We’re less than 48 hours away from the start of the signing period for unrestricted free agents, so it’s certainly worth taking a look at which players will be available. Here’s one subjective list, including players, their salary-cap hits from last season and their statistics from last season. This excludes players such as Nicklas Lidstrom and Teemu Selanne, who are likely to return to the NHL only with their current teams. If you were an NHL general manager, who would you want, and at what price?
FORWARDS
Eric Belanger ($750,000) — 13 goals, 27 assists
Sean Bergenheim ($700,000) — 14 goals, 15 assists
Erik Cole ($2.9 million) — 26 goals, 26 assists
Tim Connolly ($4.5 million) — 13 goals, 29 assists
Tomas Fleischmann ($2.6 million) — 12 goals, 19 assists
Simon Gagne ($5.25 million) — 17 goals, 23 assists
Michal Handzus ($4 million) — 12 goals, 18 assists
Jussi Jokinen ($1.7 million) — 19 goals, 33 assists
Alexei Kovalev ($5 million) — 16 goals, 18 assists
Ville Leino ($800,000) — 19 goals, 34 assists
Antti Miettinen ($2.3 million) — 16 goals, 19 assists
Brad Richards ($7.8 million) — 28 goals, 49 assists
Michael Ryder ($4 million) — 18 goals, 23 assists
Sergei Samsonov ($2.5 million) — 13 goals, 27 assists
Steve Sullivan ($3.75 million) — 10 goals, 12 assists
Scottie Upshall ($2.25 million) — 22 goals, 12 assists
Radim Vrbata ($3 million) — 19 goals, 29 assists
Nikolai Zherdev ($2 million) 16 goals, 6 assists
DEFENSEMEN
Christian Ehrhoff ($3.1 million) — 14 goals, 36 assists
Roman Hamrlik ($5.5 million) — 5 goals, 29 assists
Scott Hannan ($4.5 million) — 1 goal, 10 assists
Ed Jovanovski ($6.5 million) — 5 goals, 9 assists
Tomas Kaberle ($4.25 million) — 4 goals, 43 assists
Bryan McCabe ($5.75 million) — 7 goals, 21 assists
Sami Salo ($3.5 million) — 3 goals, 4 assists
Brent Sopel ($2.3 million) — 2 goals, 5 assists
Ian White ($2.9 million) — 4 goals, 22 assists
James Wisniewski ($3.25 million) — 10 goals, 41 assists
GOALIES
Brian Boucher ($925,000) — 2.42 goals-against average
Ray Emery ($500,000) — 2.28 goals-against average
Jean-Sebastien Giguere ($6 million) — 2.87 goals-against average
Dwayne Roloson ($2.5 million) — 2.59 goals-against average
Jose Theodore ($1.1 million) — 2.71 goals-against average
Tomas Vokoun ($5.7 million) — 2.55 goals-against average
No question either Eric Cole or Eric Belanger. Both tuff and give 100%
[Reply]
Brownkingsfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:20 am
@gene, We missed you Rich… It’s like you’re our crack supplier and I needed a fix bad! Haha!
[Reply]
Sakrates Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:24 am
@Brownkingsfan,
For real man… I was checking the blog 5 times a day for new entries
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@Sakrates, Only 5 times a day? I was checking every hour!
Wasabi Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@Brownkingsfan, Agreed! Every time I get a break from work!
[Reply]
curt Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@Brownkingsfan, Need to re-sign Handzus for starters and sign the ohers Richards (Brad) and one more low money grinder.
[Reply]
Space_Shot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@curt,
So you want to play 6 centers? Interesting…
markisonfire Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@gene, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The Philly connection with Lombardi, Stevens, and Murray is too strong NOT to bring in Gagne and Upshall. Gagne would slot into the second line left wing, where he had a lot of chemistry with Richards and Upshall would bring SPEED to the third line.
Penner – Kopitar – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Clifford – Stoll – Upshall
Richardson – Loktionov – Lewis
Mitchell – Doughty
Johnson – Scuderi
Martinez – Greene
Quick
Bernier
That looks like a solid lineup to me. Also, if the Handzus resigning rumors have any truth, he can slot in on the fourth line instead of Loktionov. Either way, Gagne and Upshall make a lot of sense, especially if Gagne can have a bounce back year.
If the Kings could also sign Belanger for that fourth line instead of Zeus, this team looks even better.
[Reply]
CTD Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@markisonfire, can we bring back sandy mooger and todd elik too?…. oh wait is Tsplykov available?…. screw bellanger I dont care how good he is, the only guy I would ever take back is Schenn !!! oh yeah and revise your last defensive pairing to read
” Greene/Voynov ”
[Reply]
c4sraser Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@CTD, how about jimmy carson?
Ari Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@markisonfire, That lineup could very well lift the cup in 2012!!! Me like!!!!! Do it Dean – I will buy more tickets!!!
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@markisonfire,
I like the line up, but I prefer Joel Ward over Upshall. He’s younger, and he was great in the playoffs last year.
[Reply]
jonjon Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@KingMe20, Ward is most likely staying in Nashville, but he does know the defensive system so who knows. I know Upshall has some major speed and can put the puck in the net either one would really be great.
@markisonfire Even though Gagne has played with Richards, I’d rather see him up with Kopi. Put a pass first guy with a solid sniper, Gagne probably wont be a huge reg season player but will help tremendously in the playoffs.
-J Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@KingMe20,
Ward is like 3 years older than Upshall. Still wouldn’t be a bad addition though.
DBking Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@markisonfire, This looks great but I would substitute Cole with Gagne. Cole at 3 years 11.25M.
[Reply]
DBking Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@markisonfire, This looks great but I would substitute Gagne with Cole. Cole at 3 years 11.25M.
[Reply]
Brian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
@markisonfire,
I agree with your Philly assessment. I’d flip Richardson and Clifford though, if speed is your concern on the 3rd line. I don’t think Loktionov’s presence on the 4th line does us much good. Lewis should be playing center there.
[Reply]
markisonfire Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@Brian, we would have essentially two first lines and two third lines. The Richards and Stoll lines would probably get more of the defensive matchups.
king lopez Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@markisonfire, looks great but no way would happen. Not enough money.
[Reply]
markisonfire Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 1:43 am
@king lopez, It could work.
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Simon Gagne ($4.250m) / Anze Kopitar ($6.800m) / Justin Williams ($3.650m)
Dustin Penner ($4.250m) / Mike Richards ($5.750m) / Dustin Brown ($3.175m)
Kyle Clifford ($0.870m) / Jarret Stoll ($3.600m) / Scottie Upshall ($2.500m)
Brad Richardson ($1.200m) / Andrei Loktionov ($0.816m) / Trevor Lewis ($1.500m)
Kevin Westgarth ($0.525m)
DEFENSEMEN
Willie Mitchell ($3.500m) / Drew Doughty ($6.000m)
Jack Johnson ($4.357m) / Rob Scuderi ($3.400m)
Alec Martinez ($1.000m) / Matt Greene ($2.950m)
Davis Drewiske ($0.616m)
GOALTENDERS
Jonathan Quick ($1.800m) / Jonathan Bernier ($1.250m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $63,760,476; BONUSES: $347,500
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $539,524
Robert Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@markisonfire,
Gagne 5.6 Million.. 40 points. Belanger 750k, 40 Points. Hmmmm. Look at the salaries and weigh the production before you make all these crazy comments. Would Brad Richardson really be worth 7 million? I’d love to have him but not for that…
[Reply]
Markisonfire Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@Robert, I never said anything about Brad Richards (who I presume you meant), and Gagne reunited with Richards would score a lot more than 40 points. Belanger would have a defensive role on this team, no way does he score 40 for the Kings. Phoenix just didn’t have any other centers last year.
mark1178 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 8:00 am
@markisonfire, Agree with you on Belanger. I always liked him when he was on the team mainly for his faceoff capabilities.
[Reply]
2hitnik Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@gene, Rich – you should remind folks what the Kings cap situation is for the season when you post anything about free agents. I believe that you estimated spending at $59M for in house guys, which would mean that DL only has $5.3M to play with and if at MAX and need to make moves then you play with less than 20 (see Devils last year).
Also, instead of checking all the time, get on twitter and have @lakingsinsider updates to your phone, you will always know when their is a new post on the blog.
[Reply]
Eric Cole left wing with speed just what we need
[Reply]
gboi Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:15 am
@kingfan61, could he get along with Doughty!?!?!? hahahah
[Reply]
Mark C. Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:45 am
@kingfan61, Cole is a right wing, but I would love to have him on the Kings.
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@kingfan61,
Cole will be available…Carolina can’t come to terms with him….
DL might make this move..
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
@SLIM, They’ve stated numerous times that Cole is a priority for them, and they are boatloads under the cap. I don’t see Cole being signed by anyone other than Carolina.
[Reply]
Gagne, Jokinen , Leino or Ryder i think would all be good fits.
[Reply]
Kinguy Josh Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:29 am
@Michael_DD8, That’s exactly what I said to my brother 2 days ago!
[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:30 am
@Michael_DD8,
Agree 100%. These are the only guys I’ll be happy with out of the above list.
[Reply]
Ian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@tantrum4, If we get Jokinen we’ll never lose another shootout.
[Reply]
Alex J Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Ian, Kopitar,JMFJ jokinen haha
Sam Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Ian, We don’t have a problem with shootouts, Stoll was what, 8-9 with almost all shots going to the same spot – glove side high. Can you imagine the opposing goalies knowing where he likes to shoot and still not being able to stop his shot. Amazing! Hope he keeps it up next year.
Eggplant Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@Alex J, correction: Kopitar, Stoll, Jokinen
Pie Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@Ian, Zeus
Bill M. Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@Ian, Uhhh, We only lost them last year when bernier was in net…
Dan SanDonkey Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
@Ian, Stoll
DazedNconfused Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
@Ian,
If we get a good winger we will not need the shootout to win.
jonsey Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@tantrum4, 2nd
[Reply]
mark1178 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 8:01 am
@tantrum4, word
[Reply]
LaKings711 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Michael_DD8, Im good with all those players they could contribute a lot and be very good in lines with brown kopi or our newest member richards
[Reply]
No question for D James Wisniewski or Ed Jovanovski or Brent Sopel Thomas Kaberle
We dont need another goalie
[Reply]
Adam Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@gene,
we don’t need a defenseman either. LW please!!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
@Adam, Joliken best value and upside he keeps adding to his game. He is solid all around and will fit the LW slot and can move to Center if we lose 3 centers to injury. That would also be a midrange signing that may allow us to sign Zues to center the 3rd Line and have Stoll/Lewis be the RW on the 3rd Line. I have said this before Stoll plays on PP and PK, so much he could even be the 4th line center and still play 17+ minutes. He has also played with the team long enough to get double shifted onto the higher lines to spell top 9 guys, or take important right hander faceoffs.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
@luc20rules, Why would you play our best faceoff guy on the wing? Especially when he won’t kill you on the defensive side of the game.
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@gene,
The last thing we need right now is another D.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@AZ King,
I think the Kings definitely need another defenseman. With Alec Martinez being the 6th D-man (though, he is still unsigned at this point), and having young guys from the AHL fill the 7th and 8th spots, the Kings need a veteran presence to fill one of those holes. If Doughty or Mitchell gets hurt, the Kings D is a little exposed, in my opinion.
Personally, I would try to sign Sami Salo. And if not him, maybe Ian White or James Wisniewski.
[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Scot, No we don’t. Kings are very strong with the first two defensive pairs (Doughty, Scuderi, Mitchell, Johnson) and Greene is a decent if not spectacular 3rd pair defenseman. Martinez is fine as the sixth. The Kings have a much more glaring need at LW.
KC23 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@Scot, There is no holes outside of JJ.
jonjon Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@Scot, ok, we’re not getting salo, or white or wisniewski. alec martinez had a solid if not amazing rookie season. the last half of the season he was the only guy bringing offense from the point. if any teams D gets hurt theyre going to be a little exposed, we’re not going to waste millions in cap space so we can leave a hole in the forward position. kings have the 4th best defense in the league, the back end is obviously fine the way it is.
Muelch Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@Scot, If any of the Defensive guys get injured, we have Drewiske, and since Scuderi is good enough to fill in for 1st pair, and greene is good enough to fill in for 2nd pair, we wouldn’t be too exposed on Defensive Defenseman if anyone got injured. If any of the Offensive guys got injured we could shift things around and bring up the likes of Voynov.
andre Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@Scot, kings are set at dee. I think they need to look at some of their young players. Voynov, hickey. I still see them moving a goalie. I think gagne will do just fine.let go of Harrold.
Have a funny feeling Kings will go after Gagne. That Philly connection, you know.
He has played with Richards, which is probably a plus.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:30 am
@tim,
He’s also played under Murray, and Stevens. I would be worried about his health though. He’s only completed 80 games twice in 11 seasons, and missed something like 95 regular season games in 4 years.
[Reply]
Mark C. Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@tim, Agreed. It would have to be a two year deal as his health is a concern but he has speed, soft hands and will fit with the team in terms of character. Could be a good fit…
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@Mark C.,
I think Hammond had reported last season (after the Kovalschmuck fallout) that DL was actively pursuing Gangne, but that the deal fell apart because of health issues.I wouldn’t be surprised if DL wasn’t still interested.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@Dominick, Gagne was traded the same day Kovi signed with the Devils. I think DL was still shivering in the corner in disbelief that Plan A didn’t work and he had no Plan B.
Gagne and Upshall are the only real candidates — Dean and Hexy didn’t have any of the other forwards in Philly or San Jose . . .
[Reply]
OldKingsFan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@Scott, agreed I like both Gagne and Upshaw. And with history with Richards andplus
[Reply]
Joe from Gardena Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@Scott, Gagne to take Smytty’s LW2 spot. Upshall to take Simmer’s RW3 spot. I like it!
[Reply]
Joe from Gardena Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@Joe from Gardena, Actually, Jokinen would be cheaper and is less injury-prone than Gagne.
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@Joe from Gardena,
And he has the Frolov problem – which, say what you will about his injuries, Gagne has never had in his career.
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Joe from Gardena,
Yeah, but Jokinen is not half of Gagne. Gagne is SMART, has lots of hockey sense, which the Kings need.
jonjon Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@Joe from Gardena, Jokinen wouldnt be bad, but like Scot said above he’s not half of what Gagne is. Plus Jokinen doesnt have the playoff experience. Gagne if healthy would be a 30 goal scorer on this team. Theres just as much a chance of Williams getting injured as Gagne so why not grab him, he can help get them over the hump in the playoffs too.
king lopez Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@Joe from Gardena, ya but would we have the cash for that? With DD still not signed and all.
[Reply]
alex Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@Scott, why not cole?
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@alex, Cole played 82 games last year and at 32yrs old was 13th in the league with 225 hits. He scored 26 goals and was half the cap hit of Gagne the brittle. Sign Cole!
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:30 am
@Scott,
I would take Cole over Gagne personally. Probably a more reasonable cap hit, and not so injury prone.
[Reply]
alex Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:32 am
@AZ King, I think cole is a good fit. Would like to see that get done.
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@AZ King,
Cole’s had a lot of concussion issues recently and he’s a right wing.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@John,
Hum…NHL.com has him as a RW, but Yahoo Sports has him listed as a LW??
jonjon Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@AZ King, wingers are usually interchangeable. cole will most likely resign with carolina.
[Reply]
-J Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@jonjon, No, actually, there not.
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:49 am
@Scott,
Bobby Scribe had brought up Tyler Kennedy on his website. I think that would be an intriguing possibility also, and I’ve made it no secret how I feel about Leino. Definately a few quality players for the money out there.
One things for sure, Brad Richards is out of the question, unless DL worked some kind of magic. I don’t really want him to though, because that would mean getting rid of somebody else, and creating a hole at another position.
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@Dominick,
Tyler Kennedy would be awesome! The kid has a ton of upside.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@John,
Yea, Pittsburg didn’t tender him an offer, so on July 1rst he’ll be an FA. I am kind of wondering why they didn’t. I suspect Dupuis’ is just a veteran type that’s better in the locker room.
With their Capspace, they could only afford either Dupuis, or Kennedy, but not both. Kennedy is 24, Dupuis is 32. Kennedy also scored more points in the regular season, and the playoffs then Dupuis did, and yet Dupuis got signed, and their letting Kennedy walk.
Could be a diamond in the rough, just waiting to be signed to a long term deal at around 3.5 mill. Maybe he’s looking for more and Pittsburg couldn’t afford him. I’m not sure, but it’s worth looking into.
QUICK silver Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@John,
Dupuis is sids best buddy and roommate on the road. Kennedy would be killer. He’s fast and parts gritty like Simmers
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@Dominick,
I’ve only seen him here and there, but like QUICK silver mentions, I was always impressed with his tenacity! How is he defensively?
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@John,
Hard to tell last season, because of all the injuries. Guys played beyond their stations at times. Offensively he was 2nd in SOG (only 2 behind the team lead). Last season was his first full season so far, and he played a higher quality of competition than he would have, had the team been healthier. He seemed to handle it alright from what I saw.
