Get to know the Kings’ prospects

Here’s a more in-depth look at the players who will participate in the Kings’ development camp. The first part of the list is probably more familiar. It’s made up of players who have been in the Kings’ system or who were drafted last week. That is followed by 14 players who were invited to the camp. They are, for the most part, undrafted junior players in the range of 18-21 years old. Here’s a look at who will be on the ice. If you click on each player’s name, it will take you to a more thorough biography.

KINGS PROSPECTS
6 — Jake Muzzin — D — 6-3, 215 — Age 22 — Signed with Kings in 2010. Played 11 games with the Kings last season (1 assist) and 45 games with Manchester (18 points, 39 penalty minutes).
43 — Michael Schumacher — F — 6=3, 198 — Age 17 — Drafted in seventh round (No. 200) in 2011. Played 22 games for Frounda in Sweden last season (4 goals, 3 assists).
49 — Joel Lowry — F — 6-2, 185 — Age 19 — Drafted in fifth round (No. 140) in 2011. Played 42 games for Victoria (BCHL) last season (24 goals, 43 assists).
51 — Brandon Kozun — F — 5-8, 156 — Age 21 — Drafted in sixth round (No. 179) in 2009. Played 73 games for Manchester last season (23 goals, 25 assists).
54 — Kevin Gravel — D — 6-4, 185 — Age 19 — Drafted in fifth round (No. 148) in 2010. Played 36 games for St. Cloud State last season (1 goal, 5 assists).
55 — Michael Mersch — F — 6-1, 196 — Age 18 — Drafted in fourth round (No. 110) in 2011. Played 41 games for University of Wisconsin last season (8 goals, 11 assists).
56 — Nicholas Shore — F — 6-0, 185 — Age 18 — Drafted in third round (No. 82) in 2011. Played 33 games for University of Denver last season (7 goals, 11 assists).
57 — Linden Vey — F — 6-0, 181 — Age 19 — Drafted in fourth round (No. 96) in 2009, Played 69 games for Medicine Hat (WHL) last season (46 goals, 70 assists).
60 — Jordan Weal — F — 5-10, 166 — Age 19 — Drafted in third round (No. 70) in 2010. Played 7 games for Manchester (1 assist) and 72 games for Regina (WHL) last season (43 goals, 53 assists).
64 — Andy Andreoff – F — 6-1, 205 — Age 20 — Drafted in third round (No. 80) in 2011. Played 66 games for Oshawa (OHL) last season (33 goals, 42 assists).
71 — Jordan Nolan — F — 6-3, 217 — Age 22 — Drafted in seventh round (No. 186) in 2009. Played 75 games for Manchester last season (5 goals, 12 assists).
72 — Nic Dowd — F — 6-1, 175 — Age 21 — Drafted in seventh round (No. 198) in 2009. Played 36 games for St. Cloud State last season (5 goals, 13 assists).
73 — Tyler Toffoli — F — 6-1, 183 — Age 19 — Drafted in second round (No. 47) in 2010, Played 1 game for Manchester (1 goal) and 68 games for Ottawa (OHL) last season (57 goals, 51 assists).
77 — Robert Czarnik — F — 6-0, 188 — Age 21 — Drafted in third round (No. 63) in 2008. Played 61 games for Plymouth (OHL) last season (33 goals, 44 assists).
80 — Nicolas Deslauriers — D — 6-1, 200 — Age 20 — Drafted in third round (No. 84) in 2009. Played 48 games for Gatineau (QMJHL) last season (13 goals, 30 assists).
81 — Andrew Campbell — D — 6-4, 207 — Age 24 — Drafted in third round (No. 74) in 2008. Played 76 games for Manchester last season (1 goal, 11 assists).
82 — Ray Kaunisto — F — 6-3, 185 — Age 25 — Signed with Kings in 2010. Played 57 games for Manchester last season (8 goals, 6 assists).
84 — Derek Forbort — D — 6-5, 198 — Age 19 — Drafted in first round (No. 15) in 2010. Played 38 games for University of North Dakota last season (0 goals, 15 assists).
31 — Martin Jones — G — 6-4, 191 — Age 21 — Signed with Kings in 2008. Played 39 games for Manchester (2.25 GAA, .924 save percentage) and one game for Ontario (ECHL) last season.
35 — J.F. Berube — G — 6-1, 168 — Age 19 — Drafted in fourth round (No. 95) in 2009. Played 50 games for Montreal (QMJHL) last season (2.60 GAA, .902 save percentage).
75 — Chris Gibson — G — 6-1, 198 — Age 18 — Drafted in second round (No. 49) in 2011. Played 37 games for Chicoutimi (QMJHL) last season (2.42 GAA, .920 save percentage).

