you are sadly naive. And Richards will come find out he wasn’t just moved because of business. They believe they are better off without him, which is personal.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
@wavesinair, Why is it that when the team makes the decision to move someone it’s just ‘Business’, but when the PLAYER wants to move it’s ‘Personal’??
Kind of hypocritical and unfair if you ask me.
I mean, did the reasons ultimately matter when Philly moved Richards? Maybe afterwards, but in the moment, no. They made a decision and they moved on it.
Why can’t Smyth do the same thing if everyone that matters in the business deal is amicable about it?
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Why lie? My opinion of him is now much lower.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@kingrussell, Simple. To allow DL to possibly get more value out of a situation with no leverage. If he admits publicly he wants out of LA, it gets even worse for DL to get anything for him in return.
Common tactic in negotiations. Just business.
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CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
@Cynic, BINGO. Thank you.
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
@Cynic, and Wavesinair was talking about naive.
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Totally unprofessional thing to do. What if every hockey player demanded to be traded to his hometown? Just absurd. I’m booing him every time he touches the puck from now on.
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CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
@Scott, Hopefully my cheers will drown out your boos.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@Scott, Well, if he DEMANDED to be traded, that would be something entirely different.
That’s NOT what happened here. He simply ASKED and was obliged.
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RLane420 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
@Cynic, I asked my lender if they would kindly let me out of the bad homeloan I had signed and they said a contract is a contract.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
@RLane420, Maybe if you had asked them to repay it over a longer term or transfer it to another bank (Have them buy it out) instead of wanting to be absolved of it, I’d see you point. Apples to Oranges.
Smyth is honoring his contract, just not in LA. The rights to that contract were traded by LA. The Kings CHOSE to do this, they were not FORCED to. You can’t get that? Whether you like it or not is irrelevant. The Kings held his contract and chose to move it. Smyth doesn’t have a choice, he just asked and the Kings chose to move him.
You asked your bank and they said no. Maybe your next home loan should be with DL.
John Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
@Cynic,
Yeah, ‘cus they’re modifying everybody’s loans who ask?! Hahahaha yeah right!!!
Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
@John,
I’m sorry. Did someone force you to sign a bad loan? They held a gun to your head and you valued your life over a bad adjustable? Really? You made a bad lifechoice and now you want a ‘Do-Over?’
I know this is all hypothetical, but really, PEOPLE ACTUALLY THINK LIKE THIS! Reason and accountability have become bad words these days. People make bad choices and actually BELIEVE they are OWED a ‘Do-Over’. What’s even uglier is that this thinking has spilled over into a hockey blog.
I blame the off-season.
John Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
@Scott,
I’m sorry, did somebody force Ryan Smyth to waive his NMC to come to the Los Angeles Kings? They held a gun to his head? Didn’t know all that – thanks for the scoop, Cynic!
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Cynic Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:52 am
@John, You’re comparing a choice of career with a choice of taking on a massive debt and expecting the same circumstances to apply to both?
Alrighty then….
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John Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@Cynic,
I didn’t make the comparison! Read above. I just commented on your comment.
Time-out everybody. Time out from those who are down playing Ryan Smyth. He and his wife had many discussions on this. They finally came to the conclusion that coming back home to Edmonton was the right thing to do, because the LA lifestyle is a bit odd to them. I think Ryan Smyth did the fair thing. He came in to Dean and asked for a trade for family reasons. Keyword: ASKED!! He didnt demand, didnt put a gun to DLs’ head, etc. He asked. Dean Lombardi than had many discussions with Smyth and his agent regarding this issue. Therefore, all of you are over reacting. Dean and Smyth + agent discussed it, and if Dean didnt think it was able to be done, he would have said so… but DL and RH thought that it could, and it did happen. There was no lying to management and the fans about why he wanted to go back to Edmonton. We need to put down our purple and black blinders for a few min. and see it from his point of view.
Regardless, Ryan Smyth, thank you for the time you gave us here in LA. You didn’t have too, but you did wave ur NTC to do so. THANK YOU! You will be missed, and I look forward to watching you finish your career in EDMONTON, just dont feel bad when Kings win the cup, before EDM. Good luck in Edmonton, and home you can have a calm settled life/retirement when you finally do!
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CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@#1faninvegas, This^
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RLane420 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
@#1faninvegas, DL also said he was put in a bad situation and wasnt happy about it. What do you do keep a player who obviously doesnt want to be here. That is great for the locker room. Also who do you think leaked the news, Dean? Once it was leaked how do you keep this player?
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KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
@RLane420, The only person that put DL in a bad spot was the Oiler GM trying to unload an injured player. That is the only player in this chess game that wasn’t above board on the deal. DL called it on him and it turned into a mess.
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brymaster1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
@#1faninvegas, he did the fair thing by putting DL in a spot where he knew he wasnt going to get anything in return? sounds fair to me.
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KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
@brymaster1, We got over 6 mil in cap space for a has been with a bad back. I consider that an awesome return.
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John Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
@KC23,
Who still has a lot of game left (evidenced by last season). You do realize we have to fill a whole that was not there at the end of last season, yeah?
KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
@#1faninvegas, When the going gets tough, quit. Great message.
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CB14 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, Really? That’s the message you’re getting from Smyth wanting to be traded. How about “Family First”? You’re not getting that message? I think you should because it’s a pretty darn good message.
I’m sorry to keep harping on this, but I just can’t understand how people are mad at Smyth for putting family before his job. If you, or anyone else for that matter, moved your family to a new city because you got transfered there due to your job, and then realized your family wasn’t happy being there, wouldn’t you all ask your employer to be transfered back to where you were before? I know I would. If they didn’t accept my request, I would either quit and find a new job back home, or live with it. I wouldn’t do nothing knowing my family wasn’t happy living where we were. But that’s just me.
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Dominick Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
@#1faninvegas,
1rst, good to see ya buddy. 2nd, How do you know he didn’t demand? The word wasn’t used, but it is implied. If he was so apreciative of DL doing him a favor when he asked, then why did he handcuff him by limiting his choices? He might of “asked”, but then told DL where to send him.
Further more he tried to make it look like DL was dealing him behind his back, when he didn’t even have to. The GM’s new what was going on, just not the media, and the fans. Some even think he tried to protect the Kings by lying.