SLIM Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@John,
Blysma loves this guy..Saw an interview where he
literally said that Kennedey was his best player…
Don’t see them letting him go…But anything is possible..
They are gonna get Jagr…
rontheking Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@John, I was the first one to bring up Tyler Kennedy’s name, a few days ago…and I still like him.
Kingsaton8 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@Scott, I do not think Lombardi goes after Gagne. 1. Gagne is Injury prone 2. Gagne could not even produce with Steven Stamkos on the line. I would rather take Jussi Jokinen. However, I think Upshall would be great to fill in Simmer’s role.
[Reply]
Eric Belanger for my money…he does a little of everything! kills pen., good faceoff man, scores now and then and he’s a ex-king!
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@dave, The next Zeus?
[Reply]
dave Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@jonsey, i like guys that are strong in the faceoffs and that can kill pen., but at the 4th of the cost Zues was
[Reply]
Mark C. Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@dave, Been there done that… Eric is a good depth guy but not a true top six forward and he is a center as well. He is not what the Kings are looking for or need.
[Reply]
Ian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@dave, Thats my vote too. Hes the best bargain out there. I dont remember if he can play the wing though.
[Reply]
dave Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@Ian, Kings are going to need a good depth guy to replace Zues and no Richardson not that player for me…Eric is a great faceoff and pk man and if you don’t think that’s Kings won’t need that as much as a 6th forward…then take a look at the playoff vs San Jose..They got killed in faceoffs!
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@dave,
I think Stoll is the new Handzus. He is our 3rd line center, good on draws, can kill penalties, and can put the puck in the net. I don’t think Belanger has a place on this team.
[Reply]
dave Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@Scot, i’m looking at Eric as a 4th line PK and Faceoff man who can put 10 to 15 pucks in the next…
[Reply]
dave Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@dave, NET! LOL
I really like Upshall and Miettinen. However i would be happy with the usually suspects; Gagne and Cole. Leino will probably end up signing with Philly.
[Reply]
Vrbata let’s grab him. He always lights the lamp when he plays us…
[Reply]
txkingsfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:30 am
@DaveinSD, I was thinking the same thing, plus he is a beast on the PP. I also like Jussi Jokenin – maybe even Fleischmann
[Reply]
it’s sad to see the era of the “Bordson Era Ends” post end. that posting was one of the better ones. a real hit in terms of commments. say what you will about the ol’ Bordo, but he provided good blog fodder.
[Reply]
I’d love to see Handzus back for his strong defensive play. I know he’s gotten real slow, but from a defensive perspective he’s really great, and he’s a known commodity for the Kings. Although I would sign him for less money, ~ $2M.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:21 am
@Rabidhockeyfan,
I think Belanger would be an upgrade over Zues, and we could probably get him for a lot less money.
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@AZ King,
We don’t need centers though.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:57 am
@John,
If we don’t resign Zues we might. Lokti is not a 4th line center, and I don’t think Richie is coming back.
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@AZ King,
I think 4th line center is PERFECT for Loktionov at this point is his career – let him work his way into the NHL.
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@AZ King,
Stoll takes Handzus’ role.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Scot,
Stoll is the 3rd line center, if Zues doesn’t come back than who replaces him. It could be Lewis or Lokti (I don’t think Richie is coming back). I think Belanger would fill the 4th line center role very nicely, for a minimal cap hit. Just my opinion…
Matt Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@AZ King
Why not have Lewis take the 4th line Center role. You guys must have been watching the same playoff series I was between SJ and LA, Lewis was great on the PK and put his heart into it. Really showed that given the opportunity he can play. I think that he gets the opportunity to prove it on the 4th line. Maybe Loki will have to try on Wing again. Wasn’t where he showed his best talent, but we just have too many centers.
jonsey Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@Rabidhockeyfan, Booooo! No more lumberer.
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@Rabidhockeyfan, I like that idea too but he’d either have to play a 4th line center or a wing. In either case it might cheat up and comers with energy and upside, like Loktionov or Holloway out of a job. I also think Richards fills that experience void that Zus leaves behind.
[Reply]
After watching the FA market slowly shrink due to potential FA’s resign (Laich, Pitkanen, etc) and the number of teams that need to hit the floor, eight, I doubt the Kings will make a splash unless they massively overpay. Teams like the Islanders, Panthers and even the Rangers, surprisingly, need to make the league’s floor.
[Reply]
Bob Bobson Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@Bob Bobson, Correction, 15 teams (that is half!) are currently under the floor. Even with re-signing their own RFA’s, there is plenty of salary to go around.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@Bob Bobson, Exactly right. I’m not getting my hopes up with FA. I’m guessing it’ll have to be a trade that includes a defenseman and goalie.
[Reply]
I’m still hoping for Jokinen. We don’t need Belanger, unless we move Stoll. Eric Cole isn’t what he used to be and is one speedy crash into the boards away from missing an entire season, so no on Cole…
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@Stuart, I think Belanger would be a replacement for Zues not Stoll.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@AZ King,
Then what would you do with Richardson and Lewis? Put both of them on the wing?
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:40 am
@Michael J.,
I don’t think Richie is coming back…but is he did then yes. Swap either of them for Westy or Clune when the need arises.
Matt Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@Michael J.,
I agree. Zues has been a great guy in LA, but we can’t keep looking at signing another center when we have so many players in the system and the minors. We have two of the top CHL prospects in our system now and have to look at their future too, Vey and Toffoli. Let Kopitar, Richards, SToll and Lewis take the center roles and see what happens. I’ll say it now, you’re going to see a different Kyle Clifford this year, lot more offensive talent since he won’t have to fight to show he deserves to be there. I’d like to see him move up the 2nd line LW if he has stayed in shape over the summer.
Stuart Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:36 am
@AZ King, true… in that case, I would be happy with Belanger. same attributes as Zeus with more speed/quickness.
[Reply]
If we get Jokinen, we will be unbeatable in the shootout.
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:49 am
@Gary, Fact.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@Gary,
We are unbeatable with JQ in net
Problem is they don’t have the shootout in the playoffs.
We didn’t do very well during the regular season in OT and we did even worse in the playoffs.
[Reply]
Gary Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@nykingfan, We wouldn’t have gotten to the playoffs without all the points we racked up in the shootout last year.
[Reply]
Doughty and Erik Cole would have a few awkward training camp conversations – if EITHER of them is signed!
SHUT UP DREW AND TAKE OUR MONEY!!
[Reply]
Anyone think that DL might just make another trade?
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:24 am
@Michael_DD8,
Always a possiblity, but I think he’s goint to see what happens on July 1st before pulling another trade.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@Michael_DD8, Likely. I don’t see him overpaying in a slim UFA market.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he moves either Martinez or Voynov, though he will likely get more for Martinez due to the NHL games he played.
[Reply]
Alex J Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@Token, + playoffs this year
[Reply]
Harry Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@Token, I wouldn’t be surprised if he moved Hickey…
[Reply]
gralx Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@Harry, Am I the only one that REALLY questioned drafting Hickey in the first place? What a waste of a great draft slot!
Bob Bobson Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@Michael_DD8, This is most likely what will happen. FA market will be even crazier tomorrow just b/c the FA pool is especially shallow and teams will need to meet the floor.
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@Michael_DD8,
DL is hi on Booth
[Reply]
Matt Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Michael_DD8,
Said it once in the message board and again here, would love to see DL try and move Bernier, Martinez and a prospect like Jordan Weal or Linden Vey to NJ for Zach Parise. He hasn’t signed a contract yet, and they had to file for salary arbitration just so no offer sheets could be sent cause they weren’t making head way. If I’m him, I would feel a little cheated with the thought that their importance in NJ was to bring in a top scoring LW in Kovalchuk when they already had Zach. He’s healthy now and should get out to go join a contender, which with him, LA would definitely be for YEARS to come.
[Reply]
JMS Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@Matt, With Doughty not signed yet it would probably mean a long term deal. This would leave us with less Cap space. With Parise as such a high rated player i doubt we have Cap to sign him. DL said we was looking a Mid ranged winger after he traded Symth for Fraser. I dont think Richie will becoming back next season because of fraser. If we did go for a trade i wouldnt be surprised if DL went for Booth what @Pesus said for either Jones/Zaoff/ Bernier and Martinez, Drewiski, hickey
[Reply]
Míša Handzuš…
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@Mishaq, JarJarBinks?
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@Stuart,
ROFL…awesome!!
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@Stuart,
JarJarBinks?
no good, he plays with his tongue sticking out….LOL!
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRX1OQT2pxEUFfrz_2kKrjakNGsm7qQdqYgLFZGVVALwIJaT7yN
[Reply]
Definitely not Jokinen, Miettinen or Gagne. Upshall or Leino or maybye Cole. We don’t need any d-man or goalie.
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@Vino,
Why not Miettinen? He’d be a solid replacement for Simmonds!
[Reply]
DumpnChase Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@John, Miettinen is a solid player, but is a horrible defensive risk on the supposed “stopper” line. He would be a downgrade for that role.
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@DumpnChase,
I stand corrected
I just thought I remembered him as a really good defender when he was in Dallas.
Lidstrom is already signed for another year
[Reply]
Jussi Jokinen and Eric Cole would be my top 2 picks. I think Cole’s style of play would fit great with TM philosophy. I’d also be happy with either Leino or Vrbata (for the right price). Michael Ryder could be another interesting addition. He’s one of those guys that seems to fly under the radar. I’m not a numbers guy, so I’m not even going to try to get into that, but I think any of these guys (except maybe Ryder)can be signed for a reasonable price.
Also what about bringing Belanger back for a season or 2. Great faceoff man, with good speed and nice hands. I think he would be an upgrade over Handzus as a 4th line center.
This is assuming that B Richards is going to sign with NYR. After seeing the Rangers dump Drury today I can’t see anything stopping that from happening.
[Reply]
I think either Connolly, Gagne, or Richard.
[Reply]
no Joel Ward or Ville Leino as your picks? Those are the guys i’d go with!
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:12 am
@Dorian,
I would definitely sign Joel Ward. I really would.
I mean, what a perfect replacement for Simmonds
[Reply]
Dorian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@Scot, Racially motivated signing?? LOL!
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@Scot,
I get the joke, but when you look at their playing styles, they really are very similar players. I think Ward’s performance in the playoffs last year really put him on the map (like Simmonds in the first round against Vancouver the year before), and I think he’d be a great addition on the third line at RW. I also like what I’ve seen in interviews and what I’ve read about his character. He plays hard, and is thankful for the opportunity. Definitely the kind of guy I’d want on my team.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@KingMe20,
Absolutely. I was throwing humor in there, but I couldn’t have been more serious about him being a perfect replacement for Simmonds. He seems to fit the profile Dean Lombardi likes, and watching him against Vancouver in Round 2 made me really want him!
Chaz Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@Scot, I think Joel will get a nice raise from last year simply because of his playoff performance. I smell an overpayment coming.
[Reply]
Jokinen at 3.2 million for 4 years. He can really help with the left wing issues.
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@Sakrates, He can be had for less.
[Reply]
Sakrates Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@jonsey,
Hopefully… I’m just thinking his price will rise because there aren’t many good free agents this year.
[Reply]
I would actually take Connolly. Probably the only one who would.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:26 am
@Bob_626,
Another Center? I like him a lot, but we need to get some LW.
[Reply]
Bob_626 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@AZ King, Move him as LW in the 2nd line. Would be amazing!
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@Bob_626,
Has he played wing before? Also he’s another set up man, and we need a finisher.
How has Doughty not been resigned yet?!?! AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:31 am
@Aaron,
Neither has Stamkos…maybe it’s their agent that’s the problem.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
@Aaron,
I suspect it’s DD’s agents, and DL, and DD have nothing to do with the hold up. They’re probably advising DD to wait, and see if any offers come in, because that will drive up his price with more teams involved. Any agent would do the same thing with the potential difference being in the millions.
I hope it backfires on them, and no teams makes an offer, out of principle, but you never know. It would set a price on the high end for them to start negotiations all over again, and raise their price. DL is stuck between a rock and a hard place for the time being.
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@Aaron, I hate to say this, but I had already started to resent Doughty a little… just because I think his success got to his head and he had a pretty massive ego that affected his play. I know it’s just immaturity or whatever, but idk… I guess I just had higher hopes for who he was. This whole holding-up-resigning thing isn’t helping. Yeah, I know it might be his agent and not him… and I don’t know a whole lot about the relationship between a player and his agent… but if Doughty really wanted to sign sooner, would it really be that hard to do so?
[Reply]
OC King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Aaron, I hope he comes back but to be honest, I wouldn’t have that much of a problem if he left. Not only because of his poor perfomance last season, but whoever signs him to an offer sheet is going to owe the kings a s*itload in compensation. DL can then hit the market of use that compensation as trade bait.
[Reply]
JMS Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@OC King, i know. haha DD for Stammer? that would be amazing
[Reply]
I HATE Scottie Upshall, so realistically this means i would love to have him in a Kings jersey. i think Gagne will be too expensive. Leino or Cole would be a great pickups.
[Reply]
DumpnChase Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@Sebastian, +1 Scottie Upshall is what we need. He has the capability to put the puck in the net and can fly out there. His grit is also helpful because that would have a “tough to play against” 2nd line with Upshall/Richards/Brown.
I against the potential Gagne signing. I think he is a shell of himself and the bidding in a weak free agent market is only going to make it worse.
[Reply]
Penner kopi williams
Gagne richards brown
Clifford stoll parse
Richie lewis westgarth
Frasier
Mitchell doughty
Johnson scuderi
Greene martinez
Drewiske
Quick
Bernier
Contender status with some variiables that have to work out obviouusly
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:05 am
@zoltan,
Who’s your shut-down line??
[Reply]
zoltan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:26 am
@John, move richie and parse iif your looking strictly for shutdown but richards kopitar. Lewis, williams, richie, clifford all play good defense so you could even switch lewiis and parse and have richie center 4th line parse on lw but I liked those lines because defensive forward on eevery line. Sorryy for puncuuation on my droid.
[Reply]
Top Shelf Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:12 am
@zoltan, This is the lineup I would want and predict as well. This would take the team to the next level.
I wouldn’t mind seeing them move Scuderi and bring up Voynov or Hickey. We need more speed and Scuderi became expendable when we signed Mitchell.
[Reply]
DumpnChase Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@Top Shelf, Scuderi hardly became expendable when we signed Mitchell. Scuderi was our rock last year when Mitchell went down and Doughty and Johnson were still trying to get into the swing of things.
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@zoltan, I have trouble each time I see Westgarth’s name in a lineup. I’ll save it for another conversation.
[Reply]
I want JS Giguere
[Reply]
Alex J Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@PK, wow really Quick is 10 tims JSG bernier 2 times gibson will definitly be a nhl goalie trust me i saw him play last season im from chicoutimi:p
[Reply]
PK Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@Alex J, it was a joke
[Reply]
BMSTANG Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@PK, Since Hiller had a meltdown, I wonder if the Ducks are talking to Giguere again?
[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@PK, pffffffttttt
that’s me when water came flying out of my nose, all over my keyboard.
Thanks for that
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@PK,
Cool. Story. Bro.
[Reply]
joe v Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@BobKnob, there was not story… nice try
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@joe v,
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Pictures\hotmanpics\facepalm.jpg
KindSir Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@joe v, super cool story bro
Eric Cole the price and fit are right
[Reply]
Once again, it comes down to, do any of these FAs want to come here, regardless of who the Kings (and their fans) want to come here. (see Drury, Briere, Hossa, Kovy, etc…..)
[Reply]
Its like Christmas! By the way, I don’t see Bordson listed?
[Reply]
LW………LW…………….LW. We do not need a Center, D or Goalie. Gagne would be a great fit if he’s willing to take a pay cut. He’s not worth what he’s making now. If he’s not willing to do that, we go after Leino. Both have the Philly – Richards\Murray connection and I bet would love to play here.
[Reply]
Jokinen is the only one I would overpay for, he’s 27 and has great speed on the wing. He can have the $4 million per year that Dean was spending on Handzus.
[Reply]
kevin from toronto Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@Sydor25, he has no desire though. Plays when he wants.
He does have crazy hands though.
[Reply]
I’m gonna stand with Bobby on Cole.. Not really feeling Gagne.. Though the philly reference made earlier does make sense.. But I really want to see the Colonel/Richards/D Lo line.
[Reply]
Think it’s interesting no one has said Handzus :p
Belanger, Cole, And maybe Gagne as the tops. We better get at least one killer wing.
[Reply]
Penner – Kopi – Williams
Cole – Richards – Brown
Clifford – Stoll – Vrbata
Lewis – Belanger – Westgarth/Clune
DD – Mitchell
JJ – Scudari
Martinez – Greene
Quick
Bernier
[Reply]
Upshall should be number 1 priority to play with Clifford and Stoll.
Jokinen is second priority for scoring (in case Parse sucks) and for the shootout. If not Jussi, then I would honestly go for Fleischmann.. Flash can seriously score!