INVITED PLAYERS
34 — Saverio Posa — D — 5-10, 171 — Age 19 — Played 59 games for Windsor (OHL) last season (2 goals, 11 assists), his second season of major-junior hockey.
38 — Pierre Durepos — D — 5-11, 174 — Age 19 — Played 68 games for Saint John (QMJHL) last season (3 goals, 27 assists), his second season of major-junior hockey.
41 — Alex Roach — D — 6-4, 227 — Age 18 — Played 61 games for Calgary (WHL) last season (4 goals, 12 assists), his first season of major-junior hockey.
42 — Jeff Brown — F — 6-1, 202 — Age 21 — Played 56 games for Windsor (OHL) and Oshawa (OHL) last season (15 goals, 18 assists), his fourth season of major-junior hockey.
48 — David Eddy — F — 5-11, 171 — Age 21 — Played 18 games for St. Cloud State last season (9 goals, 8 assists), his second season of college hockey.
52 — David Friedmann — F — 5-11, 170 — Age 18 — Played 33 games for Toronto (OJHL) last season (16 goals, 19 assists), his third season of junior-A hockey.
61 — Rob Mignardi — F — 6-0, 186 — Age 21 — Played 68 games for Owen Sound (OHL) last season (30 goals, 31 assists), his fifth season of major-junior hockey.
70 — Michael Kantor — F — 6-0, 198 — Age 19 — Played 52 games for Saginaw (OHL) and Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) last season (11 goals, 9 assists), his third season of major-junior hockey.
79 — Michal Cajkovsky — D — 6-3, 208 — Age 19 — Played 67 games for Kingston (OHL) last season (4 goals, 11 assists), his first season of major-junior hockey.
83 — Colin Miller — D — 6-1, 173 — Age 18 — Played 66 games for Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) last season (3 goals, 19 assists), his first season of major-junior hockey.
85 — Blaz Gregorc — D — 6-2, 209 — Age 21 — Played 21 games for Sodertalje SK (Sweden) last season (0 goals, 1 assist), his second season of pro hockey in Sweden.
39 — Michael Morrison — G — 6-0, 175 — Age 18 — Played 27 games for Kitchener (OHL) last season (2.65 GAA, .912 save percentage), his third season of major-junior hockey.
46 — Matej Machovsky — G — 6-2, 187 — Age 17 — Played 18 games for Brampton (OHL) last season (2.65 GAA, .901 save percentage), his second season of major-junior hockey.
65 — Adam Brown — G — 5-10, 165 — Age 19 — Played 60 games for Kelowna (WHL) last season (2.59 GAA, .916 save percentage), his third season of major-junior hockey. Brown is a native of Yorba Linda.

231 Comments

  1. bfarm says:

    i’d like to see what derek forbort has got to show. I watched him get drafted last year.

    [Reply]

    bfarm Reply:

    @bfarm,

    yea I cant wait to see him either bfarm! He seems like a talented guy.. won gold in juniors last year. what an accomplishment.

    [Reply]

  2. LF13 says:

    Gregorc is going to kick ass in development camp! Slovenia rules, GO KINGS!

    [Reply]

    Real 7 Reply:

    @LF13, you’ve seen him play?

