The Kings have finally completed a trade with the Edmonton Oilers. They will sent Ryan Smyth to Edmonton in exchange for forward Colin Fraser and a seventh-round pick in 2012.
Fraser is a essentially a depth forward, a 26-year-old center who totaled three goals and two assists in 67 games last season and has 41 points in 224 career NHL games. He is under contract for one more season, at $825,000. Last summer, Fraser was traded from Chicago to Edmonton for a sixth-round draft pick.
More importantly for the Kings, of course, it allows them the flexibility to pursue a player to replace Smyth. More importantly for all of us, this is over.
Nice piece of work finally. Glad to see the Smyth drama finally over!
Rich Hammond,
Do you know are the Kings going to keep Colin Fraser, or are they going to buy him out?
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:06 am
@#1faninvegas,
my vote = buy out
no place for him in LA or Manch..
his buy out should only count as a 200k penalty to our cap.
vs the 350k a brule buyout would of been.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@lafan13,
When you buy a player out, does that make him a free agent? So anyone can get him?
[Reply]
Token Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@#1faninvegas, Yes.
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Token,
Thanks. Now, all we need is NJD to buy out Parise! LOL
HBfan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@lafan13, a 1.8 mil would be much higher than 350k. Great move by DL.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@#1faninvegas, I was suprised the Kings didn’t have to give anything up to move Smyth while I liked his game and effort the cap hit of 6.25 Mil/yr was just way to high for about 20 goals a season. I thought we would have to send a pick as well like when Philly traded us a bloated Roenick at 6 mil/yr with a 2nd round pick with nothing going back to Philly.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@luc20rules,
I agree! Dean Lombardi proved why he is one of the better GMs this Kings organization has had in ALONG and I mean ALONG time!
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@#1faninvegas,
Bruised and battered but our Nation can now move on. It is now a time for healing. Healing.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:50 am
@Shakes,
Yea, I will still root for him in Edm. He will be missed! Hope he and his family can now relax!
[Reply]
RLane420 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@#1faninvegas, we have alot better than him in Manch. He is going to be bought out. We have enough players who can score 3 goals and 2 assists. Scuds and Green score more than this guy.
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For realsies? About time.
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Thank the gods!
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a career fourth liner and already 26, I think we move him or buyout
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Wow what a return. Better than a buyout, I guess. Let’s see what we do with the $$$.
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Finally! Ok. Now get DD signed. After that, free agency. Don’t worry Dean, you can sleep in august.
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Colin Fraser is a waste of space. Worst player on the worst team in the league. He won’t play a game for the Kings.
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:19 am
@Turd Ferguson, It must suck being Fraser, knowing every team who trades for him is only looking for cap space… Except Edmonton of course. On the other hand, he is making his $800K plus per year to suck, so I guess it isn’t so bad.
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txkingsfan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@Brownkingsfan, he has $800K reasons to be proud, not to mention that he made and has played in the greatest hockey league in the world. How many kids/men get to say that?
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bigd71 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@txkingsfan, & won a Stanley Cup
ForumtoStaplesFan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@txkingsfan, absolutely true! the worst in the NHL is still better than most of us could ever dream of being…
i hope Colin enjoys his time in Manchester this year
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lafan13 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:07 am
@Dave, Rofl, If he’s lucky!
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garry Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:36 am
@Dave, He will never see Manchester. Contract will be bought out.
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Yes it is nice to see the drama over.
But is another one on the horizon?
1) Edmonton has a lot of cap space.
2) Edmonton has stated they need more defense
3) Edmonton has a history of offering RFAs offer sheets the current team can not afford to match
4) Have the Kings signed their #1 RFA defenseman?
Hope very much this does not happen., but it is a scary situation.
)-:
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:17 am
@GeezerKingsFan, i think DL is done dealing with Tambellini – that guys is a nightmare.
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Turd Ferguson Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@GeezerKingsFan, Tambo is probably the safest GM in the league. He’ll never do an offer sheet-especially how Penner turned out with that organization.
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:10 am
@Turd Ferguson, EDM will probabilly suck again this year… and will make a push for another #1 draft pick….
Sending an offersheet to doughty would be counter productive for them, theyd have to give up like 3-4 1st round picks if doughty signs there..potential for those pics all to be in the top 5 of the draft….
if i were EDM, those 1st round pics > doughty
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garry Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@GeezerKingsFan, Not going to happen.
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DLB Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@GeezerKingsFan, Doughty leaving LA, which he loves, for a celler dwelling team in the frozen north? I would eat my hat.
Penner did that and he regrets it.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@GeezerKingsFan, That was Kevin Lowe, not Tambellini that made the offer sheets.
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WERD!
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I think I see a free agent signing comming soon
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Keep him as a healthy scratch for the entire season, we don’t need them and I don’t want to see his buyout on the books next year…
Smyth was an amazing player in his time with the Kings, he helped Kopi to become one of the premium offensive centers in the league. I remember the first year how good was the line of Smyth, kopitar and Williams… I hope he likes it back in Edmonton.
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scott Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:44 am
@LF13, his buyout would only be in the range of 200k to 300k thats pocket change when it comes to the cap.
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LF13 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@scott, I know I just don’t want to see it..:D
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brymaster1 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@LF13, its better than keeping his 800k to see him rot on the bench.
Thanks Ryan for everything,good luck in Edmonton,and thank you Mr Hammond for all you do.
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I am glad this is over! Now please resign our RFA and we will be ready to get a good LW on July 1 st!
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Am I the only one bothered by the draft pick? Seriously maybe at least a second rounder for a 20 goal scorer! I just hope we pick up a killer winger!
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:25 am
@Sean, no way DL was getting anything of value for Smyth. Smyth put DL in a bad situation and this was pretty much a straight salary dump.
the only reason DL did it was because he thinks he can replace Smyth with a better, younger, cheaper player.
addition by subtraction.
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colo king fan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@Dave, exactly. 5 days before FA frenzy begins, 6M in cap space is a GMs best friend.
