Kings sign Simon Gagne to two-year deal

Posted by Rich Hammond on 2 July 2011, 12:34 pm

The Kings quickly found their Plan B, as they agreed to terms with winger Simon Gagne to a two-year contract. It’s a two-year, $7-million deal that, in cash terms, will pay Gagbe $4.5 million next season and $2.5 million in 2012-13, but the salary-cap hit is $3.5 million each season. Gagne has been cleared to play — he missed time last season with a sore neck but returned in the playoffs — so the signing is not contingent on him passing any physical, etc. More info to come…

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415 Comments

Geegeeo says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:35 pm

This seems to me to have the potential to bew great or a total bust.

[Reply]
LuckyNumber20 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@Geegeeo, Its low risk, high reward. Great value!

[Reply]
markisonfire Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@LuckyNumber20, Agreed. Worst case scenario, he gets hurt and goes on injured reserve. Best case scenario, we have one of the best top-6′s in the league. I was half correct in my assessment. The Kings now look like…

Penner – Kopitar – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Clifford – Stoll – Lewis
Parse – Loktionov – Richardson
Westgarth

Mitchell – Doughty
Johnson – Scuderi
Martinez/Voynov/Muzzin – Greene

Quick
Bernier

Kings just got very good.

[Reply]
kingshockeyguy Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@markisonfire, Lokti will not make the team this year. He is not a 4th line center and doesn’t have the grit or size to play the bottom 6. Look at what Boston did to the Nucks.. You need some grit..

I hope we see something like this…
Penner-Kopi-Williams
Gagne-Richards-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Clune
Richardson-Lewis-Westgarth

Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@kingshockeyguy

the only change i see is parse instead of clune. i don’t see any way clune is on the third line. more likely Holloway than Clune if it’s a Manchester guy.

Kinger Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@markisonfire, You need to reverse Quick and Bernier. Quick will lose the starting job to Bernier at somepoint this season.

King John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 9:49 pm
@markisonfire, line-up looks very good.

And if someone from the top two lines gets injured for a while, we have Parse or Loktionov or Stoll or Lewis who could step up. There doesn’t seem to be that major hole anymore.

Bailey's House Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:06 am
@markisonfire, What a SCARY, SCARY lineup if they can all stay healthy!!

rogiesbackup Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:50 am
@markisonfire, Make Lotkionov GREAT NOW!!! Make him play wing and put him on 1st or the 2nd line with Richards.

He is NOT a grinder nor does he have size. Let Richards get the pucks for him from the boards.

JMS Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@kingshockeyguy
how bout kozun aswell maybe play mix up your 4th line and put lokti

[Reply]
crashin' da net Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@JMS, Parse i/o Clune; Richardson swapped with Clifford; Gagne swapped with Penner(?)

Donald_S Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@Geegeeo,

Here is an interesting bit of trivia. Every team in the league had more than 10 UFAs…. except for one. The Kings had 5. DL has planned for this very carefully.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@Geegeeo,

Which signings don’t?

[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@Geegeeo,

Nice hedging your bets. Don’t stick your neck out too far…

I would like to think that it’s the former (‘bew’ great).

You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you might find
You get what you need

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@InTheCrease,

Someone with the STONES to make that quote!

[Reply]
the_guv Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:43 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Perfect

MindGeyser Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
@InTheCrease, Nice.

[Reply]
raunq12 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@InTheCrease, Hahaha well put!

[Reply]
Scott Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@Geegeeo, The Kings will win the cup or they won’t. I hope I’m right!

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:48 pm
@Scott, LMAO!! how can that be wrong LOL

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@Scott, I couldn’t agree with you more…good player–an impact player–but when you look at his long list of injuries you just have to hope he is not one who is the recipient of any impacts….

[Reply]
HBfan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@Geegeeo,the offer for BR had lot of risk involved as well. No matter what moves DL makes they are going to critized my the much more knowledgeable posters on this blog. 2 years is more manageable than signing 3rd liners for 4.5 cap hits for 4 or 5 years I think it is savy plan b. Richards really wasn’t an ideal fit when you really look at it

[Reply]
tothehaters Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@HBfan, How was BR not a fit? just interested in how a 80 to 100pt man is not a fit to a team who’s top 6 forwards have a hard time making 60pts

[Reply]
Subby says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:36 pm

Welcome to the Los Angeles Flyers

[Reply]
Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@Subby, Philangeles Flings, imo.

This signing is less of a surprise than Richards going to NY.

[Reply]
Subby Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@Dave, Who wouldve thought ;p

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@Subby,

We have THREE players that played in Philadelphia once and we’re the Los Angeles Flyers???

In any case, it’s a pretty dang good organization to emulate IMO

[Reply]
Eddie Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@John, Have you noticed our coaching staff and front office?

[Reply]
grega11 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@John, 3 of top 6?

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@grega11,

On a 22 man rosters.

jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@John, and they have 3 of our ex players. Those Philly Kings

[Reply]
the_guv Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@jet, LMAO

Naturallawyer Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@John, it’s more about the coaches and front office, and I think it’s the Philly fans and east coast media that started calling us that first because of the organizational personnel. Further, Zeus was a former Flyer and we just lost him, but the perception is still affected by him, too.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Naturallawyer,

All veteran GMs do that – you go with what you know, naturally.

OneTimer Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@John, I agree. People REALLY need to let this “We are the Flyers” thing go.
A.) Because, well … we’re still not. And,
B.) HOW many more banners do they have than the Kings? And,
C.) HOW many more Finals appearances do they have than the Kings? And,
D.) HOW many more Cups do they have than the Kings?

[Reply]
Scott Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@OneTimer, What about the Lightning or the Islanders…full of Kings rejects.

Christian Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@Subby, I have not found any negatives to our former Flyer players or coaches so this really seems to be a positive. Would you rather deal with snakes like Tambellini or Burke. Didn’t think so.

[Reply]
KingDoughnuts Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@Christian, Chech-cough, cough-monik

[Reply]
ziggyfan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@Subby, Isn’t that the truth!!

[Reply]
Cynic says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:36 pm

Man, I hope we didn’t overpay….

Like it, but I hope we didn’t overpay….

Did I mention I hope we didn’t overpay?

[Reply]
Not Eric Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@Cynic, Overpay or not (likely the former) the cap hit shouldn’t hurt significantly if it’s only for two years. The space is there this year, the high level free agents are not. Next year didn’t look significantly better outside of Parise who may still work out a multi-year deal with the Devils.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@Not Eric, Need to mention I posted that before the numbers were up. Looks like DL did alright. 3.5M is reasonable for SG and the term is nice too. Not sure what benefit the fronloading does on this contract except maybe fulfill a request by agne for upfront money.

He and Richards on the same line should pay dividends!

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@Cynic, We cant use the cap $s this year, so it gives us an extra million in space next year when there is more to spend on. It is a great move.

Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@Jet, You got me confused here. The cap hit is 3.5M for the length of the contract no matter how the money is distributed across that contract. Just like Smyth this season in EDM will get 4.5M in salary but the cap hit is 6.5M because of the contract total itself.

Where are we getting the space from? The hit should be the same this season and next season.

BobKnob Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@jet,
I’m pretty sure the cap hit is the same regardless of how the cash is actually paid.

Who wouldn’t want money up front though? Time is money.

jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@Cynic, i was just messing with you, sorry im a little excited

LA_1968 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@Cynic, I’m sure the player gives the club a little discount if they get more upfront. They can buy a house (good time for that) without having to sell their old one first.

Not Eric Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:06 pm
@Cynic, I believe jet is speaking in terms of the salary AEG will be paying and not in terms of the cap hit. The man signing the paychecks isn’t looking at the cap hit after all.

So in other words, if the Kings have a set internal pay roll ceiling set by AEG, it’s better to spend more this year if you were not going to reach it anyways, and next year, as far as AEG’s books are concerned, they’ll be saving $2 million.

jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@Cynic, BTW, if harry does not reup, then it is the jersey

LBlocal Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@Cynic, 2Years/7Million. Leiweke shoots, save. Deano rebounds. Scores!

gKg!

[Reply]
SDGolfer Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@LBlocal, You think TL wanted B. Richards and DL didn’t?

[Reply]
Bluecoconuts Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@Cynic, no, that’s perfect. If he stays healthy, he will help a lot. 2 years will be good, by that time guys like Kitsyn, Toffoli, Weal, Vey, etc will probably be ready to step in and contribute.

[Reply]
DLB Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@Cynic, Free agent market = automatic high price

Free agent market where demand outstrips supply right after cap goes up = even higher costs.

Tradeoff with health concerns vs. cap hit. Not bad considering the other long-term deals signed for ridiculous amounts yesterday.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@DLB, I think the CAP FLOOR had a lot to do with the inflated prices this year as well. I believe if the cap ceiling goes up, the floor goes up also. Florida was WAY below the floor, so they spent like drunken sailors to get to the floor. They got some nice pickups along the way but paying Jovo 16.5M over 4 years at 35 years old is just insanity. Good defenseman, but 4M+ at 39??? I don’t know…..

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@Cynic, agreed, but they are where we were 4 years ago. Having to overpay for the crumbs. It is not a good place, but they need bridge players until their youth develops.

Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@Cynic, it is a bit pricey isnt it? hope this doesnt come to bite us in the phany pack, but heres hoping it works XD

[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:47 pm
@Cynic, I’m not sure why you would even say that considering some of the totally outrageous contracts given out yesterday. 3.5 cap hit for 2 yrs aint bad at all. This makes them a very solid 3 line team. I’ll take this lineup over any in their division. Not worried about DD that should fall right into place now. DL is no idiot or careless, and this seems to fit right in with his plan after ridding the team of Smyth’s contract. I for one am very happy with this. It leaves plentyt of maneuvering next off season.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:56 pm
@Shotongoal, I mentioned later in this post that I posted the original comment before the numbers came out. I was worried we had overpaid not knowing the numbers. hope that helps explain. Very happy with this deal with the numbers making sense.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@Cynic, Smyth for over a 6 mil was over paying. This is a steal in comparison.

