First, for those who might have been out enjoying the Southern California weather over the weekend, you can catch up on what the Kings did at the NHL draft by reading by LAKings.com story, available by clicking here.
Second, in case it wasn’t clear before, they really, really like Ryan Smyth in Edmonton. Like, a lot. As in, I’m only a little surprised there weren’t fireworks in the street. So, good for him and good for them and, assuming the Kings can find a suitable replacement (and possibly even an upgrade), it could end up being a deal that makes everyone happy. To see how the Edmonton media covered the trade story, here’s a sampling, with a couple stories on the trade itself followed by a couple stories about newest Kings forward Colin Fraser.
Oilers trade for Smyth (Edmonton Journal)
Smyth repatriated with Oilers (Edmonton Sun)
Fraser hits road after brief stay with Oilers (Edmonton Journal)
This blog is just as good in baseball season as it is in hockey season. Nice work Rich!
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PK Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@Belexes, the Hammer has been very animated lately.
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Matt George Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
@PK,
Food for thought:
Would Ryan Smyth have left if he truly believed The Kings were capable of winning the cup?
I don’t know the answer to that but I thought it’s worth pondering.
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I loved Smyth and hated him when we played him. He is a class act and I for one wish him well and will miss him. I also find it funny to see so many people blasting him here. Some of you were calling on DL to dump him because he was “Too Slow” or because he was paid too much for his lack of production. Well it looks like Smyth was reading this blog and granted your wish… Be careful what you wish for, it just may come true…
Good Luck Ryan…
GKG
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bbb7 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:57 am
@KingzzFan, I am glad he got his wish and I’m also glad he’s gone )even tho I admire the heck out of the guy), cause he just cant stand up to a full schedule and offer much anymore. He battles, but the body just cant do it anymore.
One of our biggest problems last season was matching with speed and Smyth and Handzus were the two main anchors there… we just need to find a winger who can score 20 goals and has some years left and we’re set. Everyone wins.. which WAS my wish.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:22 am
I’m perplexed by this attitude that often gets expressed that everyone who disagrees with someone is somehow a hive mind, and agrees on everything. Clearly, there’s a range of opinions on this, and everything else. Some thought Ryan was slow. Some thought 6.5M was too much to spend. Some think he handled expressing his desire to be traded poorly.
I didn’t appreciate the manner in which he left, but I was pleased to have him over the last two seasons. I also look forward to Lombardi having a chance to add youth and speed to the lineup, with the huge chunk of cap space he’s acquired by granting Ryan his wish, even though he’d have been happy having him play out his contract.
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KingzzFan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, The mannor in which he left? To go to the coach and ask to be traded because of personal issues? His family wasnt happy here and when the family isnt happy the player isnt happy. I love the fact that he did come to management and discussed it, then when approached by the media he denied it. How better could it have been handled by the player. And I’m not bashing anybody who is dissagreeing with anybody. I just find the humor in the fact that the same people who wanted Smyth gone ar the ones bashing him now because he is gone, they got what they wanted but still find the need to place blame… Some people will never be satisfied.
GKG
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HockeyOnly Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@KingzzFan, Amen to that.
Puckn-A Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@KingzzFan, Kinda like the people that bash Jack Johnson for his plus minus then beg for Brad Richards and his career -72 plus minus?
Colin Fraser – “But I’m looking at this as a fresh start and hopefully things go well for me in Los Angeles.”
So….who thinks he actually plays a game with the Kings?
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puck73 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@luuc, I look at it this way, if he somehow makes the 23 man roster then he will have earned it because lets face it, he is going to have alot of competition at training camp compared to Edmonton. Dont believe me ? Just ask 25 year old Johan Fransson who many on this site thought was a shoe in to make it, and he was eaten alive by our junior and AHL prospects !
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huh huh (Butthead Laugh) Stupid Canadiens
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yada yada yada… SIGN DOUGHTY NOWWWW!!!!
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Dan SanDonkey Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@Jordan, Not for 6 million a year
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CB14 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@Dan SanDonkey, If it’s a long term deal, like 6-8 years, then I’m fine with giving DD a 6 million a year cap hit. Just not if it’s a 2 year deal.
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Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@Dan SanDonkey, Do you have a legitimate reason why not? or are you just saying that because you feel that’s too expensive? Something along the lines of feeling the force, and letting the actual number flow through you?
DD would be worth 6 million, easy. If DL can use his drop in production to negotiate a lower price, then that would be a real accomplishment. The negotiations will probably begin somewhere around there, if not higher. Hopefully drop to around 5.5, but could go over 6 easily, because of Meehan and Morris (who are proffesionals at what they do too).
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Garrett Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@Dominick, He’s not worth 6M yet. He hasn’t proven anything. If we sign him for 8 years at 6M, we’ve got a 50 50 shot of regretting it, big time.
On the other hand, if he wants that much coin, I KNOW we can get a person in trade who has proven they are worth the investment.
4.5M max and I’d like to see 4M.
Dominick Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@Garret,
It’s better than 50 50, but we’ll see.
LA isn’t a terrible place to raise kids. I think I turned out alright….
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Kaiser Soze Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@Choralone, I agree. I mean we have what, another 10 years before the next riots are supposed to start??
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Kaiser Soze, hahaha, that or an earthquake
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Darrell Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@Kaiser Soze, Well, we know there will be another riot in Vancouver next year.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:26 am
The complaints about the schools, in the US in general, are merited.
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snbrdsummit Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Yes… Yes they are unfortunately. According to an engineer friend of mine who recruits for his company in El Segundo, his last 3 recruits were all foreigners who blew away our local “talent”.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@Choralone, Im born and raised in LA and its great place to live and raise kids, especially in the beach cities (redondo, hermosa, manhattan) which is were his kids would be going to school. I dont buy the kids in school thing as being a deciding factor just that the guy is home sick and needed another reason to throw out there instead of i want to go back to canada because LA is not a place i want to be.I dont mind the trade by any means but it does take away a top 6 LW with proven 20 goal ptential. Im hoping DL can pick up someone in FA to replace him.