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Hackwoods Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@Sean, I am with you Sean. A castaway and a 7th round pick for a veteran known to be nothing but an extremely solid team mate, who can still play limited minutes at a very high level, and even though he will be a $6.25M cap hit, he only really costs just over $4M. The cap hit to Edmonton is needed for them to make the bottom of the cap, so the cap hit is a bonus to them.
I love me some Smitty, but he just screwed us over big time. We lost a very solid LWer with only one more year on his contract, and we got absolutely nothing in return. I know a lot of people are wishing RS well, and I will too, and I will thank him for his time with the Kings, but I am not too pleased with this at all.
If we would have just traded RS for a 2nd or 3rd rounder, then it would be worth it, but since only one or two teams could bid on him, we had no shot, and we got the best we could, I guess, but RS really hindered us with this request.
Would one more year on a very good team in LA really have hurt him and his family? It is not me in RS’s situation, so I cannot say, but making $4M to do what you love for 9 months, then get a chance to play in the playoffs (hopefully) and have a shot at a CUP (hopefully), then get to sign wherever you want and go home and play out your career. That sounds reasonable to me.
Not happy.
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well played Mr. Lombardi, well played. Now go get us a beast LW!!!
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DL’s to do list by July 1
1. re-sign Drew
2. re-sign Lewis + Richie
3. see if you can trade Martinez – and if not, re-sign
DL’s to do list on July 1
1. sign Leino
2. sign Upshall
DL’s to do list after July 1
1. relax
2. make room on mantle for GM of the year award
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tellmeY Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:29 am
@Dave, ahhhh Dave….I love the last sentence…now that’s a postive attitude…
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Luuuuuuuuuuc! Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@tellmeY,
1. sign Leino
2. sign Upshall
Or Laich…
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jesper Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
@Luuuuuuuuuuc!, Alex tanguay is a left wing, isn’t he? 47 assists last season.. (IF B. Richards doesn’t get signed ofcourse)
Pesus Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:45 am
@Dave,
3. Make room for the cup.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@Pesus, yea like that one u did there always free room for a Stanley Cup
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Player-X Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@Dave, why get rid of Martinez, we need depth, he’s cheap and had a great year for a near-rookie, upside still to be realized and already moves the puck really well. And like I said, he’s cheap, why move him?
[Reply]
408kingsfan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@Player-X, Agreed
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Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@Player-X, because he is now a proven commodity and DL has three quality prospects that are cheaper that can step in.
puck-moving d-men are a hot commodity in the NHL and Martinez had a good enough year that a GM could send a goal scoring wing in return for one.
i can see DL moving Martinez + Fraser somewhere for a top-6 winger.
remember, it’s all about asset management. there are only 6 NHL d-man spots and DL has at least 10 guys that can fill those spots. Martinez would probably get the most return because he’s proven he can play in the NHL, he can play on the power play and he’s cheap. there will be a run on puck-moving d-men on July 1st and a few teams aren’t going to get one because they can’t afford them. so DL can offer Martinez and fill a position of weakness (scoring wingers).
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The Kings should use the money saved on moving Smythe to make an offer to RFA Wayne Simmonds.
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Who Knows? Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:31 am
@vicarious, I wouldn’t mind that. I mean how much can Simmer cosr? I can’t see it going over 2MM, which isn’t a lot of draft picks.
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YuriM Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@vicarious, Simmer is a Flyer
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scott Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:56 am
@vicarious, lol you guys are funny. it would cost more then 2 mill. the point of an offer sheet is to make an offer the other team can’t match. what does WS bring to the kings that is irreplaceable?
[Reply]
historyguy Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@vicarious, Do you remember what a stink Deano made about anyone possibly going after his RFA’s? Do you think any GM in the league will want to trade with him if he goes out and poaches Simmer? Not that I wouldn’t love to have him back, but it’s just not feasible.
[Reply]
DLB Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@vicarious, not only would no one trade with us ever again, we would have to send draft pick compensation back in addition to shelling out for Simmonds’ RFA contract.
The price makes no sense.
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crashin' da net Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@vicarious, wouldn’t do it. Simmers had his chance.
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finallly this is over
bye bye SMYTHE
WELCOME to the KINGS __insert name___
GO KINGS GO
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Simon Gagné to LA on July 1?
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Scot Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@Jesse,
I’ve always been quietly hoping for that. I don’t post it though because everyone will respond with “terrible idea, injury prone, concussion issues…” But that guy can still play, and he won’t be too expensive. One year, at 3 or 4 million would be a low risk/high reward situation. (Handzus made 4 million last year..)
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Pesus Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@Jesse,
I like it if we cant get Richards. Wouldnt even mind a 2 year deal say 3 mil a year. But thats a big paycut. He made 5 last year
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lafan13 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@Jesse, Im not sure Gagne can play top 6 minutes for us…
Brooks Laich can though
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Scot Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:57 am
@lafan13,
I think Gagne could, his skill hasn’t diminished, though he is not the player he was 6 years ago. Gagne is one of the smartest players I’ve ever seen. Not to mention he used to be Mike Richards’ linemate in Philadelphia. Brooks Laich would also be a great pick-up if the Kings signed him.
[Reply]
AM Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@Jesse, He’s still a good player, but he’s made of glass… No thanks.
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Alex Frolov is still available.
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Cowboy Bill Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:35 am
Heh-heh, just kidding!
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txkingsfan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:56 am
@Cowboy Bill, Frolov signed in the KHL – where giving 100% is expected every other game or so. Needless to say, Frolov should have a hall of fame career there.
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FINALLY the nightmare has ended.
Happy trails Smytty.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@Buster, The nightmare was last summer with Kovi. This was a mere annoyance in comparison.
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KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@wavesinair, Amen!
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pautna Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@wavesinair, Concur.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@wavesinair,
HERE YE HERE YE! Agreed! However, an off-season doesn’t fill right anymore unless some kind of drama takes place!
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@#1faninvegas, Exactly,last year I was visiting the GF in Cali,unemployed,with my nose to the computer screen,reading about Kovismuck,and all that drama.Well here I’am in Cali again “unemployed”,reading about the Smyth drama,sheez.Hey #1fan in LV, you’ll be getting MY title for sure at the end of Aug,I’ll be moving back to Cali, and hopefully become employed again.I need to change my handle,I’ll be back at home in San Clemente,surfing and going to more Kings games,(can’t beat that).I’ll definatly be going back to Los Wages for FF,so remember,the title #1 fan in LV is yours Sept 1st,LOL.