[Reply]
FKA PakiFro says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:36 pm

Whoa. Flyers west still applies. Im ok with this pick up. He can still score 25 goals. When healthy of course.

[Reply]
CupRun2012 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@FKA PakiFro, I guess you could look at it this way…Smyth’s cap hit was $6.25M and Gagne’s is $3.5M for 25 goals, I’d say that’s a good swap. Did he play with Richards when he was in Philly? If so, that would make the transition for both better! I’d say that was a good Plan B!

[Reply]
dmh012 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@CupRun2012,
He did, I am getting excited.

[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@CupRun2012, Fo show

[Reply]
Ashykins Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@FKA PakiFro, For some reason I feel like he’s gonna get close to 40 for some reason, maybe 36. Gagne is one of my favorite players so I like watching him, the guy is a amazing

[Reply]
Chris says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:36 pm

Is this true?

[Reply]
JJ Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@Chris, No, Rich made it up.

[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@JJ, So did the Kings and Simon Gagne. And when Gagne is playing with a Kings jersey on, it will all be just a part of the illusion that all these parties conspired together to pull a fast one over Chris’ eyes.

Shh…so don’t tell Chris.

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@miracle.on.manchester, ROFL

Chris Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@miracle.on.manchester, Wha wha whaaaaaa

McDonalds Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@JJ,

LOL

[Reply]
Chris Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@JJ, Handzus was a Flyer and Richardson was at Kobe’s house playing Spades! Original post was sarcasm swift!

[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@JJ, That was funny, lmao

[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@Chris, its the hockey version of the matrix… if you take the blue pill the kings win the cup next year

[Reply]
LF13 says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:36 pm

That’s awesome! i always liked Gagne:D
Gagne-Kopitar-Williams sounds good..:D

[Reply]
MiniKing Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@LF13, I think Gagne will be centered by Richards. They played well together before

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:23 pm
@LF13,

Penner – Kopi – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown

is more likely. If Brown and Kopi could actually play together I would say
Gagne – Richards- Williams, but that won’t happen.

That is a sweet top 6…

[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@AZ King,
Don’t worry guys, we will see all possible line combinations this year. No one will go home unhappy.

[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@BobKnob, Hilarious!

tothehaters Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@BobKnob, Are you saying TM makes line adjustments?? wink wink . )

Ravens Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@LF13, I love this signing, I thought all along he fit our needs much more at a lot less risk to our future, at the worst he misses half the season after giving us some key wins, but enough time to give one of our youngsters some maturation at the NHL level. At best we win a cup and end 40+ years of pain

[Reply]
Steve Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 10:28 pm
@LF13,

Its feast or famine. Which Gagne are we getting? The one who could light the lamp on a regular basis or the one who cant even get on the ice becasue of a bad neck and concussions?
Was signing Gagne worth the risk…yes. Is he worth $3.5 million per year…that remains to be seen.

Personally I like the signing. The cupboard was pretty bare when it came to left wings on the free agent market.

[Reply]
dirtmover says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:37 pm

Nice move – have always liked his game – should be solid for us – 20+ goals and 65 pts and I’ll be stoked – I have to say this is the best I’ve felt about the squad in an offseason for some time -

[Reply]
Gabby Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@dirtmover,

Me, too! You’ve gotta believe we’re a legit contender this year!

[Reply]
tothehaters Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@dirtmover, so, if gagne gets 65pts, that costs the kings $53,846.15 per point at 3.5mil. He better be closer to 80pts, just like kopi, richards, williams better be closer to 80 pts

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@dirtmover, Best I’ve felt about the King’s chances since 1975.

[Reply]
John says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:38 pm

YES! Well done DL

[Reply]
Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@John, I told you the Ryan Smyth deal was a plus for us… Gagne will make slightly more than Smyth over two years vs one year… He’s younger… And we made a serious run at Brad Richards… Thank you Ryan Smyth for two years of service when we needed you, & one year of bailing when we needed you outta here! Bravo!

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:59 pm
@Kings win, Ducks lose,

You were correct, my friend! I was just scurred we’d miss out on somebody like Gagne – but it turned so VERY nicely; he is the perfect fit

[Reply]
NickX3 says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:38 pm

nice. a real winger… if he stays healthy and at a good contract ill be happy

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:39 pm

yea we got someone!!!!!

[Reply]
LuckyNumber20 says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:39 pm

Regardless of the AAV, I absolutely love the 2 year term. Great add might be better than Richards not in skill but in value.

[Reply]
LuckyNumber20 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@LuckyNumber20, 2@3.5 unbelievable value! If he is a bust w/e its a tradeable contract and he can still play at a high level from what I saw in the playoffs.

[Reply]
KungFu King says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:39 pm

Was just about to post this, but saw breaking news on ‘the twitter’

Anyone else amazed, and more importantly frustrated, that year after year, after year, the Kings have failed to land a single noteworthy free agent (perhaps even ANY free agent?) on the first day (Scuderi was signed the 2nd day, I believe, was overpaid AND they have needed a top-tier winger since that point in time)? Spare me the Kings are going to be strong w/o Richards, the future is bright and all the other optimistic sentiments. When was the last time they won a playoff round? You lose assets with trades and have freed up a lot of money (yes, I know Doughty needs to be signed) by trading away Smyth. Sorry to sound so critical, but feel that some of you need to pull your head out of your you know what and start to question the Kings (mis)management’s inability to grasp the fundamental concept on how to succeed in the free agent market and to quit taking sloppy seconds. Location for traveling is b.s. too. Look at San Jose and Vancouver. That being said, things are looking pretty bright, it’s just SO frustrating to see a team so close to becoming something great, but can’t seem to make that final leap forward.

I stand corrected.

[Reply]
Christian Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@KungFu King, We still have to prove ourselves to be able to convince the elite to deal with the travel. And I can’t think of top tier talent in SJ or Van that signed as free agent recently?

[Reply]
KungFu King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@Christian, I agree with you and threw that west coast comment out there more out of frustration than anything and was more intended that they could keep their stars. However, the Ducks landed Niedermayer (many years ago, but a HUGE acquisition), Koivu, Sutton and got Selanne back, the Sharks signed Niemi and were able to resign Thornton after he was acquired from Bos, and the Canucks got Samuelsson, Sturm and have been able to resign the Sedin twins.

@Sparky The point of my post was I’m happy to have been proven wrong.

@Pesus Nice job with the ‘NOT’ joke! That was fresh….well, never.

@dmh of course you don’t depend on free agents to build a team, but they certainly help to raise you to the elite level.

[Reply]
HBfan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:34 pm
@KungFu King, Sutton???????? He is a pylon. Not a top tier FA

Sparky Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@KungFu King, Every party needs a pooper;-)

[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@KungFu King,
yeah u r right we should of signed drury, gomez, and gave kovalchuk 100mil. NOT!

No one wants to play way out here, who have the sharks or the quacks signed. All there players came via trade or thru the orginization. I want to win just as bad as you, and I think DL does too. No one is giving us a home discount cuz this is not home to any hockey players so DL has to over pay for free agents to come here, the $ must compinsate for all the travel and being so far away from home. No matter how hard DL tries nothing will change that.

[Reply]
dmh012 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@KungFu King,
I don’t want to depend on free agents to build a team. Dean has done great job from building from within. B Richards would have been nice, but Gagne will fit in. He can play the pp and pk. Good pick up.

[Reply]
DLB Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@KungFu King, well, tell me the other big forward free agents Vancouver and San Jose landed via free agency, and I guess we would stick out…

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:15 pm
@KungFu King, Richards at 9 years? Trust me, we got the best FA value out there. Last year we landed that Willie guy who plays a little d. DL is kicking donkey in our move tot he top.

[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@KungFu King, your post is a prime example of everyone being entitled to their opinion. Nothing else needs to said…….

[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@KungFu King, What top tier free agents are San Jose and Vancouver signing? Answer, NONE. Marleau, Couture, and Clowe were all drafted by San Jose, while Thornton, Heatley and Burns were acquired via trade. Boyle is the only big name free agent they’ve signed. The Sedin Sisters and Kessler were all drafted by Vancouver, while they traded for Luongo. What big name free agent did they sign? That’s what I thought, nobody. If you’re going to use them to make your point, it won’t be made because it ain’t true.

[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@KungFu King, You know what I think about players who want to go home toward the end of their career’s? They are also done playing serious hockey, they are looking for comfort, not conquest and adventure…let them all go retire on the east coast, they have more hospitals there to tend to their bones when they get broken by the Kings

[Reply]
tothehaters Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@KungFu King, True hurts, still need help, time for the kids in the system to step up and make their mark

[Reply]
gb says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:40 pm

Now you guys can figure another way to be negative. just watch!

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@gb,

Spot on!

[Reply]
ike Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@gb, Haha, we/they will. I remember all the negativity towards Zues and Williams their first year.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@ike, oh, and Penner too

[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:41 pm

Two years, I like it. This could be a really exciting season… I hope Gagne’s noodle isn’t too messed up these days

[Reply]
Jefreyryan says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:41 pm

Awesome pick up.. Do we wear orange yet or… ?

[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@Jefreyryan, For Halloween, the Kings and fans can wear black + orange.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@Jefreyryan, Now that you’ve said that, the Kings Media Relations board is already coming up with a Black & Orange 3rd jersey with opposing flyer logos as the crown.

And as much as we’ll all berate it, we’ll all buy it.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@Cynic,

If they AREN’T doing it right now they will miss the boat! I need to get busy on this!

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:47 pm
@Kingsfanone, If you’re a Graphic Arts guy, I’d love to see this posted when it’s finished. Would be Blog GOLD!
KH says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:41 pm

2 years at 3.5

[Reply]
ULVkingsfan says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:41 pm

3.5M aint that bad for a two time 40 goal scorer. Just hope he can stay healthy…

[Reply]
Marbles says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:41 pm

Great signing!

[Reply]
RobBordson says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:42 pm

Things are pretty much playing out as I figured they would.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@RobBordson,

Except you didn’t get offered a contract, Mr. Bordson! (sarcasm)

[Reply]
RobBordson Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@Kingsfanone, I am a mere fictitious rendering of the real Mr. Bordson. I wish him well!

