The guys at SportsNet scored a nice interview with Brad Richards tonight, in which Richards indicates that four teams — presumed to be the Rangers, Kings, Flames and Maple Leafs (in no particular order) — are still in the hunt to sign him, and indicates that he will make a decision tomorrow.
TSN also caught up with Richards, and that interview can be seen by clicking here.
Sounds like the criteria that he mentions fits perfect with the KINGS!!!!! Hopefully he sees that and BR is a KING tomorrow!!!!!! Exciting to be a KINGS fan!!!!!
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CUP4LA Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:13 pm
@Hef11, There is no other choice if he truly wants to contend for teh Cup year in and year out.
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@Hef11,
It depends on the money. If he just wants money, he picks the Rangers. If actually wants what he talked about, it’ll be the Kings.
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Moondoggie Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:59 pm
@Hef11, Holy S#&@!
If his No. 1 criteria is a team built for now and the future with stable ownership, out of the four remaining teams between Calgary, NYR, Toronto & the Kings, I’d say we’re gonna be adding another Richards to the lineup early tomorrow. And then we can REALLY start talking about bringing the cup to LA.
LGK, get her done DL! Great presentation guys, classy organization, BR really sounds like he was impressed.
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Bama Kings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:25 am
@Hef11, I agree, but it doesn’t seem like we were a real choice until today and back tracking on Tort’s would be very hard if there has been some kind of short hand convo already.
There is no doubt, and we should be excited for this, that we are actually the best team pitching for him; to win now and in the future. But I will be floored if we get him.
Still feels like we’re one more year away from landing a huge UFA.
If nothing else, we got Mike R. and can move on from here.
One thing I would say, is Brad R. is the Kings kind of guy. We lucked out on Kovy, but this guy will make a decisions tomorrow and even if he chooses a huge payday, he wasn’t a soap opera about it.
Congrat’s to Brad on being in this position.
If I’m DD, I’m regretting not getting a deal done btw. If we don’t get Brad R., guess what trade bait DL is going to use to land a marque player.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:29 am
@Bama Kings, Either way, it’s huge that he’s going to be decisive and not drag things out. That’ll be good for the team that gets him, the teams that don’t, and for him. This guy is so NOT Kovi.
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tornado12 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:26 am
@Bama Kings, DL wont trade DD. He has his D1 box filled with him. the only way that happens is if crosby or Ovie are coming back this way and that aint happening
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:07 am
@Bama Kings, I think it’s funny that most people on this blog talk about Mike Richards like he’s some parting gift, and Brad Richards like he’s a god. MR was a GREAT acquisition for the Kings. If Drew leaves, I’m calling this FA period a failure. Other than that, it’s a success. BR would just make it HUGE! I hope he picks LA!
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Sydor25 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:13 am
@Hef11, NY is just as young as the Kings and they play in the East. No brainer for Richards to sign with NY. Nothing he said makes me think he is thinking about any other team than NY.
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I just sat down at the computer and wow, what a first day.
Looks like we are one of four teams remaining.
Thanks for sharing this, Rich!
Hope you have some great news to report to us tomorrow!
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LBlocal Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:05 pm
That tells it all.
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Come to LA please so i can sleep
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FiG17 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:07 am
@Icecrown,
Yeah, I’m not sleeping tonight… again.
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I like Brad, and I respect that he doesn’t want to be an attention whore like Kovalchuk, but I’m not getting my hopes up at all.
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McDonalds Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 9:45 pm
@wirespeed14,
Unfortunately, I am. And I would hate to be let down 2 summers in a row…
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Chris Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@McDonalds, you can’t regret NOT getting kovalchuk.
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McDonalds Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 9:49 pm
@Chris,
Oh well yea that goes without saying haha. Just at the time i was pretty bummed to say the least
FrozenKing Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:37 pm
@McDonalds, Really? After acquiring Mike Richards? This off-season is pretty good If you ask me. The only thing that would make this summer a let down is if DL lost Drew.
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Bama Kings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:40 am
@wirespeed14, I’m telling you, I watched this guy every night in TB during the cup year and he was amazing, on and off the ice.
He seemed truly heart broken that TB sold the farm after the cup. He felt they could win for years and he’s right.
I think we lose him, but if we get him, it will be because DL built this team the right way, to win for the long haul.
As a King’s nut like the rest of you, I’m so grateful for DL. He caught so much crap for the first couple years, but he has proven to be the right guy.
As lame as this sounds, I started following his practice about building for the future and especially around the concept of “bridge players” in my consulting practice. That concept of bridge players is huge and he did it perfectly.
If it isn’t BR, it will be some other piece that is the right fit – I trust DL. We are a team that people are looking to to win for a long time, it’s been all over the news today.
It’s good to be a Kings fan and for that, we thank you Dean.
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Sounds like we’ll all know tomorrow whether or not Richards is about winning or about the cash! 12 hours ago I didn’t think there was a shot in hell to land him and now I really think its between us and the Rangers if he wants to win. Let’s be honest, the Rangers are a few players away. I think Richards also said he didn’t want to play in a large market. Let’s get it done!
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Looking at the four teams it seems to me like it’s in the bag for LAK. At least -I think we have the overwhelming advantage.
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Real 7 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@jess, not “in the bag” at all….I’m hearing Jerome Iginla is actively pursuing BR on behalf on the Flames….although Rangers are still considered #1, I’d say KINGS are 3rd choice right now….Toronto appears to be out….[McKenzie@Twitter has been a reliable source]
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jess Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@Real 7, looking at where he is coming from (fit) -money and team with the brightest future, seems like a no brainer to me –but that is my opinion which is why I said it “seems” like it is in the bag
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John Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:22 pm
@Real 7,
All four teams have stable ownership. But if I were to rank the teams built to win now & into the future, I’d have to rank them 1) Kings 2) Rangers 3) Flames & 4) Maple Leafs.
If he does base his decision on that criteria, I think we have a GREAT shot!
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Sydor25 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:17 am
@John, I disagree. NY plays in the East and it is much easier to make the Finals playing in the East.
The West is stacked with strong teams. The East’s top team have been taken out early the past couple of years.
Last year is was #3 vs #5 for the Eastern conferance, it was #1 vs #2 in the West.
2 years ago it was #7 vs #8 in the East and #1 vs #2 in the West.
See the pattern? It doesn’t matter how you play in the East, just make the playoffs. The West is stacked. The NYR have a better chance at the cup than the Kings.
garry Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@Real 7, Brad Richards will not be going to Calgary because they are years from contending for the cup as is Toronto. It’s us or N.Y.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:17 am
@Real 7, How do you make your claims, did yo do an inception on the guy???
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xeropoint Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:10 pm
@jess, Crossing fingers, jumping over cracks, not walking under any ladders or breaking any mirrors until later tomorrow.
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jess Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:45 am
@xeropoint, 6:45 am heading to OC to spend the day with a huge hockey family. All eyes will be on the news. Got my toes crossed too! Good to hear from you xero!!