    [Reply]

    Kingstane9 Reply:

    @Real 7, he was on our national team under Matjaž Kopitar at WC elite division this year, so I guess she/he did.

    [Reply]

    ssk Reply:

    @LF13,
    I´ve seen Blaz the last 4 years in Sodertalje. He has a lot to learn. Last season he was 8 defender in the team in Swedish elite league and din´t get a lot of icetime. The team was relegated and will play in the second division (allsvenskan). Blaz needs to learn how to use his big body (6´3 209 lbs). He is far to nice in his own end and also need to pick up his offensive skills.
    This year he will be a key player in the team and probably get arround 20 minutes/game. Hopefully he takes huge steps then he gets confidence.
    Anyway he is far from a NHL player and I think he will have a hard time to reach NHL in the future. He needs to learn how to tackle, how to use his big body and get mean and also pick up speed then he skates.

    [Reply]

    Kingstane9 Reply:

    @ssk,Disagree. He was great for Slovenia at WC elite division, so your problem if you didn’t gave him enough icetime to shine and develop his game. I think he’s close to NHL ready and still has a lot of potential and room for improvements. But thanks for letting me know of the situation he was in in Sodertalle, it explains his stats for sure. Those things can be improved with training (his skills are just fine if not great for a defender), but you can’t teach talent, can you. And lastly, if he’s so bad what is he even doing here in LA? LOL

    [Reply]

    ssk Reply:

    @Kingstane9,
    I think it´s greate he gets the operunity to visit LA and hear what he has to develop from others. He´s main problem is to get tough. He is to mawkish for his size and he is well aware of it.
    He was really greate in WC and then we saw him we didn´t think it was the same player we had in our team. It was his best games in his life. If he can figure out how to play that game every night… but I still disagree with you about how close he is NHL. He has a very long way to go. Last year he was sent to second division in Sweden (16 games) to get icetime, the year before that he was sent to the third division i Sweden to get icetime.
    The most talented player in our team is left winger Emil Lundberg. He is 17 (6,3 198) with good speed, cover and handles the puck really well for his age and ofcourse will be drafted next season. LA should watch him carefully. Got the silver medal in U18 WC this year.

    Kingstane9 Reply:

    @ssk,I hear you, Emil L will remember. Anyway it’s almost impossible or unfair to compare defenders with forwards. I usually try to avoid it. I think it has a lot to do with the motivation, playing a big role/minutes, but we’ll see how it works for him here. I’d love to see his progress and his effectiveness in Manchester, but to get there he needs to be at his best in this camp for sure. And sorry it wasn’t just one game at WC, when he scored that sick goal, I’d say pretty much all of them. Definitely wish him all the best as well as to Lundberg and Ž. Jeglič in Sweden.

    [Reply]

  3. sloppy joe says:

    Where is Viatcheslav Voynov? If Drew D holds out Voynov and Muzzen are going have a get dual for that final spot.

    [Reply]

    Ian Reply:

    @sloppy joe, If Drew holds out were screwed. I just wish that he didn’t know that.

    [Reply]

    sloppy joe Reply:

    @Ian, I have a bad feeling about this one :(

    [Reply]

    kevinebel Reply:

    @sloppy joe, A worse feeling would be if Lombardi just gave him (and any other player) whatever they asked for. That’s when you start to worry. That’s when you can’t afford to put a competitive team on the ice because you gave 2 or 3 players the farm.

    regulate Reply:

    @Ian,

    Relax. In the world of the internet, everyone wants instant everything. In the old days, with just a newspaper at your front door, this would not be a story until training camp opens in September and he did not show.

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @regulate, Agreed. Bottom line is DL should offer him what he’s worth and that’s IT. If someone Offer Sheets him for $7 million, then decline to match and take the 4 FIRST ROUND picks. DD might be worth 4 first round picks but NOBODY is going to pay him $7 million plus mortgage their future.

    regulate Reply:

    @sloppy joe,

    Graduated. The more experienced players don’t get invited to rookie development camp. They have paid their dues. They will be at the regular rookie camp later in the summer before training camp opens. We go through this ritual every year. You won’t see the college players at the regular rookie camp either, just development camp in July.