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@LVKINGS88,
We need to get together before you disappeare!
This is great if we can upgrade at left wing. But not so great if we cant. Lets get DD signed! I think DD and his agent r waiting to see what happens to Stamkos. Hopefully we can get DD done around the same price as kopi. Lets hope the other Richards is paying attention to what we r doing out here, and hope he’s not just looking to get paid since he allready has a cup.
Most anticipated kings season since the gretzky era and only 39 home games. Bastards! Lol!
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Sign. Doughty. Now.
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I get the feeling that DL would mow everybody down on the pro poker circuit. Guy knows how to play his hand.
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@Cowboy Bill, Yeah, don’t ever sit with him or TM. TM’s got one hell of a poker face.
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Eric Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@Cowboy Bill,
Yeah, getting Penner was a steal
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Ville Leino pls on July 1st
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While we owe Ryan Smyth gratitude for what he brought to the team these last years, I say RS owes a great deal of gratitude to DL and the organization for making this move happen, for his sake, and i’d hope to see Ryan PUBLICLY address this sometime soon.
People can argue all they want about the benefit having this cap space provides, how Smyths play had fallen off, etc, etc; but the team fully planned for RS to be a integral part of their top six this season.
The Kings hardly made a killing on this deal, and finding a quality top six LW replacement, is not a slam dunk.
Best wishes to Ryam Smyth and family, and to the Kings moving forward.
[Reply]
hockeysureshot Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:45 am
@18,118, I agree totally! Ryan should be kissing Lombardi the next time he see him. Smyth better put in some good words about our organization publicly.
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kevin from toronto Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@18,118, very well said.
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hipcheck Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:53 am
@18,118, Couldnt agree more….DL showed a lot of class and professionalism to Smyth. Best wished to Smyth…he was always a consumate Pro in his stay in LA.
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Keep Frasier and sent Westgarth down to the minors. Fraser is only 26, Utilize him as a third or fourth liner. He can be a Brad May.
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lafan13 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@shaun, Westbarf has more upside.
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BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@shaun,
http://www.hockeyfights.com/players/1200
He’s won 1 narrow decision out of about 23 NHL fights in his career. And he had very few heavies for opponents. Not a replacement for a Westy type player.
I don’t think we acquired him so we can use him.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@shaun,
Why do you guys NOT like Westgarth?
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Scot Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@#1faninvegas,
I like him!
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@Scot,
I like him too. Always have! He is a good player for his roll!
BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@#1faninvegas,
I like him, because he improved quite a bit.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@BobKnob,
True!
Token Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@#1faninvegas, Nothing wrong with Westy. For a big guy, he skates marginally OK, but he can make a real good pass.
What he needs to do is take the Dustin Brown hit clinic course and learn how to use all that beef effectively.
Kind of like Cliffy in the last two Dallas games. They just let him fly the ice after two periods of punishment.
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crashin' da net Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@shaun, no decision. Keep Westie.
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Jon Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@shaun, Yeah, and Frasier has shown he can score a goal or two in the NHL.
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Thank you DL ! Thank you Ryan Smyth for 2 years of serving ! Now can we get young speedy LW! I can see how Kings are getting better and better! Please keep this trend!
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Leo4kings Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@David V, Couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you RS for hard work and DL for putting business of kings ahead of ego.
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Something must really be going on with his family to want to be traded to a last place team, and with the Kings having higher expectations than before. We’re going to miss his grit, leadership, and more importantly goals from the wing position. Hopefully we spend the freed up salary cap space wisely.
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Ducksuck Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@hockeysureshot, It’s really weird to not be able to do it for 1 more year probably a believer in 2012 cause the story the public gets doesn’t make sence with 1 year remaining with a improved kings team. Weird well he can go on the lost of Blake and JR
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Scarletcat Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:19 am
I see Ryan settling his family back in EDM and being all you said about him. He’s nearing the end of his on ice time and what better place than to mentor those Oiler kids and moving into an nice off ice role in a year or two.
I wish him all the best. He’s a great guy, but overall, this is probably the best for both the Kings and Oilers.
[Reply]
Good riddance. Can’t wait for Richards to flatten Smyth when we play each other.
Anyways, assuming we pick up 2 more wingers and sign Doughty, DL will have proven hijs worth, so ball is in TM hand now. Let’s see if he opens our system up a bit.
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BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@KingsFanInPortland,
lol. How about another JMFJ knockout into the stanchions?
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:05 am
@BobKnob,
Good minds think alike.
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tim chaney Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:30 am
@BobKnob, i remember that hit, it ended smyth’s season…
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@KingsFanInPortland,
Im going to miss Smyth. What wingers do you recommend?
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@#1faninvegas, Dick Axelsson, just because I love the name.
But seriously, I think that depends what route we go. If it is through FA (which is most likely), look for Gagne for maybe a 3 year deal. He is a career 51 point a year player, and that includes a couple years he only played 20+ games and 40+ games. Also, he played on Philly for 10 of those years, so he has experience with Richards, and with the Kings shifting from Edmonton West to Philly West, this could work. He is somewhat a health concern, but that is one name if the price is right.
I’m pretty sure Leino is staying in Philly, for no other reason than Philly has the cap space to sign him, he is used to that system, and with Carter and Richards out, he will most likely get more playing time.
Jussi Jokinen is 5″11, around 190-200 lbs. He is a 50-60 point per year guy. Great on shootouts. I think he could be a good addition.
I’d say sign Gagne. Reason being… as I said, he has experience playing with Richards at some capacity for a few years. If we don’t resign Penner next year, then Gagne will be playing on the second line with Richards and Brown. That line will have two guys who have a ton of experience playing with eachother, while also playing with our C. Then, next year, we can get a “better” LW than Gagne and Penner are for the first line, because there will presumeably be better people to go for then, and we will have more money coming off the books (while still needing to sign more players obviously). Just my opinion.