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Mikey Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Choralone, I can see why Smythers and his family would want to leave.. LA isn’t the sweetest place in the world. Very superficial place. But there is always contrast where one extreme exists. He just didn’t see it in us fans?
LA is a different way of life.
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Donald_S Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
@Mikey,
Mikey, I’ll be very surprised if you were born here. The ‘superficial’ life you refer to is usually from transplants. Now there are a lot of transplants in LA. But the people I went to high school with are just the same kind of nice, down to earth people you meet anywhere. My best friend has never driven a car. Has lived in the same neighborhood his whole life. But people come here from elsewhere, and know that their behavior won’t get back to Mom in Nebraska, and often they act like fools because of it.
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Mikey Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@Donald_S, I was born in LA. I didn’t say every single living soul is superficial.. i too grew up with down to earth people.. water seeks its own level type of thing.
I see it on a daily basis in my line of work (film industry). And its not only the people with the transplants. Of course, when you get to know someone, they put their walls down and expose them selves. LA has as much depth as the Vegas nightlife does. Which is very, very skin deep.
You’re opinion was gathered by your experiences in LA. So was mine.
Mikey Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@Donald_S, Also see “there is contrast where one extreme exists”. That means there are non-superficial people here as well.
KingzzFan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@Choralone, Let’s face it, it’s a culture shock, a different way of life. From where he came from then even Colorado, LA is an over crouded Jungle and for those used to a slower way of life, this is not the place for them…
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Has anyone seen any type of reaction from Simmonds on this trade? I haven’t seen a single comment from him so far…
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Kaiser Soze Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@DieHard 66, I think Rich had a link, or maybe it was espn.com. Anyway, it was from a Philly paper and Simmonds was saying he was glad to be part of the tradition in Philly, blah, blah, blah. About what you’d expect him to say.
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puck73 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:27 am
@Kaiser Soze, Tell ya what, he better perform because the media and fans in Philly are brutal compared to here. Hell, they will be ripping him from the stands if they think he isnt giving 100%.
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DLB Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@puck73, They even rip you even when you are. It’s crazy over there.
Kaiser Soze Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:31 am
@DieHard 66, I may have my “reactions” mixed up. I’m pretty sure it was Schenn’s comments I was thinking about, not Simmonds. My bad.
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Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@Kaiser Soze, http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/06/25/schenn-talks-about-trade-to-flyers/#comments
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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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Cant wait till friday
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this trade allows the kings to drop penner to a 2 and go after a solid 1st line winger. there’s plently of great free agents out there. When asked where brad richards would end up the NHL Network analysts had nothing to say about him coming to l.a. seems to be either new york, bullafo or tampa bay for him. that being said, Simon Gagne is still out there, Jussi Jokinen is out still there, i think worst case scenario we end up with brooks laich. as far as simmonds spot, scottie upshall would be a shoe in for that spot.
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Let’s see, maybe he can beat out Kopi for the 1st line center spot, uh, no. Ok, then he could go for the 2nd line center spot against Richards, uh, no. I got it, he is a shoe in to beat Stoll out for the 3rd line center spot, uh no. Well, there is always the 4th line spot and he should be able to knock out Lokti since he scored 1 more goal in 67 games than Lokti scored in about 12 , uh, wait a minute, no. Unfortuantely for Fraser, he either learns to shoot left handed from the left wing spot or he is going to make the team. Too bad since he sounds like a good person.
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@DesertKing, why would he have to shoot left to play the left wing? do you know you alex ovechkin is?.. is called playing on your off wing, and it usually equates to having a better angle on the goaltender (you can shoot far side or short side from the wing rather than just short side). he may very well get that 4th center spot, dean is looking to balance the team, make the top 2 lines offensive and the bottom 2 more defensive. im a huggggggeeee lokti fan but who knows if he’ll be what they’re going for. from my view, we just acquired the captain of the flyers, anything can happen.
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DesertKing Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@jonjon,
He doesn’t have too, I was just being sarcastic about the kid’s chances of making the team. I am sure that he is not feeling very positive right now. Our defense is fine through all of the lines, but we need speed and creativity on offense. Lokti brings that when he is healthy. With the loss of his father and the other personal issues behind him now, he can concentrate on his game and I expect him to be very much improved.DL knows that he needs scoring right now from all of the lines, and 3 goals and 2 assists in 67 games from someone who was a throw-in so Captain Canada can go home isn’t what DL is going to bank on.
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@DesertKing, haha i felt you were being sarcastic right after i posted. after the mike richards deal dean has said he wants to balance the team out more, less worrying about getting scoring from all lines and more letting the top two lines focus on scoring and the bottom two focus on energy and defense (while still putting the puck in the net here and there). obviously he wasnt banking on anything, smyth leaving wasnt in his plans but if dean wants to balance the team, fraser might, keyword might, fill that bottom 6 role. you’ve also got to think a big concern was when loktionov was here no one could really keep up with him and finish the plays lokti was making, yeah he was doing good on the pp but will lewis and richie be able to finish those plays? this is the confusing thing about him, at this point in time theres no clear cut place for him on this team.
John Strachan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@DesertKing,
Actually, playing defense, handedness does make a difference because of positioning along the boards and trying to clear the zone on the forehand. That is, unless of course, he turns into Ovechkin ;-p
now we have bunch of injured players who need a lot of rehab. They can’t be 100% at the begining. We are gonna have difficult First few months.
Fraser five points and 60 penalty minutes in 67 games and cracked foot. DL will not buy out his contract. I don’t understand what we got in return for a good player.
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Luke M Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:43 am
@DrA, Cap space
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@Luke M,
Which is an invaluable asset.
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@DrA, we got money…cap space. the trade was to free up room to sign someone else, it wasnt to replace Smyth with a player as good or better. The Flyers didnt make the 2 trades they made to get better players, they made them to get cap space. thats what its all about.
