Dean Lombardi is traveling back from Toronto today, so Kings assistant general manager Ron Hextall was kind enough to take a few minutes to talk about the Simon Gagne signing, how Gagne fits into the Kings’ plans and, as a side note, whether there is anything new with the Drew Doughty contract talks…
Question: Clearly you took a swing at Brad Richards yesterday. How important was it to come back quickly and get a top-six forward?
HEXTALL: “It was fairly important for us. We’ve looked at the trade market, and there’s not a lot there. Quite frankly, after yesterday on the free-agent market there wasn’t a ton there, but this was a guy we had our eye on from the start, if we didn’t get Brad Richards. We moved as quickly as we could. Obviously the familiarity with people in our organization — Terry Murray, John Stevens, myself, Dean and, particularly, his relationship with Mike Richards, both on and off the ice — were factors in him coming to L.A.”
Question: His two 40-goal seasons pop out, but so does the number of games missed because of injury. Was there any hesitancy there, when you looked at signing him?
HEXTALL: “No. There’s risk with every player. You always analyze the risk vs. reward. Obviously with the amount of money that goes into it, and the cap space, you look at the injuries, and we felt that the reward was worth the risk. I think the one thing about Simon is that he’s always been a big-game player. He has scored big goals at critical times. You look at his playoff numbers, and he played in some real big games and has played some of his best hockey. That’s part of the reward that we look at. This is a pretty darn good player, and he’s also a very good defensive player, a much better defensive player than people give him credit for. He can kill penalties, he can check and obviously with the offensive part of his game, he’s got a track record of numbers there.”
Question: Is there some sense of relief to get that top six settled, at least on paper?
HEXTALL: “We clearly knew we needed a top six forward. We targeted (Brad) Richards first, but that’s no slight on Gagne. He’s a very good player. We’re excited about it and I think our team will be excited about it. When you get guys who you know can play together, like Gagne and Richards, there’s some comfort there. They’ve got some chemistry and we can line our lines up there. I’m not the coach and I’m not trying to dictate what Murph [Terry Murray] is going to do, but my hunch is that those guys will be together.”
Question: Then, when you look at the third line, you’re obviously going to have a new look there, without Handzus and Simmonds. Is the thought there that you have some options, that some guys can compete?
HEXTALL: “There are some options there. Obviously you’ve got Cliffy [Kyle Clifford] and Stolly [Jarret Stoll] and Richie [Brad Richardson], and Lewis could slide over to the right side. So there are options for Murph, and we’ve got a couple kids coming up. So I’m pretty excited about our team. I think we’re pretty happy with where we are right now, and signing Simon is a big piece of that.”
Question: Off-topic, but anything new you can share on contract talks with Drew Doughty?
HEXTALL: “There’s nothing new there. Hopefully we’ll get it done in the next little while. We’ll be hammering away, I can tell you that much.”
Great signing guys. Clutch player on a short term deal and cheap too, when compared to what guys got yesterday.
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ike Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@CB14, Seriously, look at the team from last season. Add Penner, Richards and Gagne, subtract Zuez, Poni and Simmer. No doubt we should be stronger but we could be crazy stronger if Penner brings his A game and Gagne stays healthy.
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Eggplant Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:19 am
@ike, It’s funny how everyone’s already forgotten about Schenn all together. Well, Mike Richards.. Oh, we got Mike Richards? What was I talking about, again?
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garry Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:39 am
@Eggplant, Not me! Please no moaner’s when Schenn lights it up this year.
Good Plan B. One more D-man, and they should be set.
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Scaught Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:37 pm
White or Kaberle?
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kingCow Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@Scaught,
Neither. The Kings D is fine. Just resign Doughty and Martinez.
Our D was 4th best in the league last season.
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Naturallawyer Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:21 pm
What KingCow said. Our D is good. We can’t add a defenseman unless we also move a defenseman out. I don’t see that happening unless it’s for a third-line RW, but it sounds like the Kings are going to fill that spot from within.
roadtripper Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 11:17 pm
@kingCow, Agreed! And don’t forget that our new offense should take a bit of heat off the D.
More puck possession was Gretzky’s way to play D.
Bluecoconuts Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@Scaught, I don’t think we need another D-Man, just maybe a 3RW. I think Lewis can slide to that spot though, or they can call up someone (Brandon Kozun maybe?) and let Lewis center Parse and Richardson.