On defense I would look at Ian White, or JovoCop, if he will come for 3 Mil, which he wont.
[Reply]
Bergenheim is a guy that is very underrated. his playoffs got him some extra $$ whereever he signs (9 goals). put him next to Richards and Brown. he doesn’t jump out as a LW2 but i think, on paper, those 3 look REALLY good. probably could be had at around 2M, maybe a little less.
Upshall would be great on that RW3 spot next to Stoll and if not him then Ryder may be a good fit on that RW3 spot, but no way he makes what he was.
Gagne may be too expensive.
would really like Jussi but LW2 might be a little high on the depth charts for him.
Sullivan might be a guy that could work on that LW2 spot.
i dont think Leino or Cole are going anywhere.
[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@jayhay,
I liked Bergenheim in the playoffs as well. But this is hoping that if we sign him, he will show up in the reg season, which he didnt too much with Tampa.
[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@Michael_DD8, i didnt watch alot of TB games, but seemed to me that he was very tenacious and great on the fore-check. I might feel more comfortable with a guy that has more proven finish, but you gotta like that coming out party.
Penner-Kopitar-Williams
Bergenheim/Sullivan-Richards-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Upshall
dont know if Sullivan AND Upshall are in the budget, thats why i suggested Bergenheim, but i wouldn’t rule out a trade either. i know he’s not necessarily a DL guy, but Filppula is a guy thats been mentioned as available (listed as C, dont know if he plays LW or not).
[Reply]
Kluka68 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@jayhay, Cole will be UFA , here is link
http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/cole_wants_to_see_his_value_on_the_ufa_market/5290105
[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@Kluka68, seems to me that Cole would re-sign. does well in CAR. will be interesting.
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@jayhay, The fact that he had 9 goals in the playoffs is actually the reason I believe Bergenheim will be OVERrated in this offseason. He only had 29 points in 80 regular season games, but the 9 goals will probably earn him a bigger contract than he’s worth.
[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@puddle, your probably spot-on, but i like those fast, forechecking guys. but we’ve got one of those in Richardson. i like the sand-paper Jussi would bring, but the 2nd line seems high.
[Reply]
Fleischmann – Kopitar – Williams
Penner – Richards – Brown
Clifford – Stoll – Upshall
Richardson – Fraser – Lewis
Parse
Westgarth
I saw Start Loktionov in the minors, let him get his strength and scoring touch back. Of course it all depends how he looks in camp compared to Parse
Doughty – Scuderi
Mitchell – Johnson
Greene – White
Martinez – Muzzin
*Can I just say how wonderful it feels to type Richards onto that depth chart…
[Reply]
kevin from toronto Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@VanKingsFan, haha I bet it did!
I would put Richardson centering Lewis and Parse though.
Replace Upshall with Sean Bergenheim.
And possibly bring back Handzus for a 4th line role. He plays that role well.
[Reply]
QUICKsilver Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@VanKingsFan, As a Pens fan, I dig the idea of Fleischmann. I know he’s good and it gets him away from my other favorite team’s competition.
[Reply]
kevin from toronto Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@QUICKsilver, As a Kings fan, why are you on a Kings blog site?
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@kevin from toronto, god u cant be all rude if he likes the Kings mabe that why
jayhay Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:21 am
@VanKingsFan, the only thing that concerns me regarding Fleischmann is that WASH basically gave up on him, barely getting 3rd line icetime.
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@jayhay,
the only thing……there is a way bigger concern then washing giving up on him….
fleischmann was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism.
I would not spend 1 penny on signing him…
[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@lafan13, stay on the meds, he’s ok. if they sign him, i trust that this situation is ok moving forward. i would limit it to 2 years, however.
what about DD get him locked up
[Reply]
Leino, Cole or Gagne in that order. Have a feeling it’s going to be Gagne.
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:51 am
@Too Raging To Cheers, Not bad at all. But why not Jokinen?
[Reply]
You have no idea how much I enjoyed watching this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjCa5T9EsKE&feature=related
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@Who Knows?,
Beautiful!! Run Perry, run!!! You have to love Richards lack of fear.
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@Who Knows?,
That was sexy.
[Reply]
Irish lak Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@Who Knows?, run perry run oh god dont stop running, ( perry on the ice ) dood I told you to keep runing, that was great thank you for the video bud.
[Reply]
Just say no to Belanger. Get over it people, geez.
LA does not need another dman. They have DD2 as the 7th.
What makes you guys think Cole can play without Staal? He was a bust in Edmonton. He’s a wildcard. But I would be willing to take a chance. 1-2 year deal.
Upshall would be a solid 2nd liner with Richards & Brown. He’s tough & from what I understand is great in the locker room.
Bottomline:
Upshall
Cole
[Reply]
My top 3 would be Jokinen, Vrbata, Leino.
The next tier would be Kennedy, Fleischmann, Zherdev, Higgins, Cole and Prospal.
Then Upshall, Gagne, Sturm, Connolly, Kovalev, Bergenheim, Ryder, Darche, Miettinen and Shannon.
Anything after that, I’d just as soon resign Zus.
Nobody’s talking about him, but I think Vinny Prospal could be a really interesting one year pickup. Dude is an offensive machine when healthy, and I’m guessing he’ll be on the outside looking in as the Rangers push hard for Richards. Could be a real bargain.
[Reply]
…No, to Brad Richards and Simon Gagne—->>Yes, to Scottie Upshall and Ville Leino
[Reply]
i love delusional kings fans! they really make me laugh. “we” ha hahahahhahha funny stuff.
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@henry, Using “we” to associate yourself with the interests of a particular team is commonplace in discussions among passionate sports fans. Get over yourself.
[Reply]
858King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:12 am
@puddle, “We” always turns to “they” when we/they do something stupid or lose.
[Reply]
Eric Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@henry, Agreed
[Reply]
Kingsfan99 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@Eric,
Agreed. If “we” don’t go to the games, there is no league. Fans should feel comfotable using “we”. “We” pay their salaries.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@Kingsfan99, “I” agree with this comment.
Tookie Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@henry, Calm down Hank.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@henry,
I agree with puddle, kingsfan99, and CB14. I think we fans are a part of the team. I also believe the Kings organization (players, management, etc) feel the same way, and would have no problem with us fans saying “We” when referring to the team. WE know WE don’t work for the team, but WE love our team, and WE all share the common goal and desire of winning the Stanley Cup! WE want to win every game as badly as THEY do!
Are WE really delusional?
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@henry, troll
[Reply]
Brad Richards and Christian Ehrhoff
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Martino,
Both will be playing in New York next year…
[Reply]
I’m not necessarily saying Gagne is who I want, but that’s who I see us getting.
Richards would be awesome, but he’s not coming here.
We definitely do not need to improve our Defensive corp. They are FINE.
WINGERS, that’s all we need.
[Reply]
am i reading that right Where Poni??he suppose to be a free agent in less he got getting talk to about some different team already if so thats cool
if not then u missing him
[Reply]
We don’t need centers or defensemen. Not sure why some of you guys suggest that we do.
This list is crap.
[Reply]
Everyyone forgets that cole shoots left. He liikes to playy the off wing That’s why he diidnt do well in edm
[Reply]
Sign Jovanoski and trade for Malone. Yzerman has the Wings philosophy not to mention he needs to clear up some salary, so give him a couple wing-like players, such as Parse, voinov, hickey, Richardson, etc. Two or three of the aforementioned should net Ryan Malone.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@Eric,
Ugh, please not Jovonovski. Just something about that guy I can’t stand. Malone woul be great to have.
[Reply]
Eric Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@AZ King,
Quality veteran d-man to sub for Martinez after he’s traded within the next few days.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@Eric,
I would happily take White or Wisniewski over Jovo. The guy is dead weight in my opinion (based on years of watching him ih PHX)
brymaster1 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
@AZ King, maybe its because he gets suspended 3 times a year for elbowing people in the head.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Eric,
Absolutely on Malone. I don’t think he plays another game for Tampa. They have to move that contract. I would send Scott Parse over there for him though. I don’t care if he becomes the next Purcell, Boyle, Moulson.. I don’t think he has a place on this team.
[Reply]
Brian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@Eric, Surprised someone did their homework and mentioned Malone. I’d be in favor of adding some size to a lineup that’s lost Simmonds and (hopefully) Hanzus.
[Reply]
I would consider these guys:
Erik Cole ($2.9 million) — 26 goals, 26 assists
Jussi Jokinen ($1.7 million) — 19 goals, 33 assists
Ville Leino ($800,000) — 19 goals, 34 assists
Michael Ryder ($4 million) — 18 goals, 23 assists
Scottie Upshall ($2.25 million) — 22 goals, 12 assists
Radim Vrbata ($3 million) — 19 goals, 29 assists
Would love, but unlikely:
Brad Richards ($7.8 million) — 28 goals, 49 assists
[Reply]
Gagne’s injuries would have me target E Cole, Upshall or even Vrbata all who have speed and can pass the puck as well as score. 2 of those 3 = stanley cup!!!
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:05 am
@JIM C, I’m not really sure Upshall can pass the puck. 12 assists in 82 games? o_O
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@puddle, well we need a guy that can score and he can score
[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@JIM C, Gange’s injuries had DL put his number on the top of speed dial when 7/1 hits.
[Reply]
Take a look at the names that are UFA next year. This years class of FA is junk compared to next year.
http://www.capgeek.com/free_agents.php?year_id=2012&team_id=-1&position_id=F&fa_type_id=2
Now I’m sure that a good number will resign with their teams, but I would look more towards next year for a big signing rather than this year.
With that said, give me Gagne (to a 2-3 year deal), Jokinen, Leino if available. Leino is a mystery because with the more people Philly adds, the higher chance he doesn’t re-sign. Especially if Philly is in on the Stamkos or Richards trail and lands one of them, I think Leino becomes expendable.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@KingsFanInPortland,
Good point which is supported by the much higher cap hit numbers. I think we should hold off on signing anyone, let DD go to another team and wait for Sean Avery to become a UFA next year. With a hit of around $4mil, he is a steal!!
[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@KingsFanInPortland, that my friend is where the real nugget will be found. let this year’s crop be gobbled up by other overzealous gm’s and DL signs a mid-level or stands pat. this would then allow the kings to have as much (or more with next year’s expiring contracts) for that crop of f/a’s. that is one sick list!
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@miracle.on.manchester,
We need a reliable LW. As Dean was quoted as saying, “Something mid-level.”
We’ve got Centers coming out of our … ears.
And we’ve still got to allow space/ice time for the kids from Manchester to get a taste of the show.
Let’s not jump the gun this year. Let’s see who the surprise kid is for the coming season.
Anyone here predict Cliffy or Martinez in October 2010?
Next year:
More $$$ off the Cap.
Cap raised.
Better FA list.
Quick and/or Bernier have better trade value.
And best of all, Murray’s contract is up.
Dean won’t go hog wild for FAs this year is my prediction.
Ah, but (and I can’t believe I’m saying this) next year!
[Reply]
Come on Rich, how about your picks??
[Reply]
well i would pick Scottie Upshall he a LW and he a perfect fit for us even they Salary Cap isnt so much
[Reply]
I would like to see Jokinen come over. He’s still only 28 and has proven in the past to be a very decent offensive threat. Gagne is an amazing player, but I don’t like his recent injury issues. Cole would also be a decent pick-up.
[Reply]
For all of you who are irate at Ryan Smythe for jumping ship, I’ll ask you one question: Put him on that list above (at 6.25 Million Cap Hit) and tell me that HE is the guy you would pick out of those names & pay him 6.25 for one year?!? HE DID US A HUGE FAVOR by leaving & letting us go younger, and leaner salary wise… He was a great servant to us for two seasons, a time when the salary cap didn’t yet matter to us because we weren’t ready to push it to the edge yet… Now, when cap space will be KEY going forward, we are free of his 6.25 million drag on it… Thank you Ryan Smyth, you helped us back to respectability (playoffs!), and you bailed out at just the right time to help us take the next step forward… Godspeed
[Reply]
hockeyfanb4Gretzky Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, Like
[Reply]
KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, I don’t remember people being mad that he’s gone, more how it happened.
Big difference.
[Reply]
Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@KingsFanInPortland, Bottom line, he did us solid for two years, and got out at the right time for the team (and himself)… I’ll be cheering him when the Oil hit town…
[Reply]
KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, That’s fine. To each their own. I guess if Kopitar, Doughty, Richards, Johnson, etc. came up to DL and wanted a trade because they were homesick, you wouldn’t mind either..
I don’t get the rationale at all, but to each their own.
Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, Kopitar, Doughty, Richards, Johnson, etc. are not 35 years old are they? That’s the rationale
KingsFanInPortland Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, Like I said, I don’t mind he is gone. It would have been nice to keep him, but it is what it is.
You can’t say one is fine fundamentally, but not the other. It’s either fine for anyone to request a trade, or not.
The way Ryan made it happen was classless. But I doubt you’ll change your opinion and I doubt I’ll change mine lol. Let’s just hope we get a good player in return.
QUICKsilver Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose,
Totally Agree. I loved Smytty, but he was getting too slow to be beneficial and a tad predictable down the wing on the entry…This was a good thing for us.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@QUICKsilver,
I like your handle! “QUICKsilver” … Well played.
[Reply]
RoyalPain Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@Scot, Wish it could have been QUICKgold.
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose,
Yeah, cus he sucked as our 2nd LW (<sarcasm). How people continue to say he did us a huge favor WHILE having no idea who his replacement will be, is beyond me. Believe me, DL does not feel like a favor was done him right now!
[Reply]
Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@John, Be patient John, July 1st is only two days away… Then we will have an idea
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose,
Guarantees us NOTHING though. I’ll remain patient & hope for the best. I just completely disagree with the “Smyth did us a favor” argument – we have a huge hole to fill.
E. Cole would fit great!!
[Reply]
Forwards in this order….Cole, Jokinen, Upshall, Leino
1 Defenseman if they take a paycut……….White, Wisniewski
Goalie…take any at no more than $500k and stick them in the minors as insurance for an injury or trade
[Reply]
To be honest a lot of thes players are good at the right price. Ill take
Zues, Cole, Belenger, jussi (always impressed by him), Gange, upshall, and obviously Richards.
Cole, Jussi, Richards would he my fav
[Reply]
looks like RFA LW Sergei Kostitsyn may becoming available cause of a SNAFU among Nashville Management or lack of rather..Mailing and offer really? have u heard of a fax machine? Certified Couriers?haha..
is he another FROLOV though? ewww.. come on TOFFOLI,Holloway make the team!!!!
[Reply]
I like Vrbata. imagine If we picked up Brad Richards. Poor Bob.. Here’s B. Richards in the zone, to Richardson, over to Mike Richards, he shoots, save rebound, poked back…taken in the slot by Richards…pass to Brad Richardso—–SCORE.
[Reply]
QUICKsilver Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Glenn Spencer, LOL!
[Reply]
Kingsfan99 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@Glenn Spencer,
That joke is old now.
[Reply]
Two words: Michael Ryder
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@staplescenterismycastle,
Two words: No thanks
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@CB14, Agreed. He’s probably 15th or so on my wishlist of UFAs.
[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
@CB14, two more words: chocolate cake.
i dont get it either, dont worry.
[Reply]
i also say try to get someone good i dont make a good GM
[Reply]
What about Andrew Brunette on the 3rd line?
[Reply]
Vancitykingsfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@AZ King, sorry but that line goes to clifford stoll and upshall no room for brunette
[Reply]
Brian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, Don’t be so quick to dismiss Brunette. Clifford doesn’t belong anywhere other than the 4th line.
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@Brian, I disagree! Clifford has good hands and instincts. If you put him on a top line he would produce ala Rick Tocchet.
Dave Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@AZ King, if anywhere he’d be LW on the 2nd line but i think Parse is going to be there. i do like Brunette though. he’s great on the PP.
[Reply]
Didn’t Nicklas Lidstrom sign a one year deal with Detroit early last week?
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@Rainman,
yes.
[Reply]
Eric Belanger & Eric Cole hands down! Belanger would be a great replacement for Handzus at a much lower price. In addition, I think he is a bit younger and he never gives up on any play. Great penalty killer.
[Reply]
erik cole or ville leino is just wat the kings need. if they can get one of the 2 i think they have a chance of going deep into the playoffs next year
[Reply]
Anyone know if drew is trying to get a huge contract like kovalchuk?
[Reply]
these are the only ones that remotely make sense.