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Sign Jokinen to replace Smyth. He’ll also help in the SO, where we already dominate.
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@Jonesy, Jokinen is still under contract with the Flames for one more season. If the Kings were interested they would have to trade for him, or wait a year. this is assuming youre talking about Olli, not Jussi.
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Choralone Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:12 am
@Sebastian, He’s talking about Jussi…
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@Choralone, haha, my bad. that would make sense for the Kings. hes had a good couple years in Carolina.
Puckn-A Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@Choralone, He also holds the record for consecutive shoot out shots made, imagine him & Stoll in the Shootout?????
Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@Jonesy, Stoll needs 2 strait to pass him. If there on the same team, Stoll will never get the record. Jussi will probably be yelling from the bench “HEEEEEYYYYY BATTA BATTAAAAA…………SWING!.
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Puckn-A Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@Dominick, LOL!
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Puckn-A Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@Dominick, Or ” Hey who put that banana peel on the ice”?
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Brad Richards, I didnt really like the idea of possibly still going after him come july first because he is a centerman and we already have three quality centers and wee would need B Richards to play more than third line minutes and need Stoll to play more than fourth line minutes. but then i got to thinking what if we just rolled three centers and moved Stoll to the wing but still used him at center on the penalty kill and in other situations when we needed. Kopitar and both Richards would get adequate ice time and it would allow our team to be a lot more versatile in the style of hockey that we play. It would also allow us to dress a seventh defenseman (martinez) who can play both foward and defense so if an injury occurs or we need another man we have him.
Stoll———-Williams
——Kopitar———-
Penner———–Brown
——B Richards——-
Parse———-Clifford
——M Richards——
Richardson——-Lewis
Doughty-Scuderi
Johnson-Mitchell
Greene-Martinez
Voynov
Quick
Bernier
This would also help build the team chemistry, and make it a lot harder for teams to to match up lines the way they want to against us because there would be so many different line combinations. It would also help evenly distribute the scoring among the forwards because every line would always be going out with a number one center and all three are great playmakers and scorers
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Blake Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@Mike P, I hear B Richards can play wing, i don’t think the 3 centers has every really been used in the nhl for an extended period of time but if it were to happen those 3 would be more then capable.
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@Mike P, Im starting to feel like debbie downer here. as much as i would love to have a player of Brad Richards caliber on the Kings, it is nearly impossible based on the NHL Salary Cap. Do the math and see how much money the kings actually have to spend, and how much B Richards costs.
This is like having 15,000 to spend on a car, and wanting to buy a new Mercedes Benz. good luck with that. (lets assume you have terrible credit and nobody wants to let you borrow money) haha.
Do you think Lombardi would take a chance to be completely capped out? like saaay…the Devils last year where they could not even ice a full roster for a game due to injuries and suspensions?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Cap-strapped-Devils-will-ice-9-forwards-vs-Peng?urn=nhl-276155
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@Sebastian, i agree, dean isnt the type of GM to go out and load up the cap (i.e. 2010 blackhawks). the free agent market seems to be pretty deep this year and should tend to the kings needs well.
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LuckyNumber20 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@jonjon, New Jersey went out last year and loaded up to the cap, that worked out for them. But seriously no Brad Ricards please.
Mike P Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@Sebastian, the kings have 16 million in cap space this would take some work but the kings might be able to do it with 1 to 2 million to spare,
capgeek.com
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@Mike P, kings still have to get the doughty deal done, probably like 6 mil, so down to 10. then richards wants around 7.8 to 8.5 million down to 1.5 or 2, would you take a risk with only 2 million to sign a free agent to replace simmonds? i mean we had to spend 3 mill on ponikarovski. so 1 to 2 million to spare is too close for comfort. not to mention a bunch of people need to be resigned after this year.
Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Mike P, that 16 million is deceptive…here is how i see the Kings 23 man roster shaping up, and im only guessing on what the RFA’s would sign for…
1 Kopitar (#1C) 6.8
2 Penner (#1LW) 4.25
3 Williams (#1RW) 3.65
4. M. Richards (#2C) 5.75
5. Brown (#2RW) 3.175
6. Stoll (#3C) 3.6
7. Clifford (#3LW) 0.87
8. Richardson (#3RW) 1.5??
9. Parse (#4RW) 0.9
10 Lewis (#4C) 1??
11 Westgarth (#4RW) 0.525
12 __________ (#2 LW) ____
13 Loktionov (#13 FWD) 0.816
14 Doughty (#1D) 5 to 6?
15 Mitchell (#1D) 3.5
16 Johnson (#2D) 4.35
17 Scuderi (#2D) 3.4
18 Greene (#3D) 2.95
19 Martinez (#3D) 1??
20 Drewiske (7th Dman) 0.6
21 ________(8th Dman) 0.8?
22 Quick 1.8
23 Bernier 1.25
That would add up to 58.5 leaving only 5.8 in cap space to sign that #2 LWer
jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@Mike P, if brad richards came to the kings he wouldnt be playing center. b richards is big for the kings because he used to play LW. so we would get a high skilled winger for kopitar who could play center when needed. he probably would add to kopitar’s goal totals as well, dont forget kopi knows how to put the puck in the net too. so if we got a set up man instead of a scorer for him it wouldnt be half bad. theres already a lot of chemistry throughout the lines, thats part of the kings depth, but i dont think teams like to switch the lines a lot. think about it, if your lines are secure in who theyre playing with you can roll 4 lines giving every one more ice time, getting everyone more involved, and keeping everyones legs fresh.