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he didn’t sound too excited about the Kings proposal. Also respect him addressing not turning this into a side show (screw you Kovalchuk, so happy we didnt get him). Hoping to get richards 2 and signing up doughty.
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Brent Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@Chris, I think he was trying to keep his enthusiasm down on all teams. He was being professional. His decision comes tomorrow morning sometime, so we’ll see how it goes.
I hope it works out for our Kings.
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Dave Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@Chris, Agreed. Don’t think he’s signing here.
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CB14 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@Chris, I think he was just trying to keep it professional, and not single out 1 team in a good way or a bad way.
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CUP4LA Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@CB14, I agree. He wasn’t getting into specifics. How could you not be excited about getting recruited by Wayne Gretzky?
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King Cobra Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:26 am
@Chris, I have a 100% different take on it. I think he was blown away by the attention to detail and broad scope of the Kings presentation to him ( way to go Kings front office!). In both of his interviews he alluded to the fact that he got more information than expected and this his why he wanted to sleep on it. I think we have a 50 -50 shot. Trying not to get my hopes up to high, but that is impossible when you bleed purple!! GKG
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Guess we’ll know early tomorrow. Sounds like a real classy guy. I liked the line about “It not being me” to make everyone wait.
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I’m thinking it’s Rangers or Kings. Fingers crossed for Kings, but head telling me Rangers. I would love a huge helping of crow in the morning.
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is there a reward for reading all the comments today on this blog??? Has anyone read everyone??? Also does anyone know is Richards in Newport Beach( as reported by nhl on xm)or back east?? I want know if he is on the east coast maybe I can wake up to good news!!!
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tornado12 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 9:50 pm
@neil, apparently he was in toronto for the presentations
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Osaka Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 9:51 pm
@neil, The name of his agent group is Newport, but they are in Canada not CA. He was at his agent’s office all day.
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LuckyNumber20 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:06 pm
@Osaka, Newport is in Missasauga ON the same place Kitsyn played junior hockey. The name of the agency is Newport Sports managment I think.
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CB14 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@neil, I hope so because I have!
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I don’t know if anyone picked it up, but right after they asked him about the video the Kings presented, he said it was cool, but he didn’t want to comment on the presentations, and then immediately said that it was too bad he could only pick one team. My heart sunk, it seemed like he was blown away by the celebrity’s the Kings gathered, but it wasn’t enough. My gut feeling. This was only a two horse race, and he is going to New York Rangers. Mark my word
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Chris Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@Unamailer, Yep, I thought the exact same thing. I’m hoping for the best, but not expecting him!
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Brent Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 9:53 pm
@Unamailer, Good catch. We’ll see if you read him like a book tomorrow. Hopefully, not.
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CB14 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@Unamailer, I hope you’re wrong.
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tornado12 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:09 pm
@Unamailer, unfortunately I think you are right. I hope we are wrong, but us all being Kings fans, Im not going to hold my breath, as we always seem to lose out in these sweepstakes….(sigh)
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:13 pm
@Unamailer, yeah. I got the same impression as well. As if the Kings were never in his mind, and when he was presented with it, he was very impressed, but too little (much) too late.
Oh well. If we signed him, we would immediately jump to an elite team in all the NHL. If we don’t, we are just one of the many contenders with a few unsolved questions at wing. In any event, I applaud the brass for trying the best way they knew how. I don’t feel the playing coy until the last minute spin is the right way to go because Brad may have given the Kings little to no thought until today, but we will see how it pans out tomorrow. Hopefully I wake up to a new member of the Kings. But I won’t be holding my breath while I sleep.
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LicoriceBiscuit Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:15 pm
@Unamailer, It seemed like he didn’t want to give away his position either way. Then I read TL comments regarding that he was sure the KIngs offer wasn’t the highest…bummer. But as the other fans said, I’m not holding my breath either, because as this might be a bit of feinting et cetera.
LET’S GO KINGS
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stephan Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:58 pm
@LicoriceBiscuit, if the kings offer isn’t the highest he is not coming here! this is his last big contract! i am also thinking that the kings presentation wasn’t enough! he is going to new york imho!
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kingCow Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:11 pm
@Unamailer,
I don’t think that BR was commenting on the King’s presentation, in particular. I think that he was saying that all the presentations, by all of the teams courting him, were cool. That’s how I read that part of the interview.
That being said, I’m not holding my breath either. I think he’ll go to the Rangers. I hope I’m wrong though.
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gcheng Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:30 am
@Unamailer,
I had the same impression too. he said its great experience to have thus meaning great but not enough to sway his decision. but i do think that because the way the Kings approached the recruiting process, it did get him thinking. thus he will sleep on it and decide tomorrow. so i think going in the Kings were a long shot, but now there is hope
but honestly out of the 4 teams, the kings is in best shape because of the mike richards trade. we will know by tomorrow. let’s keep our fingers crossed.
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for those of us that have been Kings fans for a long time, hearing that Los Angeles is now considered a “hockey environment” should bring a smile to your face. How ever this turns out guys, we should be very proud of the team and organization that “we” have created here.
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CUP4LA Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:28 pm
@txkingsfan, That actually concerned me because it was one of his criteria. Of course the organization has created a hockey environment but as for the city…..
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Bama Kings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:30 am
@txkingsfan, Agreed. If not this year, next year with the UFA signings.
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i still dont see the Kings getting B.Richards
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SDGolfer Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:04 am
@KingsFanFTW, Take the safe position, eh?
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Seems like a real cool guy.
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Yeah, this July 1 waiting game is brutal. At least Richards has class. I pray he chooses the Kings. It seems all the possible “Plan B” players are off the list, so we wait until the trade deadline for a meaningful move if we don’t win the Richards Lotto. Got to hand it to the Kings for going for it so commitedly. Love Lombardi. He has really built what we’ve been waiting for for 40 years minus Gretzky and Richards gives fast track. Either way, can’t wait for the pre-season and camps.
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Shakes Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:42 am
@Mike in Oregon,
here here…and i hope that if things don’t work out that people don’t blame the Kings for failing to land the big one, basically 29 other teams wouldn’t have been able to get it done either…
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With Smyth/Zeus/Simmonds/Poni all gone, we sure do need him.
Hoping/Praying!
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Question is, if we win the sweepstakes, what does DD think? Take less to win now, or I’m not the top priority… Fingers crossed that everyone (DL, BR, & DD) is on the same page… Ooh, I’m so excited, how can I sleep tonight?!
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CB14 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:01 pm
@Kings win, Ducks lose, I can’t sleep tonight.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@Kings win, Ducks lose, i can cause tomorrow going to say B.Richards going to Rangers..Just have a strong feeling that he going to pick NY Rangers over LA Kings
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Bama Kings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:32 am
@Kings win, Ducks lose, To be honest, I think DD is going to have to take a much smaller deal regardless, or be dealt. He is our best trade asset, hands down. So if he wants Kopi money, and we sign Richards, he’s out. If he wantes Kop money and we REALLY need wingers who can score, hes’ traded.