He did help relieve some capspace (which we did need), but the end doesn’t justify the means. He got what he wanted, his way. Did DL, or the Kings organization, or the thousands of adoring Kingsfans?
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Osaka Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
@Dominick, I’m happy.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:40 pm
@#1faninvegas,
I think I figured this all out. For those who agree with Smyths decision than relax just enjoy this read. For those who are hating on Smyth for his decision, I figured out why. You guys would cross check your 92 year old grandmother sending her to the hospital for a Stanley Cup. You all would sell your kids to get a Stanley Cup. For that one year you had left on your contract.
For everyone, like a few of us in here CB14, KC23, Puck73, and myself, we are in agreeance with what Ryan did. He thought of his family, instead of greediness. Point blank.
I can’t get off of this like CB14, and I need to show some examples. Alot of you are saying the average working citizen can’t do what Ryan Smyth says… REALLY! If thats the case, than why do I know some people that did that? I had a friend in the Air Force, he was stationed at Nellis Air Force base, got transfered somewhere back East. His family didn’t like that climate/atmosphere… he asked to be re-assigned back in Vegas, and got his wish, so now he is back at Nellis Air Force Base. Another friend of mine, was working at Wal-mart out of Texas, moved to Vegas, didn’t like the atmosphere and asked to be transfered back, he got it. One last example… I am a huge gamer, love me some PS3 and X-box 360. I go to one Gamestop in particular, and everyone got to know me. This guy asked to be traded to Florida so he and his wife can start a wonderful life together outside of “SIN CITY”. They moved there, didn’t like it at all, and 3 weeks later, hes back working at the store he left. He asked to get re-transfered back to Vegas because Vegas was home and they missed it. So for what you guys say, is completely false. The regular businesses do try to accomodate their workers, because they want them happy. One guy was solo, the other two was family… so dont give me this line of regular jobs wouldn’t do it.
So, in conclusion to all of this… what it boils down to is this: You all are hurt Smyth left, because we could have used his veteranship. Well, at the end of the day from a business stand-point, Ryan Smth did the Kings organization a huge favor. He thought of family, DL accomodated and was able to open up cap space for a guy who slowed down. Smyth shouldn’t be a cap hit of 6.5 million dollars at his age. 2.5 is more like it. So in reality it hurts that hes gone, but on a business stand-point he did us a favor.
Thank you again RYAN SMYTH… Hope everything works out for ya buddy! Thanks again for waving your NTC to come to LA so we can get to know and love you! Take care buddy!
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CB14 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:37 am
@#1faninvegas, Great examples. Glad I’m not the only one who can’t get over this topic. Although as soon as Rich puts up another post, we’ll all find something else to disagree on.
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So Rich is there a reason you removed my comment. I dont believe I said anything or did anything to break the rules. Are you just cencoring what you disagree with?
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ya odd…living in a $4million dollar house on the beach in a area with great schools making lots of money is “odd”…hmmmm…life as a LA pro athlete is very tough?
I just wonder what will happen to him when it’s all over. Maybe his wife can get a job then.
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I find this whole thing very unusual. Either he’s very selfish as some r claiming or DL has something up his sleeve. Players under contract shouldn’t b begging out whenever they feel like it ESP. when we got nothing for him…ridiculous
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I am completely okay with everything about this move. Smyth gets what he wants, Kings get cap space. I just don’t get why anyone would bother to tear down Smyth when all parties got what they wanted.
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
@Tony Granato,
If we get something better in return, Ryan who?
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Scott Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
@Tony Granato, the Kings did not want to trade him. He gave them no choice. Read all the Lombardi interviews.
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Tony Granato Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
@Scott, DL may not have planned on this but I don’t think there’s any denying that he’s got some room to upgrade now. lots of players out there with more speed, health, and upside.
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KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
@Tony Granato, Exactly. People who say we got nothing in return are just clearly ignorant of the business. Over 6 mil of cap space for a slow has been with a bad back is a very good return.
John Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:12 pm
@Tony Granato,
As of right now we have a gaping hole at 2nd line left wing. July 1st guarantees us nothing!
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:26 am
@John, The hole is a small one at best,and can be filled with little effort.
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John Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:53 am
@Bkrs-Bud,
Small?? A top 6, 2nd line left wing is not small! Especially when you consider the caliber of the player we just lost. Little effort?? How much effort has DL expended on free agents since he’s been here & how many free agents has he lost out on? Again, just because we WANT to sign somebody to replace Smyth does mean we will be able to!
I decided I dont want to raise my kids in the area that I have bought my home in. If I was to ask my lender to let me out of the contract so I can take them back to the place I (Blaked) out of do you think they will help me out? And yes he did the same thing to Edmonton that Rob Blake did to LA. I am sorry but a little of the class seems to have deminished (at least to me).I cant believe the school system here is so bad, considering he makes enough to afford the best private schools, that he couldnt tough out 10 months to honor his obligations. Then he could go back to Canada and would have salvaged what had been a spotless career up to this point. After all it isnt as though Canada is turning out all the worlds top scientists. Is there educational system so superior to Americas. If so he makes enough to pay to have a Canadian teacher home school them for 10 months. I could understand if there were a family emergency of somthing of the sort. When he agreed to come to LA he didnt know how to add up his childrens ages and figure out that ment they wouldnt be able to start school in Canada. BS. Just my opinion. I had no problem when I thought it was a family problem but this is a load of bull.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
@RLane420, There’s a BIG differnce having a talent and EARNING your money on a contract for services and BORROWING money in ADVANCE from a bank to repay with interest with no guarantee that you won’t be a deadbeat and file bankruptcy.
I understand you’re trying to create a parallel, but just doesn’t work.
I can always respect an opinion I don’t agree with, but its gotta make sense to me. Your message sounds like you want to tell Ryan Smyth how to live his life. Your quote:”I cant believe the school system here is so bad, considering he makes enough to afford the best private schools, that he couldnt tough out 10 months to honor his obligations”. reeks of an attempt to not even try to understand his point of view.
Then it’s followed by: “Then he could go back to Canada and would have salvaged what had been a spotless career up to this point.” Mocking his career. If he was so bad, why did we pay him 10Mil+ for 2 years then?