Erik Cole ($2.9 million) — 26 goals, 26 assists
Simon Gagne ($5.25 million) — 17 goals, 23 assists
Jussi Jokinen ($1.7 million) — 19 goals, 33 assists
Alexei Kovalev ($5 million) — 16 goals, 18 assists
Ville Leino ($800,000) — 19 goals, 34 assists
Antti Miettinen ($2.3 million) — 16 goals, 19 assists
Brad Richards ($7.8 million) — 28 goals, 49 assists
Michael Ryder ($4 million) — 18 goals, 23 assists
Scottie Upshall ($2.25 million) — 22 goals, 12 assists
Radim Vrbata ($3 million) — 19 goals, 29 assists
Nikolai Zherdev ($2 million) 16 goals, 6 assists
[Reply]
Nobody has mentioned anything about the possibility of re-signing Pony. I think that he will have a much better year….i think we can get him for 1/2 of what we paid last year. 1.5 million. because penner is unreliable and if one person gets injured we have to relive the nightmare that was the post season last year
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@dk.lakings, I would also bring him back for less. See if he can get back to 20 goals. He’s got good energy, hits and goes to the net. I think he got injured then was not fast enough to recover or too inconsistent for TM’s liking. Anyone know why TM gave him such a rough ride?
[Reply]
Is Pavel Rosa available?
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@Since 67,
haha
[Reply]
Isn’t brunette also FA or did i miss somewhere that he resigned? I think gagne and brunette could be within our price range and would add some firepower to our lineup.
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
@Splinter, i like the Brunette idea although he’s a LW and i don’t think DL will sign a LW with Parse healthy.
[Reply]
Everyone ! LA Kings away jerseys are now for sale at shop.nhl.com ! Just bought my Mike Richards jersey
[Reply]
I vote – snatch up Eric Cole & offer “Zus” 2.5 a year for two years…we really need his clutch play.
[Reply]
Timmy tim tim Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@SouthbayFan, We dont want Zus. The guys never made more than 5 strides in one shift. That doesn’t workout well playoffs come around.
[Reply]
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Dustin Penner ($4.250m) / Anze Kopitar ($6.800m) / Justin Williams ($3.650m)
Jussi Jokinen ($3.000m) / Mike Richards ($5.750m) / Dustin Brown ($3.175m)
Kyle Clifford ($0.870m) / Jarret Stoll ($3.600m) / Scottie Upshall ($3.000m)
Brad Richardson ($0.900m) / Andrei Loktionov ($0.816m) / Scott Parse ($0.900m)
Colin Fraser ($0.825m) / / Kevin Westgarth ($0.525m)
DEFENSEMEN
Drew Doughty ($5.500m) / Willie Mitchell ($3.500m)
Rob Scuderi ($3.400m) / Jack Johnson ($4.357m)
Alec Martinez ($0.875m) / Matt Greene ($2.950m)
Davis Drewiske ($0.616m)
GOALTENDERS
Jonathan Quick ($1.800m) / Jonathan Bernier ($1.250m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $62,310,476; BONUSES: $347,500
CAP SPACE (23-man roster): $1,989,524
[Reply]
Vancitykingsfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@Vancitykingsfan, My 2 picks are jussi jokinen and upshall…..and there is almost 2 mill left to play at the trade dead line if need be.
[Reply]
Timmy tim tim Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@Vancitykingsfan, thats not a bad line up
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, That’s the line-up I would choose if we can’t get Brad Richards. Although you forgot Trevor Lewis. I would think he would play over Parse, or Lokti, one or the other.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, i like it, Upshall is a much better $3,000,000 investment than Poni was.
One thing I know about “Murph” lol, defense is #1, so he will most likely keep 2 exrta Dmen and 1 extra forward like hes done the last couple years with HArrold as a D who could also play F.
BTW, I really hope someone picks up Peter Harrold and gives the guy a chance to play regularly in the NHL.
[Reply]
Vancitykingsfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@Sebastian, Very true, may bad, cut out westy, and put in lewis. Put in muzzin and take out fraser to make the 23 man roster.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, looking over it again, i disagree with your numbers on Richardson who really deserves a raise and WILL get one. I think he made 9k and if i heard correctly you usually get at LEAST a 10% raise when you get a qualifying offer. i have the feeling he will get somewhere around 1.5M though. I also believe Lewis proved himself and earned the #4 center spot with his play this past season. I see him also getting somewhere near 9k to 1m. Martinez is also due for a raise and who knows what the hell Doughty will get. Im guessing close to 6m. I think figuring all the math the Kings will only be able to afford one or the other in that lineup of yours (either Jokinen or Upshall) and not both. just my opinions.
Looking over that roster, I dont see Fraser making the NHL team.
[Reply]
16,005 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Vancitykingsfan,
That is a great line-up, but assumes a few things… (1) Penner shows up ready to play. (2) Jokinen and Upshall want to be in Manhattan Beach. (3) Loktionov does not get injured again. (4) Doughty will take $5.5 Mil. Here’s hoping the answers to all are YES.
[Reply]
BringBackKingston Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, you forgot Lewis, and Richardson and Martinez will be getting increases – whether through arb or negoitations. So their cap hit will be a few hundred thousand more. And I think for now you have to pencil in at least $6.0m for DD.
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, that’s IF Doughty signs for $5.5M. i think it’s going to be more than that.
[Reply]
I think looking at the restricted free agents list wouldnt hurt as well. We free’d up a lot of money with Smyth leaving. I think Zach Parise and the devils are having a pretty bad blood with the arbitration but I think the best FIT with the kings and restricted free agents would be TJ Oshie. Otherwise I think its Ville Leino Michael Ryder, or Jokinen.
[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Timmy tim tim,
TheFourthPeriod David Pagnotta
Again, on Parise… He cannot sign an offer sheet. Devils filed for arbitration, making Parise UNABLE to sign offer sheet w/ any other club.
TheFourthPeriod David Pagnotta
More on Parise: Since it’s a team-elected arbitration filing, the Devils can’t walk away from the outcome. Hearings don’t start ’til July 20
[Reply]
Bring back Belanger. Best bang for your buck. He brings it every night.
[Reply]
RobBordson Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Brett, Are you saying he has a high compete level? LOL.
[Reply]
Brett Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
@RobBordson,
Yup, I’m weird I guess. Love the hard working class guys.
[Reply]
While Cole with 26/26 looks pretty good, I kinda like that Leino/Jokinen combo (38/67). 2 of them for the price of 1 Cole with more total offensive production.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@DesertKing, I’m pretty sure they’re both LW’s, we need 1 LW and 1 RW.
[Reply]
Timmy tim tim Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:50 am
@DesertKing, No ones getting Leino for 800,000 again. He contributed too much last year in Philly. His pay is going to be at least 1.5….. And if you want him out here in california its going to be more because no one wants to come to the west coast where travel sucks and 10% of your contract gets taxed.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@DesertKing, what timmy said…those $ figures are what they WERE making, im sure they ALL will ask for more than that, in some cases a LOT more.
[Reply]
src Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@Sebastian,
Kopecky got 3 mil/yr in FLA. 15G and 27A gets you 3/year ouch! All of these guys are going to be looking at 3+mil. And the contract for Laich was pretty high. Semin will definately be a UFA next year. Dont expect much from DL at these rates.
[Reply]
Brian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@src, That’s not realistic market value for those stats. Florida has to reach the salary floor at some point this offseason, hence the pickup of Campbell at $7M AAV.
DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@Sebastian,
Good point, but starting negotiations at 800k rather 2.5 mil makes a big difference when you reach the final numbers.
[Reply]
Good read on Simmonds.
http://phillysportsdaily.com/flyers/2011/06/28/simmonds-brings-hard-nosed-style-back-to-flyers/
[Reply]
Choralone Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@FKA PakiFro, Good catch.
[Reply]
Does DL really go after ex Flyers? The Flyers West reference seems to indicate the make up of the front office more than the roster. Technically we had as many Flyers on our roster as they did ex Kings last year and who else? R Jones and calder? Now we lose Zeus and gain Richard. We have more former Oilers than anything. Leino wasn’t even around when he was.
[Reply]
Pick up high scoring talented Brad Richards and let always out of position Michal Handzus go. Handzus doesn’t use his good weight very well, you will gain a somewhat younger Richards but loose a good faceoff man in Mike. I don’t know how good a faceoff player Richards is.
[Reply]
Timmy tim tim Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@Mike McGriff, you can always play him then with stoll. Murray plays two centers a lot for the purpose of guys getting kicked out of the circle and I’m positive them two wouldnt mind playing with each other
[Reply]
408kingsfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@Mike McGriff, Have you ever watched the Kings penalty kill and heard Bob Miller say the Kings clear by Handzus
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
@408kingsfan, ….apparently not…
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Mike McGriff, “out of position” Handzeus? Are you kidding me? If there’s a player that plays great two-way hockey and is responsible positioning, it’s Zeus. He ain’t the speediest guy, but he covers his ground extremely well.
[Reply]
Mark C. Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@dMan, Exactly. A very responsible two-way player.
[Reply]
Mike McGriff Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@dMan, What I really mean is that because Zeus is soooo slow and he reacts slowly so he doesn’t get into position quickly enough. That is my opinion.
[Reply]
Mark C. Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Mike McGriff, FYI:
Brad Richards career Face-off %
2010/11 – 50.6%
2009/10 – 51.5%
2008/09 – 50.6%
2007/08 – 48.1%/56.2% (Tampa/Dallas)
2006/07 – 51.4%
2005/06 – 50.2%
2003/04 – 46.7%
2002/03 – 47.5%
2001/02 – 41.2%
2000/01 – 41.4%
[Reply]
Timmy tim tim Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@Mark C., I know youth teams that dont let kids play center unless they win 50% of faceoffs. Hopefully Stoll can teach him some tricks
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@Mike McGriff, Handzus is a free agent, so hes no longer property of the Kings and its very doubtful he will be resigned since he basically was replaced by Stoll (#3C) who was replaced by Mike Richards (#2C). Kings also have 2 very good 4th line Centers and utility type players in Lewis and more notably Richardson, and knocking on the door is Loktionov who could also see a few games as a winger.
The Kings will have NO CAP SPACE to sign Brad Richards at 7.8M or more. The Kings will have around 4 to 5 maybe 5.5 to spend, all depending mostly on Doughty, and the rest of the UFA’s, Richardson, Lewis, Martinez.
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@Sebastian,
I hope everyone reads this a few times so we can cut down on the SIGN BRAD RICHARDS NOW!!OMG! posts and other extremely unlikely scenarios.
[Reply]
Mike McGriff Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@Sebastian, Remember also that by giving up Zeus, they gain 4mill
[Reply]
Cole and Upshall
[Reply]
JOEL WARD (not listed) is a great pickup. He was very impressive in the playoffs, especially round 2. He is a good mid-range pick up that has that Byflugyn type skill. He is a big body and aggressive. If Boston taught us anything, you need to go beastmode if you want to go deep in the playoffs.
ERIK COLE – Him and JWill on the same line reunited from the Carolina Stanley Cup team… That could work.
JUSSI JOKENIN – Another mid-range salary player that would benefit us, especially in the shootout. He is the #1 SO goal scorer since the SO was implemented. He has other good qualities too.
B RICHARDS – obviously… but he will go east.
[Reply]
Sign Brad Richards
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@Mike in Oregon, who do you trade then to have enough cap room to sign Brad Richards?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Sebastian, You don’t need to trade anyone. We have 16 million in cap room. AM, TL, and BR would take up about 3.5 of that. DD would get about 6 million, Rich said that not me. That would leave 6-6.5 million for Brad Richards. A 9 year 54 million dollar deal is the way to go. 8 million the first 5 years, then 6,5,2, and 1 million the next 4 years. That’s how you make it work.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@CB14, Brad Richards will ask for and get at least a 7m cap hit contract, even in long term. After signing all the RFA’s and filling out the 23 man roster the Kings will not have that much money to spend….
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) 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 all adds up to around 58m, plus maybe .5m for bonuses and say 1m or 2m in cap wiggle room just in case and that leaves only 4.5 to 5.5m to sign that player i have in #12 spot (2nd line winger)
BringBackKingston Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@Sebastian, that is probably how DL sees it. He said he’s looking for a mid-range FA. Seems he would be looking for someone in the 3.0-4.0m range. That would leave with a cushion of a couple of million. BRichards is definitely out of the question unless someone else is moved.
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@Sebastian, I can see BR getting 7 years at 7 million, but not more than that. With the way everyone is getting signed until they are 39 so that it lowers their cap hit, I see Richards getting the same type of deal. I just don’t see someone stupid enough to give him an insane deal. New York is the team that needs him the most, but i would think that they would’ve learned their lesson after Drury and Gomez. But then again mabye not. Drury did say that going to a team with a good chance at winning the cup is very important to him. Hopefully more than pure cash.
Mike McGriff Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@Sebastian, Zeus
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@Mike in Oregon,
If I’m not mistaken, he was getting $7.8M? He’s looking for a raise. I don’t think he’s affordable for the Kings.
[Reply]
Zeus still brings it. It is an unorthodox player in a way but the dude was diving for loose pucks in the playoffs and is incremental on one of the best PK. Give him a hometown discount and see if he will bite. Older players usually don’t want to leave unless its for a contender. I think we are a pretty good contender…
[Reply]
Timmy tim tim Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@PW, Zues put his body on the line? What game was this?
[Reply]
PW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Watch all the games after Kopitar went down and the games in the playoffs and watch him diving to clear loose pucks out of the zone. Not all players are measured by stats.
[Reply]
PW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
unfortunately he is a C and since we signed MRich he is the odd man out.
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@Timmy tim tim,
82 games in ’07-08, 82 games ’08-09, 87 games ’09-10 and 88 games in ’10-11. ALL thos games!!!
[Reply]
PW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
here here!!
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@Timmy tim tim,
Handzus puts his body on the line every game he plays, as a matter of fact.
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luuc Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@Timmy tim tim,
You’re not serious, right?
[Reply]
Timmy tim tim Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@luuc, are you serious? the guy doesnt hit and he doesnt skate.
luuc Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@Timmy,
Listen, we are all entitled to our opinion, BUT I cant even count how many times I saw him DIVING, I mean DIVING in front of shots to block them. And in the playoffs? Are you kidding me, he was an animal on the PK. He got in front of every shot, and I remember at least two seperate instances when the PK was stuck in the zone for too long, and there was a loose puck near the blueline, and he dove headfirst swinging at the puck to make sure it got out so they can change. Sure, he doesnt rattle the boards with hits, and hes lost a few steps, but in terms of sacrifice, the only people who cam even close were Greene and Scuderi. Although, Lewis started to show that he learned a lot from Zeus towards the end of the playoffs.
rcinsc Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 7:55 am
@Timmy tim tim, What game WASN’T it in? Say what you want, but the man gave 110% every game.
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PW Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 9:01 am
I rest my case. Zeus is the man and he basically an unofficial captian. How many times have you seen him talking to the refs and he doesn’t have an A or a C. Usually refs will tell you to take a hike but with Zeus they know. He leads by example and a great player although he is getting a little long in the tooth. I remember when Kopi went down and they asked Terry why he didn’t get the A and Terry said Zeus doesn’t need the A to know he is a captain and a leader.
Totally off topic question: Can a guy like Carter, recently traded to Columbus, be re-traded immediately? I’ll probably get flamed for this, and i’m doubtful it would even be possible, but i was thinking that with the high cap hit everyone seems to expect for Doughty… What if he was signed and traded to Columbus for carter. Then we use our remaining space for a 3rd liner and a D-man like Kaberle (although i’d probably expect him to get higher than his current 4.25).
I’m mainly interested in the rules regarding trades and if there’s any time limit imposed until a recently traded player can be re-traded. Anyone know?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Helvetica, Don’t know, but there’s no way DD gets traded for Carter. DL could’ve had Carter over Richards, but he choose Richards, and rightfully so.
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Helvetica Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@CB14, Again, i’m not necessarily saying this happens. And i’m not saying the specifics are Carter for DD straight up. I’m more interested in the technical side of it all.
[Reply]
PW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Teams can do whatever they want as long as it doens’t go over the cap and/or the player has a no trade claus in there contract. Over the weekend Setoguchi got signed and the next day he was traded. (not the exact example you’re looking for but close enough)
[Reply]
Helvetica Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@PW, I get what you are saying, and i assume the first line of your reply is correct, but your example doesn’t really fit my question. I know a guy can be signed and traded. What i want to know, is if a guy can be traded to one team and then immediately traded to another team or if there is any sort of “escrow” type situation where he’s stuck on the new 2nd team (Carter to Columbus) for a finite amount of time before being moved to the 3rd team (Carter to LA). Sorry if my first post wasn’t clear.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@Helvetica,
Strangely enough, I find that idea rather intriguing. I wonder?
(I have to preface that with a NEVER wanting to trade away Drew.)
[Reply]
Helvetica Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@Kingsfanone, “NEVER” is a strong word. What if it was DD for Carter and a 1st? What if it was Stamkos for DD? I’m sort of getting away from my original question though. It just seemed interesting that both Carter and Richards left and i’m wondering if DL had any opportunity to grab both of them. Clearly those two like playing together and i was just musing about the possibility of killing 2 birds with one stone. i.e. reuniting them and solving our LW needs. I mean, what if we had given up Schenn and DD for Carter and Richards and kept Simmonds?
Like i said, just interesting possibilities.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@Helvetica,
Agreed, never may be too strong a word. Hell, like they say, even Gretzky was traded.