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Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:32 am
@Bama Kings, I disagree… You don’t trade a Hall of Famer after three seasons… He is the cornerstone of the franchise now for the forseeable future
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The one thing that gives me a sliver of hope is he said he wanted a team that had a plan to put together a team for not just now, but for the future. I think the Kings fit that better than the rest, but he also said a hockey environment which doesn’t sound like the Kings.
Should be interesting.
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kingCow Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:16 pm
@KC23,
I thought the same thing when I heard that. It gave me a bit hope too. Fingers crossed all night long.
Go!Kings!Go!
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He’s a King.
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CB14 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:07 pm
@scootty, Now Scooty, don’t go counting your chickens just yet.
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LBlocal Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@CB14, True that. It seemed like deja vu.. Time after time… Kind of reminds me of my stagnant social life..
With extreme confidence (myopia), I approach the best looking lady in the pub. Give her my ‘A GAME’ (in my mind, of course)
She (countless FA’s) excuses me albeit graciously with a smile, with heartfelt sorrow (faked).. And goes for the douche bag with the biggest wallet. Go figure.
WOULD BE GOOD TO BE WRONG ON THIS ONE.
gKg!
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Mikey Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:10 am
@LBlocal,
………..Get a bigger wallet.
I dunno, It doesn’t sound promising for LA. He sounded like he had his mind made up and entertained everyone else that was interested. He wants to go to a “hockey town”. Despite us diehard Kings fans, no one takes us seriously for hockey.
I hope I’m wrong tomorrow.
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John Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:29 pm
@Bean32,
Are the Rangers a serious hockey town? They try to buy a championship team every off season & that’s why they never have chemistry.
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Bama Kings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:35 am
@John, Agreed. And they (along with Calgary) are NOT stable franchises. They are from an ownership, but they have no long term plan. They are the Yankees of the ice.
Torts is the reason he’s going to NYR. So, we trade TM for Tort’s and we get Richards.
In all seriousness, I’ve wanted Tort’s here forever. I lived in TB for a few years after the lockout and grew an affinity towards TB. That was a special year.
I would have loved to seen us pick up Fedetenko for a third line option too. I think that was the reason he was signed in NY – another TB carry over.
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Alexb20 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:32 pm
@Bean32, I agree. Kings fan are some of the best in the country, if not in the world, but SoCal definitely isn’t known as a “hockey environment”. However, Richards also indicated that he wanted to come to a team with stable ownership and a solid core going forward that was going to compete year in and year out. That description fits the Kings, but it also could fit the Rangers. I guess we will all know how he feels in the morning. The question is – how will we feel?
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John Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:37 pm
@Alexb20,
Hopefully elated! But if not, proly quite dejected for a day…until we remember we got the other Richards & are oh SO very close to being contenders!
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FiG17 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:15 am
@Alexb20,
Well… the Dodgers are bankrupt and the NBA’s in a lockout… we could become a “hockey town” this season…
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Shakes Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:49 am
@FiG17,
all kidding aside it’s an interesting point…if there ever was a time for a team to capture the imagination of the city and have the spotlight to themselves (Blake Griffin hopping over cars withstanding) it may be this year
thanks for posting this, rich…been waiting for it, now its time for bed. sad face bc he already dissed my team (and his former team), but if he does go to you guys, be glad, bc he is as great a person as he is a hockey player.
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Button on ‘On The Fly’ said he would be shocked if it isn’t the Rangers. Hope he gets a big shock!
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Sorry son, he’ll be a Ranger sometime this month. But don’t worry. We still won’t get past the second playoff round.
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Coming from Dallas, NY might be a bit of a shock for him. Manhattan beach with practice in El Segundo might be way more comfortable
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lets be honest here…no one know except B.R. Everyone has his/her thoughts but “waiting is the hardest part”
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Calgary- too country
Toronto- not a winner
NY- sean avery is ur teammate
LA – WINNING!!
richards 7yr50mil
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vplaza Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:11 pm
@OCkingsFAN,
NYR – $$$
Calgary – Hockey environment
LA – Video with Kobe?
Just playin’.
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neil Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:12 pm
@OCkingsFAN, DUH!!!!!!
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IntheSinBin Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:34 pm
@OCkingsFAN, Sean Avery & Richards are good friends.
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OCKingsFan Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:22 pm
@OCkingsFAN,
Guess the ‘K’ and ‘an’ will distinguish OCkingsFAN from OCKingsFan…
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cpmc29 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:00 am
@OCKingsFan, I think I will change my name to OCKINGSFAN. JK.
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Maybe last year’s experience soured me, but I get the sense that the Kings and the other teams are being used to jack up the price he gets from the Rangers. Maybe he’s not like Kovalschmuck.
But, is BR really willing to play wing instead of center full time?
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Kings Win!
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Richards also stated that he wanted to sign with a team that has a stabilized ownership and that he had been burned by the last two teams he was with and 2 years after winning the cup the whole team was blown up. He also said he wanted to be with a team that is going to be together for a while. Toronto is not close to even making the playoffs, yet, If he went to Calgary there would be him and Iginla, the Rangers could be close but they are more pieces away then the Kings. It just sounds to me like he is going to select the team that is stabilized, will be together for some time (more then 2 years) want to win and want to win the Cup…. Now. If he comes on board and DD signs on this is going to be one bad azz team and I have never said that in the 43 years I’ve watched them.
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He doesn’t like Avery, and thus should avoid the Rangers. TOR needs him the most, but they stink. Calgry can’t afford him. Enter L.A. He’s the right fit for sure. He is just like a M. St. Louis, but bigger. A class act all the way. Why not be a part of the Kings. The travel thing is so over rated. Go to a winner. Be that last piece that turns the Kings into the Cup champs like he turned Tampa Bay into champs.
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IntheSinBin Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:37 pm
@jonsey, Were do you get this stuff. Sean Avery & Richards are close friends..
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Seems like a stand up guy, but I think he’s going to Toronto or the Rangers. I believe he’s a east coast guy (he’s from Prince Edward Island), and the only reason he’s still considering us is due to the strong presentation. It would bum me to see the Rangers get him when they didn’t even pitch to him in person (from my understanding). I do appreciate that he’s not dragging this out like last season. I have faith that there is a plan B (Gagne?)
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He states he wants to go to a team that is close to winning, more importantly a team that is going to stick together for the future and a team with solid ownership… All those factors equate THE KINGS! Should he sign elsewhere then all of that is just words and spin doctoring.
Note to Brad Richards: do yourself a favor, follow the structure you laid out to the press and sign with the Kings.
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Early a.m. decision tomorrow…
I think he knows who it is, already…
I think he really values stable ownership. That rules out the Rangers…
The team has to have a plan… That rules out Calgary; I don’t think anyone knows what their plan is.
It’s TOR or LAK, simple as that. The Kings are closer to winning a Cup, but TOR is hockey royalty with stable ownership and Brian Burke at the helm.
He didn’t sound like he was enthusiastic about the Kings.
Hate to say it, but I think it’s Toronto…
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Moondoggie Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:09 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Hey Bako….He did say “stable ownership & a team built for now and for the future”. That isn’t TOR, NYR or CGY….It’s definitely LA.