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Mike P Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@jonjon, the kings third and fourth lines arent that strong but with kopi or either richards playing with them they would do a lot better. brad richards wants to be a number one center he would have no interest in playing the wing he played left wing when he was breaking into the league. if lombardi told him he would play wing he would sign with new york right away. and this would allow all three of these centers to play first line time which all three want, especially Brad he wants and deserves a big role
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
@Mike P, why would you ever put 4th line players with richards and kopitar on a consistent basis? yeah they’ll help them but thats not their place. and you cant have guys switching out for the top center spot it becomes a distraction, doesnt matter what the players want this is a professional sport. what your suggesting isnt professional at all. im sure evgeni malkin wants to be the number 1 center in pittsburg but thats not the way it falls together. you dont see crosby or malkin or stall or talbot out there with the 4th line even though theyre all phenominal centers..
kings fourth line isnt physically strong but their positioning skills defensively are good enough to allow them to bring energy without the phisicallity. example of that, trevor lewis was probably our best penalty killer and he was confident about it too.
im not saying richards will sign here i actually hope we move on but if he did come here he wouldnt be playing above kopitar, dean is too high on kopi and all im saying is now that we have mike richards the only place for brad would be left wing.
and the kings third line isnt strong? they were our best line in the playoffs. clifford overshadowed simmonds during reg season and stoll is going to center that line now so how exactly are they not strong?
jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@Mike P, well you do see talbot with the 4th line but thats his place haha
I like Smyth, he is a great guy. So he didnt want to be in LA anymore, Lombardi didnt HAVE to trade him, he could have kept him, but traded him because he felt it was beneficial to the hockey club. Had Smyth’s cap hit been more reasonable, say 3 to 4m, I would bet Lombardi wold have told him to stick it out 1 more year. Anyway, best of luck to #94, I really enjoy his old school approach to the game, from his wood stick blade and old school blue undershirt, to his helmet less warm ups. He was always the last guy off the ice after the pre-game warm ups and always tossed a bunch of pucks over the glass to the fans. great guy. maybe he never forgave jack for almost killing him.
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Should we expect a Mike Richards press confernce this week to ‘introduce’ him to Los Angeles?
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BigSeeGas Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@Cup B4 I Die, im getting my richards jersey this week! lol hey love the name by the way “Cup B4 I Die” too bad it wont fit on my license plate!
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Cup B4 I Die Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@BigSeeGas,
Well, i’m 34 years old….fingers crossed I’ll get my wish soon.
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wideleft Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, I’m 51 and had that same wish 18 years ago. Here’s hoping your wish comes true before you turn 51. BTW had that wish for the last 40 years. There is hope though, moreso than say 4 years ago.
Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@BigSeeGas, Try”CPB4IDY”
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Cup B4 I Die Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
@Dominick,
Maybe i’ll start cupB4IDie.com. It will be a place where all disgruntled hockey fans, of teams that have never won the cup, can go and exchange sob stories. Fans of the Kings, Canucks, Blues, Sharks, Jets/Thrashers, Yotes, Blue Jackets, Sabres, Caps, Panthers, Preds, and Wild.
Wow..until I thought about it, never realized how many teams have never won it all. Kings, Blues and Canucks having the longest droughts and the most to bitch about.
see ya later “Lyin” Ryan.
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i hope we do some damage in this season and do damage in the playoffs
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Everyone needs to stop talking about Brad Richards. He isn’t coming here. Before the Mike Richards deal it was unlikely, but I still thought the Kings would make a play for him. Now that they landed Mike, I don’t even foresee the Kings making Brad an offer. He would cost too much, and Dean Lombardi himself has already stated he is looking more for “mid-level” additions. That’s where the focus needs to be for you guys. The Upshalls, Jokinens, and Laichs are the type the Kings will target, while locking up Doughty long term.
Dean is nothing if not consistent in being open and honest in his interviews, and when he says “mid-level”, he isn’t talking about Brad Richards. Let’s be realistic folks. Even a couple additions like the three mentioned would make this a serious contender…
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@klong, Thank you!
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DesertKing Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@klong,
Makes sense.
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Scot Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@klong,
You are correct, sir.
Even if we had 20 million in available cap space, I don’t think Brad Richards would choose to come here. He is going back East somewhere.
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Puckn-A Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
@klong, We got the better and younger Richards anyway, Brad will be waaaaayyyyy over priced and has a horrendous career plus minus, so the JMFJ haters will just explode lol!
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Any idea why Fraser is worth a 800K cap hit? Obvioulsy everyone thinks he’s more valuable than Brule since the draft pick involved went from a 4th (potentially useful) to a 7th (basically marginal value) with the switch.
But, aren’t our existing depth forwards just as talented? How much of a cap hit would a buyout be? Since Fraser is a little older than Brule would Fraser’s cap hit be a larger percentage of his salary than Brule’s would have been?
In any case, what does Fraser bring that couldn’t have been picked up off the waiver wire, etc.
Can anyone enlighten me?
Thanks to All
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:21 am
@Weasel, all fraser brings is much needed capspace to sign free agents and another guy competeing for the 4th center spot. 800k isnt a terrible cap hit and it was inevitable because of smyth requesting to go home. the pick switch was probably the oilers being babies. they wanted to unload 1.8 mil off their cap by giving us brule, which is fine we would have bought him out(cost around the price fraser is) but he was injured so the trade didnt go through. so they only got to unload 800k and probably decided to only give us a 7th round pick because of it.
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@Weasel, pretty sure the reason why the draft pick went from a 4th to 7th is because Fraser makes a mil less than Brule, therefore not as big a cap relief to Edmonton, so we get a crappier draft pick instead. Make no mistake, Brule is a lot better than Fraser.
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Weasel Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@KingsFanInPortland,
Thanks (also thanks to jonjon) — so, since Edmonton had no place for him why do we think he could compete for a roster spot at all? Wouldn’t a buyout give us a little more space to get someone more valuable? Or would the buyout give us virtually no additional space?