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Michael J. Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@Bluecoconuts,
Lewis, Parse and Richardson??? That would be a pretty quick line…
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Luuuuuuucfan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
@Bluecoconuts,
I would much rather have Richardson at center. Lewis sucked in the face-offs, send him to a wing.
Agree with Michael J – that would be a very nice fast line!
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Forum67 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@Scaught,
I’m curious. Who would this new D-man replace?
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Scaught Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 8:43 pm
@Forum67, I’d take Kaberle over Martinez. He would solidify the back end for a serious push.
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Forum67 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 11:17 pm
@Scaught,
Okay. That would definitely represent an upgrade in the short term.
garry Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:42 am
@Scaught, What did that General say during the “Battle of the Bulge” NUT’S!
Jeff Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 8:36 pm
@Scaught, Why do we need another d-man? We already have a top 6 in Doughty, JJ, Greener, Scuds, Mitchell and A Mart….If a 7th guy is needed there is utility guy Harrold.. If there is another guy to come in it would come from Manchester. There are 3 guys there that are pretty much ready for the show in Hickey, Voynov or Muzzin. We don’t need to bring in any other d-men, we are set.
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PRMan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 9:28 pm
i thought Harold was a UFA
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John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 11:57 pm
@PRMan,
He is.
sounds like they might be done on the UFA market. interesting to hear there wasn’t anything in the trade market. as i suspected DL went there already before signing Gagne.
no mention of Parse at all – that’s interesting.
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Jeff Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 8:42 pm
@Dave, I think Hexy just forgot him, or maybe he is still hurt. I do however feel that last season was Parse’s to compete for a job. Unfortunately for him it was a wasted year, due to injuries. It just might have cost him a job. He might be better off asking to be traded. At this stage of his career he might be better off going to a young team like the Islanders or Panthers. I would of said the Oilers, but I sincerely doubt any trades will happen between them and the Kings, as long as Tambellini is still there.
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Please fast forward life and stop on October 1st in Las Vegas please!!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Dana L,
Dana? There is no Dana, only Zul! Tee hee!
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EJ Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@Kingsfanone, heh.
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Gary livingston Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@Kingsfanone, Ha ^_^
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Next little while.. Sounds promising.
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The most telling thing here is there is no mention of Parse.
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John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@Keith Korneluk,
Probably just means he’s penciled in on the 4th line. Which, quite honestly, he should be!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@John, This could be the fire he needs lit under his ass. There isn’t a lot of mediocre talent to be playing with any more, so he’ll have to play to his apparent abilities, and consistently. Realistically, this buys him fourth-line practice time to show that he can squeak into the top six when there’s an injury or a contract is up.
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John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Indeed. Which is how we truly want to develop young players – it’s a testament to our depth & the place DL has gotten this entire organIzation!
Sydor25 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@Keith Korneluk, Reading into it too much. Remember when Murray mentioned Handzus for next season?
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JWR Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@Sydor25,
Well technically Zues was still King’s property till July 1st.
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King Alex Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Keith Korneluk, I think Parse is in the dog house by not being truthful about his injury when he came back in the playoffs. Good job in getting Simon Gagne signed! Hopefully he will stay healthy.
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Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@Keith Korneluk, IDK, I agree with Keith here. I hope Parse doesn’t get Fro treatment. I truly believe he has serious skills and could do really well with guys like Kopi & Willie. His vision is top notch. The only knock on him is his defense. He tends to let up on the backcheck, which is a No-No on a TM team.
This would be more telling if it came from TM as he’s the coach. Hexy is an asst GM and deals more with Manchester than LA. Still an interesting thought though.
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puck73 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@Cynic, Parse put up 5 points in 5 games with Kopi and Williams so I am sure management is well aware that Parse is not only good, but he is only 26.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@puck73, Correct again sir.
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:35 am
@Cynic, I’m a Parse fan. Wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he replaces Penner on one of the top lines.
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I almost feel awkward not having to root for an underdog now
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darklemur44 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@DBking,
I was just thinking this, as well. Good feeling, eh? GKG.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@DBking, Yup, it’s going to be “no excuses” now–especially for Terry Murray (not saying HE’s made excuses, but none can now be made for him.).
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KingsFanInPortland Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:32 pm
@DBking, Time to switch teams and root for the Islanders
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well lets just worry about Doughty get him sing with the right kind of money he earn i sat 5 r 4 million or hold it off to the seaosn starts to see how he plays like then give him what he wants either way lock him down
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I can’t wait for the season to start! We’re as good as any team in the West.