Your idea of getting both Richards & Carter at the same time, like I said, rather intriguing. Stamkos? Whole other ball of wax, but again, intriguing.
luuc Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@Helvetica,
If I remember correctly, isn’t that what happened with Radek Bonk? The Kings traded for him, then immediately flipped him to Montreal for Garon. I’m sure someone with a better memory than me can answer that for sure, but I’m pretty sure the trades were like 10 minutes apart. So, the answer to your question is yes, they could trade him right away if they wanted to.
[Reply]
Helvetica Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@luuc, From what i could find via Google, it looks like you are correct. Thanks man.
[Reply]
PW Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 9:04 am
@Helvetica, Youo can do it, I just didn’t have a good example. A player is traded along with his contract (hence, dumping salary at the trade deadline) so there is nothing keeping a team from trading for a player and flipping him.
Jussi Jokinen ($1.7 million) — 19 goals, 33 assists
Ville Leino ($800,000) — 19 goals, 34 assists
James Wisniewski ($3.25 million) — 10 goals, 41 assists
Jokinen and Leino for sure. That’s a deal for great scoring power. Wisniewski if you got money to blow.
[Reply]
Vancitykingsfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@Kelly, i heard that wisniewski rights got traded to the blue jackets!!!!
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Sebastian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@Kelly, the kings are set on defense and goaltending. just need one or 2 wingers now. those guys were a great deal but im sure will both be looking for a huge raise in pay, specially Leino.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@Kelly, The salaries that are listed are what those players made last year, not what they will make this year. The 3 you listed will all make more than what they made last year, and thus we wouldn’t be able to afford all 3. Plus where would Wisniewski play?
[Reply]
I have always wanted Erik Cole that would be amazing with Richards
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Vancitykingsfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Buddy galletti, Cole is a great player but, do you want another player on the shelf, he gets hurt too much. i can see gagne, leino, and jokinen with richards.
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Vancitykingsfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, OR*
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Timmy tim tim Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, Gagne has been hurt a lot lately
KC23 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, Gagne has just as much trouble staying healthy as Cole with less upside imho. I’d take Cole over Gagne.
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Buddy galletti Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@KC23, Ville leino would be awesome too he’s gonna want more than 800 thou but probly less than Cole I think DL should focus on them then maybe snag one of those defenseman wow that is a great list. So stoked for 7/1
Buddy galletti Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, Hurt? He played all 82 games last season
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Mark Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, Cole played all 82 last year
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Buddy galletti Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@Mark, he sure did
And I say again can we get Mike Richards in a Flyer Uniform off our website? Airbrush it out, put on the new jersey. Just really tired of having to to look and read about an “Ex-Flyer” every time I log on. I bet the Flyers have a link on there site to ours under minor league teams….. Enough is enough!
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DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@Mark1967,
Amen to that and why is our team on strike? I thought that it was the NFL and NBA’s turn to strike this year?
[Reply]
KFII Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@DesertKing, Just a play on words, but you really knew that right?
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DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@KFII,
I can’t remember what today is let alone who is on strike. Play on words? Heck, I though they played on “ice” but since this America, you can call it what you want
I thought it was the grocery store workers on strike this week? Just wish the webmaster would fix Richards picture on the opener since they have already photoshopped him in Kings gear it in the headlines portion. They need LAPDLine to help them out. GKG!!
colo king fan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
@Mark1967, if you’re tired of ex-flyers you might follow the wrong team.. just sayin’
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Mark1967 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
@colo king fan, I’ll take a quality player anytime…… Just don’t need to look at the Insigna every frickin day!I saw they airbrushed his image once you get on ther site for the featured article.. Do the same on the other… Just sayin… Kings for Life!
[Reply]
Why would anyone want to get rid of Doughty?
He is one of the most promising defenseman in the league.
So many of you are always complaining that the Kings get rid of players that go on to have great careers elsewhere and here you are talking about letting him go.
[Reply]
Stephen Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@dMan, totally agree
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Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@dMan,
Not to mention their always griping about wanting a star player at any cost, and now they’re willing to cut one loose right when he’s on the cusp of being one, because they don’t want to pay the price.
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@dMan, because some of these people are soooo fickle and act like this is some fantasy video league and NOT the NHL!!!
[Reply]
Mike McGriff Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@dMan, I totally agree. Young, extremely talented, scoring, dedicated, lots of room for growth defencemen are hard to find and we have one.
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rcinsc Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 8:03 am
@Mike McGriff, Dedicated? To what, showing up in camp overweight and out of shape? He’s talented, but has yet to learn to act like a professional athlete. Or maybe with the current hero worship of athletes in all sports, he learned that the wrong way. He really hasn’t shown dedication yet, except maybe to his nickname, “Doughnuts”. Just my opinion…
[Reply]
Bluecoconuts Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@dMan, because we’re getting impatient waiting to hear what his contract is going to be.
I’m about 95% positive we will hear what it is in the next 24 hours.. But that 5%.. If he isn’t signed by Friday, and gets an offer sheet, I’m going to be pissed. We’ll match the offer (I hope) I’m sure, but if that happens I’m flying up to Toronto and kicking his agent right between the legs.
[Reply]
Garrett Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
@dMan, Because the return would be minimum of a 40 goal scorer, who has already proved they are worth the money. I actually have the exact opposite thought… How can ANYONE give this kid more than 4.5M dollars. He’s not proven anything yet.
People are nuts if they think Doughty is worth more to us than another 40 goal scorer. That DD is worth what Kopitar is. That DD is worth killing large cap space over.
I’m not saying throw him away, I’m saying sign him to a reasonable contract or trade him for a HUGE return.
[Reply]
Eric Cole seems to fit.
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I’d put my money on Jussi Jokenen and Joel Ward.
Jussi (28) is yonger than Cole and prior year Jussi was a 30/30 guy (2009/10). Plus his SO ability is the best in league history.
Joel Ward is a beast and will agitate other teams and no one can defend him. Plus he brings grit which we need in the playoffs.
Both these guys will contribute immediately, and will fit in and not be a “alpha” and try to take over the team and kill our chemistry. I’d imagine 6 million/year combined. Not bad…
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@PW, 2nd.
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joe v Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@PW, joel ward is like dustin byfuglien… and the kings have nothing like either… that’s why i agree with signing joel ward…
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lafan13 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@PW,
i dunno bout Ward… Think we have that job filled with clifford.
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I would love to see if they can get praise, if he does not sign with NJ. Praise and upshall…..or Jokinen and upshall
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KC23 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@Vancitykingsfan, NJ sent Parise’s contract to arbitration. If we got Parise, he would be nothing more than a rental player as he becomes an UFA July 1st 2012.
[Reply]
PW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
I hope his arbitration is too large for NJ and they get screwed over with the Kovy deal from last year. We can swoop in and take him as long as he is willing to sign an extension.
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Brad Richards shoots left which we need. But another question. How long are we going to waste a position with a goon (Westgarth) who can do nothing else but fight. At least get a fighter who has goal assist talent who can help with the scoring. The refs seem to handle the goons pretty well.
[Reply]
Harry Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@Mike McGriff, That’s why we have Cliffy.
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wavesinair Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@Mike McGriff, The answer to how long is: as long as TM is the coach.
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Mikey Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@Mike McGriff, i concur. However, Cliff has made great strides as a player. If we roll 4 lines, i want cliff to be a part of it. He wont be much use to us in the box. I do remember Westy with some SOG and a few passes here and there. I say we keep Westy in the lineup only for teams known for fighting. After what happened to Cliff those couple of games (knock down and a black eye for some weeks) and the great work he did in the playoffs, he’s more than a fist. IMO.
[Reply]
Mike McGriff Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@Mikey, I agree. Cliff is showing that he wants to play hockey and fight if he has to not fight and play hockey if he has to. He also has the fists to be able to stand up for his teammates. Garth is no Jay Wells so dump him.
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Mark Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
@Mike McGriff, Totally agree. I don’t understand TM on this. Who else has a goon anymore?
[Reply]
I only read the first few posts of this thread. Not real sure why people seem to think we need to sign a UFA. Suppose it’s just so they can say that the Kings signed somebody. I think that there’s a bigger chance that they’ll trade for what they need rather than pick through a wafer-thin UFA market.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@deadcatbounce,
I agree
I can see a trade for Booth from Florida.
It makes a lot more sense than the overpriced junk on the UFA market
[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@nykingfan, MR and Booth would never get along!
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joe v Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
@miracle.on.manchester, you never know, i’m pretty sure ryan smyth and jack johnson got along…
nykingfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@miracle.on.manchester,
You would hope that’s not the case, but there were rumors about him not getting along in the Flyers locker room.
The Kings room has always been a good group that doesn’t make public waves..Richards needs to fit in the room. I would hope and expect that DL did his homework to find out the truth about him.
I’ll go on blind faith that these guys would be professional and only care about winning.
Pesus Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@nykingfan,
I love the booth idea and Im pretty sure DL likes Booth, but why would fla get rid of him?
[Reply]
JMS Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
@Pesus, only for a goalie.
nykingfan Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 5:02 am
@Pesus,
You never know..Who would figure the Flyers would trade Carter and Richards
JMS Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@Pesus, True but think about it i doubt Volkun will sign another deal with them. They have no #1 goalie. So i see if DL is going for Booth It would be bernier to FLA then Jones will be our #2
KingMe20 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@nykingfan,
I think those rumors were about Jeff Carter, actually. If those rumors were true, then I think Richards was placed in a tough spot as the team captain to have to step in between a couple of teammates having an off-ice problem.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@deadcatbounce, It’s not as thin as it seems, and DL has already made it clear that he’s going shopping. Trading when we could add without subtracting is probably what’s best for now, because the roster is almost set (except for a few peices, which DL has the money for).
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Dominick,
I think the biggest difference is cost certainty. If you trade for a guy, you know his contract/cap implications.
Too many UFA”s get overpriced contracts that come back to bite you in the ass later on. The more teams that are interested, the higher the price.
Even though youa re subtracting from your roster, I always thought the best way was the trade route…that’s just an opinion though
[Reply]
For my money, the free agent market looks like this…
DOUGHTY first…then…
Scottie Upshall on the right side with Cliffy on the left – This would be fun to watch…We need more team speed to match up better with the likes of Vancouver, Nashville and Minnesota…Could probably be had for 3 years at $10M or less…$3.33M cap hit…
Stoll, Bernier and Drewiske to Colorado for Paul Stastny…Line 3 now reads:
Cliffy/Stastny/Upshall
This would bring a unique combination of speed, size and aggression to our third line…they could compete offensively or defensively against the best anyne has to offer on any given night…
Finally, if there is cap room (and there should be), move Martinez to D7. Greene would then be paired with Scuds for a true “shut down” pairing, and pick up Christian Ehrhoff as Doughty’s partner…watch the power play and Drew’s overall play improve dramatically…
[Reply]
Klong Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@GKG, The Avalanche would never accept that deal. Stastny is a player very similar to Kopitar, and would be a waste in a third line center role. Would you trade Kopi for a good young goalie, a solid but unspectacular vet about to become a free agent, and a decent d? Nope.
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BTW, when are they going to formally introduce MRich?
[Reply]
The way I see it we have 2 forard positions to fill, Smyth’s and Simmonds. Any combination of Gagne, Leino, Cole, Jokinen, Ward (any 2) to me would do just fine. even if we sign only one I have no problem letting Kozun or Holloway compete for a spot. Having Parse as a second line left wing does scare me, I need to see more from him before he’s annoited to that spot.
My ideal lines (assuming we don’t trade for Parise or land B. Richards, yes I’m dreaming)
Penner-Kopi-Williams
Gagne-M.Richards-Brown
Leino-Stoll-Parse (I think he can play RW, I may be wrong)
Clifford-Richardsson-Lewis (I would rather have Loktionov centering this, but I think he’s Manchester bound)
Insert Westgarth has resident heavy on a as needed basis
Go Kings!!!
[Reply]
We need a LW. DL must sign one of the following 4 players….
Erik Cole ($2.9 million) — 26 goals, 26 assists IF he plays RW than move Browne to LW
Brad Richards ($7.8 million) — 28 goals, 49 assists If he’s willing to play LW…he signs w/LA
Simon Gagne ($5.25 million) — 17 goals, 23 assists Great playoffs 2 years ago
Jussi Jokinen ($1.7 million) — 19 goals, 33 assists Best player avail for the $$$
If DL has room left, take your pick of the following…
Michael Ryder ($4 million) — 18 goals, 23 assists
Scottie Upshall ($2.25 million) — 22 goals, 12 assists
Radim Vrbata ($3 million) — 19 goals, 29 assists
Ville Leino ($800,000) — 19 goals, 34 assists
Antti Miettinen ($2.3 million) — 16 goals, 19 assists
Nikolai Zherdev ($2 million) 16 goals, 6 assists
[Reply]
Has anyone read anything where the Kings are named in the BRich sweepstakes? All I see is east coast teams.
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At this point I think I’ve read through 253 post and haven’t heard anything about the chemistry of the team with the additions/subtraction of players. You can have the best team on paper (ie: Rangers of the past) and accomplish nothing. The goal of this team (since Luc took a front office position) is to build a team were the players want to stay and work for each other.
With that being said, who do you think would be the “best fit” for ther Kings?
[Reply]
PW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@FanoKings, Joel Ward from Nsh. He would fit in great. He can be used on the PK and as a body in front on the PP. Side note: He was nominated as for the Bill Masterton trophy. I like his grittyness and I think on a line with Cliffy and Richardson could be good.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@FanoKings,
Good point. I think one way to determine that is if they even agree to talk to us. As some other posters have said, some players do not want to come to our team for a variety of reasons including the travel and the different lifestyle here in the LA area. That said, if they agree to talk to us, then they are willing and/or wanting to be here which helps as far as chemistry. Other than that, its a crap shoot.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@DesertKing, I just dont get the lifestyle thing. with these guys making the $ that they do i dont see how there “lifestyle” would be so drasrticly changed that it would be an issue. If anything thier lifestyle you would think would be better. Aside from the fact that they can afford absolutly anything they want… the weather here is second to none, we have the best beaches in the country (except maybe florida / debatable though), your no more than two hours away from the mountains, snow, the desert, and any other possible climate and landscape you can think of. If they have kids the school systems in the south bay are great. Its not like these guys are living smack in the middle of downtown LA. IMO your lifestyle is what you make it and it has nothing to do with were these guys call home during the season. They have the $ to CREATE any lifestyle they want and im kind of offended when i hear that the lifestyle here is not up to par.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@DesertKing, Im just venting bro, so i hope you dont take it personal. Im an LA local, born and raised and it just kills me when i hear stuff like that. How would someone know what the lifestyle is like here unless the have experienced it first hand.
[Reply]
PW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
DesertKing makes a good point though…Lifestlye is an issue. Look at Ryan Smyth. Not to mention cost of living and all our state taxes.
DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Never take it personal especially when you are right. Most of my family comes from illinois. For those of my family who tried to relocate here, most ent back “home” because they just didn’t feel comfortable or felt like they fit in. I have the same problem when I go “home” to Illinois now that I am a “so cal” person. Most of these guys are from cold weather small towns in Canada, the midwest and Europe. So cal is so different than all those places that despite the great lives we enjoy here, it just doesn’t fit these guys..
my wish list is simple…
Scottie Upshall – $5.5M over 2 years
the way i see it we are set in goal and on defense so no need for anyone there.
we are set at Center with Kopitar-Richards-Stoll-Lewis
i see potential for a 2nd line LW and a 3rd line RW. we are set other wise with Penner-Clifford-Richie on LW and Williams-Brown-Westgarth on RW. i’m sure DL will either sign a cheap free agent, a guy like Fraser or a young guy will be the platoon with Westgarth against more skilled teams.
Parse was slotted to be a top-6 winger last year before he got hurt and i don’t see any reason he won’t be slotted there again. he is signed for one more year and he has shown some skill. playing with Richards and Brown would be perfect for him as both of those guys crash the net and have skill and will attract d-men to them. that should give Parse room to use his skill. i believe Parse could score 20 goals with Richards and Brown and maybe more if he gets power play time. i don’t think we could expect more production than that from pricier guys like Gagne and Leino.
if DL goes after a LW that shows me that Parse is heading out. he doesn’t fit in the bottom 6 and Penner is taking one of the top 6 spots. i really think Parse will get first shot at top-6 and if he fails then DL has assets to move in a trade.
so that leaves the #3 RW position. to me, Upshall is the perfect fit on the right side with Clifford and Stoll. he has speed and a good shot and he’s not afraid to get into the corners and mix it up for a smaller guy. i believe DL and TM are familiar with him and he can provide 15-20 goals from the third line w/o costing a ton.
this way DL can re-sign his RFAs and bring in Upshall and still have some room to maneuver and bring in an impact player during the season should one become available or if any major injuries happen.
[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@Dave,
Did you really say that Scott Parse is as good as Gagne or Leino?