Laich would be good too, he is a big big body, he is a C who, based off what others have said, I assume could play LW? Not quite sure on that. But his SOG are over 200, while netting less points than Gagne.
I still think Gagne is the best pick. Just my opinion.
[Reply]
tim chaney Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:31 am
@KingsFanInPortland, gagne and jokinen if at all possible…
Cool it’s done, now on to Doughty! does antone else get the feeling him and his agent have gone greedy and DD may have let his early success go to his head? I hope thats not the case
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:43 am
@408kingsfan,
I believe the min. Doughty and his agent are asking is $6 mill per year.
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Dan SanDonkey Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@#1faninvegas, Not worth it
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@Dan SanDonkey,
Why not? Markov just signed a 3yr/$18mil offer and Doughty is better than Markov!
KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@#1faninvegas, i say Doughty will be wroth that much if he play better than 2009-2010 season than i say that worth it but i say 4.2 will fit him for a failure 2010-2011 season
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Smyth was worth it the last couple of years, but obviously slowed down last year. Of course he would have been good for another 20 goals. But a good GM finds a way to open up salary. And in this case he did. We can sign a faster, cheaper LW like Cole, Leino, etc…. And improve our team.
That being said, still find the trade baffling. We go from a 4th pick and Brule with 1.8 mill salary to a 7th rd and 880k in salary. So apparently 3 rounds is worth a million dollars.
[Reply]
Mucker Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:32 am
@Mickey Keenan, It’s not hard to understand why the pick dropped from 4th to 7th; thy buyout for Fraser will be considerably less than for Brule.
As for your other comment, you are SPOT ON! Smyth slowed down considerably and I see this Kings team moving forward with size and speed – the second of which Smyth lacks.
Finally – freeing up his $6.25 (or there abouts) salary this season is MASSIVE for us and will allow us to sign Doughty and still go after a much needed PP sniper / LW and a bit of toughness on the wing to replace Simmonds’ grit!
[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@Mucker,
I dont think we have to replace Simmonds. I think we have it on our roster already!
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Mickey Keenan,
What I find baffling is that Dean Lombardi WANTED Ryan Smyth on this team next year. When Smyth asked to be traded, I think Lombardi’s reaction was, “No way,” or something like that. I think freeing up that space was a huge positive moving forward. I think, clearly, this was the time to move Smyth along, after he gave two GREAT years to this team.
That being said, I’m not sure Lombardi would have been able to trade him had Smyth not asked to be dealt. He wouldn’t have had any leverage, and we would have gotten even less than Colin Fraser and a 7th Round Pick.. if that’s possible. Lol.
I have to say I am so excited to see this team play next season, especially after seeing what Lombardi does from now until the end of the Summer. He has made a great start!
The expectations will now be higher for the Kings next season, even higher than this past season. But having a guy like Mike Richards around now is nice– he will play well no matter what the circumstances are.
I’m still pinching myself.. Do we REALLY have Mike Richards?
[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@Scot,
I agree, year after year, I hear DL bashing… OMG when is he going to do something. Really, this was a pathetic off-season. OMG, what was DL thinking today, he just sat at his desk and didn’t sign a UFA… OMG he signed a concussion Mitchell… Whos this PONI guy. When is he going to do trades. I am waiting to see some movement. ETC ETC ETC ETC ETC. Well, now finally DL has done movement. ALOT of movement before July 1st. He didn’t just sit on his rear and look at the boob tube about trade being done between other teams. He made a great start, and all we need is to Re-sign Drew, bring in some LWs, and we are set to sit and wait til FF in LAS VEGAS!
Thank you DL for being our GM. GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
Anyone consider that Holloway could finally make it to the main roster?
[Reply]
scott Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:00 am
@Buster, yes.id say he has a good chance, just needs to bring it in camp.
[Reply]
DLB Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@Buster, Yes — at the very least he he deserves a look!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@Buster, Yep, been on my mind the whole time. He had very good numbers last year. He’s paid his AHL dues. Simmonds type players are a dime a dozen. King’s fan way over rate Simmonds.
[Reply]
crashin' da net Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@KC23, agreed.
[Reply]
Ari Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Buster, yes … There is an oppty for BH and I hope he shows what he’s got in pre season and camp.
Imagine a 4th line of Holloway – Lokti – Lewis
Those three have chemistry from the Monarchs
[Reply]
hey, so theororetically, we can still sign Simmonds right? Technically Philly has to “sign” him as an UFA correct? haha
I’m not saying we would do it. we are RW heavy,
Is it too early to talk about training camp?
i’d like to see Toffoli give a go in camp,Moller come back!!! hoping Voynov makes opening day roster, get some good looks at Cliche, Dwight King, Deslauriers, Muzzin again, and even Bud Holladay…
ok maybe it’s a lil too soon, without DL still pursing players but get ready boys!! This is a different off season then last years Kovalchuk’s Iliad…Thank God!!!
[Reply]
historyguy Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:05 am
@hapakid, Yes, they have to sign Simmonds, but he’s an RFA, not a UFA. If the Kings were to sign him, they’d have to cough up probably a first or second round pick as well. Not to mention that they’d earn the wrath of every GM in the NHL.
[Reply]
dayle91/08 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:20 am
@hapakid, dude you left out kozun
[Reply]
hapakid Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@dayle91/08, kozun legit stud lil guy.. i was afraid to post him.. some of these guys are SOOO serious!! haha..i really want Toffoli and Voynov to make the team. Hell even KITSYN get a good hard look. He’s a man child, Clifford like body and work ethic. I thin k Holloway will get a good look since he’s probably our most developed LW prospect next to D King who needs some skating and footwork. IMHO.
[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@hapakid,
Hollaway!
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@#1faninvegas,
Holloway
[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@BobKnob,
LOL! I realized that after, I typed it, but unfortunatly, there is no EDIT button for grammer errors!
BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@#1faninvegas,
I thought you were correcting hapakid’s misspelling so I figured I’d go for the trifecta.