Hope you’re wrong bud and we’re all celebrating the addition of another Richards tomorrow!
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Real 7 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:33 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
I hear Burke doesn’t like long-term contract deals, which is certainly what BR is looking for,
so unless he changes his mind, it looks like TOR is out….
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Think the Kings overshot their chances here. You can tell Brad is not the kind of guy that is going to be THAT impressed with all of the glitz and glamour. He’s a humble guy. I hope Alteri’s video was less about BMWs and fake tits and more about winning hockey.
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DenKingsFan Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:54 pm
@harglebargle, Wow what a good point but still they said BR was an intelligent guy if any guys aren’t conserned with that it’s la managent and BR, they wanna see the season start just like us, that presentation might have been more meaningful than some people on here are willing to admit
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When I first became a Kings fan, I was told to expect to be disappointed. Sadly, this has been the case time and time again. It would be nice, NICE, for it to turn around for a change. Richards squared. I want it.
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CB14 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:39 pm
@lowegirl, Me too.
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PP1
Jwill-Kopi-Mrichards
Doughty-Brichards
PP2
brown-Penner-lokti
Stoll-Johnson
whats our pp% this yr????????
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CB14 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:40 pm
@OCkingsFAN, With Kompon – 20%, without Kompon – 25%.
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Hockey environment?? Doesn’t seem like he’s referring to LA. I have a feeling Calgary is stronger contender than NY. NY is missing quite a few people to REALLY contend.
Although Calgary didnt make the playoffs….theyre really just missing a player like B.Richards to make that extra push(as are the KINGS!)….
Guess we just gotta wait. Would love to be proved wrong tomorrow. GKG
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dmh012 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:21 am
@Kingsfan,
Calgary would become a playoff team, the Kings would be a Stanley Cup contender.
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BR in comeing to LAKINGS DL well go 6years at 40mill tops DD well get 6years at 34mill.Then LAKINGS we be solid for years and years Thats my 2 cents worth
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Whether we land this guy or not I am proud of our organization and how they approached this all. That being said we beter have a plan be or immma be mad. lol
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John Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:40 pm
@Subby,
Plan B: Sign Gagne/Trade for Malone or Booth
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jonjon Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:01 pm
@John, Plan B1: Sign Gagne and put him with Kopitar.
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Moondoggie Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:12 pm
@John, Concur…No BR, I think Gagne comes to LA to fill Smytty’s spot….
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i actually think the real reason he won’t come here is that he has to compete with m.richards and kopi for the 1st line center position…he hates playing wing and i think thats why we won’t work for him..too bad if he comes here we would win the cup
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Actually sounds more promising to me than I thought it would be yesterday.
OF the things he mentioned:
stable ownership: LAK yes
Success now and into the future: LAK yes
a hockey environment? I think that was probably part of the video presentation. LA is a winners market, if hockey is winning and successful LA becomes a hockey market real quick. Part of what Gretzky may have mentioned is how the kings took LA by storm and they were the hot ticket in town when he was here and that with the talent already here in LA if the club can add him the kings will once again be an amazing market to play in.
Personal commments: LA may be a nice place for him to play, he can get all the money, play for a cup contender, not have all the pressure on him that playing in the 3 other markets would add on him…and if he came in, since LAK have top 2 centers already he can play LW which offers slightly less defensive committment and responsibilty and can allow him to be more creative on the offensive end.
I hope he signs here, he sounds like the right guy at the right time for this club…either way I apprecite the humbleness the guy has about the whole thing and it seems he really understands that people are waiting on his decision and does not want to hold everyone hostage.
the guy is a class act and I will actually wish him well either way his decision goes.
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Moondoggie Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:13 pm
@In it 2 win it, Good review. He certainly isn’t a Kovi….thank goodness.
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IntheSinBin Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:54 pm
@Moondoggie, ditto, What a difference this guy is compared to Upchuk. I wish him well no matter what he decides. Seems like a great fit for this team and their new attitude though.
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I was thinking, it seems that the two Richards are playmakers as opposed to snipers. Who will they be setting up since the Kings don’t really have a stockpile of finishers?
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John Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:25 pm
@vplaza,
Kopitar, Richards, Williams & Penner can all finish.
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Vplaza Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:35 pm
@John,
Penner?
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John Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@Vplaza,
Let’s just see how he does this season. I realize it’s quite popular for Kings fans to always have a scapegoat – but most players have difficult transitions when traded (especially that late in the season).
In 5 NHL seasons the guy has 127 goals – 4 20 goal seasons & 1 30 goal season. So yeah, he’s proven he can finish!
King Cobra Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:19 am
@Vplaza, I sure hope we don’t have to rag on Penner next season. He has shown brilliance in the past, but sure looked pathetic at the end of last season. I have never seen a player in such a hurry waving to the bench to get of the ice….
i really wish the kings had gone for upshall, ryder and gagne…probably could have got all of them for the same price as richards….share the scoring load instead of relying on that one player….its a pity, but i think richards off to either the leafs or rangers
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John Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:23 pm
@shaunus,
Except for the fact that just Upshall & Ryder signed for $7M a season.
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Chip Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:29 am
@John, Except that they didn’t. Divide by two seasons.
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CB14 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:41 am
@Chip, You’re wrong. Ryder and Upshall combined make 7 Million per year. Ryder got 2 years at 7 mil total, while Upshall got 14 mil over 4 years. Do the math that’s an average salary for Ryder of 3.5 million, and an average salary for Upshall of 3.5 million, for a combined total of 7 million dollars.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=568145
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=568002
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:01 am
@Chip,
Except 3.5M a season + 3.5M a season = 7M a season
So…if Richards signs with the Kings.. do u mess with Bob & Nick by putting Brad Richards, Mike Richards, Brad Richardson together on the same line?
“Richards brings the puck up the left side pass over to Richardson on the right crosses over the blueline drops it to Richards he passes over to Richards he shoots save Richardson with a rebond (WIDE..ITS RICHIE) Richards shoots scooooooore!
Sorry boys its late I just got home from work and im punchy! GO KINGS!
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jess Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 10:47 pm
@Tim from the OC, haha -think he’ll just be calling them by their first names at that point;)
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CB14 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:27 am
@jess, That won’t help. Here I’ll show ya.
Nick: “Brad passes over to Mike, Mike feeds it back to Brad, Brad passes right side to Brad, Brad carries in deep passes out in front to Brad, Brad shoots, save, Mike picks it up in the corner, passes out to Brad in the circle, Brad passes to Brad by the side of the net for the easy tap in for the score Kings 9 and the Ducks 1.”
Darryl: “What a great pass by Brad to Brad on the side of the net for the easy tap in. Mike will get an assist along with Brad, and Brad gets the goal, his 58th on the year.” LOL
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jess Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:41 am
@CB14, wow haha –didnt think that through did I?
Romjan27 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:11 am
@jess, Brad and Brad, he loses there too lol.
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Rico Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:04 pm
@Tim from the OC, I was waiting for someone to bring that up. Bob always mentioned it everytime the Kings played the Stars. Richards & Richardson. Both Brad..