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@Belexes, i said if he puts up 20 goals that would be as much as we could expect from Gagne or Leino at 1/4 of the price. and i think Parse could pot 20 on a line with Richards and Brown.
i know everyone keeps saying DL has all this money to spend, but i don’t think DL will go much over $60M on the cap. he needs some flexibility if there are any injuries or if a quality player frees up in the trade market. if he spends all the cap room he has left on re-signing his RFAs and signing two wingers then his hands will be tied to make trades. we all know DL is excellent at making trades and i would rather see him be in the trade market than overpaying for a winger in a thin UFA market.
[Reply]
Is anyone else worried about Doughty signing an offer and jacking up our salary cap to meet it?
[Reply]
Still haven’t read through all the posts yet, but I’m wondering here… How many of you are on summer vacation from school? They obviously don’t offer a lot of logic or econ classes as electives these days. Oh well, I guess it’s way too many budget cuts…
[Reply]
joe v Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@deadcatbounce, and the education card is played…
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@deadcatbounce,
So Professor, do we fill both holes through trade and/or rookies?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
@John, That’s the great thing about being a professor, they get to ask the questions and make the students answer them. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying,”Those who can, do. While those who can’t, teach”. It doesn’t apply to all teachers out there, just the bad ones.
[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@John, Why don’t you identify both holes that you feel the Kings have and I might be able to better answer your question. I’m sure I haven’t read all your posts, but you seem to be throwing out names willy nilly, so please identify your particular areas of concern. You can’t really go out and sign ten free agents and hope you hit a home run on one or two of them.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
@deadcatbounce, 2nd line L.W. and 3rd line R.W.
I want them to target guys like Upshall, Jokinen, or Cole. Of course Gagne would be a solid add but with his injury history I’d prefer the other three over him. I also just do not like Parse that much, and feel relying on him to be a point producing LW on a scoring line is quite a gamble on an otherwise strong contending team. Right now I’m leaning towards Upshall to fill the RW3 and play a game similar to Simmonds but with more scoring touch. I also still think speed needs to be upgraded so I slightly prefer Cole to Jokinen on LW2. The speed Cole could bring to the table combined with the sublime passing of Mike Richards could lead to more odd man rushes and scoring chances (something we see less of with the grind it out hockey often deployed by TM)….
PS I fall on the side of signing Doughty to the 6-6.25 mill a year long term deal rather than risk losing him. Young stud defenders are few and far between. I’m putting my faith in him.
[Reply]
Can someone please explain the whole trading for a player’s rights days before they become free agents? For example, why would the Columbus blue jackets trade for Wisnewski’s rights if he is set to be a UFA in two days? What is the benefit of this type of situation for the team receiving the player who is about to become a UFA without any garauntee that he will stay with that team once he becomes a free agent?
[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@D, It gives them exclusive negotiating rights with that player until July 1, hence a greater chance they have to actually sign him before the signing period begins.
[Reply]
Jamesonafterawin Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@D, It’s a polite way for another team talking to an FA prior to July without making enemies through out the NHL owners, GM’s, coaches and etc. On July 1, that player hits open market for any team to make an offer, which may be higher than the team that negotaited the rights.
It’s a way to hedge ones bets for a player. And it shows that team has more interest in you, besides offering more money.
[Reply]
D Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@Jamesonafterawin and @deadcatbounce,
Thank you!
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
@Jamesonafterawin, i think its more than just being polite, i believe based on the rules of the CBA this is the only way you are allowed to talk contract with a player who technically belongs to a team if even for only a few more days. isnt it called tampering and you can be disciplined by the league if you even talk about another player you are interested in?
[Reply]
Jamesonafterawin Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@Sebastian, Yes, true as well. I was just summing it up. For this CBA for as long is it lasts.
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@Sebastian, Yes that’s true, but how do these free agents sign so quick? It wouldn’t surprise me if there were a lot of tampering going on before July 1st. It’s amazing how quickly these guys sign.
BluLiner Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@D, and sometimes it works. That’s how Philly got Bryz.
[Reply]
Anybody good off that RFA list Nashvile forgot to completly send offers to?
[Reply]
Klong Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
@Jamesonafterawin, Kostitsyn has offensive potential and plays LW I believe…but other than that? Nobody the Kings can use
[Reply]
Jamesonafterawin Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@Klong, Ahhh, thanks. Off to hockeydb.
[Reply]
Nobody on that list is worth the listed price. Maybe leino & white but thats it.
We need 2 more shut down forwards 2 veterans and a new back up goalie. Lets get on it.
[Reply]
Realistically Kings probably only have 10-12 million to get up to around $60 million total. I don’t see Dean being allowed to go up to the cap of $64.. And that doesn’t take into account what Doughty and the other RFAs are going to get. It’s probably conservative to assume more than half of that goes to those players. So really Kings only have $2-3 million tops to spend this year. I don’t see us getting a Cole, Leino or any big names. Too bad.
[Reply]
gene Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@JB, Thats why I said go after Eric Bel. Would mean around $1,500,000 per year
[Reply]
If we learned anything in the past few seasons with DL,its all about the right “fit”. i think jokinen will bring speed into our LW2 along with richards and brownie. Belanger would fit in well in the C3 checking line (where he played for the most part while he was in LA) certainly an improvement over handzus as far as speed and cap hit. also he is great with faceoffs. he complements stoll since hes a lefty during clutch faceoff situations they can both be in there like TM does with stoll and zus
PS. how unstoppable are we in the shootout???
kopi
jussi
stolly
+quickie
[Reply]
If only we can re-sign Poni and Zus at nickle-and-dime contracts.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@tuan jim,
Nice thought but I think they would rather play for quarters in the KHL.
[Reply]
Sign Cole, 3 years 11 million.
[Reply]
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Brad-Richards-8217-criteria-8216-Hockey-mar;_ylt=Ams7GYknuuG.pxhWbRNz8ZZ7vLYF?urn=nhl-wp8237
Richards two criteria are ‘hockey market+opportunity to win’. Well, we have one of those, but not the other. I don’t see him signing with LA.
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, i dont expect DL to get B.Richards at all..I hope DL gets someone else that can fit the bill for the Kings
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, haaha, “in a market where hockey matters”. deffinitely not LA. ok, just sign soon so we can stop seeing all the SING BRAD RICHARDS posts!
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@Sebastian,
I know, I know…
But when I saw “SING BRAD RICHARDS” there were visions of ‘Glee’ dancing around in my head…
–Freaking hilarious!
[Reply]
Not to be a Debbie Downer, Kings fans, I don’t think we’re going to see a major addition via free agency or trade. With Richards we fill a major need down the middle that was evident when we lost Kopitar. We didn’t even have a number 2 man let alone a number 1.
With Smyth out, look for Penner to be the number one on that side and for Lombardi and Murray call on guys to step it up like the always do. Parse is at least a number 3 LW and he might do fine in an advanced role.
Penner Kopitar Williams (they did great until they didn’t exist anymore)
Parse Richards Brown
Clifford Stoll Lewis (Lewis is a terrible faceoff man, but a good shutdown man)
Richardson Loktionov? Westgarth? Elkins?
[Reply]
Eric Belanger, but he is not coming back nor should he.
[Reply]
Let’s freak some people out a bit. Haven’t seen it mentioned…
What if we just straight up traded the rights for Doughty for the rights of Stamkos? I mean we got lots of talent in the D-Man department, we’d only drop a few rungs, but Stammer would give us that nasty scoring threat and we can pay him if we’re not paying DD. Besides, Voinov could finally get his shot and Muzzin could step right in as well. On top of that, fro mTB’s perspective, A tandem of Doughty & Hedman in the back would make any team cringe!
It was just a fleeting thought that will never happen, but it’s in interesting brain cell killer.
Gagne is who we’ll probably go after with the connection to Richards, but I would like to have Leino & Eric Cole. (5 mil/year cap hit for both, someone else can figure out the details).
Finally: There’s no Rob Bordsen Era without Juraj Mikus. Just remember that!
[Reply]
Harry Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Cynic, Stomkos is a 1st or 2nd line center, which we are currently ok with for YEARS to come. We need a LW to fill the spot for Ryan…
[Reply]
Jumblehead Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@Harry, Stamkos plays left wing Hank.
[Reply]
Harry Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Ha@Jumblehead, actually, stamkos is a natural center. He may have played wing along side Vinny. But his natural position is Centre
wavesinair Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@Cynic, I was so incredibly impressed with Stamkos last year. Fantastic sophomore season. I’d still take Doughty though. Something about a player wanting to play on the Kings makes me giddy.
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@wavesinair,
And what he brings from the back-end is completely unique!
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@wavesinair,
Stamkos had a great first half, but a lousy second half, and he never seemed to get it going in the playoffs. That being said, I think we haven’t seen his full potential yet, which is scary. However, Drew Doughty’s potential is far greater because of the position he plays and how rare it is to find someone like that to fill that spot in the lineup. I could live with that trade, but I’d rather stick with Doughty.
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
@Cynic,
“Finally: There’s no Rob Bordsen Era without Juraj Mikus. Just remember that!”
–Yeah!
Praise God and pass the In-N-Out Burger!
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@Cynic,
About that trade:
What worries me is that one day, we might all wish it were made…
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Really, I can tell you realize this was the most important and reasonable part of my post.
The other stuff really is just for fun discussion. Would never happen.
And I don’t care that Stammer is a center, I’ll put him on whatever wing he wants so long as he scores. Kid with his touch can play anywhere.
Waves does have a great point about DD wanting to be a king, although at this moment, I’d say Jack Johnson wants to be a King MUCH MORE than Drew Doughty. I gained a TRUCKLOAD of respect for JJ when he signed that contract and did Dean a MAJOR favor on so many levels. That shows me a lot more than having a Kings pillowcase and Gretzky sweater when you were a kid.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
@Cynic, Oh man!!! Hope DD reads that one….maybe it’ll fire him up for the off season workouts!
LBlocal Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
@Cynic, This most novel hypothetical post (AND I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK) needs to be directly immediately sent to Don (SHOW ME THE MONEY) Meehan, Newport Sports Management Inc. Toronto Ontario.
Newport Sports Management Inc. Suite 400
201 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, ON L5B 2T4
Phone: (905) 275-2800
Fax: (905) 275-4025.
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
http://www.thehockeyagency.com/index2.html
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Eric Belanger ($1,5 million) —
Michal Handzus ($2 million) —
Alexei Kovalev ($2 million)
Ville Leino ($2.0 million) —
Brad Richards ($6.5 million) —
Scottie Upshall ($2.5 million) —
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@gustavo, yes! lets just replace the whole team, they weren’t any good anyways
[Reply]
j.j. for filppula. insert voynov. sign a winger for $3-4 million.
gagne/cole/booth-kopi-williams
filppula-richards-brown
penner-stoll-parse
clifford-lewis-goon or lokti
mitchell-drew
scuderi-voynov
greene-martinez/hickey
very doable. adds speed, offense and voynov/hickey are ready.
[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
@jim g, Never. Trade. JJ.
Remember how he re-signed? Now look at the process of re-signing DD.
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ESPN NHL – 6-time All-Star LW Paul Kariya retires after missing 2010-11 season with post-concussion symptoms
Finally
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DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@Subby,
Guess that means bye-bye Selanne also. Hate to see players go because of concussion issues.
[Reply]
Bob Bobson Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@DesertKing, I don’t think the two have been tied together since their season in COL. If Selanne chooses to continue it will have nothing to do with Kariya.
[Reply]
Helvetica Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@DesertKing, I think Selanne’s return is tied somewhat to wanting to play with Koivu and the Ducks, not necessarily having anything to do with Kariya. I did read the other day that Winnepeg would be a great place for him to play his last year as well though which would be kind of a nice way for him to go out as well.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@Subby, Too bad for Paul Kariya…despite being a Duck i admired and respected him as a player in the NHL. Best of luck to #9. Retire his number and tell Bobby Ryan suck it!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@Sebastian,
Beautiful!!!
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
@Sebastian,
Agreed. He was a King killer, but he was fun to watch. I met him a couple of times when I was working for an NHL team (rhymes with Choenix Foyotes) and he would be our pre-game or second-intermission visiting team interview. I always thought he was a pretty classy guy.
I still remember how impressive it was to see him get up from being laid out by Scott Stevens and score the game winner on an absolute laser-beam of a shot over Brodeur’s glove. Like the Ducks or no (and I don’t), it’s tough to find a single highlight better than that.
989 points in 989 games. Pretty damn good numbers, but I think he’ll probably not make the Hall of Fame, and that’s a shame.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@KingMe20,
I’ve often asked Ducksfans if they would want his number retired in their rafters, and alot of them are like Kingsfans with regards to Rob Blake. A good portion of them say “Never”. I don’t harbor the same emotional ties to the Ducks so I say “Kariya is the first player to ever bring the Ducks respectability” and they still say “never”.
The islanders just broke off negotiations with Christian Ehrhoff and are trying to sell his rights. What a moronic move that was for them to sacrifice a 4th round pick and the cost of flying this player to meet with them in NYC.
Now Mr/ Lombardi, let the entire Doughty camp know you plan on going aggressively after Ehrhoff if his canadian spoiled rotten majesty insists on holding everyone hostage until July 1st so the rest of the league massages his ego with possible ‘stupid money’ KovalChoke like offers.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@gustavo, being that not only you but none of us know what is going on behind closed doors perhaps you might be wrong in jumping to conclusions about Drew. It is obvious you dont like him but there might be some moderation coming your way. ( I hope)
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@fsd1, Not diggin on gustavo huh? I was actually saying to myself ” I havnt seen any posts from fsd1 latley”. your like apredator after theirt prey…you like to pick your spots wiseley and pounce!
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, i can take most of the dribble because it is just that dribble. but some of the things being said just fire me up ya know? Anyways, nice hearing from you!
FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@gustavo,
What exactly about Doughty insinuates “his spoiled rotten majesty”? Didn’t people say this about JMFJ also and then out of nowhere he signed a very reasonable contract? You people gotta settle down until there’s some merit to your assumptions. He isn’t Rob Blake, negotiating in the papers and asking for a trade if he doenst have a contract yet.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
Yeah, assumptions. First three letters says it all.
[Reply]
TM’s gonna be on the replay of HNiC soon. I missed it on the live broadcast.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@Jamesonafterawin,
Good, I will make sure not to watch!
[Reply]
Jamesonafterawin Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@Scot, Watch! Damn. I only get to listen, and I missed it again. Stupid work.
Rich, could you post it?
[Reply]
Is Richards going to have a press confrence?
[Reply]
Brad Richards Please…is it possible?
[Reply]
Caleb C Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@tellmeY, I think were too close to the salary cap for Brad.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@tellmeY,
No.
[Reply]
Belanger, Cole, or Gagne. I think those guys would help. Maybe not Gagne because isn’t he injury prone?
[Reply]
I think you guys underrate Jokinen. Got buried by the coaching staff early in the season and still put up decent numbers there. He clicks with Richards and Kopitar and we have 30 goal scorer. You sign Gagne and you’ll be paying alot for a guy who will play half the time.
[Reply]
OK, why am I seeing so many people say they would rather have Erik Cole over Simon Gagne, because “Gagne is injury prone?” Wait a minute now.. What is Erik Cole, if not injury prone?
Let’s see who the better player is here..
Speed – Cole
Hands – Gagne
Shot – Gagne
Size – Gagne
Age – Gagne (31, Cole is 32)
Hockey I.Q. – Gagne (by a long shot)
Locker room/Leadership – Gagne
2-way player – Gagne
Chemistry with Kings players/coaches – Gagne
Injury prone – Both.
So, I have Cole’s only strength over Gagne being Speed, yet Gagne is not even far behind in that, in fact, Gagne, when he came into the league, was KNOWN for his speed. Now, he doesn’t just fly around the ice, he is SMART with his energy, and uses his speed when he needs to.
Gagne’s only, and I mean ONLY, knock has been injuries, but that doesn’t mean those will continue.
I have heard FAR more negatives regarding Erik Cole.
You be the judge.
[Reply]
bickleton wigglesworth III Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@Scot,
I’m still disgruntled with Gagne for snubbing the Kings a summer to two ago. I know that’s no way to run a hockey team but I don’t care. Screw that guy.
And your list is a bit biased. For instance for “size” Cole is 2 inches taller and 10lbs heavier than Gagne. And I’d say he plays bigger than Gagne too. And I’d add “grit” and “blue-collar attitude” to the list and give both to Cole. I don’t think it’s as clear cut as you believe. And with the exception of his time in Edmonton I’ve heard very few negatives but Cole’s play on the ice.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@bickleton wigglesworth III,
GM’s don’t make a living by holding grudges against a player by not signing him when he would help their team. You may say “screw that guy,” but Dean Lombardi is a little bit more mature than that.
[Reply]
boxtime17 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@Scot,
you missed one… I believe Cole is a couple inches taller a has about 10lbs on Gagne…….
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@boxtime17,
Apologies. Didn’t check their heights and weight, my gut always told me Cole was one of the smaller, shorter players in the league.
So I missed one, but I wouldn’t sign Cole over Gagne because he has 10 pounds on him. Lol
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@Scot,
In addition..
I should have thrown in there:
Grit – Cole.