PP Anybody? Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@hapakid, The reason Voynov hasn’t even gotten a look so far is because they don’t like his defensive play. He has great offensive instincts, but that’s not what TM wants to see. I’m actually surprised that Voynov hasn’t been packaged off to somebody else yet. Other teams have shown interest, and I don’t see his game fitting in with the King’s system so why not try and get something out of it?
[Reply]
Too bad the Kings couldn’t land Anton Lander I imagine Edmonton has high hopes he can play a 3rd line energy role. Colin Fraser isn’t a bad pickup for 4th line duties though the Oilers are going to get some production out of Smyth next year I’m sure. He’ll do wonders mentoring Hall,Eberle,Paajarvi and Nugent-Hopkins when he finally arrives.Good Luck to Smyth! Hope Lombardi has a UFA LWer signing to annoounce soon!
[Reply]
Djspock92 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@andy, UFA signings can’t be announced til July 1st, although I’m are there are deals in the works before that.
[Reply]
There are going to be some openings for jobs on the forwards ranks next season especially on the wings. So the likes of Holloway,Kitsyn,Vey,Toffoli,King,Cliche,Kozun…will get their shot! Too bad Moller left he probably thought it was the best thing for his development,and I have to agree,he’s going to play a lot of minutes with Skelleftea hope he comes back after a season! Of the lot I think Kitsyn and Holloway have the inside track on the competition!
[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:27 am
@andy,
OSCAR MOLLER LEFT??? WHAT???
[Reply]
Bodoe Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@#1faninvegas, Don’t worry, if I remember correctly, the Kings still have the rights to him so if he wants to come back he can. There just wasn’t much more he could do in Manchester.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@Bodoe, Moller will never be back with the Kings again.
KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@#1faninvegas, Went and signed a contract with a KHL team.
[Reply]
Henrik Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@KC23, Actually Skellefteå is a SEL team.
why doe anybody not talk about kozun
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@jon,
kozun is really good…
but hes also like 4 foot 8, with skates on…
His head would prolly be at mid thy if he stood next to chara..
[Reply]
dayle91/08 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@lafan13, ya he does have great skill to lead the whl in scoring you have to,i realize he was on a great hitmen team but still dont think he gets enough for what he did in the dub i mean he was a 6th rounder i think. I dont think his size should be a problem if he can learn to be elusive……but from what i have seen this dude has mad skillz cant wait to see him with the kings!
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@dayle91/08, It’s a lot easier to score a hundred points against sixteen and seventeen year old kids with just skill alone. Against grown men with skill and 200lbs, it’s extremely difficult and highly unlikely to have the same success. But hey, more power to him. If he can put up dazzling numbers in Manchester for a year or two, and really prove that he’s got that something extra special, then maybe he’ll get called up. But I wouldn’t hold my breath. There’s a lot more chance in Kitsyn, Toffoli, and Vey. They all have put up good numbers, and each are each at least 6ft., with Kitsyn even bigger. Probably have a better chance of translating their skills towards the NHL.
holly Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@lafan13, Pretty much hit the nail on the head.
And Kozun seems to be slight all around, both on the shorter side and not particularly broad or muscular looking.
While I’m probably one of the few who isn’t completely size obsessed, as Kozun is built right now, even with his speed and skill, he’ll get crushed in the NHL.
[Reply]
garry Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@jon, Because he falls down when a 6.4″ guy skates by’
[Reply]
That’s great!!.. Good lock Smitty,hope everything works out for you and your family.. Should we keep Fraser?.. He would be good on the 4th line and on the PK … He’s earning $825,000 and so with him and MR combined, that’s about $6.5 Million… Now with Smitty and others off the books, that would leave DL about what?.. Around $13-14 Million to work with now.. The question is ” Can we afford Brad Richards at $8 Million and still have enough left over?.. It looks like most of the players need to be resign this year or next year starting with DD.. Are we keeping Penner or Stoll after this year?.. They can still add more salary by not resigning some players or trading for picks and i would still like to see them pick up Leino.. We will see on July 1st… Good work Deano… GKG!!!
[Reply]
People are still thinking Brad Richards is going to want to come here to play on our 3rd line, seriously? You want to pay 8 million for our 3rd line center? Get real lol, go after Leino, but first sign the RFA. The kings do not need another C, we got Richards, Kopitar, Stoll, Lokitionov.
[Reply]
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@Kingfletch, He played left wing while with Tampa. If he likes to play left wing, he would be on the first line. But no matter, we got Colin Fraser now and the cup will be ours!
[Reply]
Kingfletch Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@NOW IMPRESSED, He is a natural center and didnt like playing on the wing. Infact if you remember even at the allstar game, St.Louis had to send him a text to make sure he was willing to play on the wing for one night for the all-star game. I cant see him willing to play on our wing when other teams will offer just as much money at the C posistion. We need wingers badly.
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Kingfletch,
BR does play wing too, but not sure if he’d be interested in doing that.
You guys, in general, moving from center to wing is really not that hard. This isn’t football or basketball, positions can be interchanged a lot easier.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Kingfletch, …and lewis and richardson (maybe). I’ve always liked Leino. He’d be a great pickup. I don’t see how BR can be a King unless someone plays wing.
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@Kingfletch, unsubstantiated report claims B. Richards doesn’t want to play wing… whether true or not is highly debatable.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@Kingfletch, Not me. I’ve lost interest in Brad Richards for the Kings. We need a LW sniper period not another center and we’ll likley do it for a lot less money.
[Reply]
hapakid Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@Kingfletch, I know. it’s soo annoying!!! TM said it well, kopitar and richards are like #1a and #1b centers.. so basically we have 2 #1 centers!!!! and adding richards would be 3!!!! I think the educated Kings/hockey fan(you and others) believe we can use that cash for other things, such as, #1 sign DOUGTY, #2 sign Richie and T Lewis, A Martinez. #3 would be a stud LW or LW sniper prospect gets a chance. i wish Toffoli played LW!!!but Hollaway might be ready!!
I guess they think we can just sign and give anyone $7 mil a year contracts. damn, it’s gettting annoying. anywho, go kings!!!!