    [Reply]

  4. jet says:

    Rich — was Roach the second best prospect when you went to the scouting game last season?

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @jet, I was hoping we would draft Edmonson, but this guy seems to have as good of an attitude.
    http://www.hitmenhockey.com/article/scouts-put-roach-on-nhl-list

    [Reply]

  5. PW says:

    Rich,

    What about Voynov? Also, how far off is Kitsyn. I know he had an awesome Jrs. but where is he develpment wise. He seemed to excel against the top competition but isn’t he so so in the minors?

    [Reply]

    regulate Reply:

    @PW,

    Voynov graduated. The more experienced players don’t get invited to rookie development camp. They have paid their dues. They will be at the regular rookie camp later in the summer before training camp opens. We go through this ritual every year. You won’t see the college players at the regular rookie camp either, just development camp in July.

    Kitsyn will be playing in the KHL this season to continue his development.

    [Reply]

    PW Reply:

    @regulate, Thanks for the info…

    [Reply]

  6. jet says:

    Rich — can we assume G Roe willnot be offered a contract?

    [Reply]

    Daniel J Reply:

    @jet, Since classes are now out for the semester and there has still be no word on him. I would say all signs point to yes.

    [Reply]

  7. Ravens says:

    really looking forward hearing (or seeing if I can get out of work)what invited forward Rob Mignardi looks like, I think he has serious potential, as well as stay at home d-men Blaz Gregorc and Michal Cajkovsky as far as drafted players I’m very excited about Andy Andreoff and always ecited about Nicolas Deslauriers, then their is our future J Quick in Gibson. Did anyone else see that Eklund was saying there is a rumor we are going to trade a NHL ready d-man for Hemsky?

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @Ravens, DL will take risks, but 8 seasons and never played a full one?

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @Ravens, Eklund! Ha!

    And I have a certified photo of Bigfoot!

    Ignore that garbage.

    [Reply]

    PP Anybody? Reply:

    @Ravens, Eklund. Ha!

    [Reply]

    Gary livingston Reply:

    @Ravens, Why do people STILL look at what Eklund says? Do you read Weekly World News and believe Batboy is real too?

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @Gary livingston,
    If he’s right once in a while it’s like hitting a ring toss at the carnival. The prize is worth the 50 times you didn’t hit it.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Gary livingston,

    Man, you mean Sasquatch isn’t real either? I saw him in a beef jerkey commercial the other night and I thought he played for the B’Hawks but they make him shave during the season.

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Gary livingston, I am batboy.

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @Gary livingston,

    Batboy’s real, Gary! I’ve seen pictures…

    [Reply]

    jacob Reply:

    @John, yea i heard we really wanted hemsky at the deadline but the teams couldnt agree so we settled on penner ……… too bad , because hemsky is light years better

    maybe tthey will take penner back …… lol lol ……. just dreamin

  8. regulate says:

    Agree on Nicolas Deslauriers. This guy is a world class skater and does not seem to have any fear. He is going to be a steal when he matures. I went to the two rookie games vs Phoenix last year in Phoenix, and he really impressed me against mostly older, more experienced competition. He will be in Manchester this season playing against men.

    Quick
    Bernier
    Jones
    Gibson
    Zatkoff

    We are loaded at goalie. Not anywhere near sold on Beuerbe.

    [Reply]

    puddle Reply:

    @regulate, Agree on all points.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @regulate, Deslauriers has even more hockey sense in his zone then even JJ does currently IMO. But I agree with you, he should probably play at least 1 season in Manchester so he can get his feet wet against grown men on a daily basis.