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@RobBordson, Embrace your inner Bordsen and just play the part.
Not Eric says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:42 pm

$3.5 a year easily covered by the departure of Handzus. Smyth’s departure covers Mike Richards. Salary cap increase takes care of the Doughty pay raise. Not too shabby from a financial standpoint.

Tonight, I drink to Gagne’s health.

[Reply]
grega11 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@Not Eric, here here

[Reply]
ike Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@Not Eric, Definitely an upgrade when you put it like that. Richards > Smyth and Gagne > Zues at least offensively.

gkg!

[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@ike, you got the positions backwards but i get what youre drivin at

[Reply]
brian spain Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@Not Eric, Poni’s money is gone also. I think these are the couple big moves they needed to plug into get over the hump. Gonna get one of the top three seeds next year if the boys can stay healthy. Can’t wait for October.

[Reply]
Not Eric Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@brian spain, Great point, I had completely forgotten about Poni (not that his stay was very memorable). That should help offset some of Penner’s salary as well, or a couple RFA signings depending on how you want to look at it.

In other news, just noticed Frolov jumped ship to the KHL. How long until my Fro jersey is considered vintage?

[Reply]
BigIslandKingsFan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@Not Eric, I second that motion! CHEERS !!

[Reply]
ciscoc says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:43 pm

I get the feeling Gagne’s camp was waiting to see what happened with 91 and more specifically, the LA Kings.

[Reply]
VegasKingsFan says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:43 pm

Penner Kopi Williams
Gagne Richards Brown

Good top Six…GO KINGS…

[Reply]
GoKingsGo Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@VegasKingsFan, think so? i was thinking maybe
Gagne Kopi Williams
Penner Richards Brown

[Reply]
RobBordson Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:00 pm
@GoKingsGo, Knowing how TM operates, I’m sure we’ll see ALL of those lines at some point

[Reply]
bryanagee Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@GoKingsGo,

Knowing TM…you will see both combinations every game.

[Reply]
VegasKingsFan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@GoKingsGo, I think TM is going to try everything to get Penner Going…

[Reply]
GoKingsGo Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@VegasKingsFan, yeah i like the size of the line of Penner Richards Brown, but i like Richards centering for Gagne just because they’ve played together before

colo king fan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@VegasKingsFan, Seeing as how Penner was actually good til JW and Kopi went down and also seeing how Richards and Gagne have played together I’d think those are the combos. (Caveat: TM is still our coach so every player on the team will probably skate on each of the 4 lines at least once.)

[Reply]
tothehaters Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@VegasKingsFan, Penner???????

[Reply]
KindSir says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:44 pm

I like this signing.

[Reply]
Eggplant says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:45 pm

Gagne and Richards should have some good chemistry, I think next season will be very interesting.

[Reply]
bbb7 says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:46 pm

Im surprised he went for less than Cole and Leino (per season)… perhaps health concerns kept his price down or kept bidders away. Seems like a good pickup at the cap hit!

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@bbb7, or maybe he wants to win

[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@jet, or maybe he wanted to go to an organization with a friendly face or 12, but i like your theory much better!

[Reply]
Ed says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:46 pm

This is the move that I was anticipating. What they really didn’t need was another center at 7 mil per year. Addressing the left wing issue was more important. In addition, they now have the resources to lick up Doughty long term. If they had spend that 7 mil and some other team signed Doughty to an offer sheet, they would have been in trouble. Next year looks promising

[Reply]
BigIslandKingsFan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@Ed, Well said. I just couldn’t understand why almost evryone wanted to overspend for another center when evryone knows that we really needed a LW. Hopefully this LW plays better than the one that was traded for at the deadline.

[Reply]
src says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:47 pm

Great aquisition and terms. Glad in a way Richards didnt pan out woth regards to ur cap space the next 5+ years.

[Reply]
Alexb20 says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:49 pm

I like the signing. I have always regarded Gagne highly. I hope he doesn’t disappoint.

[Reply]
Good2bKings says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:49 pm

This is a good signing…

Signed,

Ladislav Nagy

[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@Good2bKings, I did’nt get a herumph out of that guy.

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:49 pm

I hate to be a naysayer — and I know I’m harping on my favorite and oft-recited theme — but even assuming Gagne’s healthy, we need meat in front. Big, oppressive, obnoxious slabs of meat.

SIZE, amigos. SIZE.

Gagne isn’t a mouse. But as gritty and tough as he is, and while he’s reported — optimistically — as 6’1″, his physical dimensions are not part of his game.

Where’s the beef gonna come from?

When we enter the attacking zone, I want opposing players to see nothing but monuments to hugeness. I want urine dribbling down their legs as they say to themselves, “Cripes! These guys are friggin’ monsters!”

And I want them muttering that to themselves line after line after line. I want them to doubt their masculinity. I don’t want mere victory. I want Japanese humiliation.

[Reply]
Andrew Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@tuan jim, Dustin Brown, Mike Richards, Anze Kopitar, and Penner if he isnt lazy plays big.

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@tuan jim, Playing next to Mike Richards and Dustin Brown will address your issue.

[Reply]
ciscoc Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@tuan jim,

Lol!

I’m sure we’ll be fine, it’s not always about the size of the slab of meat. Who would you rather have barreling towards you if you were a defender – Penner or Brown?

[Reply]
mike Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@tuan jim,

See if we can possibly get Arnott for around the same price range or less? Of course signing Doughty is top priority but Arnott cheap might be good.

[Reply]
Marbles Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@mike,

We don’t need another center in Arnott. A 3rd line right winger is what we need.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@Marbles,

Exactly. Is there any defensive right wings out there?

mike Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@Marbles,

Why not stolly at wing? I think he would be more productive with a big guy like Arnott at center. add clifford to that line? sounds good to me.

xeropoint Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@tuan jim, No, you make an excellent point. Our board battle quotient is lower than last year, for sure.

[Reply]
Mark C. Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@tuan jim, SPEED is what was lacking with this team, Gange addresses that need. I like the signing.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:43 pm
@Mark C.,

I got nothing agin Gagne. If he’s healthy and can produce like he produced a few years ago then I’ll LOVE the signing.

But our game is based on having at least one Frankenstein on every line. We have Richards and Gagne now. Terrific.

But we no longer have guys — Zus especially, Poni to a lesser degree — whose immensity won us games in the third periods. We could have kept Poni for a $1.5-mil cap hit, too. Yeah, I know he was just one more left winger who — with Parse untried and Gagne signed and Penner and Clifford already on board — might be an odd man out. But imagine The Enemy knowing that there’s at least one beast coming at them on all four Kings lines!

What happens when we try to muscle Zus out of the crease when Boyle or Burns fires at the net? He’s not easy for ANYONE to move. Six feet-four or five inches of pure annoyance and experienced brains. It’s one thing to lose him — that’s bad enough. It’s something else to have to face him in our own division.

The whole look of the Kings has changed. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t terribly unhappy with the old one. I think the old, UNamended, team was on its way past the first round.

But I’ve been a Kings fan too long. I’m part of the slave generation of Hebrews that Moses led for forty years through the desert until my kind had died off and was replaced by the young, tougher, gimme-dat-I-wannit breed that Joshua could lead to victory.

[Reply]
jonjon says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:50 pm

to everyone who said free agents are being over paid… what now? only a 3.5 cap hit for this guy.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@jonjon, This year, they were. GROSSLY in many cases.

DL is just a witch. 3.5 is solid for SG. It also helps that nobody picked SG up yesterday when the vaults were open. Kind of tells you something about the worries GMs have about Gagne’s health.

[Reply]
Andrew Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@Cynic, or he was waiting for B. Richards to sign so he can get what he wants a two year deal with front loaded money

[Reply]
jonjon Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@Andrew, my thoughts exactly. hours after richards goes to NYR he signed in L.A. Though he’s been in the playoffs a lot, Gagne hasnt won a cup in his career. I know thats gotta be getting to him. So if he went to the 2010 SCF on Richards wing, the furthest he’s gotten, and the Kings are cup contenders.. what teams were offering more than that to him? Kinda obvious where he was looking to go.

FiG17 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@Cynic,

Or… or… Gagne could have held off signing anywhere else because he wanted to play in LA. [/optimism]

haha

[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@FiG17,

beaten. lol

Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@FiG17, There’s a 12-pack of Lucky Lager if you can get him to say that on video. LOL!

tothehaters Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@jonjon, only 3.5mil????? lets see how this plays out. And don’t forget, he plays ok during erg season but comes up big in Playoffs

[Reply]
Kings win, Ducks lose says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:51 pm

He’ll make slightly more in two years than Ryan Smyth would have made in one… Plus, he’s younger than Smitty… Win Win

[Reply]
Joemv8 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Kings win, Ducks lose,
Good things come to those who wait. Nice job DL and company

[Reply]
carol vadnais says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:52 pm

I hope he can stay health and give us 25-30 goals. That’s all we need.

I hope Kozun can come up and compete and earn a spot. We need speed speed speed and skill.

Penner – Kopitar – Williams

Gagne – Richards – Brown

Parse – Stoll – Kozun

Clifford – Lokinitov – Lewis

Bernier/Quick battle it out

[Reply]
Joemv8 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@carol vadnais,
It has the making of a great playoff run

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:00 pm
@carol vadnais,

Richardson is scratched? Clifford’s a 4th liner? Lewis plays the wing? Parse-Stoll-Kozun is your stopper line?

[Reply]
LAPD Line Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@John,

I like these lines a lot, although I would put Richardson in place of Kozun …. for now. Between Lewis and Loktionov, I think I would rather have Lokti at center and Lewis on wing. Talk about rolling 4 strong lines every night! I just hope our coaching staff (Murray, and Kompon) can get the best out of our talented new team.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@LAPD Line,

Lewis seemed to shine as a defensive center though – but we will see.

Yep, TM loves to roll 4 lines – he’s gotta be smiling right now!

carol vadnais Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@John, Clifford is a 4th liner and takes over for what Westgarth couldn’t do. We use speed and nimbleness to frustrate the opposing team. I like that lineup myself.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@carol vadnais,

I don’t know, Clifford seemed to earn more minutes with his play last season – especially in the playoffs. Parse I don’t think is all that defensively & you really want your 3rd line to be the stopper line, playing against the other team’s #1 unit.