[Reply]
With simmons gone to Phil now, would it be easy to say Cliche has a good chance based on his toughness and willingness to kick some ass. The only other true fighters are clif and wety.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@gene, I hope we see another surprise out of camp but I don’t think we can rely on it to fill 3 giant holes.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
@wavesinair, I think Jordan Nolan will become the next Simmonds/Clifford. Kid has good size, and grit. Might need another year at Manchester, but I think he’s going to surprise people in time.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@gene, Mike Richards can fight just as good as Simmonds ever could.
[Reply]
crashin' da net Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@KC23, Looking at the tapes – better!
[Reply]
hapakid Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@KC23, Mike Richards is like a mini DUSTIN BROWN playing center!! i luv it…. so Richards Brownie and Parse?Penner? nah Clifford? haha jk..
[Reply]
holly Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@gene, You’ve got to have the wrong Cliche then. I like the guy, but willingness to kick some ass? I’m assuming you’re actually referring to fighting because of your inclusion of Westy and Clifford. Marc-Andre has had a total of 9 fights since 2003. He can be semi-gritty if he wants to be, but a fighter of any sort he is not.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@holly, I think he meant Clune
Holly, did Campbell look any better during the second have of the season? It seems Man is giving him more responsibility
[Reply]
Even worse than the other proposed trade. Who cares if he wanted to leave??? Since when do players have that much power? Look at Carmelo in the NBA; everyone knew he had demanded/wanted a trade to the Knicks and the Nuggets got a huge load back for him and we get some tool for a very good player?
This is an awful, awful trade.
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:45 am
@AmirA,
Edmonton wasn’t going to give up anything worthwhile that we wanted by sending over Smyth. Why would they trade one of their young forwards for Smyth? Doesn’t make any sense. Don’t judge the trade based on the player we got in return. This was a move to free up cap space so we can sign a free agent.
We weren’t trying to get value out of the player in return, in fact, I’m sure Dean would have rather received another pick or a better round in return.
Carmelo wasn’t a salary dump, and he was open to playing with more than one team. We were basically handcuffed.
[Reply]
AmirA Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@BobKnob,yea I know it wsa more for cap space, but still annoys me, haha. Just seems totally unfair.
[Reply]
gmo Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@AmirA,
what is unfair is the fact that SMYTHE asked to be traded and would only go to one team. that is unfair to DL, that put him in a really tough position. no leverage or flexibility whatsoever
BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@AmirA,
This is what happens when you have a salary cap.
JZarris Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@AmirA, it’s only awful if you look at it from a player for player standpoint. If you think instead of the cap space we just freed up on an expiring contract it feels much, much better.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@AmirA, It’s only unfair if DL doesn’t get a good left winger. Smyth is an old man with a bad back that is slow as heck. This was an excellent trade, but we won’t see the true benefit until DL pulls the trigger on getting a top 6 LW via trade or FA.
[Reply]
PK Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@AmirA, BAD comparison. Carmelo is a young, franchise player, and one of the top 5 scorers every year in the league. Smith is old, good, and an average scorer.
[Reply]
pesus Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@AmirA, Are you really comparing Carmelo to Smyth? A superstar with plenty of years left in his prime, to an old slow, savey, over paid veteran with a huge cap hit? need I say more?
[Reply]
Kings pretty much had 2 options, tell Smyth tough luck your playing next year, or trade him for whatever the Oilers would give. This wasnt the worst deal the kings could of taken salary like Souray back.
[Reply]
Am I the only one who thinks 8 years at 7 to 8 mil per year is too much for a 31 year old Brad Richards? How productive will he be at 35 to 39? BR also had his share of concussions. Everyone including myself wanted him but DL did us even better by getting Mike Richards. MR was a much better addition imo & his cap of 5.4 mil ends at age 35. I think the Kings are better using this freed up cap space on a LW. BR will be just like RS in 3 or 4 seasons with with a huge cap hit & he will be unmovable for any value just like RS proved to be.
[Reply]
David V Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:57 am
@King Alex, You not alone, +1
[Reply]
18,118 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@King Alex,
Agree as well. There will be a boatload of competition for BR, believe it, and history proves what ridiculousness comes out of that scenario. Your 8 years at 7/8 mil is probably not off by much. Besides, having Mike Richards, and less Ryan Smyth, now shifts the focus in a good way.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@King Alex, I’ll go so far as to say Brad Richards is not a good fit for the Kings at this time. We don’t have the need at center, we have the need at LW.
[Reply]
crashin' da net Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:12 am
@King Alex, Don’t need him that bad. No fit either.
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@King Alex, I tend to agree, I think Brad Richards would be great in the next year or two but after that I’m not sold. And I’m leery with the concussion issue, it just seemed that he was really hurt by that, although, so was Willy Mitchell and he came out OK for us. Even so, if Dean signs B. Richards I won’t complain. Who am I to argue with a mad genius. HAHA (just kidding Deano). BTW Drew, c’mon, sign all ready so Deano can continue to construct the unstoppable monster called the L.A. Kings GKG
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@King Alex, I say trade Penner and JJ for a 4-5 million left wing which frees up 4 million, sign Richards and run three basically even lines with Kopitar, Richards and Richards as centers. If you put Brown, Clifford and Stoll on separate lines, each line would be a decent checking line. Martinez can do whatever JJ can do with less stupid mistakes. Think teams would respect a power play with Richards, Richards, Kopitar, Doughty and Martinez?
And just to F with Bob Miller, every once in a while have Richards, Richards and Richardson on the same line….
[Reply]
pesus Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@King Alex,
no smart GM will give him that deal, ok maybe the rangers. DL should make a offer that works for both parties. If he says no, move on.
[Reply]
Unless I am mistaken, the Kings have been screwed three times by the Oilers.
First, the Kings had to give up an extra draft pick in the POS – Williams trade. (I remember something to the effect that when Edmonton heard that the Kings were picking up Williams from Carolina that they insisted on another pick (second rounder) to go with with O’Sullivan.
Second, Pennar.
Now this, Kings drop from a fourth pick to a seventh.
Seems like Kings are getting a great deal, then through some shenanigans, Oilers always pull out an extra piece to even things up.