Followed by: “After all it isnt as though Canada is turning out all the worlds top scientists. Is there educational system so superior to Americas. If so he makes enough to pay to have a Canadian teacher home school them for 10 months. I could understand if there were a family emergency of somthing of the sort. When he agreed to come to LA he didnt know how to add up his childrens ages and figure out that ment they wouldnt be able to start school in Canada.” Mocking his country and his intelligence. Dude makes 6.5 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR and you’re telling me he doesn’t know how to count?!?! Unless you make more than him, I suggest you read what you type.
I break this all down not to rip you a new one, but to ask you how I am supposed to take your opinion seriously when it sounds like you’re just (As others eloquently say) ‘Butthurt’.
You’re not the only one who does this. Waves will tell you that. If you’re bitter, say you’re bitter. I’ll respect that a lot more than a bad point with no merit.
I’m sure you have a valid point, I’m just not seeing it.
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KindSir Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
@Cynic, I think you misunderstood him using spotless. Spotless as in immaculate/no controversy.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
@KindSir, Oh no, I got it. Using the word ‘Salvaged’ in front of spotless makes it seem awfully tongue in cheek to me. Been wrong before though.
KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
@Cynic, a lot of us are trying to understand your point how this is completely perfect with no reason to question it. that makes 99% less sense than his post.
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Cynic Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, Well, considering I’ve never said or insinuated this is a completely perfect situation with no reason to question it would make me realize why you don’t understnd.
There is a difference between ‘Questioning’ and ‘Berating’. All I’m asking (not Demanding of course) you to do is to learn the difference and proceed. Otherwise I’d believe you were from Vancouver or Montreal. (Kidding of course, but their reputation preceeeds them)
Just give the guy the benefit of the doubt and try to leave your own personal emotions out of it. I’ll miss the guy, but I think all parties that financially and ethically matter here are happy. The fans are NEVER happy.
RLane420 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@Cynic, hey you are not making the connection I am comparing a contract to a contract PERIOD. You, or at least I sign a contract and honor it to the end. Im not talking about him borrowing money I am saying a contract is a contract. Maybe not to you but to the rest of the world. You must be a person who doent believe in living up to your obligations. I know there is a difference in between a loan and a service contract but you live up to both the same way. BOTH ARE LEGAL AND BINDING CONTRACTS this is my point. I hope nobody ever enters into a contract with you because they will get burned.
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RLane420 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
@Cynic, The point I am making is when you sign a contract you find a way to honor it. The easy way is to walk away there are other options. when you sign a contract you are going in with full knowledge that things in your life can change and that does not change the contract. THAT IS THE REASON YOU SIGN A CONTRACT. It is not only for the protection of the player. So if AEG filed bankruptsy they shouldnt have to honor his contract and pay him. If they didnt like his style and were going in a different direction they should be able to say we want to cancel your contract and your out of the balance of the money we owe you. After all it isnt like you played those games so we shouldnt have to pay you for them. A contract is a garantee that you will live up to the terms of the agreement. Do you understand what a contract is for? And the comparisons are telling him how to live his life it is to show there are other optiong to quiting. Also I did give him the benifit of the doubt I had no problem with his request untill I read that he just didnt want his kids to START and complete there education in America. We are talking about 10 months, not the rest of there education. When he signed the contract he knew that this was going to happen. It isnt a suprise he knew at what age a child starts school. An emergency I can understand but his children going to school is not a suprise. This is a BS excuse to asked to be traded.
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Hey guys,come Friday, July 1st… When the Kings sign Doughty and others including the Free Agents that some of us would like to see come here.. Then come opening night.. this wouldn’t matter anymore… I’m for one has always been a Ryan Smyth fan,i’ll wish him well… Now lets go sign some guys and make this season a back-to back-to back 40 win season..
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Don’t like what he did to the Kings, but family first. LA has more drugs and crimes, then Canada. Given the choice I would rather have my children raised in Edmonton than LA anyday. Wasn’t on his side till I read that about the school situations.
Whatever he gets to play a kids sport at his age and get paid millions! I will never look at him the same as a hockey fan because he’s not loyal. As a parent he’s a great.
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Phillip Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
@Ducksuck, I agree up until you question his loyalty. He was an Oiler for 12 seasons and was willing to leave a possible contender for a struggling Oiler franchise….why??? Loyalty…thats why.
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KindSir Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
@Phillip, well then why did he leave them in the first place?
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@KindSir, Starts with an M, ends with an oney. Loyalty my butt.
Osaka Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:08 am
@KindSir, He was TRADED to the NYI.
KindSir Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:49 am
@Osaka, but what was the reason he was TRADED to NYI? Didn’t have to do with the fact that he was playing hardball with them to get a huge contract? Just saying.
Phillip Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:25 am
@KindSir, He was traded to the Islanders…did you see his emotional press confrence the day it happened. Tears in his eyes and he could barley speak. This guy did not want to leave Edmonton. Said in his press conference he would bring the cup home to Edmonton if he won it elswhere.
Smyth was an instrumental part of this team. He is A class act. I’m sad to see him go. His attitude was excellent. Worked hard every minute he was on the ice. His experience was important to our young team and he scored goals! If he wants to leave… For better schools…for lifestyle…or whatever…Fine! We can use the cap space. Overall, this Kings team is better off for having had him the last two years.
Thanks for everything Ryan. Good luck in Edmonton. You will be missed.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:32 am
@tomikaze, His first year yes last season not so much.
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tomikaze Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:20 am
@Bkrs-Bud, he scored 22 goals in 09-10. He scored 23 last season.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@tomikaze, In 09-10 he missed time with injury last season after the all star break he disappeared 2 goals in 30 games 6.2 million i think we can find 23 goals for less than 6.2 million its time for the Kings to move on and i am glad they have.
A lot of people have their opinions on what happened behind the scenes. The bottom line that we as fans all know is that Smyth is in Edmonton, we have a low player and a low draft pick for him, and we have a great deal of cap space to work with. DL and his people are profesionals and have done what they felt was best for the Kings. Now, we all need to be patient and see what is going to happen come July 1st and after that training camp. Things like this happen in all sports with people wanting to finish off their carrers with certain teams. Lots of variables to happen and can go either way. We just need to sit back and watch and enjoy.
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I’m done with the Ryan Smythe thing. By tomorrow I’ll have forgotten all about this. Time to move on to free agency.
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KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
@Goring 19, Amen.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@Goring 19, Agreed!