I guess all this will be ironed out in camp. It’s fun to think about eh – summer’s going to be SO long!!!

jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@John, they are just details

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@carol vadnais, i like the last line for some odd reason..And yea Quick and Bernier battle will be awesome!! means more wins for us

Go Kings Go!!

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@carol vadnais, Everything but that third line looks good. We are way too small, as it is on wing. You want to add Kozun to that mix? I’m thinking a little more sandpaper is in order, now.

[Reply]
zoltan says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:54 pm

Didn’t I Cal l this in the predict the lineup topic.

[Reply]
John says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:57 pm

When we win The Cup some of you will come on here and post:

“Yeah, that’s good and all, but why didn’t we sweep them. Next season we’re in trouble”

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@John, true so true

[Reply]
zdfun says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:58 pm

I like this deal!

[Reply]
McDonalds says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:59 pm

So Richards has a left winger. I like this. 3.5 isn’t TOO bad, and it could be a steal if Simon can stay healthy and put up at least 60 points

[Reply]
Andrew Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@McDonalds, umm 6.5 cap hit or a younger more skilled 3.5 cap hit..

[Reply]
McDonalds Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@Andrew,

younger, more skilled 3.5 cap hits don’t grow on trees. Given the relatively poor free agent class we had to select from this year, i’m satisfied with this

[Reply]
jonjon Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:47 pm
@McDonalds, gagne is only 31. 6-7 more years in him if hes lucky. and if he stays healthy he’ll put up 30 goals any where he goes. only guy i could say that about this FA class.
Sev The Kings Fan from Montreal says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:59 pm

If he stays healthy this is an excellent signing. I am really exicted. If we had signed Richards, we were gonna have cap problems and/or risk losing Doughty or someone else. Now we keep everyone.
Next step, sign Doughty and we’re on a roll.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@Sev The Kings Fan from Montreal, sev welcome back. even if he misses 20 games, that give Parse a chance. We have a little insurance on this slot.

[Reply]
Sammuch says:

July 2, 2011 at 12:59 pm

Sorry for reposting,I thought I was in the Gagne post, just very excite…

I love Gagne, thats who I wanted… this guy will get us 30 to 40 goals if he plays all 82 games… We really needed a LW and we got are guy and he plays like a champ in the playoffs… Way to go DL and TM please let him play his game… Its a great time to be a King fan… Its like thoses Gretz and Dionne days are back Baby…

[Reply]
Andrew says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:01 pm

Yeah Gagne is one heck of a plan B if you ask me, hes not the 40 goal guy he was but he deffently can pot 30. Good signing

[Reply]
jonjon Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Andrew, i think kopi could set him up for 40, especially if williams is healthy. williams is going to be the xfactor in all of this. if he stays healthy and gets back on track offensively like he did last season, the first line could all end up scoring 30.

[Reply]
Christian says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:02 pm

Time to restart my NHL11 season with our new players.

[Reply]
TYLER Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@Christian, exactly what i was thinking haha

[Reply]
LuckyNumber20 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@Christian, You’ll have to take the salary cap off…trust me.

[Reply]
InFaN8 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:02 pm

It’s a fair price. At least Lombardi will have some cap space available to replace Gagne after he gets injured… Not being overly negative. Facts are facts. Gagne hasn’t played 80 plus games since 2004… This is still WAY better than paying Richards $6.6666 mill when he’s 40. And makes more sense than waiting around for the Panthers to decide if they really want to trade David Booth. Both good players. Just not realistic choices. Lombardi got the best player available right now…

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@InFaN8,

It’s actually better than a fair price – Leino & Cole got more & it’s the same as Upshall & Ryder got.

[Reply]
GKG says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:03 pm

Good move. If he stays healthy, he can contribute at least 60 points. PRAY TO GOD he stays healthy. Now, resign Doughty!

[Reply]
blahblah Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@GKG,

i hope you mean re-sign

[Reply]
GKG Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
@blahblah,
What else would I mean -___________-

[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@GKG, “resign” = quit, “re-sign” = sign again… that has always bugged me on sports sites.
Oscar Moller's Beard says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:03 pm

Yeah!

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:04 pm

Wow.. 2 year deal is just PERFECT! Gagne can be a total stud if he stays healthy. No reason he cant score 35 goals(as-long as hes playing!) 3.5 cap hit is also a very good deal for the amount people are getting signed to this off season…

[Reply]
Alen says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:04 pm

This is a good signing. DL replaced Smyth and took 3 mill off the cap. Plus now the Kings have a real #2 center in Mike Richards. Penner/Stoll/Mitchell off the books next year so he can replace Stoll/Mitchell with younger players (Lotki or Richardson will center 3rd/4th line or vice versa) We can replace Mitchell with one of the many D prospects and go after some big names in Free Agency. Now DL can get Martinez/Doughty/Richardson signed up and still have plenty of wiggle room for the trade deadline if we need to pick up someone due to injury or need. Being so involved with Richards was unexpected, I really thought Kings would get Tanguay or Gagne and when Tanguay resigned this was the logical choice after the Richards trade. Good job DL, hopefully Kings are injury free this year.

[Reply]
LicoriceBiscuit says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:05 pm

I’m going to hope the best with another signing of an injury plagued player.

GO KINGS

[Reply]
tellmeY says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:06 pm

This is VERY GOOD…I was a little nervous about putting all eggs in one basket but now we have breathing room. Gagne is a great competitor and will be great for this team. I am very happy with the outcome. And for those of you who are frustrated with never being able to land a big fish. I feel this is a big fish. Richards wants to be back east. Not a whole lot we can do about that.

[Reply]
brian says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:06 pm

I like the signing now lets get doughty locked up. go kings.

[Reply]
Randy says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:07 pm

Isn’t Frolov still out there?

[Reply]
Marbles Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@Randy,

He signed in the KHL.

[Reply]
TradedForAPick Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@Randy,
He went back to the motherland

[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@Randy, Allow me to answer your question with a question – why should I care?

[Reply]
tornado12 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:07 pm

good plan B and super excited didnt have to drag this out…i dont see any more signings coming our way..we have plenty on the current roster, let the chips fall where they may…if healthy and on top of our game we could def make some noise this year!
Penner-Kopi-Brown
Gangne-Richards-williams
parse-stoll- MAN prospect (lokti/holloway/
red dog-lewis-richardson

[Reply]
NorCal Mike says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:08 pm

Nice signing. With our cap space there is pretty much no risk involved with this one. Now lets lock in DD and start the season!

[Reply]
mark says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:08 pm

Nice! 2 of the most efficient #1 and #2 lines in the league now. Penner will be better after this offseason and our 3rd line looks like a great shutdown line with Stoli’s presence. Fill #4 with great young talent and we finally look like serious contenders. good franchise rebuild by DL and the staff. Seriously, if DD asks for too much, let him walk and sign Martinez for less. much like DD but not as immature on the ice. develop bernier more and this team has 4-5 yrs of cup ready talent!

[Reply]
Marbles Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@mark,

Martinez doesn’t even compare to the skill level as Doughty. Give me some of the stuff that you’re on!

[Reply]
Mark C. Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@Marbles, No kidding, don’t forget, DD is only 21 years old! He is only going to get better…

[Reply]
LicoriceBiscuit Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@mark, I too would like some of that! If DD walks then our franchise would be the laughing stock of the league.

[Reply]
Barry's Mullet says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:08 pm

As much as I wanted Richards…this is an excellent signing. LA has had pretty good luck with French Canadian LWs. Gagne when healthy is a big time player. In the playoffs he’s even better. 3 solid lines….

Penner – Kopitar – Williams

Gagne – Richards – Brown

Clifford – Stoll – Richardson

Parse – Lewis – ???Manchester player

If Penner lays and egg this season, DL has his cap space along with Stolls and Mitchells to play with next summer.

[Reply]
Alen Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, Lotkionov probably centers a 3rd line with richardson and clifford. I’d say stoll on the 4th line with lewis and westgarth knowing TM. Parse will be the dead horse he beats on.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, I like this lineup and I also like the fact that Richardson and Brown can be interchanged without losing quality.

Gagne – Richards – Richardson = Speed & Forecheck

Gagne – Richards – Brown = Corner/Board punishment & Toughness

Same can be said for Stoll & Lewis at center. When we need a faceoff, put Stoll out with the 4th line and a quick change off the draw. When we need 2-way play defending a lead (Provided we score more goals this year), Lewis with Cliffy & Richie would do a fantastic job of playing shutdown hockey.

The wild card in this lineup is Penner. He pulls his head out, we pretty much dominate. It could be the LAPD line (Allison/Palffy/Deadmarsh) v2 and an upgrade to the original. He fails and Parse is gonna get a shot at the top line.

I honestly believe Scott Parse has serious tools and if given a chance, could do MAJOR damage on the top line. He has vision and puck skills that is less than common. I kind of hope Parse gets a shot to shine at some point. I think he’ll surprise some people.

[Reply]
Marbles Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@Cynic,

I agree Scott Parse has a lot of potential in him and we haven’t seen it just yet. Great upcoming season for the Kings and I can’t wait!

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@Cynic, I don’t really understand the love for Parse. I’m glad he’s not our first or even second option for a scoring winger anymore.

[Reply]
Steven Jaime Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, Depending on Penners conditioning this offseason I might avoid placing him in a top 6 spot. Don’t give him anything. Make his arse work for it. I also have concerns about burying Clifford on the 4th line. I think the kid has a chance to develop into a decent offensive player. I just don’t want to see him put with players who have no offensive upside. He is still young and developing. A lot of a players development comes from the type of players he is skating with and the type of role he is given. If we keep him stuck on the 4th line with. 4th line caliber players then that
is all he will ever be.

I wouldn’t mind seeing a 3rd line (at least to start with) of:

CLIFFORD. STOLL. PENNER my reasoning is they all are comparable in the speed department, so should be able to skate together.