In each case, I believe the Kings end up in a better position (certainly with POS they did). But dang, DL, learn your lesson that Edmonton always seems to pull crap like this.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@BluLiner, He did learn his lesson, that is why DL dropped the trade with Brule and forced Frazer which makes it a fair deal for both sides IMHO. Smyth is a washed up LW that is slow and has a bad back that was taking up over 6 min in cap space.
We did awesome to unload him at any price.
[Reply]
BluLiner Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:21 am
@KC23, I’m fine with letting Smyth go, Kings should get a nice upgrade at that position. And the capspace is great. My problem is it looked like a deal was in place to get the Kings a fourth, then through some shady dealings (like trying to pass off a concussed player), the Oilers save themselves a fourth pick.
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@BluLiner,
My guess is the fourth way to offset the higher cap hit the kings were taking on with brule.
Djspock92 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@BluLiner, I think the Kings have come out ahead on all 3 deals.
1. POS + 2nd rounder for Williams – no brainer
2. Teubert + 19th overall for Penner – we have such an overflow of defensive prospects, we can’t keep them all, 19th overall could be hit or miss, and I’m not sold on Penner being a complete bust. He has the size and skill, he just needs the determination.
3. Smyth for Frazer and a 7th – granting a veteran of the league his wish to play closer to home. Also allows the Kings much needed cap room to sign FAs. All contingent on what DL does with the extra money.
[Reply]
Since we are becoming the LA Flyers lets get Ville Leino, for 2 years for 2.5 mil cap.
We are so weak on LW I hope DL will get some one from FA…
Like the trade for Rich but Schenn will be one of the top ten players in the NHL in three years… I can live with that, if we win the Stanly in the next 3 years…
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Sammuch, Leino is going to get more than that – i can pretty much guarantee you that.
[Reply]
Thank you Ryan Smyth and wish you the best in Edmonton.
[Reply]
@#1faninvegas, Dick Axelsson, just because I love the name.
But seriously, I think that depends what route we go. If it is through FA (which is most likely), look for Gagne for maybe a 3 year deal. He is a career 51 point a year player, and that includes a couple years he only played 20+ games and 40+ games. Also, he played on Philly for 10 of those years, so he has experience with Richards, and with the Kings shifting from Edmonton West to Philly West, this could work. He is somewhat a health concern, but that is one name if the price is right.
I’m pretty sure Leino is staying in Philly, for no other reason than Philly has the cap space to sign him, he is used to that system, and with Carter and Richards out, he will most likely get more playing time.
Jussi Jokinen is 5″11, around 190-200 lbs. He is a 50-60 point per year guy. Great on shootouts. I think he could be a good addition.
I’d say sign Gagne. Reason being… as I said, he has experience playing with Richards at some capacity for a few years. If we don’t resign Penner next year, then Gagne will be playing on the second line with Richards and Brown. That line will have two guys who have a ton of experience playing with eachother, while also playing with our C. Then, next year, we can get a “better” LW than Gagne and Penner are for the first line, because there will presumeably be better people to go for then, and we will have more money coming off the books (while still needing to sign more players obviously). Just my opinion.
Laich would be good too, he is a big big body, he is a C who, based off what others have said, I assume could play LW? Not quite sure on that. But his SOG are over 200, while netting less points than Gagne.
I still think Gagne is the best pick. Just my opinion.
[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, I concur. Does anybody else concur? Now’s your chance… Anyway, I’d hate to not concur and then see him get signed…
[Reply]
Based on Cap Geek the Kings have $16,081,190 in Cap Space. They will gain $412,500 buying out Frazier.
But they have yet to sign RFAs Drew Doughty, Alec Martinez, Trevor Lewis, Brad Richardson, and Oscar Moller. That would give the Kings 20 active players(starters 12 F, 6 D, & 2 G). Teams typically have 3 bench player with the team although as NJ went last year from game to game only active(Starters & backup Goalie) players count against the cap. Seeing DD sign for 6 mil/yr and the other average 1mil/yr we would have $6,493,240 to sign UFAs. We need Doughty to sign to give us some certainty to what we can spend on July 1st. DL & DD lets get it done, please.
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@luc20rules,
Does Oscar need to be signed now that he is signed with a SEL team for a year?
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@BobKnob, No, but to reactivate him I believe he would have to be. Basically we own his rights, but have no rights to him, but no other team in the NHL can sign him, or even contact him without our approval.
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
@Dominick,
So we don’t have to do anything until next year then, right? That’s what I was trying to get at. He doesn’t figure into our RFA signings this year, if I understand correctly.
Dominick Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@BobKnob, Absolutely correct.
[Reply]
Although it’s difficult to see where Fraser would fit in the Kings plans, he does have a ring from the B’Hawks in 2010, and he played in almost every game for them that season. Can he play wing?
He might have to try.
[Reply]
Who do you guys think first makes the team between Toffoli, Kitsyn, and Kozun? I think Holloway has a real good shot of being in the bottom 6 this year but among our top prospects (not including loktionov or defenseman) who makes it first? (either this year or in the years to come)
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@Stephen,
Kozun is a sparkplug, and has a year of experience in MAN….he’s got the edge
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@Stephen,
Left wing has always been a problem, but it really does come down to injuries. Last season we went relatively healthy, so the call ups were limited to defenseman. Lokti, and Mollinator tried to fill in on the left because Parse, and (later) Williams were injured, but they should be 100% this season.
I don’t know if it’s true, but I think Kitsyn is a flight risk (like Voynov) to fly the coop if he doesn’t see progress towards the NHL. I really like Holloway, and hope to get a good look at him soon.
No way of telling for sure who could see time, becuase even Clune, Cliche, King, and Vey could be added to that list.
[Reply]
tim chaney Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:45 am
@Dominick, Kitsyn. he’s my pick based on the long term need.
[Reply]
here’s a pic of Fraser at the parade in Chi’town…
http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=532613
[Reply]
Helene Elliot said on her blog that the Kings and Doughty are nowhere close to a contract. Hmm…
[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@Hockeysureshot,
Yikes. Ok DD had a crappy season, I hope he doesn’t become gritty and values way more than his worth
Go Kings Go
[Reply]
pesus Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@Hockeysureshot,
Dennis Bernstein via twitter said they r close. 5.7 for 5 years. who knows?