Thanks Again
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@Weasel, well EDM is trying to get as many young players on the ice as possible, i mean they were talking about getting rid of sam gange earlier(crazy), and they just added nugent-hopkins. they’re overflowing with centers. just heard on nhl network they may buy him out eventually so we’ll see but i dont see much cap space coming from it. i honestly dont care, free agency easily seems to be our answer to the LW spot we need. im more concerened that we get a 3rd liner to replace simmer. im really hoping we sign scottie upshall, id love to see him on the 3rd line in a kings jersey.
I understand not wanting to raise kids here and wanting to go back to where you are from. He always seemed like a nice guy and a good competitor, so best of luck to him.
That being said, I am thrilled that I don’t have to watch him skate about 10x slower than everyone else on the ice anymore. Kopitar looks like Usain Bolt next to Smyth.
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Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@Katy Perry, or Yevgeny Romanovich Grishin.
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It’s good to let the oilers have this one. With hall eberle and MPS coming up in two years there will be some movement. We could be on the other side of that movement.
DL also wants again looks like he is willing to do what is best for his players if he can. This will attract more Ryan smyths.
It is a win win win
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39scars Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@39scars, Once again
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Does anyone think we can go after some RFA like parise (dream come true not sure how though) or what about someone like Blake Wheeler? i also remember the TJ Oshie rumors out there…
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I know this has been said before, but we should really focus on signing the guys we plan on keeping FIRST.. then worry about filling out the team..Doughty..Richie…etc etc
Just a thought
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So I was going through some of the numbers now with the loss of Ryan Smyth. With his departure, we have lost 23 goals. We also lost Simmonds-14g, and probably Zeus-12g, and Poni-5g. That’s a total loss of 54 goals. Mike Richards brings us 23g, and Fraser had 3g, bringing us a total of 26g. -54 + 26= -28. So, we are essentially looking at a team right now that is almost 30 goals behind where we were last year. I like the addition of Richards, but for a team who’s problem was scoring, DL still has quite a lot of making up to do to offset the loss of Smyth and the others. Hope he has a couple more important moves up his sleeve.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@PP Anybody?, i wouldnt go as far as to say that Zues and Poni wont be here next year. It is a possibility that we sign one if not both to one year minimal cap hit contracts. They both might be gone but i wouldnt be conjuring up scenarios as if they are for sure not going to be wearing Kings jerseys next year. Zues is a solid vet and one of the best defensive centers out there and is a monster on the PK.
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, the kings are really deep at the center position now, Zeus is gone. Poni proved he was not worth 3m but will probably ask for at least that, and will only get it in the KHL.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Sebastian, Im still not so sure. Im gonna go out on a Limb here and say i think we see Zues again next year. I really cant explain why i think that its just a gut feeling i guess. Maybe because I really like Zues and would hate to see him on another team, especially one we might have to play against.
puddle Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@PP Anybody?, Well, SOMEONE is going to fill those spots. It’s not really fair to say that we’re -28, even if you’re technically right.
First, I don’t think Fraser makes the team. We’ve got enough centers as it is. So we’re replacing Ryan Smyth, Simmonds, Zeus, and Poni with LW2, RW3, C3, and RW4.
C3 is now Stoll and he had 20 goals. C2 was Stoll and now is Richards who had 26 goals. If Zues had 12, right now, by my calculation, we’re up 14. (C2)(26-20)+(C3)(20-12)) = +14
LW2 was Smyth with 23 goals. Let’s assume the Kings don’t sign anyone else for that slot (even though I think they do) and they just let Parse take a crack at it. I think Parse can score 20. So let’s say we’ve got a -3 there, even though I think Parse might be the overall better player at this point in their respective careers. 20-23 = -3
RW3 is Simmonds who had 14. Assuming the Kings don’t sign anyone else for that slot (even though I think they might), let’s say they slot Richardson into that role (he can play wing too, if I recall). He probably scores 12 goals or so (he scored 7 in limited playing time last year). So that’s a -2. 12-14 = -2
LW4 is probably going to be Bud Holloway or someone like that. I’m guessing he can score at least 5 goals. Let’s call it a draw. 5-5 = 0.
So we’re left with 14-3-2+0 = 9. We’re already up 9, and that’s without the Kings having replaced anyone with one of the “midlevel” guys DL has said he’s pursuing, like a Brooks Laich or Simon Gagne. I think the Kings are in great shape and they’re not even done yet.
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Kaiser Soze Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@puddle, Don’t forget about Clifford. He got a taste of scoring goals in the playoffs and methinks he liked it. I’d bet Clifford gets 12 – 15 this season.
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@Kaiser Soze, YES!!! i think he will have a breakout year in scoring. Clifford is the man.
Shotongoal Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@PP Anybody?, you can play with numbers all you want, but the bottom line is this trade makes the Kings a stronger more competetive and playoff ready team. Name a team that has two stronger combos of centermen than Kopi and Richards? Teams will NOT be able to load up their checking line(s) against the Kings #1 line only now. That means that the #1 and #2 lines will have more scoring opportunities in each and every game. I agree that DL needs to make another move for a top 6 forward, preferably a left winger, and hopefully freeing up Smyth’s contract for cap space will allow him to make that move. Of course, that means that he needs to find someone who wants to be here for the right amount of money. I think anyone who is thinking B. Richards is wrong, its just not going to happen, and I would hate seeing DL chase him all summer (Kovalchuk?) and lose out on that “mid-level” winger that he has spoken about. There are several respectable players in FA that fit what the Kings need. Also, getting DD signed is a must. Those here who have been calling for DL to trade DD are simply out-of-their-minds!!!
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PP Anybody? Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@Shotongoal, Well, the writing seems to be on the wall that Zeus and Poni won’t be back. I’m guessing they won’t. I said I like the Richards trade, and that definitely sets us up well moving forward. I’m just saying DL has his work cut out for him still. As it stands, we’re still a buck short. Anybody who thinks Parse is going to score 20 goals this year, well, I’m not holding my breath, and I wouldn’t bank my team on it. Richardson hasn’t really been given a chance to cut loose in two years, and I don’t see him getting any more ice time or free reign to wheel and deal this year under Murray, so I’m not counting on him to pot 12 to 15 goals either. I just don’t see it. So, I’m just hoping that we do pull off another signing or trade to bolster our forwards to have a completely solid line up. Just sayin’.