If Penner works his buttocks off this offseason though. …. then you put him top 6 if not then 3rd line.

Just a thought. ….. seeing how the team shapes out through free agency and trades could definitely change my thoughts though.

[Reply]
Kyle says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:09 pm

A good pickup for a very low cap hit under the circumstances. Thank you Dean.
As for Brad Richards, I wish him well in a media hellhole. Staying East isn’t worth what the NY sportswriters and broadcasters will do to a player if he’s perceived as not producing following a big contract.

[Reply]
Bama Kings says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:09 pm

I’ve NEVER read so much great press about us by OTHER teams’ fans on message boards. All over Hockeybuzz.com, there are Leafs, Flames and CANUCKS fans who are scared of us! How much fun is that…

And I quote: “They are going to take the west. Those top two lines are just scary!”

That’s from a Canucks fan!!!!!

I’m not saying it’s anything more than fun, of course. It’s fun to have other NHL fans look at us and wish we were in another division!

I also don’t think DL is done….

[Reply]
brig33 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@Bama Kings, yes love hearing that!!! hope we destroy the Canucks!!

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:41 pm
@Bama Kings, You are right, I read that stuff all the time over the last 2 seasons. The culture is slowly but surely changing..it didnt happen overnite.

[Reply]
Kingfletch says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:09 pm

For all the outrageous money spent the last couple of days, this is the first signing that i think isnt an overpayment, great job. This is what the kings needed, a winger not another center. Im happy.

[Reply]
Alen Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@Kingfletch, Yup, if you sit and look at what Cole and Fleischmann got paid this is a really good signing by DL. I mean Gagne has scored over 40 goals twice, of course that’s not realistic anymore but 25-35 isn’t out of question.

[Reply]
thelexsters says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:10 pm

Gagne/kopi/Williams
Penner/Richards/brown
Clifford/stoll/Lewis
Parse/lokti/Richardson

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@thelexsters,

Swap Penner with Gange, and Parse with Clifford

[Reply]
thelexsters Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@AZ King, IMO cliff/stoll/Lewis shut down line
Parse and lokti creativity and chemistry would be great both fast and great handlers

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@thelexsters,

That’s cool. I think Lewis is going to lead the shut down crew this year. He turned into a great PK and shut down guy last year. He just needs to work on his face-offs.

John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@AZ King,

Spot on – hopefully Lewis is taking a thousand faceoffs a day in the summer!

crashin' da net Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@AZ King, I like it. Parse/Stoll/Lewis would be an awessome awesome awesome 2 way line!

[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@thelexsters, Nice lines.

[Reply]
Marbles Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@thelexsters,

As long as Westgarth isn’t in the lineup I will be happy!

[Reply]
PP Anybody? says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:12 pm

Where is Gagne going to play? I mean, he’s not going to take Parse’s spot, so where does he fit in?

[Reply]
TradedForAPick Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@PP Anybody?,
Los Angeles from what I have been hearing.

Ok. Likely second line. Parse either drops to to third or fourth line duty and can play either wing

[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@PP Anybody?, Dude parse goes down to the 3rd or 4th line.

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@PP Anybody?, Lol.

[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@xeropoint, I guess everybody else is a little slow to catch sarcasm today

[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@PP Anybody?,
What in the what? He’s not going to take Parse’s spot?

Parse hasn’t earned a spot, nor has he proven himself in this league. If anyone is going to be taking another’s spot, it’s going to be Parse taking Gagne’s spot by proving himself or by injury.

[Reply]
bonvivant1 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:13 pm

Wow. They must have had plan be working prior to BR making his decision. Too many what ifs though as to health, Penner’s complacency, and depth at left wing. I still like the make up of the team. There are no guarantees in life, but one thing is certain, we’ll be a faster and more offensively potent team. That being said, we still have to deal with defense first mentality.

[Reply]
LuckyNumber20 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@bonvivant1, Defense wins championships. I know everyone here hates the Canucks but their current system that lead the league in both GF and GA was built on a defense first mentality. The same system with better player had them 1 game away from a Stanley Cup. BTW how many 30 goal scorers did Boston have? Don’t worry I’ll wait….

[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@LuckyNumber20, Oddly enough, there is more than one way to play a defensive system, and both Vancouver and Boston do just that, play a DIFFERENT defensive system than the Kings. One that that actually emphasizes a transition to offense as well.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@PP Anybody?,

Hey it’s not like we sucked the last two seasons!

LuckyNumber20 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@PP Anybody?, Yeah I understand that but you need a base which is what we have been developing, now its time to add more layers to it so to speak and evolve, with Richards great vision and reaction time our PK will be better and with Gagne’s ability to finish our PP improves, hence our goal differential improves making us a better and deeper team. As far as the transition gaes goes I believe you will see a dramatic improvement there as well with the speed we added in both of these players and further development for Kopi,Brown and a better season out of Penner.

Bkrs-Bud Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@PP Anybody?, And the key to their systems is ? say it with me,players that can skate

crashin' da net Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@LuckyNumber20, Nonesense. We had defense the last two years and got hammered because we couldn’t score. Offense is the road to the finals. Period.

[Reply]
805kings says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:13 pm

This gives us a really good top six.If Gagne stays healthy and Penner plays up to his real potential we are in really good shape.That still leaves us with Stoll,Parse,Loktionov,Richardson,Lewis,Clifford and prospects to fill out the bottom six.Thats a pretty good line up.Plus any of those above can step up to the top lines to fill in.I think DL has done a really great job.I haven’t been this excited in along time.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@805kings,

Maybe our bottom 6 is something like:

Clifford-Stoll-Cliche
Parse-Lewis-Richardson
Westgarth

[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@805kings,
I said a couple of days ago that Lombardi said he was going for a “mid-level” LW. What did we get? A good mid-level LW. BONUS: he’s already played with our #2 Center a lot!

I don’t see a lot more moves being made. Why? Deano has to balance a legit top six (oh boy, does it feel good to write that!) with room to work in kids from Manchester and best use the developing talents we already have.

Clifford? If this kid keeps improving! 3rd line material right now.
Stolli? 3rd Line center.
Parse? Honestly, who knows. Management seems really high on him, but unless I’ve been in a coma for a couple of years, I haven’t seen anything from him — yet.
Lewis? Made a statement during the playoffs.
Richardson? Good, but …
Lotki? Probably one more year in Manchester.
Holloway? King? Clune? Cliche (sp)?

Dean has gotten the Kings to THAT point. Solid at the top and hungry at the bottom. And a good, long line being hungry – Tofolli, Vey, Voynov, Hickey etc.

This year will be interesting, but Next Year: better FA class, Mitchell, Stoll, Penner money to possibly play with, and Murray might well be gone.

Seriously, Drew would be an idiot to pass up the opportunity to play with this team for the next 5-7 years.

Well done Mr. Lombardi.

[Reply]
flexx says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:16 pm

..IF IF IF( ????) he is and stays healty . Let’s pray !
need one more winger and sign DD,sign martinez

[Reply]
805kings Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@flexx, I Agree.But every team has their IFS.But when was the last time you looked at a Kings team and really believed they could be a contender?And I don’t think DD is going anywhere.We can match any offer and the way teams are spending I don’t believe anyone would have the cap space to offer the kind of ridiculous offer it would take to get him away from us so I don’t think anyone will bother.

[Reply]
Bean32 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:16 pm

Dont blast Philly West, it’s a great place to eat in Westwood! ; )
http://www.yelp.com/biz/philly-west-bar-and-grill-los-angeles

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@Bean32, LMAO!!

[Reply]
dmh012 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:18 pm

Owen Nolan is looking for one more year, could look good with Clifford and Stoll.

[Reply]
Alen Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@dmh012, Just say no. Kings have plenty of 3rd/4th liners.

[Reply]
KeepTheCrown says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:18 pm

This looks like it could be a good fit for the Kings. Now lets get Doughty and Richardson done.

[Reply]
Alen Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@KeepTheCrown, plus Martinez.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@KeepTheCrown,

And Lewis and Martinez.

[Reply]
KeepTheCrown Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Good Call, yes, Lweis and Martinez as well.

[Reply]
KeepTheCrown Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Ah, Lewis.

[Reply]
OCKingsFan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@KeepTheCrown, Weren’t they all already given qualifying offers?

[Reply]
grega11 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:18 pm

with Richards and Gagne i can see our PP improving, just a little

[Reply]
brig33 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:20 pm

That’s right American cheese love Simon Gagne great sign, I was hoping for him!!

[Reply]
Spanky says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:23 pm

I guess the third jerseys will be orange/black/white now?

[Reply]
CB14 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:28 pm

Wow, what a deal. After seeing all the signings yesterday, Gagne’s deal is practically monopoly money. 2 years 7 million total. Great Job DL. In his last full season 3 years ago he scored 34 goals and 40 assists in 79 games while playing on a line centered by…………..Mike Richards! See how that works. I know the last 2 years he’s missed 20 games each year, but he still put points up in those years. Given the fact that he was the most talented L.W. available, I’d say Dean did a great job getting him for the price he did. Yes he’s taking a chance on a sometimes injured player, but look at Justin Williams, he turned out alright. Plus look at it this way, Dustin Pennner has missed 5 games the past 5 years, and look at how well he played for us.

[Reply]
GregDM Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@CB14, Agreed. Way better than yesterday’s panic signings.

[Reply]
King Cobra says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:32 pm

Glad to have you Simon!! Welcome to So-Cal

[Reply]
boxtime17 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:35 pm

I am happy to see that we DID have a plan B that should work out just fine! We have plenty of $$ for DD and we can always find the right person when the time comes. Thanks to the Kings for their effort in going after Richards but more important thank you for coming up with someone to fill that hole for now and NOT leaving us without getting anyone!

[Reply]
mark says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:35 pm

Anybody else not entirely excited about resigning DD?

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@mark,

nope, just you…

[Reply]
mark Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@AZ King, Less games played this year due to injury at beginning of the season. regardless, the injury should have no effect on his mental game. case in point, game 1 vs SJ he goes for huge check on the boards and misses his man. game tied into OT we lose!