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Wonder what his former teamates think of him for real, not just the same old company line. Wasn’t he on an episode where Fox did an inside look at him and everything was made to look like LA was the best. ( I didn’t expect him to rip on LA either but sometimes what you don’t say says more than what you do say) What a liar and a fake. Good riddance, we don’t need those types here anyway.
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Why are so many people bustin at the seams here? He is like the only player in the universe that actually wants to live and play in EDM…let him go. Most of the people here last year were throwing a hissy at how slow smitty was and now the board is up in arms that he lied or something (who cares). Hopefully DL can land a faster, better, younger and cheaper player.
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for 10 months and 6 million dollars a year….you deal with the problem.Unless its a health issue(and Smyth said it wasnt)you can handle the life style.Smyth is on the road for half the games anyhow…his wife and kids couldve moved home in 4 months….If this was Blake…the fans wouldve ate him up alive…
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Scott Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
@neil, this is worse than Blake. Smyth was under contract.
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I am not going to stress this. Good Luck Ryan, it was great watcing you while you were here. The man definitely was not the same #94 he has been over the years. Many bloggers on this site complained over and over again about his lack of speed and offensive numbers on top of his cap hit. By doing what he did, he allowed us to free up cap space now rather than wait another year and we got something for him when we would have got nothing for him as he walked away as a free-agent at the end of next season. Addtionally, how well do you think he would play next season if he was unhappy and dealing with famnily issues? If the information is true about Penner’s home life and its affect on his play at the end of then year, then we would have seen the same thing next year fron Ryan. We now have the opportuntity to get a good LW who is healthy and faster than Smyth. This deal is good for everyone but Fraser. The poor kid gets to compete against Kopitar, Richards, Stoll and Loktionov for a spot next year. The best way to characterize his chances are this famous quote “Down goes Fraser! Down goes Fraser!” Can’t wait for July 1st!
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He did his part and contributed. That’s history now. The reality is that the Kings are a young team on the rise and as much as they would like more veteran leadership, they have been to the playoffs and know how tough it is to win it all.
Smyth is on the downside of his career and HE KNOWS IT. I think he is resigned to the fact that he might not win a cup unless he goes the Mark Recci way and decided to go back to his roots. Folks the team is better off without him. He better like getting beat because that’s what he asked for.
Now DL, go get us another winger!
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I hope and i feel DL will make another splash in the free agency market on friday after he signs that extension. Andrew Brunette, Jussi Jokinen, or Brooks Laich anyone.
After the Mike Richards acquistion i want to know DL will get to fill the left wing role.. Good luck and thank you Ryan Smyth for your years in LA!
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Well, my friend Ryan, welcome to the REAL WORLD. Yea, sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do to get to where you want to be.
Some many of us are so impacted by our economy that we can’t afford to buy Kings tickets…yet living in LA is too much for you to cash that $400,000 monthly check.
You Ryan, have lots to learn.
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Wow…. I can’t believe how quickly we can turn on someone here that we thought so highly of not that long ago.
Well… actually I can believe it. Kings win 3 straight and Dean is a genius and TM is coach of the year. Two days later Kings lose and we need to fire the whole lot.
Ryan Smyth has been a cornerstone for this team and definitely made this team better in the lineup. Now that he has chosen to move on, I feel he once again is thinking of the team. I can’t count the times last year that people were talking about how slow he was. He is close to the end of his career. This decision opens up a world of options for the Kings that they did not have while he was in the purple and black.
He made this team better in the lineup
He gives the team the potential to be even better without him in it.
We cannot replace Ryan Smyth, but when can now get younger talent that may one day fill a role similar to his. We may be able to fill a couple of needs with him being gone.
Ryan, thanks for putting on my beloved Kings sweater for as long as you did and giving me something to cheer about on countless occasions. Good luck to you and your family in Edmonton.
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KingTrojan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
@CMaldo, Perfectly said. The animosity towards him is ridiculous.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:32 am
@CMaldo,
Thank you, I agree with you so much. I think Jay Mohr next year at the award show should change his Boston joke regarding fans to LA fans.
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I am rooting for the Kings to pick up Brooks Laich from Washington. From everything I have read, he is a tough, versatile player with a scoring touch. Over his last 3 years he has averaged 21 goals and 55 points per year. A line of Laich/Richards/Brown would be a helluva second line.
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Smyth was having back problems (I believe). Would really ruin him in Canada if he can’t start the next season, and retires early. I don’t wish that on him, but what a large bullet the Kings would dodge there.
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While I’m dissapointed to see him leave, I’m excited to see what Dean does with the additional salary. If we can land a higher end winger or a pair of capable mid-level guys then this ends up a good move for everyone. This is a trade that cant be evaluated until the free agent signing have settled.
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tellmeY Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
@Phillip, sign brad richards that’s what should be done….
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in the end DL didn’t have to accommodate Smyth’s request. players have family issues but they don’t get to choose where they play if it doesn’t work for their team. DL made it work and in the end I think it will play out to the Kings benefit.
they now have between $6-$7M in cap space to get a player that better fits their game. I think Smyth has helpful to the Kings the last two years and no one can say he didn’t give it everything while he was here.
DL found a way to make this work for Smyth and for the Kings – it’s the best case scenario. it just made more work for DL. i don’t think DL makes this deal if he doesn’t think it will benefit the Kings.
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Dear Kings Fans,
Please don’t boo Ryan Smyth when he returns to the Staples Center.
Thank you
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friarking Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
@Harry, +1 on that. That would be a classless thing to do.
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CMaldo Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@Harry, agree
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CB14 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:44 am
@Harry, I disagree, sincerly Philly Fan.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:35 am
@Harry,
I agree. As I stated above those that boo Smyth are the Classless ones! Kinda reminds me of those that complain about people who just leave their shopping carts and not putting them in there designated slot after they unload it in their cars. Than turn around and do the same thing as those that they complained about. Bunch of hypocrits! =)
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:12 am
@Harry, i bet u they will
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DesertKing Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:43 am
@Harry,
Agreed. He was great to the fans at Staples while he was here. A lot of kids, including my own, got pucks from Ryan after warm-ups.
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For those of us who sell for a living, we know the first reason people give for doing anything is rarely the real reason. It is the reason they think you will accept and make them look least bad. The proper follow up question in Smyth’s case should be, in addition to family reasons, is there any other reason you would like to move on?