But we have enough grit already.
Gagne would be an upgrade over Smyth. I would rather have Smyth, however, more than Cole.
People have called me crazy many times in my life, and I know I am, but I would be willing to give Gagne 4 million over 1 year, and possibly even give him 2 years. It’s a risk, but not a long term one. Cole would also be a risk, but, in my opinion, the MUCH higher reward would be with Gagne.
Gagne would slot nicely into the LW2 position, where Smyth was. If Penner flakes off again, or gets hurt, Gagne would be able to fill in admirably on the top line LW alongside Kopitar. Erik Cole, however, I think is a 2nd Line player, at best.
[Reply]
PW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Scot, Cole has a ring and played with JWill. Gagne played with MRich, however. I’d take Jokenin over both and save my money.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Scot,
Cole is a better leader/locker room guy than Gagne, and comes with a Stanley Cup under his belt. Gagne will come with a 5 milliom dollar price tag. Cole will be around 3 million.
[Reply]
Kwan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
@Dominick, I’d be shocked f gagne gets 5m. More like 3.5m max
Mark Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@Scot, You left games played, hits and goals out of your assessment.
[Reply]
Dang it, still no word on DD!! Meanwhile, how about those Dodgers!! Whenever we start feeling the blues, just look towards Blue Heaven and realize how lucky we are to have AEG and DL running the show (relax, wait for it, count to ten, ok, now you can fire away).
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@DesertKing, AEG (PA more specifically) sucks and DL rules! but everyone knows that…
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@tornado12,
The point is that AEG is so much better than McCourt…and there’s NO doubt about that!!!
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@John, i yeild to that logic and agree, BUT honestly, regarding McCourt, can you think of a worse owner in one of the 4 major sports right now?
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@tornado12,
Hahahaha nope!
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@Tornado12, Have you not heard of Donald Sterling? 5 or 6 bad McCourt years doesn’t come close to 30 years of ineptitude, and thats not even taking into account what kind of human being he is. Have you seen the lawsuits against him? Needless to say he doesn’t exactly like black tenants living in his apartment buildings.
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@tornado12, Correction, I didn’t see the words “right now” at the end of your post. You are correct sir.
tornado12 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@CB14, lol..as soon as i started thinking about the answer to my own question, his was the first name that popped into my head. Some other notables would include Al Davis, mike brown (the bungals), and who can forget the late owner of the Reds Marge Schott!
I’d vote for Cole or Upshall and if they’re weren’t available or willing to take reasonable offers then try to Connolly or Sullivan (who are greater risks).
[Reply]
Surprised no one has mentioned Tomas Fleischmann. He plays both RW and LW and is a playmaker for the 2nd line with Richards and Brown.31 pts in 45 games on an offense-lacking team like Avalanche.
[Reply]
what about Scottie Upshall? he had 22 goals. Thoughts please.
[Reply]
or even Erik Cole???
[Reply]
Upshall…
Seems like he kills us, whenever we play PHX.
[Reply]
Jamesonafterawin Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Phoenix, they still have a team after today! And yes Upshall two fold, out of our division and on the Kings.
[Reply]
Rich,
You just had to throw in that question in the end wouldn´t you?
Are you trying to break the record of number of comments haha… (remember Kovalchuk post last summer with over 1000 comments)
[Reply]
I wouldn’t mind trading a few prospects and a pick for Malone. dude can score and hit. the less lazy version of Penner.
[Reply]
Harrison Merkin Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@brymaster1,
Penner will have a monster year this year. As picks and prospects…..we need to hold on to some of those for a bit. This is going to be a huge year for us. Seriously. Scary good.
[Reply]
We can scratch Kariya off the list. he just retired.
[Reply]
The Hurricane GM just said he didn’t think Cole was going to stay with them. Cole seems definately available.
[Reply]
Dear Mr. Lombardi,
Please DO NOT sign the 31 y/o Richards period. I believe that through discipline and patience [however infuriating] that your master plan “muahahahah” has finally come to fruition. I believe we are on the cusp of being a perennial contender for years to come. The acquisition of M. Richards was as deft a move as I’ve seen in this organ-i-zation in some 20 years. I say lock up Doughts for what’s right for the team first and the player second. Help him understand his worth and more importantly his value to the team. Ask him to flex his King fandome for a quick minute and allow you to go out get that LW2 and RW3 we really need. We have the potential to be scary good 1-4 with a 1-2 goalie tandem that is unmatched. These are great days we are living Mr. L. I hope you’re enjoying them as much as we are. Now would you kindly throw us a bone please. GKG
[Reply]
Bring up Flinn!!!!
[Reply]
mark1178 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 8:22 am
@T, That guys still in our system?????!!!!!
[Reply]
My rankings of what Lombardi should do: (I think there’s still a big move to come through trade, with the following moves assuming that Doughty is locked up long term)
1. Try damnedest to sign Brad Richards
This probably isn’t realistic given the other suitors with more cap room, but Lombardi could structure a long-term deal (let’s say 7 or 8 years) with a midrange AAV hit – front load the actual player earnings. This puts the Kings over that contender threshold that Lombardi spoke aboout. He’s one of those players that makes his linemates much better, and immediately improves the PP dramatically. A Kopitar – Richards – Richards middle would be a dream. Fill the rest of roster spots either internally or pick up veterans willing to sign for less money in the hopes of a championship.
2. Pry Jamie Benn out of Dallas
Again, not realstic, but everyone has a price tag. How about Bernier, Voynov, and a 1st round pick? Benn is a beast and really hit his stride with Dallas last season. Pair him with Brad Richards and watch out NHL.
3. Obtain Ryan Malone from Tampa Bay
Rumored that Malone might be on the move, and that Lombardi didn’t take him when he had a chance. Lineup needs a little more size. Does he fit the championship culture that Lombardi is trying to build? He could play a 2nd line role, or third during times of Murray’s regular line switches during the season.
4. Sign Cole or Gagne for LW role
I’d rather have Cole, but Gagne’s history makes sense. Does Gagne continue his decline, or does he still have some gas left in the tank, reminiscent of his 40 goal seasons?
5. Fill out the 3rd line
3rd and 4th line guys are a dime a dozen. For those of you thinking Clifford is a 3rd line left wing, you’re wrong. Although he played well last season, especially in the playoffs, 7 goals and 7 assists in the regular season is only acceptable for an enforcer type like Westgarth. You can’t rely on the 1st and 2nd lines to do ALL of the work. One of the sharp declines last season was due to the lack of production from the 3rd line during the regular season. Great candidates on the UFA market: Raffi Torres, Scottie Upshall, Radim Vrbata, Jamie Langenbrunner. Would love to see Belanger back in a Kings uniform if we had a vacancy at center. Not entirely sold on Bergenheim or Ward – GM suicide to reward millions for two good playoff series, but sometimes these 3rd line players can really elevate in the playoffs. Other possibilities are Jokinen, Ryder, and don’t forget about the iron man Andrew Brunette – don’t know if he’d have a logical fit on the roster, but he brings the nose for the net that we lost with Smyth — would help the PP too!
6. Hold tight with current roster and make a move at the deadline
See where this roster gets you with internal candidates filling higher profile roles and make a move at the trade deadline for more help if needed. Having some cap wiggle room would be nice.
Here’s my best prediction for the lines to start the season:
Penner – Kopitar – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Richardson – Stoll – Upshall
Clifford – Lewis – Westgarth/Manchester write-in
Usual defense corps.
I’ll have to coin a handle for all of my posts for this next season.
[Reply]
Jamesonafterawin Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@Brian, Doesn’t Brad and Doughty have the same agent or agency? If so, I don’t see that bowding well.
[Reply]
PK Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
@Brian, Future GM’s… Watch Out
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@Brian, there is a lot here i disagree with…
1. yes, Richards would be great to have but i agree that he will be too much and he wants to go somewhere else.
2. that would be a ton to give up for Jamie Benn – i would never make the deal you suggested.
3. i do like the idea of Malone and i think that is something DL will look into if Parse doesn’t pan out. especially if Tampa needs some room to fit Stamkos in.
4. Gagne and Cole are OK but both will be overpaid because it’s a thin market. i don’t think either will be worth what DL would have to pay.
5. the third line is fine – it was the best line in the playoffs. Clifford-Stoll-Upshall would be a fantastic third line. and Clifford is definitely ready for third line duty. he proved in the playoffs he can elevate his game and he has a nose for the net. Clifford steadily improved all season and there is no reason to think his improvement won’t continue unless you stick him on the 4th line with Westgarth.
6. i agree that DL should hold back on UFAs except for someone on the third line RW like Upshall. i think he’ll have more success on the trade market than overpaying for guys like Cole and Gagne.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@Dave, i gotta agree with your #2… WAY too much for Benn… And forget #4, go after Jokinen… my 2 pennies.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@Brian,
1. As much as we all want Brad Richards, it’s just not going to happen. We already got Mike Richards to be our top 2 center, along with Kopitar. Brad Richards is going to the East, and I’m guessing the Rangers. I’m not a pessimist, I’m a realist, and wherever B. Richards signs, it’s not going to be Los Angeles.
2. I love Jamie Benn, you love Jamie Benn, Dean Lombardi loves Jamie Benn, but Dallas and Joe Nieuwendyk loves Jamie Benn more than all of us combined. He will not be traded, after they already traded James Neal. Benn is a HUGE part of that team, and when some people say that Bernier and Voynov would be giving too much, I don’t think Dallas would think it’s even enough. They just signed Kari Lehtonen to a contract to be their starter, so they aren’t looking for a starting goalie. Also, they just obtained Alex Goligoski, and they have Philip Larsen (another young offensive D-man) likely to make their team this year, so Voynov might have a better chance playing for the Kings than the Stars. Dave said he would never trade Bernier and Voynov for Jamie Benn, but I would make that trade any day of the week! Jamie Benn is not a 2nd Line LW. He is a 1st Line LW, and has a chance to be a superstar.
3. Ryan Malone, I can definitely see happening. I wrote in a post earlier I would acquire him, and send Scott Parse to Tampa Bay. Tampa needs to free themselves of Malone’s contract more than the Kings needed to free themselves of Smyth’s. Malone will be traded somewhere, and LA is a strong candidate.
4. Gagne or Cole would also be viable options for the Kings’ 2nd Line.
5. Definitely think the Kings could use either Raffi Torres or, even more preferably, Jamie Langenbrunner. I would love to see JL in a Kings uni.
6. I don’t think the Kings “hold tight” from now until the trade deadline. There are definitely more moves coming.
All this to say, you know your hockey!
[Reply]
How does everyone feel about taking advantage of Bernier and trading him for someone valuable? The goaltending FA class is weak, especially since Roloson was just signed.
I know two goaltenders is starting to be the trend and Bernier made a huge difference in Quick’s numbers from 2 years ago. Bernier was drafted by us and he is a really good goalie but Quick is #1. Obviously we want to win now…so?
[Reply]
PW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@PW, Possible: Trade Bernier to Toronto for Kessel?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
@PW, I don’t see that particular trade happening. DL likes caracter guys, and there’s a reason why Kessel was picked last by the captains in the all-star game. However your premise of trading Bernier for a sniper like player isn’t that far fetched. I see DL filling the top 6 forward we need via free agency, but if he is unable to do so, then trading Bernier might become an option.
[Reply]
Raitis Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@PW, That is in no way possible. Why would Toronto give up kessel?
[Reply]
After reading several posts and articles on a half dozen websites, I believe JUSSI JOKINEN has exactly what we need.
Looking at his point totals (70 GP, 33 A, 52 PTS) that would rank him 4th on last years team in scoring with 12 less games than Brown (57pts) and 3 gms less than Williams (57pts). What also sticks out is that he seems to be very much like Williams; in stature, hockey IQ, compete level and scoring.
With only Kopitar (48A), JJ (37A) and Williams (35A) putting up more assists than Jokinen (33A), it is clear to see how Jokinen would not only balance out our 2nd line but bring much needed creativity and skill to our PP and 5v5.
It was very clear how important Williams was to our scoring last year, how much better would we be to have another on like him. Not to mention how good Jokinen could really be playing alongside Richards:)
Penner / Kopitar / Williams
Jokinen / Richards / Brown
Clifford / Stoll / Lewis
Richardson/ Lokti / Westy-Clune
DD / Mitchel
JJ / Scuderi
Green / Muzzin-Voynov-Martinez
Quick
Bernier
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@Kingofkings, reverend!!! I’ve been espousing this for a week at least now.
[Reply]
My prediction for opening night:
Penner – Kopitar – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Parse – Stoll – Upshall
Clifford – Lewis – Holloway
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@KC23, My prediction for opening night;
Penner – Kopi – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Clifford – Stoll – Upshall
Richardson – Lewis – Westy
I would have Parse or Lokti in for Westy but TM loves Westy.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@CB14, I like it.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@CB14,
I’d be happy with that too! I love Richie on our 4th Line.
Does Joel Ward not get as much love among Kings fans as Scottie Upshall?
Upshall can be a feisty pest for sure, and with offensive capabilities. Kind of like Sean Avery-Light. And I think Joel Ward is kind of like Wayne Simmonds-Plus, so to speak. I just love his attitude, and the way he plays the game.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@KC23,
Should I save that somehwere, and post it on here on Opening Night?
I would love that forward projection!
IF I could make one change, I would slot Joel Ward into Upshall’s place.
I just think with Parse and Stoll on the 3rd Line as a shutdown line, it would need more size and grit.
Also will be sad if we don’t retain Brad Richardson.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@Scot, With great 2 way centers on the first 2 lines, the 3rd line may not be used exclusively in the shutdown role.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
@Osaka,
I’ve thought about that too.. You definitely don’t need a clear cut shutdown line like New Jersey’s Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner line of a few years back, with what the Kings have. I imagine TM will try and match the Kings top 2 lines against the opposition’s top 2 lines on most nights.
Osaka Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
@KC23, I would love Clifford to get 3rd line mins though.
[Reply]
LET’S GET DRURY !!!
Rangers bought the remainder of his contract out, making him a UFA. If he passes a knee physical, he’d mesh well with our locker room chemistry.
[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@gustavo, I agree as a 4th line centre for 1.5 million or less.
[Reply]
Matthew Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@gustavo, Glad someone else brought this news and brought it up! VanKingsFan is nuts to think he’d be a 4th liner though!
[Reply]
Not a real strong crop of FAs. I get the feeling DL does something tomorrow, either a DD signing or an FA signing. I just hope he doesn’t overpay for DD.
[Reply]
Has DL fixed his fax machine yet?!?
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@LBlocal, how do you get the logo in the corner?
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
http://en.gravatar.com/
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@LBlocal, Much thanks for tech tip!
LBlocal Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
No problem. So c’mon now.. IS DL’S FAX MACHINE WORKING???
Shouldn’t we have, at least, heard from Martinez, Lewis, and Richardson by now?
Pieces of the puzzle, they are.
gKg!
[Reply]
Holy Crap we have Mike Richards!!! Can’t say it enough. Every time I see a mockup of our possible starting lineup and see Richards penciled in at the #2 center position, it makes me smile.
Has he had a press conference yet? Or is the LA media consumed with Frank McCourt and that disaster we call the Dodgers?
[Reply]
What does Carter play? I read an article that would basically say that he is not happy at all about going to the CBJ. Why don’t we save him and pair him up with Richards since they are great buds? Don’t get all mad everyone. Just creating some fun possibilities.
[Reply]
Harry Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@Subby, Who are you going to give up to take over his contract? Kopi? Jack Johnson? LOL
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@Subby, DL has talked a lot about the King’s core of players growing up together in the King’s system. Putting Richards and Carter together would really be a locker room changing move. I don’t see it happening.
[Reply]
Cole only performs in Carolina, a few years back Cole tested free agency and went to the oilers he went 16-11-27 in 63 games. Much was made about him being comfortable in the system and the players he was with. At 32 years of age I don’t think he would be a good fit in LA. Personally I think we should take the trade route with so many teams overpaying FAs to get to the cap floor. Parse as a 2nd line LW is a better option than 4.5 for a Jokinen or Cole. If Gagne takes a pay cut over last year he might be a good fit. All of this will be in limbo till Doughty re-ups as his salary will dictate who we will be able to sign and for how much.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@LuckyNumber20, I personally wouldn’t put a drink of coffee in Edmonton as confirmation that he can play no where else but Carolina. Carolina’s GM stated on TV today that he didn’t think it was likely Cole would resign with Carolina. Gagne is a strong possibility, but his health concerns me.
[Reply]
5holer Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
@KC23, Health may be less of a concern(head shots) with the new rules in place. Any player is one hit from retirement anytime, so you cannot play this game scared! Gagne had Concussion issues a few years ago, so he is perhaps more predisposed to that risk. The pickins are quite slim this year, so what to do. Any move is a Crap Shoot with this group of FAs available! Could we be in the running for a Parise if he doesn’t get done in NJ soon? Is B Richards out of reach? Will we even look at those potentials or just focus our attention on more “getables” types? DD has to be done to proceed on a firm plan on July 1!