We’ll see what happens.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:58 pm
@Tim from the OC, I think that every time there is a new thread on this board, up until Richards signs somewhere, someone should mention this line combination as if they just thought of it.
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Heard that Mikus just made a call to Richards on behalf of the Kings organization.
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Cynic Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:15 pm
@Belexes, Like I said earlier, the video is key. If Juraj Mikus and Rob Bordsen are in that video, Brad Richards is a King. Plain and simple.
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Moondoggie Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:15 pm
@Belexes, It’s in the bag! I’m certain the legendary Juraj Mikus was one of the guest stars on the video. Welcome to LA BR!!!
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I have to believe it’s between NY and the Kings, these are the teams closest to a cup, and set up for the long term. The only thing NY has on us, is they will give him a #1 center spot. In LA he’ll have to settle for the wing, or a #2 spot. He may see NY as a better fit for him because of that. I hope I’m wrong though. If he wants the Cup, LA is the right choice!
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Too Raging To Cheers Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:14 pm
@the_guv, Totaly agree, if it’s the Rangers then it’s about the $. They’ve over paid to get players in the past. (Gaborik) If his choice is the Kings then he wants to win. The other 3 teams aren’t even slightly close to winning a cup. If it happens you would think that either Richards or Kopi will move to left wing. Maybe…….
Kopitar – B.Richards – Williams
Penner – M.Richards – Brown
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Can’t the rangers match him no matter what we offer?
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DenKingsFan Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:04 pm
@sv66, So they match us? If he REALLY wants to win he comes here and if not he’s in the eastern conference so who give a damn till we reach the finals?
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That’s got to be such a tough decision. You’ve got to be impressed that he knows what he wants and it’s not just the money.
If he’s looking for stable ownership and a competitive team year in and year out then he really would have to strongly consider the Kings. Lombardi must have told him that his fiscal plans take the cap into consideration not just the coming year but for the long term. Not sure that’s the case with the other teams.
Would love to see him center the first line between Kopitar and Williams.
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jonjon Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:15 pm
@dMan, kopitar would be an insane free wheeling winger
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kingCow Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:31 pm
@jonjon,
Imagine that PP unit
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Here what I think is happening… Richard wants to come to LA, but you will have to give me a little more cash to say Yes its the Kings!!! DL did say he was not the highest bid, that could knock us out. Tor and NYR are the top money team say 7 to 7.5 mil per year. Kings offer I hear is at 6.6 mil a year. If I was in his shoes and again its just me saying this, I say pay me more then Kopi 6.8 mil a year and we got a deal. So I don’t think we are that far off, its just DL willing to risk it at that price of 7 mil.
I say NYR is 1st, TOR is 2nd and then the Kings. Give a little more cash and we WIN BIG!!!!!
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Sammuch Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:29 pm
@Sammuch,
I can’t sleep help….
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John Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:29 pm
@Sammuch,
No way Toronto’s ahead of us…IF he wants to win!
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Sammuch Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:41 pm
@John, THe GM Burke knows how to build a winner, the ducks cup and him getting the Sedians twins was pretty good… so, he does have a good track record for Brad to look at…
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John Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:47 pm
@Sammuch,
True. But he hasn’t built it yet and we have a SOLID foundation in place.
PP Anybody? Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:53 pm
@Sammuch, I still think Kovalchuk wanted to come to the Kings more. I think New Jersey was willing to pay the highest price all along. I think he held out to try and get the Kings to get even remotely close to what NJ had on the table, and couldn’t get the Kings to give him nearly as much. I mean seriously, who actually flies out all the way to LA to hang out with the team and coaching staff, if they didn’t actually really feel like playing for us? I feel like this whole scenario is playing out again. Richards knows he has the best chance of winning a cup right now with LA, but we all know the other teams will offer more money.
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KC23 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:43 am
@PP Anybody?, He so much as said in the press he took the offer to come peak at LA as a free be for him and his wife to go to LA for kicks. Kolvabucks is a real shallow fellow. Glad we didn’t get that guy and Brad is twice the person.
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Am I sensitive or what? After they asked BR the video included Kobe and Gretzky, he said… ‘Too bad, I only can pick one team to go’.
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b.richards-kopitar-gagne
penner-m.richards-williams
clifford-stoll-brown
parse-richardson-lewis
mitchell-doughty
johnson-scuderi
martinez-greene
quick/bernier
the dream team.
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Too Raging To Cheers Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:17 pm
@jonjon, not enough money for Gange and B.Richards.
It would be nice though
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jonjon Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:25 pm
@Too Raging To Cheers, maybe if they sign brad and spread his pay evenly through the rest of his career, assuming he’s looking for a 8 to 10 year deal, it will be a lower cap hit and we can nab gagne as well!
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kingCow Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:26 pm
@jonjon,
Nah… I don’t think so.
If we get B. Richards, and thats a big if, I don’t think we can afford Gange. He’s was getting, something like, 5 million plus with Philly.
Plus, the Kings would still have to sign D. Doughty, and he’ll probably get 6+ million. Not to mention all the other RFA’s that still need contracts
I just don’t see the Kings having enough cap space. That’s just my opinion.
Pretty good dream though
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brymaster1 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@jonjon, you have the line severely screwed up.Gagne is a left winger.not everyone is interchangeable TM has said several times that if parse is not a top 6 guy then he doesn’t have a spot on the roster. And whether you want to believe it or not Westgarth is necessary. as you saw last year Clifford can not handle all the fighting duties.
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jonjon Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:58 am
@brymaster1, severely screwed up? boo hoo switch Gagne to the left brad can play right.. and you dont need fighting on your team to put the puck in the net. look at the red wings, no fighting what so ever, one of the best teams in the league. dont rain on my parade man.
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jonjon Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:59 am
@brymaster1, by the way, TM is also the guy who didnt give Loktionov a shot, or Schenn, or Matt Moulson..
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Get real, is he really going to answer “yeah, it’s all about the money for me”..even if it was the deciding factor for him? I don’t think so. But to be fair, perhaps he did give an honest answer. We will have to wait and see. I wonder how early we can expect a decision tomorrow?
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It all boils down to this: If he is indeed a smart guy who wants to win and keep winning, he signs with LA. Rangers? Give me a break, those guys aren’t winning. Same for the Flames and the Leafs. If he signs with the other three then it’s a cash move and his credibility becomes questionable. So BR are you really a winner? Or just another FA who wants a fat contract?
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:16 am
@SavebyCechmanek, I concur.
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Richards is a HUGE football fan… I’ll bet part of that presentation was Leiweke’s (AEG’s) NFL plan for the Convention Center… He’s always trying to sell that to anyone who’ll listen anyway!
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Im going to operate on the premise that he isn’t coming to LA if only so that I won’t be devastated if he doesn’t. Part of me feels like he isn’t fully decided still so who knows. In these situations it seems like the Kings never land the big fish for whatever reason; that being said, we have to land one eventually and I hope its this guy. I’m really impressed with how un-Kovalf*** he is.. seems like a class hockey player that I’d love to see in a brand new road jersey. Here’s hoping I suppose.