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Shotongoal Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@PP Anybody?, there’s no reason to need or want Zeus or Poni back, nothing against them but its time to move on and fill their roster spots with younger players or better players via trade or FA. Not to be negative but I don’t see Parse scoring 20 goals in his NHL CAREER!! DL has got to be NOT done dealing and I don’t think he is, as long as teams and/or FA’s are willing to “play.”
JackKent Cooke Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@Shotongoal,
Which ever Kings are Richard’s wings will likely score more goals than last year. Power play production is likely to improve. Richards plus/minus may improve upon that of the center he ends up replacing. Plus, on ocassion, TM may actually smile
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Shotongoal Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@JackKent Cooke, that’s what I’m saying when I say that the Kings top 2 centers match up with any other teams, so it makes sense that they will be more productive. But, with that said unless one of the prospects blossoms during camp and becomes a scorer than expected, the Kings absolutely need another top 6 forward next season.
Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@PP Anybody?, So what your really saying is that the #2 left winger and #3 right winger that we get from the freed up capspace has to equal 28 goals or higher to match what we lost? Assuming that last seasons totals, hold true to next seasons.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
@Dominick, What I’m saying is that when you look at the breakdown, it’s kinda scary that it looks like we’ll still need to make up around thirty goals, so yeah, we DEFINITELY need that 2nd and 3rd winger still. Just don’t see it happening from within at this point, so I hope DL keeps shoppin’.
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Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
@PP Anybody?, I agree. Those players will have to come from outside the organization (or at the very least the #2 left winger). Hopefully DL gets some good return from the currancy he recieved by trading Smyth. I figure about 3 to 4 mill for a #2, and 1 to 1.5 for a #3. Sound about right?
Forget Richards, lets go after Zach Parise! I know Deano has what it takes to aquire him. Give NJ Bernier (who i would like to keep but lets be honest, NJ is going to want someone good in return), Voynov, and a 1st and 3rd 2012 draft pick
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DesertKing Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@kingme81,
I love Parise too and have campaigned for DL to go and get him, but with the trade for Richards and the need to resign Doughty, we can’t afford Parise at this time. He is a RFA, so the only way to get him would be to trade for him and since we can’t aford to sign him right now at the end of the year, I don’t see DL doing that. Additionally, when you look at the schedule, I believe we something like 12-14 back-to-back games, many with some long travel involved. Bernier is really going to be needed this year, more so than last year. I would recommend that we get the lower cost LW we can afford now, maybe even on a 1 year deal. If that new player and/or Penner doesn’t work out and we do not resign them, we can use their cap space to go after Parise who will be a UFA after next season and hopefully the Devils can’t afford to bring him back.
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puddle Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@DesertKing, I agree with this approach. Although I wouldn’t mind them signing a guy like Laich to a longer (i.e. 4-5 year) contract.
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
@puddle, i disagree, the caps changed their game to basically the exact same system the kings have and Laich’s numbers dropped, he had a hard time fitting into the defensive system.
Im really hoping we sign Brooks laich in FA. the guy has the size that TM and the kings look for and is a proven contributor on the offensive side of things. He can play C and both wings if im correct and would be good depth at any forward position if injuries occur. He also has been said to be one of the caps leaders and plays all situations (PP, PK ect.) His #’s dipped alittle when the caps adopted a more defensive system but i think even with our system as it is he can still pot 20 goals and become a great two way player for us. Jokinen and Upshall would be a welcomed addition as well but my preference would be Laich for sure.
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LuckyNumber20 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Last year in Wsh he had carrer lows while being in their new defensive system. Just saying…
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@LuckyNumber20, True! they were carrer lows but no slackeer by any means. He did post 48 points (16 goals and 32 assists) which would have been good for 4th on last years Kings team and 1 more than captain canada which is essentially who we are trying to replace. I think given an offseason to adjust more to a defensive system those #’s will be better. Just sayin…..
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puddle Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@LuckyNumber20, A lot of players have numbers that have dipped for several years now. Laich is no exception. Offensive numbers are down across the league and have dipped every year since the initial scoring binge after the lockout. It’s not fair to compare one year’s performance to a previous year’s unless you’re adjusting for the pace and style of the league that year.
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After all of the interviews and learning more about what happened, I have to say I still respect RS as a hockey player, but I have less respect for him as a person.
Chapter closed. Let’s move on.
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@HipCheck, well said
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Quisp (Or anyone else who actually understands this stuff):
I have some questions re the arbitration process. (And, Yes, this does somewhat pertain to Parise.)
I understand that this would be “Club-Elected Arbitration”, which I think means that Parise gets to determine the length of term (either one or two years) of the award. If I am correct, I assume he would want a 1 year term…
In this instance, does Parise have to agree to the arbitration, or can the club take him to arbitration without his agreement or approval?
In the event that either the club or the player is unhappy with the arbitrator’s award, does either (or both) side(s) have the ability to “walk away” from it regardless of the award? (I believe that the walk away is triggered if the award is for more than $1 million or so, but I am unclear of that part of it.)
Given that Parise played so little last year, how does that impact the arbitration? In other words, the award could easily be for less than he made this past season. Is Parise compelled to accept the award, regardless?
I would like some clarification from those who know what they are talking about here. Thanks.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@scvking,
My understanding is that it will be a one year deal that neither side can walk away from. If I’m not mistaken, the player can never walk away from an award; only the team can in a PLAYER electec arbitration. Since this was the Devils doing, they’re bound by the award no matter how high it is.