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@mark,

yeah, and he is still only 21 years old, in his 2nd season as a pro. Maybe you need to reevaluate your expectations.

mark Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@AZ King, Again, my case is why spend too much when we’ve got the same D with or without him. Im sorry but i can only remember a few games last year where i felt DD was giving it his all.

[Reply]
Mark Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:23 pm
@mark, A fat head, poor ethic and potential = a fat head, poor ethic and potential.

John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@mark,

HUH???

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@mark, the kid is young, and makes youthful mistakes. He will be a very good player in a couple of years.

[Reply]
mark Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@jet, youthful mistakes? do you guys watch the games? look, clifford is what, a year younger than doughty and plays with much more maturity and focus. hes going to be 22 years old. what im saying is, if DD is looking for too much…why not sign a proven young D-man like martinez (basically same type of player) for much much less?

[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@mark, Wait, what? Martinez is a proven young D-man and Doughty is not? You can’t be for reals. I call BS.

Oh and Clifford isn’t playing top minutes against the best opposition nor is he playing in all situations on the blue line. Comparing a franchise D-man and a bottom six winger is flat out dumb.

mark Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@mark, touching more on the fact that he played less games due to injury, increased penalty mins taking very irresponsible penalties. and we all know how big of a crybaby he is when one is called against him. a few of those penalties were unsportsmanlike. considerable decrease in shot % and he turned up the heat only towards the last part of the season. we cant just wait for ppl to turn it on like Froli. i feel he is the one guy who does not entirely fit wut r team is trying to be. so again, if $ is too high, let him walk. Martinez will step in seamlessly.

AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@mark,

How exactly is Martinez a “proven” d-man. He has exactly 1/2 a season under his belt?

AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@mark,

I guess you were never made any bonehead decisions when you were 21.

jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@mark, look i understand what you are saying, we do have a great stable of D prospects, but DD can be better than the others if he wants to be. We may have been wrong in pushing him into action so young. I believe he will grow in the right direction.

John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@mark,

Do you watch hockey period? Defense is an INFINITELY harder position to master…especially as an offensive defenseman. Patience!!!

mark Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@jet, hold on! let me get a straight answer from u guys first. no one is disputing the great potential that DD has…however, my question still stands. do we go against our plan that we have been building for yrs now to sign DD to huge extended contract or maintain the course and leave ourselves wiggle room? look, bottom line, if DD is where we want the $ to be ive got NO BEEF HERE! BUUUUUT, if not, do we give him potentially biggest contract on team? yes or no to highest paid player on team?

[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@mark,
Considering that he plays nearly half the game already at the ripe old age of whatevertheheck, I don’t think it’s a terribly bad idea. We’re not up against the cap this year, and next year we have options with a few players being UFA’s and a potentially better UFA market overall. Don’t panic.

BTW, I like Martinez a lot, but he is not a replacement for DD. He doesn’t play as many minutes, and doesn’t play against top competition like DD does. DD will be great, AM will be very good. imo.

jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@mark, Of course, we do not want to do anything to interupt our goal of being contenders year in and year out. I would go as high as 6M if the term is over nine years, Other wise, it will be less. 5 years for 24M?

InTheCrease Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@mark,

No. You stand alone. You outcast. You pariah, you.

[Reply]
mark Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@InTheCrease, lol. wow! somebody knows how to use the thesaurus! good for u buddy! do u really need to reiterate yourself?! is that a new word you’re learning today?

[Reply]
mark Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@mark, ohhhhh!!!! now i get it! you’re a 30 secs to mars fan! wow! really dude? thats the first time you heard the word and now you gotta use it to sound smart? let me guess…28 yr old thinking he’s still in high school and that talking crap will get him somewhere! he sits on the couch every single day cuz he doesnt have friends or a girl! screams for attention through blogging to people he will never meet in person! lives with his parents and cant wait until the next season of jersey shore! loves rainbows and secretly enjoys martha stewart and rachel ray cooking shows! has an alter ego that tries to make up for the lack of manliness thus the creation of “inthecrease”….damn im good! have fun with your sorry, no good, lamentable life!……damn i took a page outta ur book. oh! and yes, u can add that to ur vocab as well.

Dave's a Killer Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:12 pm
@mark, I don’t believe InTheCrease was really trting to blast you. I certainly am not speaking for him but my take was that his post was really in jest.

Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@mark, You wouldn’t sign the franchise? A future Hall of Famer?

[Reply]
rumpa#19 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:36 pm

We have some players that west teams have not seen much of. We might surprise some people,and Yots,Stars got much weaker.Kill the Sharts & shmucks.

[Reply]
Dave's a Killer says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:37 pm

Just read the deal for Richards: 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”. Twelve million???

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@Dave’s a Killer,

Gotta love creative accounting.

[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@Dave’s a Killer, with you 12mill? Yikes

[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@Dave’s a Killer, DL should say good riddens,crazy #s.Can you sucker or Sather?

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@Dave’s a Killer, the rags are such an easy mark, it is funny.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Dave’s a Killer, probably calling the second *M a signing bonus in case there is no season. He still gets teh 8M because he signed. Love atterneys

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:38 pm

As they are showing the Tampa vs Pens playoff game, and the announcer says ” Simon is the go to guy when you need a goal”. Good timing!

[Reply]
AZ King says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:39 pm

Getting very excited about this next season. I know we have a legitimate top 6 for the first time in a long time. I know there’s a lot of hate towards Penner, but I think he’s going to be the player we were all hoping to get once the season gets going. Him and Kopi are going to be unstoppable. Richards and Gagne play great off each other. Should be a lot of fun watching them work. Lewis stepped up BIG time last year and I can see him taking up the slack from losing Zues. Clifford made Simmonds expendable last year, and Richie has become as reliable bottom 6 guy.

Penner – Kopi – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Parse – Stoll – Richie
Clifford – Lokti – Lewis

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:48 pm
@AZ King, Lewis is too good on defence not to play center?

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@jet,

Yeah, I was trying to figure out how to make it work. We just have so many centers. Lokti never looked comfortable on wing, so if he makes the team he needs to be at center. Stoll tried wing couple years ago, and it didn’t go well. At least Lewis can play wing. Ideally DL will pick up a RW from somewhere. Then Lewis can take the 4th line center spot.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@AZ King, i like the way you think

rumpa#19 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@AZ King, I like the “look” of these lines. I expect the Murry shuffle though.

[Reply]
Eggplant Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@AZ King, These lines look good. On the right TM can switch Williams and Brown around if he likes, on the left there’s Parse who can jump to the 1st line if Penner doesn’t improve. I wouldn’t break up Richards and Gagne.

Also it would be fun to see a line of Clifford-Lewis-Richardson. Richie steals the puck behind the net, get it to Lewis and makes himself available while Clifford crashes the net. Goals, goals and even more goals. How cool would that be?

[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@AZ King, This is how the Kings should roll. Now let there be rock!

[Reply]
WildKaRD Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
@AZ King, Best line combos yet. Parse opposite Richardson on each of their off-wings is ideal.

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@AZ King,

Parse-Stoll-Richie? A mouse line to stop the premier opposing lines?

I know our guys have talent and Stoll has defensive skills and Richie is a pocket-picker . . . but they’re still mice.

SIZE, Horatio. SIZE.

[Reply]
Kings x says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:40 pm

DL managed to make up for his Kovi mistake by trading for Richards, and also securing plan B from last year in Gagne…we will probably get more out of each of them being former teammates…instant chemistry wise…

and he added speed.

I wonder can we fill the rest of the lineup internally or do we need another LW?

[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@Kings x, do you really think dl made a mistake not paying 100 mil?

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@Kings x,

We’re probably set. If not, we’ll probably fill any holes internally. I could see King or Cliche making a run at a bottom 6 position – maybe even Kozun, Holloway or Vey.

[Reply]
Puckn-A says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:41 pm

I look at this as better than plan B, I was worried Gagne was going to stay on the East coast, and after him there weren’t many LW’s available .

[Reply]
In it 2 win it says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:42 pm

Well we may not have gotten the best player…but we got the right one. In all honesty I wanted Brad Richards but only because of name and skill level, but he did not really fit per se exactly what the kings needed. The kings needed a LW and BR is a true center who had played LW before. This is the right guy at the right price at the right time. Nice work DL and company!

[Reply]
Dave says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:44 pm

i’m not sure if this signing is necessary. this either means DL doesn’t think Parse is healthy or good enough to earn a job or possibly that they think he can play on the 3rd line RW.

i have Gagne can return to his former self. i believe he did play with Richards at some point at least for a short time, so hopefully they can rekindle some magic.

[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Dave, when has parse ever proven himself to be a top 6 nhl player…he still seems like a guy who could easily be back in the AHL…he has never shown the ability to do anything over a period of time while remaining healthy….lewis is a guy that has done way more than parse, but is a bottom 6 guy who just broke out this year to not be a healthy scratch next to harold..schenn had more scoring chances than parse….why is everyone so high on this guy? please tell me

[Reply]
Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:59 pm
@Kings x, Parse hasn’t proven a lot, i’ll give you that. but he has shown that he can score goals in the limited amount of time he’s been in the NHL. he is being paid $900K on a one-way deal so i expect he will be in the NHL one way or the other. i just don’t know if he fits into a 3rd or 4th line role.

i actually wouldn’t be surprised if he’s traded now.

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@Dave,

Richards and Gagne played together quite a bit if I’m not mistaken. The move was necessary as DL needed to replace Smyth, and upgrade the offense at the same time. I think Parse as a top 6 guy was a nice soundbite for last season when there weren’t any other options. Realistically Parse hasn’t even proven he can play a top 6 role. This is a really good move for us.

[Reply]
Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@AZ King, i thought DL might go after a Miettinen instead of Gagne and have him at RW3 and have Parse at LW2. clearly the Gagne signing isn’t a vote of confidence in Parse.

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@Dave,

With all due respect to Parse, he hasn’t demonstrated anything to be confident about. Not on a consistent basis at least. Let him show he can put up 20 goals on a regular basis, then we can talk about a top 6 role for him.
KingsFanInPortland says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:47 pm

I knew they’d sign Gagne, too bad no one didn’t take me up on my bet offer a few days ago lol.