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@LuckyNumber20, spot on. I had the same feeling but just couldnt articulate it like you did. To be honest, nobody left on that UFA list besides richards really interests me! And unfortunately, I highly doubt we get him. Gagne does look like the best option, or maybe a trade. i really wanted Laich…oh well!
[Reply]
LuckyNumber20 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@tornado12, My one knock on Laich was his best offensive numbers seem to be behind him and he didn’t respond to well to the new defensive system they are implementing in Washington. Which leads me to believe that Laich, despite his killer work ethic, was a product of the enviroment he was in and not his own abilities. Happy hes not coming to LA and I would nnot have given him that kind of money.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@LuckyNumber20, I thought Washington already signed Laich to a 6 year deal?
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@LuckyNumber20,
Cole didn’t test the FA waters, he was traded for Joni Pitkanen. Also DL already has the money he’s going to spend on DD, so DD’s contract doesn’t matter. You’ll see DL make a move, regardless of wether DD is signed or not. The only thing DD’s contract will dictate is how much extra space we’ll have left over for the trade deadline.
[Reply]
LuckyNumber20 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@Dominick, Good call, bad research on my part. As far as DL making a deal based on DDs contract if say Gagne or Jokinen are getting ridiculous offers from teams like BUF and FLA Dean wil not be able to match. He will not spend up to the cap as he already said he doesnt want to be a one and done like CHI was last year.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
@LuckyNumber20,
I believe DL has already budgeted the money out of the Smyth Deal. I say 3, 4 mill max. DD’s Contract doesn’t matter because that was already budgeted before Smyth was traded, and any upcoming signing comes out of the Smyth money (along with a #3 right winger).
5holer Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
@LuckyNumber20, I almost agree 100% but…maybe 90% on the Cole & Jokinen fronts, & I’m a go on Gagne for the right number. Gotta compare our roster of LWs last season(Pony, Smyth, Brownie on off-wing side, Parse same thing and then that experimented with Lok(no go), & Richie (a 4th line center), and the surprise of Clifford). Well, where are the goals coming from this year? , since there weren’t enough last year and Smyth & Pony are gone! RW is not as bad with Brownie going back to RW, but could still use more goals at both Wing spots. Cannot plan on Monarch kids coming up, nor amateur draftees either! Trading could be a better route, but what is available? Now Jokinen & Cole, even Upshall & Gagne look more attractive each day forward…just need one of them not all of them! Speed is best, but goals gotta happen regardless of speed..Some Veteran presence is most helpful for a longer run in May, but gotta have goals in any case! Gagne maybe fits all the above the most of what’s out there!
[Reply]
Is anyone else worried about DD? Or is it just me.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@Jefreyryan, More worried about Jack “the heart attack” Johnson’s abysmal plus minus that never seems to improve…hopefully this season.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@puck73, Bobby Orr once had a season of +124!!! Can you imagine.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
@Osaka,
I don’t think they had goalies then just netmiders.
KC23 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@Jefreyryan, I’m not. I think a lot of people are getting all worked up for nothing. Just makes good business sense for an agent to keep things in doubt to get the best possible deal for himself and his player. This is just business as usual for a player of DD caliber.
[Reply]
hockeysureshot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
@Jefreyryan, I am too! Haven’t heard a word about it, but Stamkos isn’t signed either so these things usually happen last minute.
[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@Jefreyryan, Not at all, for someone to offersheet him something we wouldn’t match it would need to be upwards of 8MM+. There’s no team willing to give up 4 first rounders and has that cap space. I’m more worried about after this contract if it goes through his RFA years, but we’ll see what happens. DL’s usually pretty savy about this stuff.
[Reply]
5holer Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@Tookie, Let’s focus the worry train in the right areas…on the wings! Meehan is so focused on bending TB over with Stamkos deal that DDs deal is not in contention. DD wants to be a King and he wants to get paid..Both will happen! You got the math right with any interested “Other Teams”! Burke is against Offersheets from the Penner fiasco signing in Edmonton. If someone is out there several days after July 1, Then they are “open game perhaps” to any team smelling a foul odor! Won’t happen here with DD or DL is a gonner!
[Reply]
The Sabres have acquired the rights to negotiate with defenseman Christian Ehrhoff from the NY Islanders for a 4th rd. draft pick in 2012. RT from NHL. I guess Snow got his 4th round draft pick back.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@Blue liner, Sabres look to be an interesting team to watch next year.
[Reply]
BluLiner Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
@Blue liner,
Just for comparison purposes, rights to Bryzgalov went to Philly for a third rounder, a player and a pick (http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=565164).
[Reply]
I hate the Vancouver Canucks. Just needed to get that off my chest. Feel much better now, thanks.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@hockeysureshot, It’s gonna be a riot, when we knock them out of the playoffs. He he he.
[Reply]
5holer Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@Dominick, It is just June 29th and you’re celebrating a Play-off Round win? Any Round! Haven’t had one of those in over a decade, not since Andy Murray was behind the bench! Let’s see if the chickens are in yet before we count them! Could be a bunch of “uncandled eggs” who knows?
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@Dominick,
You guys are on fire.
[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
@Dominick, GOLD!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
@hockeysureshot, I hope I get to see the Kings bounce Vancouver from the playoffs next year. What a treat that would be. I just hope with get out of that series with our players still having 10 fingers each.
[Reply]
hockeysureshot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
@KC23, HA HA! I’m ready for another Kings-Nucks playoff series. Hopefully this time it’s the Western Finals! Vancouver has the most unbearable group of fans.
[Reply]
The Bordsen thread is still ahead…
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@Cynic, Like the new Gravatar? That’s Luc & I with the Mikus Jersey…
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
@Cynic,
Sweet, dude! The true meaning of Gravatar!
[Reply]
The UFAs are going fast already and we are not even at July 1st yet! Looks like it could be another slow year for LAKs at Free Agency signing period again!? What is left to get excited about really….well I take that back since our roster is frightening enough on the goal scoring wings side of the ledger! Sad to say that some of these throw-away FAs are better than what we have here or even coming soon enough! Help needed and not any slow freights either!
[Reply]
Focus on closing the deal with doughty first. He’s our number one priority right now. We HAVE to resign him.
[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 10:32 pm
@Brad,
But at what cost? IMO he doesnt deserves more than 5mill
[Reply]
Gagne sounds intersting, Richards would be a better fit and I wanted him but Doughty seems to be wanting too much.
[Reply]
OC King Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
@Player-X, if the kings want to sign sign brad, they have to let drew walk
[Reply]
Does anyone know much about Sean Bergenheim? He was burried on Long Island his first few seasons, so I know very little about him…He is intriguing to me from his PO performance with TB! Perhaps he is a consideration at a “Nicer Cap Number”? He has some wheels too! Any takers? Or Is he signed back with TB?
[Reply]
I wonder if Dean does pick up a LW. If he was going to play Parse LW1 last year wouldn’t he play him LW2 this year? If he signed Gagne would that mean Parse is expendable? I would love to see Belanger (sign Belanger) center our 4th line and Lewis play RW3. I really hope Clifford gets 3rd line mins and not 4th.
Penner-Kopi-Williams
Gagne/Parse-Richards-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Lewis
Richardson-Belanger-Westy
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@Osaka,
Lewis and Belanger are much better 3rd line centers! Maybe package Stoll, Parse & Muzzin or Hickey to Tampa for Malone.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
@John, Malone is always injured but I like the idea. The risk reward is good but I like Stoll. Package some players but keep Stoll. Although Belanger or Lewis could take his spot and he is in the last year of his contract. Let me think about it, I just like a lot.
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
@Osaka,
I like Stoll A LOT too! He’s fast, tenacious, versatile, great at face-offs, has a killer shot & a sweet contract. I’m just not sure he’s a good enough defensively to be our stopper center and he’s way too good to be our 4th line center. I’d only trade him if the return was a #1 or #2 left wing, i.e. Parise or Malone.
PP Anybody? Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@Osaka, I think he was only going with Parse out of necessity last year. I would think they would gladly part with him if they can upgrade that position. As it stands, Parse is still an unknown. Maybe he scores 20 goals sometime in his career, or maybe he scores 10-12 a year. Much rather see someone come in that we can actually count on.
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
@Osaka, that’s what i’m saying about Parse – although i still like the idea of Upshall on the right side of the third line but i like your idea as well.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
@Dave, I like Lewis, very versatle player with good D skills. I see some upside to his offense.
[Reply]
by the time you get to the end of these comments it feels like youve read the words “brad richards” about 2 million times.
That being said, I like the Malone idea.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
@colo king fan, I think I like that Malone idea too.
[Reply]
I’d try to get Cole. Top ten or fifteen last year in hits and 8 or 9 game winning goals plus scored more goals than anyone on our team. I’d say he’s worth 4 million considering what we paid 4 million for last year…
[Reply]
Hadley Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, if we can’t bring back ‘Seed, we should go after the least expensive free agent on the market — Brett Sterling. Brett is a 55-goal scorer in the AHL, played remarkably well for the Penguins in a short call-up last season and would be perfectly matched with Richards and Brown on the second line.
[Reply]
JMS Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@Hadley, i think he is from Cali too
[Reply]
So The Coyotes let Bryzgalov go and re-signed LaBabs. Does this mean what I think it means?
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:21 pm
@Stagger, yup Coyotes are going down hill from now on.ahahaahahahahahahahaha Lets run them over like their no tomorrow
[Reply]
Cole, Upshall, Sign Doughty and in any order would be nice
[Reply]
Gagne 2 year 6m
[Reply]
Looks like no one cares for this topic. Time to start a new thead
[Reply]
@Sebastian, good call.
[Reply]
My picks in order: Kennedy, Upshall, Jokinen, Cole. Swap Clifford with Richardson and Lewis with Lokti. Maybe even the 2LW with Penner if Penner shows the least bit of laxity in camp. If I could make the call early, I would take Wisniewski and the picks and let DD take an offer IF it were > $5.75mm. He made some bad judgement calls last season and swaggered in occky and outta shape. If he holds out like a Prima Donna, I just as well lose him. I know not popular but just sayin’…..
[Reply]
crashin' da net Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@crashin’ da net, ooops. Meant swap Lokti with Lewis i.e. Richardson to the 3LW and Clifford 4LW; Lewis to 4C and Lokti to Manchester. Richardson and Lewis will have a good season with the Kings this year if given the chance.
[Reply]
CTD Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@crashin’ da net, i feel the same way about doughty, he.. on more than one occassion had major bouts of indecisiveness at the blue line on the power play, and at even strength he made bone head plays trying to hold the puck in. then on our end he got beat several times in a game and also had a string of late hits that were clear cut penalties to everyone in the world but him and they resulted in penalties everytime. then there is his whole attitude rising up with the ref’s that was noticible to all and he honestly doesnt have the status to be able to whine about calls and non calls. he really needed to shut up and skate in those situations and I think the refs are labeling him as a mouthy player. if he addresses all of those things and kicks the mcdonalds diet I would love to keep him, but its clear that someone he respects needs to sit hime down, point a finger at him and say ” who ht ehell do you think you are?”
[Reply]
crashin' da net Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@CTD, spot on! But I would not hesitate taking it that one step further if ncessary.
[Reply]
In DL We Trust!
[Reply]
Jokinen.
No Joke.
[Reply]
I find it funny that some bloggers here would balk at paying a 21yo DD 6 mil a year but are perfectly happy in giving 31 yo Simon Gagne a raise over the 5.4 mil he made last season. With so many teams under the cap ceiling SG will command at least 6 mil a year. I highly doubt DL would make that move. Just because we are LA, let’s forget about any fantasies of any of these free agents taking any pay cut to come here & play. I trust DL will put the best team we ever had (on paper at least) in the last 10 years on the ice next season.
[Reply]
hockeysureshot Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:04 pm
@King Alex, I think Doughty is worth $7M a year. I think he’a a special player.
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King Alex Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
@hockeysureshot, I think DL will sign him for between 6M to 6.75M for anywhere between 5 to 7 years. Then we get to go through all this again when DD is 26 to 28yo when he will be in his prime. If DD lives up to his potential, think of what he will command in pay then!
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Hey DL, give Jagr a call!!!
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king lopez Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 12:27 am
@Ochoniko, thats what i’m talking about. Reporters sayed on the NHL network that the Pens only ofered him 1year for 2 million. Do it DL.
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king lopez Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 12:27 am
@king lopez, LOL!!!! Said
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Vrbata or Cole or both…at around 3M each, I guess .
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In my opinion, we should try to sign:
J. Jokinen at LW.
S. Upshall at RW.
E. Belanger as 3rd/4th line center, if we there is cap space left (kind of a long shot though)
Gange is a bit old and injury prone. If he can stay healthy, maybe him instead of Jokinen. I like Jokinen better because of his youth and would be relatively cheap.
Cole seems to only play well in Carolina and probably will resign there.
After we get D. Doughty (top priority), A. Martinez, B. Richardson, and T. Lewis under contracts. Especially the D-men!
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hold onto your purses, ladies, the Smyth deal may be unwound, which would really constrain our UFA options.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370456
I can’t believe Deano would void the deal solely because he can’t buyout Fraser. What would be the point of that, an extra few hundred k of cap space? We’re not against the number of contracts limit, are we?
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PW Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 9:11 am
@Kenny44, Bad timing. They better get this solved before tomorrow.
I don’t blame DL, I am sure his intent was to buyout whoever he got in the deal.
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tornado12 Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@Kenny44, really?
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PK Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 9:23 am
@Kenny44, For realzies? Nice find Kenny
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Dave Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 9:43 am
@Kenny44, McKenzie tweeted that today as well – raise your hand if you are surprised Tambellini sent damaged goods.
i think DL can use this to his advantage. if it doesn’t look like he can sign a forward he likes then he voids the deal and gets Smyth back. more likely EDM takes Fraser back and includes someone else or they up the draft pick. or DL just keeps the trade as it is.
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Wow, everyone is so quick to forget the job Trevor Lewis did when Kopi went down. There’s your fourth line center. Putting him with some decent wingers and damn we finally have a fourth line that can score!! As for a name I haven’t yet…prospal from the rangers there’s a point a game guy. Drew Miller and scott parse centered by Lewis on the fourth line. Get Kaberle to pair with green. Bring D colton tuebert with the heavy shot to help enforce and give two solid offensive pairs for the PP.
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JMS Reply:
June 30th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@Spanky, tueberts with the oilers…
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I think Handzus and Cole would put us in a great position.
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http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567837
Darn. Scratch Jussi Jokinen off the UFA list.
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A long suffering fan in excess of 35 plus years. Leino looks like a deal at nearly any price.
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The Kings DO NOT need to sign Handzus. He has nothing left. He is part of the reason why the power play took a dive last season. He got dominated on faceoffs in the playoffs. He is old.
The Kings have a surplus of centers now, and they still might get brad richards. Personally, I think they need Tomas Kaberle more, and Jagr would be a nice fit on RW.
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Jokinen would be a nice fit and that other Richard’s would be a dream come true we need more goal scoring.as for shoot outs JQ dont lose much in net in shoot outs. over time 4 on 4 and play off over time is where the team could inprove on. goals goals goals, why even take it to a shoot out if I never saw another shoot out Id not complain. if the team is not going to be a a high scoring one then I hope they be a grinding head banging hip checking old time hockey type of team. like that Bobby Clark Flyer’s 70′s team. hehehe too bad all 4 lines cant hit the ice at the same time any more. oh well what do I know? Sir Dean Lambardi has done a darn good job building this team we all are injoying on the ice. I put my faith in him and his staff. I hope to see more Jack and Drew pairings on the power play, when they are hot man they are awsome sight to be hold. Id hate to lose Handzus’s face off skills and his leadership with the young Kids on the team. boy this team is at a cross roads I think the Kings have not looked like this ever tight knit loaded with a lot of fine players and still some young ones moving in to the farm club and looking at the Kings draft picks this year can see 4 years from now there a up side still coming. Go Kings Go GO Go.
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I Think that the LA Kings should get Between Eric Cole Or Ryder for the Choice and the LA Kings will bring back Loktinov to replace Ryan Smyth and Eric Cole will take Wayne Simmonds replace or Scottie Upshall and Eric Cole will be in Chase for Simmonds or get both like loktinov and Eric cole will take Ryan Smyth replace and Scottie Upshall and Ryder will take Simmonds replace
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Erik Cole….no doubt…..Cole=cup
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Lets get Simone Gange already…. sign him up 2 yrs for a total of 8 million?
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Sit Doughty down and sign him to a 5 year 28 mil or something so we know how much we have to play with, and then depending on the amount of dough sign 2 or all 3 of the Following: Simon Gagne; Sergei Samsonov; Antti Miettinen. Not that difficult…..
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JobbyPaws23 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 10:02 am
@JobbyPaws23, And actually I forgot, but Wayne Simmonds has not said 1 word to the press since going to the Flyers, I don’t think hes to thrilled about it, and he’s an unrestricted free agent, so sign him up and steal him back =P
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