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Hate to be a negative nancy, but is anyone else as worried as I am that Doughty might not re-sign here due to a large offer by another team come july 1? It seems to me, the longer this goes, the more Drew and his agent want to test the market to see how much he is worth to other clubs.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, I love DD and would want nothing more than to have him as a Kings for the rest of his career. With that said….. If we did lose DD to an offer sheet (which i highly doubt) I dont think we are in trouble when it comes to our blueline and that would create alot of cap space that would allow us to pursue another BIG offensive threat for years to come. As much as i would hate to lose DD it would create positives for us and allow one of our many D prospects to step up and grab a roster spot.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
I don’t think you can just replace Drew Doughty. This guy is elite at 21. He’ll be good for at least another decade. I don’t think the Kings let him go unless its 100M for 10 years.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@FKA PakiFro, I never said you can just replace him, but its not like if we sign DD we are instantly going to be cup winners and if we dont we will never compete for it. He is a great player that is rivaled by few but the loss of DD does not put us in peril by any means. IMO he hasnt earned the elite status either. If he can consistantly post #’s like his norris candidate year then he will have earned that… until then he is just a great offensive D-man with the potential to be elite.
Kaiser Soze Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, I bought my first jersey with a name and number on it last year – #8, Doughty. He’s not going anywhere!!
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Sebastian Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@Kaiser Soze, Well, i bet there were a lot of people in Philly that thought #17 and #18 werent going anywhere.
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@Sebastian, this is a completely different scenario. philly also had claude giroux and danny briere who could easily fill top 2 center roles not to mention JVR and so on.. we cant afford to lose DD and really, where would he go? and why wouldnt he resign? the kings are closer than ever to a real stanley cup push. i think everyone needs to take a breath and just wait till july 1st
Kaiser Soze Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@Sebastian, Thanks for having my back on that – LOL!
Shotongoal Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, they can test it all they want….finding a buyer is another story! Teams are not really willing to chase other teams big name RFA’s, especially after what happened with Penner in EDM. Plus, if a team did offer him HUGE money, the Kings are still so far under the cap they would be able to match, also just trying to find a team that is also so far under the cap would be an issue for DD. Besides, the compensation to sign another teams RFA is also an issue. Just don’t see it happening. Without knowing what’s really going on in these nego’s I wouldn’t be surprised if DD is looking for a shorter # of years, as opposed to wanting more money….IMO
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It’d be nice in theory spending to the cap, but guys like quick, clifford, etc will be due raises in the coming years, plus we will need to sign FA’s next. Year as others come off the books. Don’t be suprised to see one midlevel guy signing at 3 or 4 mil a year, and the rest of the open spots filled with rookies and/or cheap (1-1.5 mil) replacements.
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puddle Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, Yep. That’s how I see it going down as well.
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CB14 Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, Penner, Stoll, and Mitchell are all UFA’s after this year and combined make 11.5 million. There’s your cap space needed to give guys raises. We have guys like Toffoli, Vey, Loktionov, Cliche, Voynov, Hickey, and Muzzin who can take their spots.
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@CB14, given schenn wasnt ready for the nhl jump i dont feel that toffoli, vey, or cliche will be able to fill the holes left by penner or stoll. those are big time minutes.
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Choralone Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@CB14, Theoretically those rookies would be able to step in, but I like having the flexibility just in case.
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tuan jim Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 5:41 am
@CB14,
Which rookie, exactly, is gonna take Mitchell’s place? Or Stoll’s?
Like Jefferson said, when asked if he was replacing Ben Franklin as ambassador to France, “I’m succeeding him. No one can replace him.”
It amazes me how often we undervalue the guys we should most praise, how often we set our sights on some ethereal cereal UFA and are ready to hock everything in the store to get him. In much the same way we exaggerate the progress of some prospect and assume he’ll fit right into the shoes of a steady, consistent, productive professional like Stoll, whom we’re already looking at like he’s a dead man walking.
Frankly, I’d spend some time this year contriving schemes and financial devices to KEEP Stoll, not let him go.
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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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Random question who do you guys think can be this years KFC, and play his way onto the team (im talking from our system)?
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Bill M. Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
@Andrew, I actually have a strange feeling that Kitsyn is going to step into the spot left by Simmer on the right side of the third line. It’s a stretch, but KFC was a stretch last year, right up to the first week of the season when he proceeded to bookend great defensive hockey between his first goal and a dent in brandon segals forehead.
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KC23 Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 1:03 am
@Bill M., Know how things work these days, I’m betting Kitsyn is going to have to earn his dues in Manchester before he moves up.
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Puckn-A Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@Andrew, Maxim Kitsyn, he is so talented that his juniors teammates that were in the Memorial Cup couldn’t even handle his NHL style passes or keep up with his hockey sense, that kid is money in the bank!
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Andrew Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@Puckn-A, HE looked really good in the MC playoffs.. lets hope
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jonjon Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
@Andrew, if we’re promoting from within, given the hole simmer left Kitsyn looks ready for atleast a good chance at the NHL. i agree with puckn-a, his teammates couldnt keep up with him. it was kind of sad watching some of the plays he made go sour because a guy couldnt follow up.
KC23 Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 12:57 am
@Andrew, I’m thinking Holloway to put in Simmonds spot.
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Ok Fans, Bieksa just inked a 4.6 million a year for 5 yrs. So is Dougthy still worth 6 mil to you all. I think we just found more cap space.
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Shotongoal Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@OnTheFly, I for one do think Doughty is worth 6 mil a year. But as I posted a few ago, I think DD may be looking for a shorter term contract and that doesn’t really suit the Kings in the long run…..IMO
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DesertKing Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@OnTheFly,
DD is definitely worth more than Bieksa. i have never heard the words “Bieksa” and “Norris” ini the same sentence, but then again, I don’t get out much
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Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@OnTheFly,
Bieksa is in a totally different ball park. DD’s scoring might be down (slightly), but his corsi, and relative corsi are higher than ever, and are easily comparable to Zdeno Chara, Dan Boyle, Duncan Keith and Shea Weber who typically have GVT seasons around 12-15.