He didn’t sign yesterday as most other FA’s did, so I assumed he and DL had a prior arrangement (or awareness) to wait this out in case we did sign Richards. Even though that is against league rules, every team does it lol. So I won’t say DL DID do it, but wink wink nudge nudge.

Anyways, I think Gagne is a good fit so long he stays healthy enough. Played with Richards before, is a Philly guy with connections to our management, etc.

Good move. Would rather have Gagne over most other UFA available this summer.

[Reply]
Bama Kings says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:50 pm

So, what other reality based move would you like to see DL make? Is there another FA to be added, or is there another trade to be made?

Keep it reality based.

[Reply]
Andrew Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@Bama Kings, Can Sansomnov or whatever play rw lol

[Reply]
QUICKsilver says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:50 pm

Felt this was a better fit than Richards anyway. Sure it’s a potential for a big bust, but pretty much everyone has the potential to not pan out.

Gagne isn’t going to cost us an arm and a leg, so we can still pick up more talent, and get Doughty signed.

[Reply]
SavebyCechmanek says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:52 pm

Holy crap, I step out to get a sandwich and look what happens???! Welcome to L.A. Simon!!

[Reply]
Bure10 says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:54 pm

I gotta say I’m pretty stoked. We dint get em last yr and a little patience landed him this yr! Lines look pretty good. Hopefully Doughty is watching from Toronts saying to his agent hurry up and get me on that team!!

[Reply]
blahblah says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:55 pm

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370711

read the comments from fans of other teams. they are all saying how good our team is getting. it’s really heartwarming to see the kings starting to get some respect around the league. haven’t had that in a long time.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@blahblah, Exactly. As told my Uncle who lives in NY, rebuilding doesnt mean 1 or 2 seasons, try 5 to 10 seasons depending how depleted your franchise is when your new GM is hired !

[Reply]
BluLiner says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:57 pm

wow, if there is a lockout next year, Richards still gets $20M ($12M for 2011-2012 and $8M signing bonus at the start of 2012).

[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@BluLiner, This isn’t the NBA or NFL.

[Reply]
LuckyNumber20 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@BluLiner, Yeah just saw this from Dreger. That is insane. But its not 20m its just the 8m bonus.

[Reply]
Cynic says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:57 pm

Now just waiting to hear the comments from Gagne and Lombardi….

[Reply]
OneTimer says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:58 pm

@KungFu King,

Quisp – please shred this one apart please? Thank you in advance.

[Reply]
SavebyCechmanek says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:59 pm

Brad who? Upon reading more that 9 year contract is SCARY. Nice going Rangers! Hoping Gagne rehabbed enough so he can be a real scoring threat.

Now DL, go and get that deal done with Doughnuts!!

[Reply]
LAPD Line says:

July 2, 2011 at 1:59 pm

Here is our first look at the new Gagne Jersey….

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10214155@N05/5894619511/in/photostream

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LuckyNumber20 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
@LAPD Line, Nice!

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LittleRhody Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
@LAPD Line, Haha.. but if you rplaced the orage with white, and the white (on the jersey itself, not the crest) with purple.. I bet it would look awsome. I MISS THE PURPLE ALREADY.

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FiG17 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@LittleRhody,

Me too. I want it back. We were the ONLY team in the league with purple… now we’re just boring.

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Kings x says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:03 pm

Gagne is a leap year baby…2/29/80….bring the magic Simon!

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Tookie13 says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:04 pm

Ok, cool. LW, done for now. Get Doughty signed, lewis and richardson. I think we’ll be good to go.

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tothehaters Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@Tookie13, i feel the 3 will b signed b4 august

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Kings x says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:05 pm

Since both the numbers 10 and 12 are open, does anyone think that there is any truth that players playing with their lucky/favorite numbers play better?

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VegasKingsFan Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@Kings x, Mike Richards is gonna wear 10.

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Shotongoal Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@Kings x, Richards is going to be #10.

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king_stoner says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:07 pm

welcome to LA gagne!!!!

good luck in new york brad….. youre gonna need it out there

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Shotongoal says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:08 pm

Don’t know if anyone else has had this thought yet today, but if these off season moves aren’t enough to motivate Dustin Penner to be ready for next season I don’t know what will. Unfortunately, I feel he is still the key to next season. We know what the Kings are getting with their other top players, including the new acquisitions but who knows about Penner after his showing last season. Not being negative, just realistic. But, very excited about this Gagne signing.

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Kings x Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@Shotongoal, he and doughty need to hit up gary roberts

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tothehaters says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:09 pm

OK, did a lil research. To all that think we are being over ran by ex flyers, sorry to say the kings have more ex oilers on the roster. Thats current roster and prospects, so maybe we are edmonton south. And to those who think the window is 2 years, maybe its
4. Take a look at the ages of the top 6 forwards, top 6 defense. gagne 31, williams 30, penner 29, brown 27, richards 26, kopi 24. D drew 21, jj 24 mart 23, mitchell 34, rob 32, green 28. The boys need to get by the 1st, 2nd round of the playoffs for this to be a great year. And maybe true cap run

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Scarletcat says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:10 pm

Can’t wait now for Hockey Fest and Frozen Fury!
Always look for the start of training camp, but this is extra tasty this year!

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puck73 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@Scarletcat, Hope I see you at both !

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Eric says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:13 pm

Lots of talk on Twitter of Toffoli at RW3

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King Doughnuts Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@Eric, hmmm unless TM is tweeting I wouldn’t pay much attention to those tweets

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Hdjfms says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:17 pm

Great signing. I’m so excited for training camp to get going. Here is how I would put the lines:
Penner-kopitar-Williams
Gagne-Richards-brown
Clifford-stoll-parse
Richardson-Lewis/lokti-Lewis-westgarth

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Hdjfms Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@Hdjfms, sorry last line should be richardson-Lewis/lokti-Lewis/westgarth

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Andrew Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@Hdjfms, no we should deffently play four fowards lol

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wideleft Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@Hdjfms, Don’t be too quick with your lines,,,Idon’t think we’re done quite yet :0

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TRuskowski says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:19 pm

According to Scott Burnside it was between Calgary and the Rangers for Richards. L.A. and Toronto were a distant third and fourth.

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Joemv8 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@TRuskowski,
How would the flames find the cap space to swing this one. All their players are old with fat contracts and a no trade clause

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jet Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@TRuskowski, until the flames commit to a rebuid there will be many cold winters. no wonder Hex did not get/want this job

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Andrew says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:22 pm

sooo lets play line juggler 300 thousand… Gagne- Richards-Willie or DB

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King Doughnuts Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@Andrew, nooooooo!!

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Andrew Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@King Doughnuts, What you know its going to happen, TM just had to change underwear on how much he can change lines now

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jet says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:23 pm

got to love this comment on TSN
Would have loved to see him in a Leafs jersey but they are too busy signing guys that can’t score 20 goals in a season for more money than Gagne. Gagne is a talent and if he can remain healthy, he will help the club big time.

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FiG17 says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:24 pm

In high school, people made fun of me for being a Kings fan. It feels good not having to lie when defending my team against people telling me they suck.

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Joemv8 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@FiG17, The last number of years this team has made steps to being a better team and this one will not be any different. They are now a contender. A true contender. They are the reason SJ overpaid for Burns. They know they will not beat this team in the next playoff series.

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DBking says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:27 pm

Stoll is #3 line center. We need him taking those draws.

Lokti will probably end up on the wing on third line along with Parse.

Clifford drops to the 4th line (not a demotion just makes more sense)

Penner – Kopitar – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Parse – Stoll – Lokti
Clifford – Lewis – Richardson

IMO

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KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:11 am
@DBking, Lokti already proved he can’t play wing. Especially on the checking line. Holloway will be the one making the team at RW imho.

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tellmeY says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:28 pm

A true left winger….YAY!!!!

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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@tellmeY, LOL

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Ravens says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:29 pm

KGB line -Kopitar/Gagne/Brown

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Kingsfanone Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@Ravens,

I like it!! It has a “ring” to it, and hopefully a Cup!

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colo king fan says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:30 pm

Hey guys, Dean Lombardi is ****ing good at his job. That’s a far better value than anyone signed on Friday.. sure BR would’ve been nice but lets face it, he was going to NY from day 1… with the D the Kings play that top 6 is solid – this year is gonna be fun as hell.

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tellmeY says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:32 pm

GAGNE is a GREAT player!…..I am very fine with Richards not coming here. Gagne is really an awesome addition.

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kingN says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:33 pm

nice to see DL finally get some love from our fans. last yr they all wanted his and TM’s head on sticks! ppl gotta have faith. same goes for Penner. the booing at home in the playoffs after he was truly giving his all was disgusting!!! couldnt believe that was coming from fellow kings fans! give these guys a chance!

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Joemv8 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@kingN, The shape Penner was in and the way he played he deserved it. But if he trains hard all summer, comes to camp fit and with a good attitude people will forget about last season. He will score over 30 goals and a powerforward that we need

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KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:17 am
@kingN, Don’t agree. the only thing disgusting was Penner’s lack of hussle. Saw most of his games with the Kings in person and kept an eye on him almost always. He is a blue line floater when the puck was getting passed around our net. I don’t buy the out of shape thing either. He was just plain aweful and lazy. I do think he’ll be ready for this next year though. He’ll be a different player and the crowds will reward him with cheers, but last year he got what he earned from the King’s fans.

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Sammuch says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:34 pm

(Gangne-Richards-williams) hmmm Flyers line. Love to meet the Flyers in finals and win the cup with our Flyers line against the thier Kings line. (Couitier draft pick-shcenn-Simms)Just a thought

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Joemv8 says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:37 pm

There is no reason we can`t beat any team in the west. I can`t wait to beat up some sharks and fill the net on the nucks.