When people quit a job it is usually to “spend more time with their family” but when they take a job it is never to spend less time with their family. Just sayin…
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Did I miss something or has Simmonds been MIA since the trade? Has anyone seen or heard anything from him about how he feels about going to the Flyers?
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kq949 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
@Stagger, we won’t see a comment from him until he is signed. He needs to sign his contract first. Why talk when you’re not even sure if they will keep you.
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KC23 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:15 am
@kq949, Good point.
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WE SIGN BRAD RICHARDS WE WIN THE CUP…NO DOUBT. W spend all that ridiculous time on that kovulchuk but we have the chance to get a Conn Smyth, cup winner and I think we should go for it…seriously….Dean can do it…if they would just get out of his way!
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Puckn-A Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:34 am
@tellmeY, Hope your not a Jack Johnson hater, if so you won’t like Brad Richards career +/- of -72 very much.
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puck73 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:08 am
@Puckn-A, gotta admit, that concerns me as well.
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:36 am
@tellmeY, who should the Kings trade to make cap space for B Richards? Richards cap hit on his last contract was 7.8m, do you think the guy will take less than that? With their current roster, the most the Kings can afford is a 5m cap hit. Do you think B. Richards would settle for that, being in his prime, and having already won a Stanley Cup? I think not. I think he will pull a Kovalchuck and go to the highest bidder without giving a damn about how good or bad the team is. Thats just my opinion. Not only that but Lombardi was quoted as saying he is looking for a player with “mid range” cap hit. B. Richards will be the most expensive FA on the market.
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Dont stoop to the level of Canucks fans. We haven’t won a thing yet. But I’m excited too, just have to be patient.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:51 am
@Jefreyryan,
Agree with you buddy, that makes the utmost smart thing I have read. We are starting to get that way over the he lied she lied he said she said, etc. Thanks!
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DesertKing Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:42 am
@Jefreyryan,
I agree. If we are not careful, we will end up having sex in the streets during a riot after losing the Stanley Cup at home and overturning porta potties, burning police cars and basically looking as ridiculous as those guys wearing the green and blue body condoms. Smyth is gone, we have achance to improve with the increased cap space so lets go for it.
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School “situations”? For 6 and 8 year olds? Give me a break. ABCDEF….! 1 + 1 = 2! Same everywhere. I guess the parents working at the Jet Propulsion Lab in L.A. send their kindergartners and 2nd graders to Canada to learn the finer points.
If you believe Smyth’s reason for WELCHING on a 6 million dollar contract then you got rocks in your head.
I am glad he did welch though. Just don’t give lame excuses. I’ll bet TMZ could get the low down on this.
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He didn’t thank TM… hmm.. HA probably reading too much into it.
GL smith
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@roxo, thats because TM is the DEVIL! we all know that
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Is there any real dirt or inside family stuff going on here that anybody has heard about with Smyth? Any TMZ type cheating rumors, etc. a la Pronger leaving Edmonton or any other dramas that have been reported anywhere? Has anybody heard anything other than the company line?
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39scars Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:30 am
@Poorman, Could u possibly b a kings fan
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Poorman Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:27 am
@39scars, Why would you doubt I am? I’ve been a Kings Fan as long as anybody on here since I was a kid. Unlike you and everyone else here it seems, I’m not tolerating this team losing anymore. No more excuses. Time to win. I watch every game every year. Until Rich kicks me off the blog, I’ll continue to preach this message. Win now, thanks!
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:02 am
@Poorman, yup that why i like u Poorman u are not afarid to say ur own opinion .Yea me and u go at it at time and time
this site wouldnt be the same without
Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:43 am
@Poorman,
To your first post, No! nothing reported.
To your second, You have to admit that with Richards, the Kings have taken a significant step towards building a winner (doing exactly what you have been emploring the Kings to do. Spend some money, and get some star players that are proven). You can’t possibly go the whole season complaining till we win the cup, because we still have to make it there to win it.
Sit back, put your feet up, crack open a few beers, get some “sum sum” from your girlfriend, and chill. We’ll get there soon enough.
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Poorman Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:42 am
@Dominick, Dominic, I’m with you on this. When the season starts, I fully expect them to win a lot. It looks like Lombardi will shut me up, but if they don’t win at least a round in the playoffs this year, will you be upset? BTW, I don’t have a girlfriend or Booty Call at the moment. Maybe that’s my problem hahahahah
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@Poorman, hey i be piss if we dont get pass by round 1 this year…this year we should have no more excuses ..Last season we were out our number one star that Kopi..Now he back so everything should be okay for us.
Am hoping win the Division Title or be in 4th spot either way good for the Kings
I hope we get by round 1 and hope we get lucky to escape round 2 that be nice but round 1 good enough but then i dont want to get stuck in round 2 either for years or be like the Sharks be in the playoff for 7 years and cant even get to the Stanley Cup Finals once out of 7
puck73 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:14 am
@Poorman, Well, well, well, I was wondering when you were gonna submerge. And of course you make no mention of Lombardi trading for Mike Richards because now you have egg on your face. You have bashed Dean to no end and yet he has accumulated so much depth that we are now the #1 team in the NHL in prospects. BTW, that is the reason why he was able to trade for Penner, and now Mike Richards..DEPTH !
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Poorman Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:38 am
@puck73, Puck, I like what he’s doing. Agreed. Do you agree that there are now no more excuses, and we should win this year?
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puck73 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:02 am
@Poorman, You like what he is doing ? No you dont, you have said so many times.
On a side note…I really don’t think Brad Richards or Gagne are the answer. Remember when Philly was looking to trade Gagne and he would only waive his NTC for an east coast team? And Richards wants too long of a deal for his age. I would hate to see the team in another “Smythgate”.
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KC23 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:22 am
@friarking, I’m doubt we’ll get Brad, I honestly doubt DL will really go for it much. Brad really isn’t that good a fit anymore with Mike Richards and Kopitar already here. Dunno about Gagne expect what you mentioned about wanting to stay on the East coast.
I still think a trade might take place instead of a large FA pick up. We are still very deep in prospects for defenseman and goalies.
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Every year we have one of the kids emerge. First Simmonds, then Clifford. I expect nothing less this year with our depth and the competition that is sure to Result.