He’s worth more than what Bieksa got, and Bieksa doesn’t set the bench mark for DD’s market.
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5holer Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@Dominick, You are on the right track there, but DD will not be signed for his Scoring Stats at all. Anything you get from him in scoring is strictly fluff on top, because his value is in his Hockey IQ, his laden Talent and skills, plus being a natural attraction for fans all over hockey. He is and probably always will be a “Norris” candidate throughout his career. Bieksa is a different animal altogether, although similar in a few respects. Don’t put Boyle in that conversation with those guys either! And Not Chara because of his physical size! Keith is an advanced JJ, Weber & DD compare well as does Lidstrom! Now if DD would put aside the girls/groupies in the Green Room and get more serious about his game 24/7, then he Will Be a Norris Winner Annually! His choice! Say what you will!
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5holer Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
@OnTheFly, The numbers sound like they are in the 5.3-5.7ML range dependent on term length. Donnie Meehan is not a Mile Long Term Guy with a 21 year old Stud like Dewey! I’d say 5-7 year range with an average Cap number in the 5.5ML range. That is a solid deal for both sides with DD at a tender age in his mid twenties at end of term. No Brinks truck this time around, but a Norris or two later and its get out the money printing machines next time!
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Dominick Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@5holer, Those are my numbers as well. I would absolutely be floored if it was 4 mill like some are talking. Doesn’t seem to be set in fact at all, just based off what they think the Kings should pay for their #1 D. Good job!
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what would we need Dollar wise to get a guy like Brooks Laich
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5holer Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
@ose, He is that “Mid Level Guy” type that DL is on the hunt for IMO! Should be that guy! Forget “Big Bad Brad Boy”, too rich for our blood and not enough in return for the expected price. Let Slats “Blow His Brains Out” Signing Him (per Larry Brooks, NYPost). He will be another Fat Cow in Blue Shirt Land for Glennie Boy! Another waste of MSG Dollars big time. Brad won’t be pursued here IMO. There are a few decent scorers on the UFA list that meet the shopping list of DL…LWs with lefthanded shots. Bid farewell to the other Brad (Richardson) if he wants a big hike in salary too!…Colin Fraser fits that bill and is cheaper Cap Number!…Nice look to the roster so far, with one or two pieces yet to nail down up front. Up the middle is way upgraded now, so its on the wings we go! Fleischman, Laich, Gagne, Higgins? gotta consider speed upgrade too!
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tuan jim Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@5holer,
All these upgrades are scaring me. Speed, yes. Scoring touch, yes. Ability to translate Hebrew, maybe.
But where’s the beef? I mean SIZE.
I hate harping on old themes, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall — on top of smaller guys.
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tuan jim Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
@tuan jim,
P.S. Laich is probably my choice, too.
(But leave us not consign Poni or Zus to the poop chute. There’s still plenty of potassium in those bananas.)
5holer Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@ose, Lastly, I like the 3.5-3.8ML number range for Laich and a helluva buy at that! Old Simon Gagne(30 yrs old! Only!)) would be 5ML+, Fleischman maybe in that “Pony” range (3.0-3.3ML) are my guesses to answer your Q and then some!
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Dominick Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
@ose,
He is probably going to be looking at around 3 to 3.5 mill (total cap hit) for 4 years. That’s being conservative, but that is just a guess. A little streaky, but would be a solid pick up.
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rontheking Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@Dominick,
Tyler Kennedy?
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Dominick Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
@ose,
Well I was wrong. It ended up being 4.5 for 6 years, but I was just guessing on the low end.
@rontheking,
That would make sense, but he’s only had 1 full season, and Pittsburg chose Dupuis (who is older, and scored less) over him. Only thing I question is, why? when they clearly had the choice of one or the other. Kennedy is 24, and Dupuis is 32.
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tuan jim Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@ose,
Gone. Poof!
The Caps re-signed Laich.
Can you imagine those SOBs hooking him up on a six-year extension?
Didn’t they realize that WE were interested in getting him?
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Rich is right…they LOVE “Smitty” up in Edmonton…I’ve been in Edmonton for the past week, just came home this morning…and there was serious written concern up there that the Ryan Smyth issue was overshadowing ‘the other Ryan”… their NUMBER ONE OVERALL PICK…in the Edmonton Sun. And when I left for the airport this morning, drove past a paper stand and the front page of the paper (not the Sports Section, but the PAPER) was a full page photo of “Smitty”. They figure he can train their super-skilled young guns in the ways of heart and guts….and , he DID score more goals than did any Oiler in the most recent campaign. Very few ill words said about Smyth, and the locals were petrified and livid when was mentioned a thought that he might end up with their hated Southern Alberta rivals, the Flames. Perish the thought!
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I read all four articles. Their writing is as cold and dead as the weather.
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tuan jim Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 5:29 am
@Bobby Scribe,
More sex and violence are needed. I tried to provide it on one of the Edmonton blogs but the Minions of Respectability found me out before I could finalize my post. They kicked me out into the night, naked, alone, with their anathema — “Go forth and multiply” (or words to that effect) — throbbing in my ears.
Thank heaven Rich is more tolerant and free-spirited. He even lets me get away with — dare I risk it? — “damn”.
There. I said it.
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Dominick Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@tuan jim, That was Damn funny!
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Anyone notice CHRIS GIBSON (G – 2nd Round) listed ANAHEIM DUCKS as his favorite team? DL should trade him for the Ducks’ JOHN GIBSON!
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We’ve lost 12-1/4 feet, 383 lbs., and 40 goals worth of wingers within the last week.
Where we gonna get that back?
Not with Gagne. Please.
Who’s still out there to buy? An overpriced 31-year-old center/left wing who was concussed a chunk of last season? And we gotta outbid some ritzy franchises to get him?
DL is not the Poop of Nincom. When the smoke clears, if he doesn’t pull off another TRADE, he’s gotta re-sign Poni and Zus. Period.
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