I haven’t been able to say that since ’93!
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jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:45 pm
@Jon G, we are close, but the Nucks just signed Baumgartner
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Jon G Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@jet, With so much parity in the league I don’t think it’s possible to identify a clear-cut favorite in either conference. However I do feel we have moved into the top tier with Vancouver, San Jose and Detroit, whereas last year I thought we were in the second tier with the likes of Nashville.
Over in the East I really like what Buffalo did in getting Regehr, Ehrhoff and Leino. They moved into the top echelon pretty quickly.
I’m also pleased to see that the Ducks management team seems to be off surfing or something.
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Luuuuuuucfan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Jon G,
“I’m also pleased to see that the Ducks management team seems to be off surfing or something.” HAHA!! Agreed!!
We will see about Buffalo, they might need a season to gel together.
SuperSonic420 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Jon G,
Couldn’t really say that before ’93 either! Just writing that makes me sad…Heres to a new era in LA!! GO KINGS!
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KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:37 am
@Jon G, For me it was 88, Gretkzys first year. If you remember Gretz was injured for the first half of the 93 season with a bad back. 93 wasn’t that great a regular season at all. The Kings came out of no where to make the playoffs and get to the finals.
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go kings go
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thanks rich
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Heck Ya!!!
Future looks bright
Also can’t wait for FF in Vegas!!!
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Glad we didn’t sign Richards. What were Kinns thinking trying to sign 31 year old (good player, but 31!) to a NINE YEAR contract?! Can you imagine Richards in 4 years : burned out and no motivation. And we would be stuck for another 5 years!?
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Kingfish Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@bear777,
exactly, we dodged a bullet. Wish Lieweekly would stay out of hockey ops
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jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@bear777, I think that was the problem, we did not go 9 years. I thought the guy was full of it when he signed with NY after saying he wanted to win, but I would have done the same for $ 33,000,000 over the next 3 years.
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brymaster1 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@jet, the kings offered him more money than the rangers did. he went with compatibility.
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jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@brymaster1, I cannot believe anyone offered 33M in three years, 20M absolute in 2 years
Gary livingston Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@bear777, I think the kings were offering five or six years.
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After all is said and done (and I believe all has been said 10 times over) I am happy to see that we kept our Goalies in tact. I felt Bernier would be highly sought after.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@Happy Lappy,
Good call! Me likee too!
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puck73 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@Happy Lappy, Welcome back Buddy !
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Someone one tsn post already labeling the “KGB” line
Kopitar-Gagne-Brown
Love it
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Kings fans be prepared to see our team be able to Carry the puck into the zone finally!!!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Ashykins,
You got that right! Wait till they see us with some offensive skill now!
Is it Oct. yet?
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I’m thinking there must have already been an agreement in principle, regardless of what happened with Richards. They must have agreed there was not guarantee until after whatever Richards deal was inked. I can’t see any other way they take the “chance” they appeared to take. Best of all, they didn’t hit the cap for $4-$6k.
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Thanks for the quick quotes Rich. Hope Gagne has the same excitement the rest of us do. I’m also hoping this makes Mike Richards happier and more comfortable. I’m sure the trade is still surreal for him, but he’s handled it great. This should make it that much easier to handle.
I’m also lovin’ all the quotes from fans across the country & Canada about the Kings. People genuinely stating we’re a top 4 and that these 2 lines are SERIOUSLY scary good. Really proud of what DL and his team have done for us and I’m sure as hell glad now that we stayed patient (For the most part) as fans.
The next 10 years should be a lot more fun than the last 10, that’s for sure.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@Cynic,
You said it!!
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Great signing. Now all we need is a coach for the PP
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@poe, yea a real PP coach i dont even think we have one
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fsd1 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@poe, Stop it! We have one already. enough already.
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jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@fsd1, dont worry, the new players brought some Philly fans with them
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josh78 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@poe,
AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@poe,
TM already stated that Kompon just assists on the PP. I also thought that Kompon was the PP coach but I was wrong. Ultimately it’s TM’s show.
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There is most certainly a gamble involved in the Gagne signing (just like there was with the Willie Mitchell signing, although I think most Kings fans, Mitchell’s injury last season notwithstanding, are quite pleased with that signing). That being said, Gagne is a gifted player. And although he may not be the player he was in his prime, he is STILL much better than most folks in the NHL lacing up skates, regardless of their age.