Invest that Smyth money on vet cup winner Erik Cole on a 2 or 3 yr deal. He’s 32 but played all 82 games last yr, netted 26, was 13th in league with 225 hits. The Canes are concerned about $. They have 4 ufa’s to sign and by accounts, Erik the elder of the 4 is not their priority. He’s due for a raise over the 2.9 mil he earned last season.
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some more quotes from Smyth.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2011-06-26-ryan-smyth-kings-oilers-trade_n.htm
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KC23 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:26 am
@blahblah, Many more years left? Gotta love a dreamer.
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Brad May (whom I have not that much respect for) actually brought up a good point on two UFA’s that he feels have fallen under the radar that I actually agree with. Joel Ward from Nashville and Raffi Torres from Vancouver. Ward is 30, but really was the Pred’s best player in the playoffs next to, perhaps Pekka Rinne. He’s not a huge goal scorer, but I think he could be a valuable if not economical asset. Raffi Torres I cannot stand, and I think he’s a borderline dirty hitter/player. But the Kings to me could use a little muscle and moxie, and I don’t mean Kevin Westgarth-muschle. We need a warrier with a mean streak to help keep our skill players safe and other teams looking to take runs at them honest. He’d probably come pretty cheap as well. If DL says signing Doughty is his priority, and looking for moderately-priced help, these could be affordable, yet valuable-on-the-ice type players. Just a thought…
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KC23 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@mash-ola, Ward has been mentioned by some on this site, but Torres is pretty much univerally hated by most King fans. Your point is well taken though, botg would likely help the Kings for a reasonable price.
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Ok, so after reading through some of this, it’s the same thing over and over again. but really, we should be getting over this, there was no real foul here.
As Smyth stated, “Holy Cow … I have no idea where that’s coming from. I have not asked for a trade” … “When asked if he wanted to sign with the Oilers when his Kings’ contract is over, Smyth said he would ‘cross that bridge later.’” What part of that is disrespect toward the organization? It’s called try not to force the hand so that you’re not screwing everyone over. The leak on his request first came from Bob McKenzie then reported elsewhere such as the latimes. But even then it was “in a perfect world, Smyth has indicated he would like to return “home” to the Edmonton Oilers,” and not trade him or he won’t show up; just that it was for “his family’s best interests and preference for the city where he began his career”. It was a simple request where if it could be done, it would be preferred. Lombardi did right by everyone, period. He made Smyth happy, kept good terms with his agent (Meehan, who’s representing Doughty), and made this organization look more attractive while reluctantly freeing up cap space.
No one tried to make this situation blow up, but it unfortunately did. Most likely scenario, other organizations leaking this information gives them the better hand, hence why it leaked. To get butt hurt about it when there were no ill intentions is ridiculous. If your intentions are the boo him when he returns, then by that same token: 1- boo Mike Richards because his heart belongs to Philly, 2- don’t demand Brad Richards because who wants someone who wouldn’t waive their NMC for rights that are only good until July 1 and don’t guarantee anything, and 3- never ask for Frolov, who didn’t leave good comments upon his departure, back ever again. But most importantly, just relax. Players like Smyth and o’Donnell have helped build the team into what it is today.
sources:
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Ryan+Smyth+denies+asked+traded+back+Oilers/4977570/story.html
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-kings-20110621,0,7754803.story
http://twitter.com/#!/TSNBobMcKenzie
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=369517
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Osaka Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@mitpar87, Well said.
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Best to Ryan Smyth.
Always interesting to see myopic, sanctimonious know-it-all fans rip into decent people who make their living as hockey players. It seems that basketball and football fans in the US can overlook almost anything so long as their idols win, but there is an element among hockey followers (in the US at least) that is always ready to trash any player that fails to submit to their knee-jerk judgmental angst.
Western Alberta is beautiful, rich, and inspiring place (drive the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper some day!), it’s Ryan Smyth’s home, and as his excellent career winds down, it is where he wants his family to be. I respect everything about that. In the end, everybody [Lombardi/LAK/Smyth/EDM] did the right thing here. Seems to me Lombadri did a nice job of looking after the Kings’ interest AND Smyth’s interest.
LAK will miss a hard working and productive LW, but . . . Good days ahead for all principle parties.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:37 am
@wes,
Another class-act read! Thank you for this post!
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here’s the entire conference call if anyone is interested.
http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567389
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Yahoo Puck Daddy on the Ryan Smyth trade.
“… and making Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi look like a [expletive] genius.”
“Our tin-foil hat, Pelican Brief theory was always that the Kings leaked the trade “request” to spark a massive fan outcry in Edmonton and force the hand of the Oilers to make this deal. Whatever ended up getting the Oilers to bite, it’s a great salary dump for the Kings.”
Could DL have been the one to say to Ryan “What if I could trade you to Edmonton…..” He will be an UFA next summer and had a 6.2 cap hit. Eeeehhh I am sure Ryan requested the trade.
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What’s all this fuss about Smyth?
The guy wants to go home. Who cares whether he really did it for his old lady or his kids or because he just doesn’t like L.A.?
He gave us exactly what we hoped he’d give us — and he gave it to us with all the heart he had.
Before the trade all the Kings bloggers were gnashing their teeth, rolling steel balls in their hands, and muttering how nice it would be to unload Smyttie’s $6.25-mil cap hit. And now that we’re getting what we secretly wished, the same guys who were salivating at the thought of putting a slug in the base of Smyth’s skull — just to get the cap space to buy another winger — are all hot and crabby about how low-class Smyth is, picking up his near 50-point seasons and going elsewhere — like he’s some kinda spoiled brat who’s taking all his toys and going home, leaving his pals with none to play with.
Face it: We got what we really wanted. I’d have loved to see RS stay through the 2011-12 season — by which I mean, I’d have loved to get his goals and assists and grit without having to pay him for it — but that’s not how it works.
I don’t like Tambellini for screwing with us on the details, but I can’t really blame him for playing a winning hand when Fate deals it to him. DL knew he was gonna take this deal in the shorts before he even started talking to Edmonton. He did his best under the circumstances and now he has nearly all Smyttie’s cap hit to play with. Mazel tov, DL!