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John Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:33 pm
@colo king fan,
If not B.Richards this season, maybe the big fish will be Parise next season
Which is probably a better fit anyways.
Hope’n, indeed
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Real 7 Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@colo king fan,
funny you should mention “road jersey”….the KINGS road schedule is brutal every year, compared to every other team in the NHL, & especially this coming season, when we open with two “home games” in Europe, & not at Staples until Oct.18…..gotta be a consideration for players considering their options when it comes to free agency…
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It’s funny to me some moves that teams make. After watching Chicago’s Cup run, I felt that Byfuglien was one of the most important keys to their success, and would be held on to. Similarly, I thought Raffi Torres was really effective for Vancouver during the playoffs. With the Sedins getting shutdown at times, It was the depth of having Torres’s line pick up the energy and slack that got them through some of those series. On that note though, Can’t say I feel Vancouver has made any moves today that make me feel they’ll be better next year, so that bodes well for the Kings I think this season.
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@Sammuch, He wants 12 mil for the first 2years of the contract and 9 year deal deal. Loaded up front in the first 3 to 4 of the contract he is looking for. So people its about the cash and kings need up it…
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If you think about it, if the Kings arent gonna get this guy, they would have signed a player or 2 for positional needs. They must have a pretty good idea of where he is gonna land. wouldnt ya think? i mean look at all the FA’s that found new homes or resigned today. BR doesnt need the aggrivation of the Big Apple for a few extra dollars and i can gaurantee you that the Rangers are frightened to hell that this guy might turn out to be another big deal bust that they took a gamble on. They would probably be better suited letting their young players take the next step for them. I would be suprised if he isnt a King tommorow. Go DL!
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I must say, regardless of his decision Brad Richards is a pretty classy guy for not stringing the teams along for the whole summer. Good guy.
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GoaLLLL by Riachardsssss, assists to Richardsssss and Richardssssson
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Not a pessimist, but I’m not getting my hopes up. Been through this before.. I fully expect him to sign with NY. He wants a “hockey environment.”
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I started really wanting Richards to join the Kings because the Kings wanted him so bad, but everything my head told me before this whole presentation thing was that a short tearm contract with Gagne was a better fit for us, then we go hard at Parise at either the trade deadline or next season, by which time we got Kitsyn after a year in the KHL, plus tifolli/Vey/Loktionov and Moller after a year or so in the SEL
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I want BR to sign with LA just as much as anyone, but it’s not looking good if (according to ESPN’s insider) he already rejected Calgary’s offer of $64 million over nine years when we only offered him $60 million for the same amount of time.
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There are so many people on this site that have their opinion. I would almost say it is 50/50 on wether or not B. Richards comes to LA. I am truly hoping for him to make the decision to come to LA. I am not going to get my hopes up or think he will not be here. I believe that with him in our lineup, we will be a serious contender for the Cup this coming season. As for this not being a hockey environment, I would greatly disagree. Especially if the NBA and the NFL are both on lock out…what other sport are people going to watch during the winter. We may get a lot of band wagon fans for the time, but some of them may turn out to be Die Hard Kings fans in the makings. In closing, let us be greatful that B. Richards is not a Kolvasuck, who is a media whore and drag this out for a long time but we will know in the morning. Lastly GKG from two season seat holders in section 323.
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ryanzlakings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:28 am
@Hockey “G”, Agree if there is not basketball and football this summer, this is really going to make a change of attraction for fans to see what the kings and hockey truly about. More fans the better, especially it can produce more ufa’s in the future if enviornment improves in southern cali. Look how the lakers go off when they find a ufa. Pretty much if they really want someone they will get it. Most players in the NBA would love to play for the lakers, who wouldn’t. Thats how I see it for this year with the absents of nba and nfl.
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KindSir Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:47 am
@ryanzlakings, the ironuc thing about that is that most if the fans that actually show up to Lakers games are absolutely horrible. I couldnt believe how quiet it was in there when I caught a game, especially compared to a Kings game. Like night and day
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I don’t think its gonna happen. He said two things that stuck out to me: Hockey environment and stable ownership. Unfortunately for us Kings fans (as others have said on here) we are passionate about this team and many of us have been for years but LA could care less about hockey. Most people dont even know what the Kings are. As far as the ownership there have been rumblings that anschutz may want to sell the team (forbes). Its just my gut feeling that if that is the case he has told Lieweekly to go for it in terms of spending on free agents and up to the cap to make a run. To me this whole dog and pony show reeks of Lieweekly. He always seems to have a crush on whoever the biggest free agent is this time of year. I wonder how much DL is really behind this if the number we are hearing is right. This is a very high cap hit and doesn’t sound like a deal DL would make with a player this old, for this term and $$.
If it doesnt happen its a blessing. Ive seen Richards make some great plays, hes a great playmaker and has incredible hockey IQ and on ice vision but we have two excellent centers now with M Richards and with stoll at 3 are loaded down the middle. So it seems like B Richards would play LW. The problem is his goal numbers arent that great. Art mentioned on here that maybe Richards at LW could hold onto the puck more and would free kopi up to score more goals. Thats a possibility but a very expensive one and considering his age not a wise one as he would be taking up a big chunk of cap but his production will have trailed off within a few years.
Its just not worth it to me. The team needs a first line goal scoring LW. Since there aren’t any in free agency we would need to trade for one. There are several players that we can trade who we would really be just as good without and would get a very good return. I think the time is now to make that move.
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Kingfish Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:37 am
@Kingfish,
One more thing, Calgary reportedly offered 64 million dollars for 9 years. That is ridiculous, if we were to pay this guy anywhere near that it would be the stupidest move this team could make. He is just not worth that kind of money. Parise? yeah worth every penny. 31 yr old Richards??, no way!!!!!
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petemagoop Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:46 am
@Kingfish, I too think it’s way too much money — the guys never scored 30 and has 50 assists or more 4 times in his career –once in the last 6 years
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Mr. Lombardi,
I, like many of us, am a zealot. I over value our players, love our odds far too much and think every year is the year. I’ve loved the Kings for deep personal reasons – it got me through my fathers passing when I was 12 and my mothers when I was 14. I’ve lived in countless homes as the property of the state of California, but the Kings (and Bob’s voice) was my constant.
It’s been almost twenty years since I buried my dad, since Gretzky buried Potvin in game 7, since we were a contender… a hockey city.
You came in to our home and cleaned house. You took the long road and you talked about a plan. You gave it to us straight and told, we’re not going to win now… it will take years. You put boxes on boards and talked at length about the “right guy.”
Some of us mocked you. Some of us believed you. Some of us gave up hope long ago.
You began building us from the goal out. You stacked our defense and you brought a coach that could help us with a system that allowed our offense to grow up.
Like ungrateful kids who don’t value what they can’t understand, we complained. We accused you of not going after the big names, we said you couldn’t make the big trade.
Then something happened. We started to win. We started to set new records in goaltending and in the win lose column. Our young guys gained experience and our bridge players got us to the other side.