I don’t have very much disappointment about the Brad Richards situation for two reasons. First, unlike Kovalchuk, he made his decision in a hurry. And secondly, and more importantly, I don’t think we had much of a chance of signing him to begin with because from his perspective we are on the wrong coast.
I think as long as we don’t backslide on defense or in goal this upcoming season, if we are not THE team to beat in the Western Conference, we will at a minimum be one of the teams to beat. I REALLY think we are no positioned to be a GENUINE Cup contender next season.
Go Kings Go.
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Salamano Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@Forum67, The name “Adam Deadmarsh” keeps ringing in my ears…for better and for worse.
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jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@Forum67, The same gamble as Big Willie, Lil Willie, Zues, Stoll. 100% odds are hard to find in hockey.
also, I believe Gagne just turned 31, some of us old timers might consider that prime.
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:38 pm
@jet, I would give a finger or a toe to be 31 again.
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Forum67 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@jet,
Totally agree with your post. Every player is one hit or one rut in the ice away from an injury, as we found out last season when our ironman (326 games in a row) Anze Kopitar succumbed to injury.
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Haven’t seen this yet:
Gord Miller of TSN put this up on Twitter about Brad Richards deal:
“Richards year by year: $12m, $12m, $9m, $8.5m, $8.5m, $7m, $1m, $1m, $1m. $10m SB+$2m the salary first year, $8m SB + $4m salary the second”
HOLY BANKRUPTCY BATMAN!
He gets 8Mil even if they have a lockout!
I feel like a pretty happy loser right about now….
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Michael J. Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@Cynic,
One thing we know for sure, the Kings have a responsible front office.
I was much happier w/o Kovi (well his contract) last year, and I am much happier the Kings didn’t pull a Sather today.
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puck73 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@Cynic, If thats true, we dont need that. He’s good, but he’s not Gretzky.
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jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@Cynic, cannot see this contract getting by the league office. Wonder if hell sign one year for 3 million
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Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@jet, Yep. I replied on your other comment in the next thread on this one. Year 5-6, that 6Mil drop I thought was outlawed during Kovalgate. They’ll probably just make the drop palatable and spread the excess over the last 4 years:
12,12,9,8,7,5,3,2,2.
That would probably fly with the league more than the 6mil drop in one year. They’ll find a way. Doesn’t make it any more reasonable.
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KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:42 am
@Cynic, Is NY the dumbest organization in hockey or what? That is nuts.
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Sign Doughty to an 12 yr 80 M deal and be done with it!
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Something i’m excited to see mentioned, is that we have a staff and some players here that were influential in signing a guy like Gagne. Please let this trend continue.
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It took a year longer than I thought I would, but I’m happy Gagne is finally a King. Definite upgrade over Smyth for $3M a year less. This was a good Kings team that got 2 major upgrades on their top 6. Very happy with DL this offseason.
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John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@Space Shot,
And we got even younger – Richards replaces Zeus, Gagne replaces Smyth & probably a kid replaces Simmer. Gotta love that!
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Kings x Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:34 am
@John, Youth and speed!
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tuan jim Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@Kings x,
But we lost size.
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:44 am
@John, And the increase in team speed is outrageous.
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Now we can score on 5 on 5 hockey games and kill the teams on the PP. Wow did just say we can win playing 5 on 5 hockey games,finally its nice to say that after all these years.
DL 5 year plan is right on… We are now one of the top 4 in the West.
Det looks old and Chi really signed some good players and looks back in the race. Here are the top teams in the West
1) YEP chi
2) yep Kings
3) van
4) Sharks
wild card hate to say it, ducks if Selanne is back!!!
Chicago and the Kings in the West finals baby…
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@Sammuch, I’m from Missouri on Chicago. I predicted they’d miss the playoffs last season, and they should have (plus, they deserved to.) To me they look like hangers-on, as the Kings did for so many years after the Gretzky trade.
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Sammuch Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Have You see all of the players Chi has signed, good G, good D and 4 star players on the O.
I would not count them out, you should go to there website and see all the players they got. Not bad pick ups…
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Michael J. Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@Sammuch,
Don’t forget the PK. Richards is great on the PK, add him to Kopi, Mitchell, Scuds, Lewis & Stoll and Quick.
Both specialties should be strong!
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Sammuch Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@Michael J., here here on that too!!!