[Reply]
Are there any LW’s available via trade?
[Reply]
What happened to our 4th round pick? Instead we get a 7th…I’m glad this is over, but I think we totally should have gotten way more value.
[Reply]
Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@Zon27, We’re lucky we didn’t have to give them a draft pick to take him off our hands!
[Reply]
@#1faninvegas, I don’t care for him because he’s a poser when it comes to being a natural enforcer. To him it’s some sort of an acting role or gimmick. McSorley is my definition of a true enforcer and the standard I judge all others by. Same thing goes with Schultz. I’m not saying I want this guy Fisher. What I’m saying is get rid of both guys.
[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Miller29,
What are you talking about again. I am kinda on the lost phase. I have discussed many topics, and I am lost. LOL!
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Miller29 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@#1faninvegas, You asked why don’t some people care for Westgarth
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@Miller29,
OK, it was a bit away from topic that is why I asked… I am in disagreeance with people who dont like Westy. I was impressed with Westy, when he was at his first frozen fury, (whatever game that was), but he thought team, he scrapped, pointed at the Kings, and than clapped his hands on the way to the box. That to me showed he was a team first guy. Liked him ever sense…
bye Smyth GL in Oliers and Hope for the best for u.Now Dean can worry about a free agents now
Good job Dean
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Has Brad Marchand been signed/resigned? I think he’s a UFA…
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BobKnob Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
@InTheCrease,
It looks like he’s an RFA.
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Just so everyone is aware, I looked at the UFA in the LW position and there are not a lot of star caliber LW out there in that market, so we may have to look at a trade! I am wondering, what are all of your top five UFA LWs out there?
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Is that $16 mil in cap space without Doughty current contract that he has now?.. But isn’t he on the books now that he’s in his last year of his contract?
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Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@kfan, No, DD is out of contract for next season… He was making over 3 mil, but will get a hefty raise
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@kfan, Correct, the Kings have 16m in cap space and need to sign Doughty, Martinez, Richardson, Lewis, a left winger for the 1st or 2nd line, and will also need to use some of that to pay Loktionov or whoever else they decide to bring up to top off the 23 man roster…all in my humble opinion of course.
Historically, the Kings like to keep 1 extra forward and 2 extra D-men, so we’ll see what they do. I dont see them bringing Harrold back.
Lets say doughty gets at most 6m, martinez gets 1m, Richardson gets 1.5m and lewis gets 1m, and a young guy come up making about 8k, that would leave around 5.7 to sign a LWer but i doubt they would spend it all, i would guess they would look for a guy in the 3 to 3.5m range to leave at least a little bit of wiggle room.
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tim chaney Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@Sebastian, sign gagne and jokinen, move parse while you can for a 3rd if possible. i dont believe in parse…
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Will there be any interviews or statements by Mr Smyth or Simmonds?
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A 7th round draft pick for Smyth? Really. He’s worth more than that.
Couldn’t we have gotten a higher draft pick, like next year’s #2, with or without Fraser?
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OK people here are some things that you need to realize. 1, DL will not submit ANY offer sheets (this means no Simmonds). 2, Philly WILL resign Leino. 3, Although i’m sure the Manchester boys will get looks this team is ready now. If we had so many viable winger options in our system you would have seen them late last year when this team was desperate for help. I think it’s obvious that Doughty is priority #1. Then it’s hold on for a free agent frenzy that will hopefully produce a top 6 LW and maybe bottom 3 help. The time is finally NOW!
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Hit 'em Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
OK people here are some things that you need to realize. 1, DL will not submit ANY offer sheets (this means no Simmonds). 2, Philly WILL resign Leino. 3, Although i’m sure the Manchester boys will get looks this team is ready now. If we had so many viable winger options in our system you would have seen them late last year when this team was desperate for help. I think it’s obvious that Doughty is priority #1. Then it’s hold on for a free agent frenzy that will hopefully produce a top 6 LW and maybe bottom 3 help. The time is finally NOW!
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as much as respect Ryan Smyth, he pulled a major dick move and put DL in a terrible spot.
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Miller29 Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@brymaster1, I tend to agree here. For one year he could have sent the wife and kids back home and finished his obligation here. He’d be gone most of the season anyway playing hockey and then he could have made a permanent move after this season. Wonder if this will set precedence with other players here now or on the future.
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#1faninvegas Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@brymaster1,
From my understanding someone is Ryan Smyths family is dying, and he wanted to go home to be with them on his/her last living days/months. Ryan Smyth didn’t do a dick move, he did what was right too him.
Another note, for those that thought the Kings organization leaked the Ryan Smyth info, I am going to have to say false. Before Rich Hammond had a chance to breathe to type the trade, and Rich is pretty quick, the Edmonton Oilers web-site had it posted. I was on Hammonds blog this morning, and it was still on Schenn, went to Oilers site to see Brules’ info and the Ryan Smyth acquition was posted. I opened another page, and nothing on here yet. Edmonton posted it so fast, they did even have the story written. So, I strongly believe EDM leaked it out, to get some good PR with the fans!
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@ Kings win,Ducks lose : …. Thank you for your reply
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Yay Rich. At the next suite evening I’m sure the guys will award you with a special gift…. and somewhere on it there will be written Smyth’s number. (I can’t remember what no that is)
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THAT guy is 26?! Look at that mug. He’s really put the mileage on in just 26 years.
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Although Smyth and even Handzus were contributors to the Kings, their lack of speed became very apparent throughout the season and specially in the playoffs. They are both great guys to throw in front of the net on the PP to get tips and rebounds but they really had a hard time keeping up with the younger guys on their lines. I think Smyth can be easily replaced by a younger faster and cheaper player and I hoppe Lombardi can find such a player and bring him in. Zeus will be missed, specially on the PK but I’ll take M. Richards any day. The Kings will be a pretty exciting team to watch with 2 very tough and skilled offensive lines. I think the only question going into the season will be that Penner guy, I hope he surprises us all and scores 30 goals.
Cant wait till Frozen Fury!
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