This is one time when I expect him to use that new money wisely — even if it’s only to pick up a spare winger and re-sign Poni and Zus.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:49 am
@tuan jim,
Thank you very much Tuan Jim. That is the best read I have read all day. Thank you! AGREED 100%
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Osaka Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:08 am
@#1faninvegas, Two guys here with reason.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:39 am
@Osaka,
I always have reason. As my buddy Puck73 says, I am a voice of reason. In cases like this, I take off my black and purple blinders for a few min. and give respect to a man who has major class and thinks about his family… Ryan Smyth!
Smyth did us a faver with his big contract and I agree he needs to go… But to make the money he makes, its a shame he can say and do what he wants. Im sure if DL said he we dont want you anymore wave your contract so we can trade you, he would not even do it!
We Kings fan should also think of what we could have got for Symth, a real draft pick or something decent. Instead we got nothing… Oh well and Smyth bagging on LA being a place not for his family Pleasssse
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:47 am
@Sammuch,
I believe he is telling the truth on his family being the reason. Dead issue! it is over the end!
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One last thing, I am reading A LOT, this would have been OK, if the “KINGS GOT SOMETHING IN RETURN” really? Do you think Edmonton would trade a Taylor Hall for a 36 year old? I mean seriously… enough is enough. We are giving away a guy who is close to retirement, and Edmonton is going to trade away a core piece of their team away. NO!! Edmonton dumped a bit of salary on us, to accomodate this trade. Not a big deal. Dean Lombardi got what he wanted a low salary cap hit in return for Smyth, so he can do what he needed to do. We did get something in return it is called cap space. So please as my friends would say… quit yer belly’ackin!! Everybody got what they wanted at the end of the day, all sides are happy… so leave it alone. As far as I am concerned this issue is dead, and we all need to focus on the re-signing of Drew Doughty and the free agency!
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Puckn-A Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 6:57 am
@#1faninvegas, I think Kings fans remember the days when we would trade our top young player for an ex 30 goal scorer in his seventies. Just becasuse Smyth didn’t ask to play his last year in LA doesn’t mean they didn’t hope we could get something decent in return.
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This deal in my opinion helps the Kings,Mr Smyth is an old player on his way out of the league.Now D.L. can get Mr Doughtey signed and has cap space to continue improving the team,i am glad its done and i don’t care why the trade happened,i only care about what the Kings are going to do going forward.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:40 am
@Bkrs-Bud,
A MEN…. PREACH IT BROTHER!!!
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off topic just a thought..
jokinen-kopitar-williams
penner-richards-brown
clifford-stoll-upshall
lewis-handzus-richardson
id rather have b.richards or gagne play with kopitar but if we dont get either i wouldnt mind this
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lets bring back Fro
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So I had to read all this for an hour and sleep on it before saying anything about it but I say “good for you Ryan, and good luck”. I don’t understand why peoPle are so bent out of shape over this. His family wanted out for some reason, he asked if it was possible, DL though it over for a bit, decided we could use the 6.25, and made it happen. Ryan did the only damage control possible when it leaked out by denying it all. Newsflash to everyone saying “and he lied to everyone about it”: HE DID IT TO HELP the KINGS. He can’t say “yea I asked for the trade and I only want to go to edmenton”.
And to everyone saying “we got nothing for him”: In a sense the less we get back for him the better in this situation. We aren’t moving him to pick up another in the trade. He’s got probably 2 years left in the tank and no certainty of production as far as I would say. We are in a sense being done a favor by another team taking his salary off the books. I fully respect his skill and understand how he helped us as a team but ask yourself this people: if he were not under contract anymore and we were in talks to sign him for one more year to play for us next year and he asks for $6.25 mil would anyone even consider accepting that? If so I have a few used cars and some enron stock to sell you.
And finally to everyone saying “he can’t deal with it for 10 months?” or “he has money for private schools” or “he’s making LA look bad” I am dumbfounded. We all have NO IDEA what the family issues were. We all know in sports interviews we almost always get “cookie cutter” responses to all questions. To presume that what he meant from his quotes was “this place is disgusting, my kids can’t go to school here, my wife wants to go back to Canada” is almost offensive. And for anyone to say “and it’s not even for a serious medical issue with his wife or kids” is a terrible thing to say. Seriously… Think about that for a second. We don’t know the real reason, end of story.
Now all that being said it does leave a big hole where we weren’t expecting one. But it also gives us a huge chunk of money just when we need it most. It really seems to have worked out very well for us and at a very opportune time in our development. How many people have said “we just need one or two more pieces” and “smyth is taking long shifts, he’s too slow, he’s behind the play with all of our young faster lineup”? This situation adresses both problems.
Hopefully we can take full advantage of this opportunity and get one great, or two good players to step in and with them, plus a new standout or to from Manch, we have ourselves a pretty sharp looking lineup.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:56 am
@Cortex949,
AMEN!! I loved what you said here! Thank you for sleeping on it, and answering it the best way you could. You are dead on and I appreciate that there are people that still think logically!
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Osaka Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@Cortex949, Good post!
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very surprised at the negative Smyth comments.
I had mentioned this in an earlier post.
The guy was willing to waive his NTC to come to a lousy organization with absolutely no history of winning and to a team that hadn’t made the playoffs since the invention of electricity.
He helped make us into the cup contenders we are now.
whatever his motivations were, they weren’t directed against the team, the fans or the organization. It was a personal decision and we need to respect that. None of us know what was going on in his life. don’t be presumptuous.
We can thank him for the job he did and now we can move on and get a little younger and bring in another top 6 forward to replace him.
You really have to be happy that players don’t read the comments on this blog. If so, why would anyone want to come here and deal with fans like this? I should take that back. It’s not jsut the Kings fans. It’s fans of every team. It’s like the player owes them something…
I’m glad the overwhelming majority of Kings fans appreciate what he did while he was here. For the vocal minority, let’s hope you all don’t have a personal situation that causes you to leave your job..and we can hope that your colleagues don’t think the same of you as you think of Smytty.
I’m never shocked to read these type of comments, but I’m disappointed.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:59 am
@nykingfan,
I agree NYKINGSFAN! Good to see you again! You are on track. I do agree that it is never shocking it is just plain disappointing and sad, and rediculous!
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P90X Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:13 am
@nykingfan, Thank you for saying exactly what I was thinking.
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I think the critics need to be a bit more objective.