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BobKnob Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@Sammuch,
Ducks have a great top 6, but their defense is porous, goaltending shaky and uncertain, and they have a hole or two in the bottom six now that whatshisface retired. And it doesn’t seem like the GM is allowed to spend much money.
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Don’ we still have money to strengthen the team? Let’s do it. D or Wing.
And someone should lay out what they think the lines will be and that will deft show we can sign on more to improve.improve. we have like 13k
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jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@Subby, do you thik we should blow the whole 13K on one player?
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Subby Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@jet, no? what the heck? obviously a lots going to DD. We still are going to have some left over. Make a spot stronger.
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jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@Subby, ok, who do you like?
This is not a Knock, but with B. Richards people around the leauge were saying we were stacked and a SERIOUS THREAT, let’s just say people are not saying that with Gagne….This is just a wash in my opinion, lose Smitty,Simmer and Zues get Gagne???? We will see and I hope I am wrong but this is not that great. WE NEED SCOREING LEFT WINGER! like we have for the last 3 years. Smyth is a what 20 goal a year guy. What is Gagne at best a 25 goal a year guy??? Lost Simmers Grit, Lost Zues shot blocking….Even Quick wrote this yesterday via twitter…
@JonathanQuick32Jonathan Quick
san jose’s PK got better today, i think zus blocked more shot than i did this year, best of luck this year.
So before we all hold hands and sing Cum by ya. We need more…via trade….
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Sammuch Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@Chris Bond, dont worry Penner did some good puck blocking last year. That one thing he did well last year. Lets just hope he can put the puck in the net now… if not he will have Huz job to block all those shots… We just need him to do both block shots and score…
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KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:52 am
@Chris Bond, M Richards is one of the best PK guys in the league so that is a wash with Zues.
Gagne gives us a lot more team speed than Smyth and will likely put more pucks in the net and be MUCH better on the PP than Smyth.
M Richards is also MUCH better on the PP than Smyth.
M Richards is just as tough and has just as much or more grit than Simmonds.
Penner is getting what he needs … someone to give him the puck. Both Gagne and Richards will be better than Smyth and Zues at that.
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The best way to look at this is in our depth. Where we ended last year and where we are today is night and day. What we will miss in Zeus and Smyth, we gained in speed and youth. Gagne and Richardson all have playoff experience.
We now have incredible depth at the center position…Kopi, Richards, Stoll, Lokti, Lewis, Richardson, Elkins.
LW is solid if and that’s a BIG if, Penner plays up to his potential, Gagne stays healthy and Parse can prove he is ready. Don’t see a lot of big body high scoring LW in Manchester, so hopefully somewhere in juniors are one or two future LW’s
Defense and goaltender…we all know how deep we are there.
With the subtraction of Simmonds, RW is weak after Brown and Williams and that’s where DL needs to make a decision. Do you sign someone now, or let two or three guys fight it out in camp. If we are really going for the cup this year, he signs or trades for a RW now and waits for someone in Manchester to emerge.
B. Richardson would have been nice, but with the acquisition of Gagne and trade for M.Richardson, this has been the most productive off season for DL so far. Other than the $$$, Richardson will be very sorry he signed with NYR. If he really wanted a shot at the cup and didn’t want to play out west, Tampa was the obvious choice.
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TYLER Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, got me confused with the richards/richardson mix ups…come on man get it right! brad richardson, mike richards
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@TYLER, See Bob Miller its not just you,yet.
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KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:55 am
@Barry’s Mullet, Actually, our weak spot is now RW debth wise. Holloway could be the answer. Loktionov didn’t look good at RW last year.
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Guys I think as Kings fans we should forget about last season and cheer on the team 100% this year. Here’s to having a healthy team ready to get us that cup..oh and yes this also means giving Penner a second shot(I didn’t expect him to carry the team last year honestly don’t know why people were so mad at him).
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gmo Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:05 pm
@KingofKings,
even TM said he didnt expect PENNER to be the team saviour. but i wish every and each of the KINGS players and coaching stuff an AWESOME 2011/2012 season.
GO KINGS GO
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This year’s ‘Plan B’ actually worked ! And you’ve gotta like Gagne better than Poni……Credit Richards for making a quick decision and not taking the team out of free agency the way Kovalchuk did last year…….Didn’t see anyone go yesterday who wasn’t crazy overpaid except for Talbot, who is more of a Checking line forward anyway…….
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:44 pm
@Jim, Smart comment are rare Kudos.
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