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Ravens says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:38 pm

Off topicKings are inviting some more un-drafted D-men to camp, maybe we’ll have another Muzzin in the ruff, here is a good one in Alex Roach, big 6’4″ kid, http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/104168

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WildKaRD Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@Ravens, Very enlightening… thanks for the Roach clip

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puck73 Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@Ravens, Thanx

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:51 pm

At this point, at the very least, I’d say the Kings are better than last season (and that’s WITH Kopitar and Williams). In that regard: mission accomplished. I know it’s disappointing to have the big trophy dangling in front of you and see it fall, but this might lead to an even more balanced team, with the cap space that remains. Right now, I think the Kings match up well with anyone. Another fortunate move, any time between now and next season’s trade deadline, could make them a true juggernaut.

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Harty says:

July 2, 2011 at 2:59 pm

Most are forgetting the frustration Penner left with everyone last year, he is not the real deal and time will confirm this again. Clubs like Boston, Tampa, and others win with 3rd or 2nd line grinders.

Hence Clifford, most now with the signing of Gagne have Clifford either 3rd or 4th line. Sorry folks you need to re-think this line up and we all have to learn from those teams that are most successful. Clifford has earned his spot without question, so has Penner. (*see below)

GAGNE – KOPI – WILLIAMS
CLIFFORD – RICHARDS – BROWN
PARSE – STOLL – LEWIS
PENNER – RICHARDSON – WESTGARTH (LOTKI)

Stop letting the money payout pursade your judgement. Penner is terrible and will continue the lazy play right where he left off and doesn’t deserve the chance. He had it and blew it, I don’t care he didn’t know the system, stop babying him its time to move him down in the order and make him work his way up if he can.

If our team doesn’t sign DD we are in serious trouble, as self centered and as bad as he played at times last year every team needs that rushing D guy and we must have DD to be successful.

[Reply]
John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@Harty,

Just don’t get drunk & touch your daughter

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Harty Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@John, easy pal……..

I’m entitled to my opinion and I believe the Kings will not be successful till they understand what will bring championships

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John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:28 pm
@Harty,

And what is that?? Please pontificate until your heart’s content.

You know deep down DL understands & is doing it exactly the right way & for some reason you despise him for it!

Mark Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@Harty, Yes. I like Cliffy on 2nd line.

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Brian D. says:

July 2, 2011 at 3:05 pm

We’re starting to look scary good!

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Brian D. says:

July 2, 2011 at 3:08 pm

Penner and Gagne are the pivotal magic. If they both perform to their expectations/potential we will win the West!

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Brian D. Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@Brian D., or at least contend… ;P

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the_guv says:

July 2, 2011 at 3:09 pm

Okay so maybe he’s no Richards, but it’s still a pretty sweet top six, I’m stoked about this pick-up. I also love that DL had a fall back plan. Great job Deano!

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KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:22 am
@the_guv, Look at Brad Richards/Gagne stats side by side. Look at big goals in playoff games. I think you’ll be surprised. I sure was. I actually think we may have got the better player and we certainly got the better deal.

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BringbackButchGoring says:

July 2, 2011 at 3:23 pm

Frankly, I’m not as convinced as most that we will be that much better this season. We lost 50 goals from last year from Simmonds, Handzus and Symth and argubly Handzus and Simmonds had down years and got their goals from the third line. We pick up 40 goals from Richards and Gagne and they played 1st and 2nd line minutes. Plus we lose Schenn. Also Gagne had the worst plus minus on TB

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Gagne’s plus/minus on TB does bother me, but overall, I think this team is better. There’s no way to tell where Simmonds was going, but the writing was on the wall where Handzus and Smyth (not a real choice, BTW) were. Plus, there’s cap space. Getting better cost a future blue chip player, but it’s what the fans were screaming for well before it was the right move. This offseason, it was.

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BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I agree better and certainly not complaining on Mgmt actually trying their hardest to make this team better. Just saying we are hardly a shoo-in for the Stanley Cup based on the changes thus far.

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John Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@BringbackButchGoring,

Nobody’s EVER a shoe-in for the Stanley Cup. However, we are a bonafide contender!

Marbles Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@BringbackButchGoring,

I disagree.

Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, yeah, but we can expect an upgrade at each position. Richards will score than Handzus, Gagne should score as much if not more than Smyth and Parse or whoever plays that RW slot will likely score as much as Simmonds did. not to mention the upgrade from merry-go-round at LW1 to Penner.

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StankBloat says:

July 2, 2011 at 4:02 pm

I want to thank the Kings brass for showing our fans a commitment to winning with this aggressive off-season ! It has been a long time coming. Sign Doughty, and we are gonna do some serious damage in 2011-12.

Thanks again

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Harty says:

July 2, 2011 at 4:17 pm

Penner will be a disappointment wait and see and when he is I’m bringing this blog back up. He is the following……….

-confused on the ice
-doesn’t know his role on any team
-he’s big and soft (bad combination)
-he skates with a lazy stride
-he might as well be center as he never touches the boards (heck he must live in a round house as he wouldn’t know a corner if had to guess
-he isn’t a scoring machine, he relies on the teams best players to set him up

……bottom line he is not the real deal.

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gmo Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@Harty,
why the negativity?why even support the team or even call yourself a LA KINGS FAN?…..shoulnt you be more positive and actually be wishing and hoping all of our guys have an awesome season?yes he performed poorly in the playoffs but he wasnt the only one. is sad that there are fans like you that only wish bad things on certain players, instead of expecting him to have a good season because it would only be beneficial for the team, well that’s my two cents. i do respect your comment up above nonetheless just find it very negative wow\

GO KINGS GO

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:45 pm
@gmo,

Harty knows hockey better than any of us peons…we are fortunate that he is here to educate us.

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AZ King Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:43 pm
@Harty,

I know it’s not like he’s ever scored 20+ goals a few times are anything. I mean really I don’t get what the big deal is with the guy.

I’m sure you’ve never under performed in your entire life, but there are a few, who are called humans, that unfortunately aren’t so lucky. Excuse me if I ignore you brilliance and give the guys a chance, after going through a training camp with us, to see how it pans out.

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Dominick Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@Harty,
As soon as he scores 20 I’m gonna be looking for you to bring it back up. Your knowlege of the Kings is
Confused
Short sighted
and Boring
bottom line, your not Nostradamus.

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Steve Reply:
July 2nd, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@Harty,

Lets look at Harty’s comments one by one:

-confused on the ice – There were times he was a little confused. He only had a short time with the Kings. Alot of hockey is timing and familiarity. Remember, Penner and Kopitar were starting to gell, before Kopitar got hurt.

-doesn’t know his role on any team – Is that his fault?

-he’s big and soft (bad combination) – I admit he does play soft at times. Once he gets familiar with his linemates, that hopefully will change.

-he skates with a lazy stride – I think that just has to do with how big he really is and it makes him look like he’s a slow skater. Mario Lemieux didnt always look like he was pushing the envelope when he was skating out there either, but we all know that wasnt true.

-he might as well be center as he never touches the boards (heck he must live in a round house as he wouldn’t know a corner if had to guess – Again, it goes back to familiarity. Once he gets ice time with his linemates and learns what they will or will not do in certain situations, everything will be ok.

-he isn’t a scoring machine, he relies on the teams best players to set him up – This one is laughable Harty. Everybody in the league needs someone to help set them up. How many times do you think Jari Kurri would have scored 60+ goals if he wasnt on Gretzky’s line? How many times would Kevin Stevens have scored 40+ if he wasnt playing with Mario Lemieux? Everybody needs everybody else!!! Hoe many goals would Patrick Roy have allowed in Colorado if he didnt have Ray Bourque, Rob Blake, Adam Foote, and Martin Skoula on the back end in front of him? It takes 20 guys to win the Stanle Cup Harty!!

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:29 am
@Harty, Well, he has his name on the Cup and his was a huge part of it. You can’t take that away from him. I agree about he needs someone one feeding him the puck, but now he’s definately got that.

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Chuck says:

July 2, 2011 at 4:38 pm

Good consolation prize, hopefully he’ll be able to stay healthy.

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Steve says:

July 2, 2011 at 10:31 pm

What kind of numbers does Gagne have to put up before Kings Nation will consider it a good signing at $3.5 million doallrs per year?

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KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:30 am
@Steve, 30 goals, 60 points.

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Kings in CO says:

July 3, 2011 at 4:56 pm

What we have is two top centers…everyone who is a contender and goes far in the playoffs has an excellent 1-2 punch….We have the wingers now to put the puck in the net.

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egold44 says:

July 5, 2011 at 12:39 pm

This is no Plan B. Simon Gagne is the right fit for our team, not Brad Richards who is a career -72 in the reg. season and a career -6 in the postseason. I was stunned that the Kings made such a play for B Richards, and I think it was a misguided attempt to quickly fix the power play — he’s not a good 2-way forward like TM expects every forward to be for this team. Even though the playmaking ability, skill and scoring that B Richards brings is fun to watch and hard to find, DL has been too patient, methodical and shrewd to mortgage a large chunk of the payroll cap on a bad fit (though I’m guessing the Kings contract offer was nowhere near the Rangers 9-year term). And were the Kings trying to sell B Richards on a move to wing? He would’ve brought an embarrassment of riches at the center position after a long drought with no center depth, while leaving us with the same gaping holes at wing. I’m happier to miss out on B Richards than Kovalchuk, who is so offensively prolific that any lack of a 2-way game can almost be overlooked — it still would be fun to watch him snipe every game regardless of his slow start last season.

Despite the past chemistry between M Richards and Gagne (which can be tapped at crucial moments), I’d like to see Gagne play with Kopi, as Penner is not laterally mobile enough to keep up with Kopi. If you ever go on an African safari, the guide will tell you to run in a zig-zag pattern if an elephant chases you because they’re fast straight ahead but can’t zig-zag — that reminds me of Penner… he can keep up with a 2-on-1, barreling down the ice but the cornering is not so fast, lacking edge control and speed. I will miss Simmonds — he will be a stud and a Cup winner one day, but this team is better now:

Gagne/Kopi/Williams
Penner/Richards/Brown
Clifford/Lewis/Richardson (shutdown line = 3rd line)
Lokti/Stoll/Parse

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