Yes, Smyth and his wife know the life of a professional athlete includes the possibility of moving and living “away” from home and they get paid a considerable amount of money for this “inconvenience.” They had already consumed 2 of the 3 years they were slated to live here. Was living in Southern California so horrible and miserable that they couldn’t “tough it out” another twelve months considering that they have up to 4 months off to enjoy their true home?
Maybe…
But I can’t fault Smyth for inquiring into the possibility with Lombardi and lay out his desires. I applaud Lombardi for going above and beyond to get a deal done (speaks volumes about this organization and their dedication to both the team and the welfare of its personnel). Like all things, there are pros and cons to the situation and I think the resolution turns out to be favorable for both parties; as much as I hate to see Smyth’s character, leadership and skills go, his age, relative slowness and the cap space it opens gives the team the possibility of acquiring a suitable and possibly better replacement.
I have no ill-feeling towards Smyth. He was homesick, on the tail end of his career and was professional in the manner he approached Lombardi, after the season and months before the draft and July 1st. I’m guessing this became public when Bob MacKenzie tweeted it (most probably leaked from the Oilers side – possibly to try to put the Kings in an awkward situation).
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Off topic (thank God or whomever) I keep seeing rumors about the possiblity of Stamkos leaving TB, I’ve never given any attention to it before, thinking there is no way, but they aren’t going away, does anyone living in the real world think there is a way TB trades Stammers? boy would that make us favorites for the next 5 years
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puck73 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:22 am
@Ravens, Well, I didnt think Philadelphia would trade 26 year old Mike Richards, but they did. I guess anything is possible, but I would be shocked if another miracle happened this off season ! lol
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Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@Ravens,
It’s just hype. Stamkos’ contract has to get done. If DD holds out for any length of time, you’ll see the same stuff about the Kings thinking of dumping DD. It’s not true till you here a GM start to complain about it, himself. Then there might be a possibility. Till then everyone will speculate as to worse case scenarios.
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Hellen Eliot from the LA Times sure put Smyth on the spot with the conference call. Smyth sounded put on the spot and caught in a lie. He started with the “I got mis-quoted” BS, but then ended by saying he said what he said to try to keep things from blowing up. An ugly situation for him to be sure.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:52 am
@KC23,
I agree. However, for people to downplay Smyth calling him classless, self-centered is SOOO NOT RIGHT1!! END OF STORY!!!
KC23, thank you for being one of those to stand up for Smitty!
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You know i was a bit mad at him, now i took a step back and looked at things. He was a key part of making us who we are today, contenders. I thank you for that Ryan, as for replacements i would love to see, liach or upshall. Gagne if hes healthly would be a dream.
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Everyone who called SMmith classless should look them selves in the mirror. He has a right to live where he feels his wife and children are most happy. So next time the individuals who called him classless; what will you call yourself when you move for family reasons.
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Agree he lied to help Lombardi. Pretty obvious he and his family did not like the lifestyle in Los Angeles.
I’m glad he asked for the trade. Sure the Kings might lose 20 goals, but they saved so much cash trading Smyth they can get a younger replacement and sign Doughty.
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puck73 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:59 am
@Eric, Very succinct.
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I don’t want to hear or care if Edmonton is happy, Smith is happy. Is this good for my Kings?
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Steve Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@DrA,
His $6 million dollar salary is gone. That is good for your Kings!!!
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This IS a good thing for the Kings. I have nothing against Ryan Smyth, and in fact, I am happy that he asked for this, for whatever reason. Wish him well back in EDM just not against the Kings, and hope that DL will use his cap space to sign a legit top 6 winger and free up money for DD’s contract. I really don’t understand those here who are ripping on Smyth. Some of you really get too involved personally in the goings on of this team and its players. All any of us should want and/or expect from the Kings is that the organ-I-zation is putting out the best and most competetive product it can, and the players give 100% to be successful. Its really that simple folks…..
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deadcatbounce Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@Shotongoal, I guess this is what happens when you have no life and the most important thing going on for you personally is how any sports team is doing. Sad, isn’t it? You’d think that more people would be like Ryan Smyth and put their families before anything else.
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I think that there are those who are a little more qualified than others to comment on the details surrounding the Smyth deal. I think there are two worth mentioning.
The first qualification would be those who are married and have kids. One cannot know what the circumstances surrounding the Smyth’s “family reasons” are.
The second qualification is having the experience of moving a family from one culture to another. Things are different in new cities and one does not always “fit” in their new location.
I have experienced such situations twice in my life. When I was a teenager my family and I moved to SoCal. I loved it, my mom and dad didn’t. My dad got a new job and they moved back “home” one year later… I stayed. The second time I moved my family to Washington for my job. It took us about nine months to figure out that this new place wasn’t going to work for us. It took us about three more years to get back to OC.
I can appreciate Ryan’s dilema and his desire to relocate his family to a place they will be happier. He made the right choice. Family ALWAYS comes before work.
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One more link for anyone interested: a rundown from a hockey blogger from Edmonton’s major newspaper measuring the general reaction from the populus regarding the Smyth trade (quoting this site, among others!):
http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2011/06/27/la-kings-fans-react-to-smyths-explanation-he-lied-to-us/
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Chris Pronger left Edmonton because his wife didn’t like the shopping. If you want to talk about stupid reasons to leave a city, I don’t think the Smyths even rank on the same scale set by the Prongers. Putting your kids first should be applauded.
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puck73 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
@Alison, So weird, I met Mrs. Pronger at a Ducks game with her 2 boys. We were sitting next to them right near the glass and I gotta tell ya, she was very nice to us. That being said, the reports out of Edmonton were right along the lines of what you just posted.
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deadcatbounce Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@Alison, I thought Pronger left Edmonton because he was bonking one of the local reporters there and Yoko wanted to get him out of town.
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HBFan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@deadcatbounce, You Are Correct, Sir!!
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Smyth was good for the Kings, he was good for all teams he played with however his time is short in the league and he was falling off last year big time.
Enjoy the retirement gig Ryan and have fun in Canada.
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Good luck in Edmonton Ryan Smyth. Oh and you owe me $200 for the jersey I bought which is now useless.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@DiehardSince ’82,
Jerseys are never useless!
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So because he’s homesick we trade a 20+ scorer for a 3 goals player?
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