We were starting to look like a contender. . . but people outside still didn’t take us too seriously. We on the inside started to doubt – two first round exits in a row?
Our expectations changed from making the playoffs, to winning in the playoffs. All the while we’re missing this amazing transition, cause it happened so slow.
Then you make the trade. The one we’ve been waiting for and we’ve got a guy who is ‘our guy.” And in an instant we’re a threat. Media is taking notice, top UFA’s are taking notice and hopefully, the fans have taken notice.
For the first time in nearly 2 decades, we have a shot. And because of how you built us, we will have a shot for the next decade. You idolized the structure of the Detroit Red Wings and you’ve put us on the path to be that franchise. It’s hard to remember Detroit being awful, but they were.
I believe soon enough, it will be hard for people outside of LA to remember how awful we were, but we wont’ forget.
We appreciate you and thank you for bringing us to this place. We know you’re paid to do your job, but you have done it better than anyone before you in LA and you’ve made it exciting to “Love LA!”
If we get Richards, great. If not, we’ll keep building.
But you’ve done a world class job and the best move the LA Kings made in building this foundation, was putting you at the helm.
When we hoist the cup, there is one person I can’t wait to see kissing it… and that is Bob Miller. But aside from Bob, I’ll be most excited for you, cause you’re doing the unimaginable.
Cheers,
JG
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dMan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:22 am
@Bama Kings, very nice!
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ryanzlakings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:41 am
@Bama Kings, Very nice. I also had a father passed when I was 13. I will be 28 on monday, so its been 15 years. The kings was my father and I share momemts to watch on prime ticket. I remember watching the first game on Tv and going to my first game at the great western forum. It was 1992-93 season when we went to the finals. When I saw the players I was soo amazed to see the team, especially at the warm ups. I wanted the night to go on forever. I remember seeing Luc, Marty, Sandstrom,granato,hrudy,and my idol The great one Wayne Gretzky.
When he passed away, I kept watching the kings cause it gives me warm memory of my father and everytime I watch the game on tv or in person I always feel that hes cheering the kings on, right next to me. And now I bring my son to the games which hes only 3, but soon I hope we have the great connection to the kings and the game as I did with my father.
But When the kings one day do win the cup, I know It will be the greatest day of my life, besides the birth of my children of course. I know I would be emotional happy and spirital also. So as the kings show progress and improvments showing flashes of possibility of this dream to be reality.
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CB14 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:26 am
@ryanzlakings, Happy Birthday in advance. Hopefully DL will get you an early birthday present, will Brad Richards be ok?
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petemagoop Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:40 am
@ryanzlakings, good grief stop it – I’m welling up
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Bama Kings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 10:17 am
@ryanzlakings, It’s amazing how the silly things in life, the “games” become the things that get us through the most difficult realities.
Glad you made it to the other side of the hard stuff.
To a great year!
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:43 am
@Bama Kings,
No words for how awesome this is. Well said.
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Sammuch Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:55 am
@Bama Kings, here here!!
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King Cobra Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:07 am
@Bama Kings, Does anyone have a tissue??
[Reply]
Macknight777 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:11 am
@Bama Kings, Well done. Very well done. Thanks.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:24 am
@Bama Kings, What a very thoughtfull post. Nice job.
[Reply]
KingsRule99 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:31 am
@Bama Kings,
Couldn’t have said it any better.
Well done.
[Reply]
the_guv Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:06 am
@Bama Kings, Possibly the best Insider post ever. Bravo. Deano’s credit is well overdue.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:36 am
@Bama Kings, best ballad of our contemporary travels through the Kingdom in recent recollection. Very nicely done!
[Reply]
Brent Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:14 am
@Bama Kings, Post of the year material. Fantastic summary and story.
Go Kings! This is OUR year.
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jess Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:30 am
@Bama Kings,
man, great post
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John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:36 am
@Bama Kings,
WOW! Thank you for that, JG – so well said!
GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
rabidhockeyfan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:39 am
@Bama Kings, Thank you for the incredible perspective this morning! What an incredible post!
[Reply]
Bama Kings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 10:20 am
@Bama Kings, Thank everyone for the kind words. I was explaining to my wife about where the Kings are and how signing or not signing BR didn’t matter in the end game. Not he isn’t great, but that we’re deep enough that the right guys will come along.
Made me think about how different that sentiment was from a few years ago when all we could do was over pay for old talent and dream.
It’s great to be a Kings fan!
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I think we scared this guy away with the glitz and glam presantation. please let me be wrong.If the great one tells you to do something then you do it. The thing that scares me is that the rangers didnt even make a presantation?Like they already knew something.
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Brad Richards signs with kings!!!!!! Yeahhhhhhhh!!! Oh wait I was dreaming….
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King Cobra Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:11 am
@BigSeeGas, Hey Big, since you are dreaming go in and do an inception on Brad Richards and tell him to sign with the Kings when he wakes up!!
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BigSeeGas Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:21 am
@King Cobra, Im breaking into his safe as we speak, his totem is being replaced as well. Or i could pull a mr charles??? lol Im not sleeping until this is resolved!
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John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:08 am
@BigSeeGas,
Hahaha I dreamt he signed in Tampa!
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oh btw here is another interview with brad on this meetings http://tinyurl.com/63cufql
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DBking Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:34 am
@ryanzlakings, Thankyou for this. This makes me think………… He’s signing with the KINGS. A lot more telling than the other interview he did with TSN. Thanks.
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Brent Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:26 am
@ryanzlakings, This one really does make me think he is considering the Kings as well. It’s going to be a fun day to watch this blog’s statistics.
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Knowing who the teams are, and what he had to say, my hopes are up. If he’s been honest, he’s a King.
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Is anyone else losing sleep over this?
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FiG17 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:02 am
@KH,
yup.
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KH Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:54 am
@FiG17, Still up, this sucks
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FiG17 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:11 am
@KH,
I’ve been watching movies hoping they’ll make me sleepy enough to fall asleep. It’s not working. I just end up refreshing twitter another twenty times… I don’t even like twitter…
CB14 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 am
@KH, me
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king1jason Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:18 am
@KH, oh yea. looks like an all nighter
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jon Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:50 am
@KH, yes
so anxious and nervous and excited! GKG
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Can’t sleeeeeeep!!!
Hope we sign ‘em!… If not, Gagne should be signed ASAP.
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If BR does sign with the Kings, which I doubt, then that video must make LA look like a hockey town.
My money is on the Rangers. If he joins the Rangers, or the Leafs, then those teams will be level with the Kings in the short term. If he joins the Kings, the Kings will be two steps ahead of NY and TOR.
Better for him to join the Kings but he’ll probably go with NYR because of their pedigree.
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@FiG17 sportscenter for me, not helping…
It’s almost 6:20 on the east coast! Why hasn’t the decision been made Richards?!
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I know it’s been mentioned already….But regardless of how the Richards signing turns out, I’d like to say I’m very proud of the job the front office and brass did, showing up en masse to present the way they did.
It’s been a while since I could say I was proud of the work they were doing (DL excluded), but this type of showing would make any fan happy to be rooting for the organization.
Well done boys.
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DBking Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:35 am
@KingsRule99, Amen
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the_guv Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:59 am
@KingsRule99, Nice man, well said.
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it’s 6:55am EST….waiting….waiting…waiting…
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the_guv Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:58 am
@Shakes, Right there with ya Shakes. NO SLEEP TILL RICHARDS!
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7:06am EST…
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As someone who has been born and raised on Kings hockey, I love to see such well thought out opinions being posted on Rich’s blog. It’s great to see how passionate our fan base in LA really is.
Whichever decision Brad Richards makes tomorrow, I am incredibly optimistic about the entire LA Kings organization for showing their commitment to this team, the fan base, and the LA community (LA live and the staples center have COMPLETELY re-invented the section of LA that they occupy)
Regardless of whether or not we land this phenomenal player/person, this entire process has given me an unmeasurable amount of confidence in our entire organization for one simple reason:
Today we saw the ownership and management actually practice what they preach to the players on the squad. A culture where a team came together with a well thought out plan to go for the best possible result.
We have been witnessing a top down change of priorities that continues to make our team a serious contender for the cup and a hockey community rivaled by few.
To see the CEO of AEG, a majority of our front end management, coaching staff and DL put together a presentation of this magnitude really proves to me, as a die hard Kings fan, that the franchise has fully bought in to the values that they’ve been talking about for the last 10-11 years and I couldn’t be happier.
If we continue on the path we are going down, and our players perform to the best of their ability, I really believe that the Cup will be lifted in LA.
To see the Kings go from a team that had more starting goalies than you could count on your fingers and not signing any of our young talent core to become the system we have are today makes all of the difficult seasons worth it.
Maybe I’m just drinking the kool-aide but all of the moves made this off-season are giving me fewer and fewer reasons to doubt renewing a season ticket package.
It’s going to happen….and soon….
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KingsRule99 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:11 am
@drizzz,
Great post, man.
It almost seems, to me at least, that Richards signing or not is almost irrelevant at this point…almost.
I just really liked the fact that the upper management came together and took their best swing at the best option they thought would bring us closer to the Cup.
When you see your leaders go All In like they did, it makes the lower rank and file try that much harder, and believe that much more.
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jess Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:21 am
@drizzz, Bravo well said
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Gary livingston Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:22 am
@drizzz, Out of the 122 franchises in north American sports kings ranked 55 this year by espn magazine. We ranked tenth in most improved in terms of concern for the fans and players. Pretty cool to see. Apparently maple leafs have ranked in the bottom three the last three years haha. I feel we were there with them five years ago. So, people are noticing la getting legit about hockey.
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8:10 EST…I think we lost Shakes.
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Anyone think they are not announcing Doughty resigned cause if Richards doesnt sign with the kings, they will want to announce Doughty resigned to avoid people getting too angry?
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If Doughty signed they would have announced it already or rumor would have spread.
McKenzie and Larry Brooks twitter indicate Rangers were third in line with salary and James Dolan called Richards personally when he realized other teams were putting on a dog and pony show. Reading between the lines, he may have upped the offer as well.
Believe Rangers made an assumption and now have to anti up some more $ to get their man.
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Almost 10 a.m. EST
**crickets**
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The anxiety is killing me!
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Go Kings Go! Could be a special year.
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Kings prospect and all around solid guy, Corey Elkins, is getting married today. Congratulations to the lucky couple.
http://www.coreyandgenna.wedquarters.com/
gKg!
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puck73 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:18 am
@LBlocal, I like Corey Elkins. I hope we see him in a Kings uniform this season even if its only for a couple of games.
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KFII Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:30 am
@LBlocal, Nice website. Nice looking couple. Oh to be that young again. Time seems to fly by..except when waiting for NEWS!
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Matt George Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 8:01 am
@LBlocal,
CONGRATS COREY!
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Before someone starts sounding like a whiny child on a long road trip:
HAS HE SIGNED YET?
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The longer this goes the more it feels like the Kings may have really hit this one out of the park.
Don’t you think if the Rangers were the Pre-ordained club of choice, they would have announced by now?
Especially if the reports about the Rangers coming in third in salary offers? If it comes down to who showed
BR he was wanted the most Kings win. I mean Burke and the Rangers didn’t even show up and the Kings
brought the farm. That, and the Kings meet the criteria he has spoken of in every category but hockey market.
Although, he has seen the Staples Center crowds over the years and knows the fan base is solid. Really the only
negative is who moves out of the center position and plays wing. If they answered that question to his satisfaction,
I think Kings win!!!
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I had a dream about Richards announcing his decision to join with the Ducks. I screamed and woke up with sweat.
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count rockula Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:45 am
@JFont, my dream was that we had to give up Clifford for him to sign. I also woke in a cold sweat.
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Buster Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:54 am
@count rockula, I had a dream that we had to give up Westgarth. Must be a case of wishful thinking as well.
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Richards to Rangers..
Knew it!!
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IntheSinBin Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:58 am
@Who Knows?, Where did you hear this. Give me a link….
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jess Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:58 am
@Who Knows?, source?
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OK 1 question, Does anyone know the whereabouts DL and co?? If they’re still in Ont. it could be good news, whereas if they flew back to LA,maybe not so good.Hmmmm
Go Kings
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Who Knows? Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:56 am
@YoBro, I believe Dean and Tim stayed in Ontario.
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I do think he’ll sign with NY, but I honestly think he’ll be making a big mistake not signing with the Kings.
I am impressed with the King’s effort to sign him, but I do think they over sold. I mean bringing in scouts? That was a bit silly. The video was probably way over the top as well. A bit too much imho. That being said I really don’t see Brad’s decision changing no matter what the Kings did to sway him. Hope I’m wrong.
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Deal not signed, but Richards chooses Rangers
Per Darren Dreger.
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Well it is NY I guess that promise to play with Gaborik for the 36 games he might play next year was just to much to pass up.
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Dreger tweets Richards to Rangers. I’m wrong again
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Cup B4 I Die Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 8:02 am
@Jumblehead,
Back to the drawing board.
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Jack the Lad Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 8:04 am
@Jumblehead, Moving along. PLEASE don’t sign Tim Connoly, I’d rather see Parse then that piece of glass.
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Jumblehead Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 8:28 am
@Jack the Lad, Agreed
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Per @DarrenDreger, Richards picks NYR, 9 years, 6.5 cap hit per.
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9 years 6.5 million apparently
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Time to move on…
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Okay Deano, now what? What’s the next move? Smyth, Zus, Simmonds and Poni are gone, DD is holding out, no Brad Richards, how do we get back on track?
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buzz kill.
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Rangers: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=568285
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Great try deano! You made him pause and think about it all night! Well. I guess we try for Gagne. Or another trade.
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Good work, Kings!
Moving on with Plan B.
Your loss Brad, not ours.
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Bama Kings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 10:22 am
@Brent, Really is his loss. Great to be able to say that…..
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Maybe a copy of “The Presentation” can make it to Kings Vision.
I for one, would like to see what all the hype was about.
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