    [Reply]

  9. kinginsaltlake says:

    In a way I’m glad were not bowing down to Drew. Last season he showed up out of shape. It took him awhile to get rolling. There’s no doubt this kid has talent, but stardom may have came to fast for this guy. I know pay him whatever, right. Wrong!!! In a world where people are having a hard time just making rent payments. It’s fine time to see these youngsters earn their dough.Drew has all the upside one can have. It doesn’t mean we throw our checkbooks at him. If Drew holds out, it will show us where his heart is at. I think we have a few good defense-men in our farm system. Also with the bucks that Drew will get, I’m sure he won’t be going hungry anytime soon. I like the guy really I do. I’m just getting sick of these overpaid players and owners who {in the long run} take it out of or pockets. It’s 100 big bucks to go to a live game. The days of going to a sports event at a cheap price has passed us by. Even here in Salt Lake to watch AAA baseball{Angels} is 35 bucks. When will it stop. Hockey is still fighting off the effects of their work stoppage. We all know what is happening with the NFL and NBA. Maybe someday we as fans will strike and just stop showing up. Where would these billion and millionaires be? Broke, just like the rest of us. BROKE!!!

    [Reply]

    puddle Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake, I just paid $4 for a Dodger game, bought Kings’ season tickets two years ago for $11 a seat, and regularly find Kings tickets for my friends on the open market for under $15. I even went to a Laker game last year for $35 a seat. Where are you buying your tickets!?

    [Reply]

    sloppy joe Reply:

    @puddle, probably somewhere where he could clearly see the game, I hate being above the luxury boxes unless its in the 1st or 2nd row. Upper deck was great when I was younger

    [Reply]

    Robert Reply:

    @puddle,

    You can’t even see the players numbers up there in the 300′s. The 200′s aren’t bad but they still cost a lot more than 11 bucks a seat. I’d save the 11 bucks for 6 or 7 games and go to one with some real good seats. It’s a different world!

    Drew better drop that horrible a hole agent. He shows up out of shape and acts like a baby on the ice. His talent is enormous but he isn’t deserving of the big bucks until he pulls his head out of his ars.

    The sad part is how good this team just got… you know he wants to be here… he grew up a Kings fan. His 21 year old ego needs a little deflating.

    [Reply]

    Eric Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake,

    I agree. I think Lombardi should consider trading Doughty for the right player(s) instead of paying him 7-8 million. IMO, only Crosby and Ovechkin should be making that money; maybe Shea Webber in Nashville, but that’s about it. Doughty for Webber straight up would be wonderful for the Kings. By “locking” Doughty up, the Kings salary cap situation will stink…

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @Eric, Nah, not trade but definitely sit his punk @$$ out as long as needed.

    Here’s what the man said himself (Deano):

    “I am getting the feeling on Drew that unfortunately this could take a while. As we just saw this past week free agency produces a frenzy for players at all levels. We must be judicious about not getting into this market for our own players. Therefore it is critical with Drew that the dollars reflect a fair rate of return regarding the term of the contract. We must be prepared to do what it takes to get it right.”

    Translation from DeanoSpeak:

    We are not going to pay our guys based on market ups and downs. We will pay them based on merit and performance to date. His annual rate and contract length must fairly project from his performance of the past three years.

    My editorial: Dean may very well sit this one out as long as it takes, December 1st if needed. Doughty remains Kings property for 6 more seasons regardless.

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @Token,
    I’d like to win the cup this year!

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Token,
    “We will pay them based on merit and performance to date.”

    Anze Kopitar and Jack Johnson say “hi”!

    It will get done. I ain’t worried.

    nykingfan Reply:

    @Eric,

    If the Kings won’t pay Doughty what he feels he’s worth, someone else will be thrilled to do so.
    He didn’t have a good year last season, but he’s shown you more than enough times what a ridiculous talent he is. There’s not another D’man in the NHL with his upside.
    The Kid’s 21 yrs old. Should kids that age be making that kind of money? No, but that’s the going rate for his talent.
    If he ends up elsewhere and is hoisting the cup over his head, I sure don’t want to hear from Kings fans like yourself bemoaning the fact that we let him get away. Unless you’re trading him for Ovechkin or Crosby (when healthy), there’s not another player with his talent, playing the 2nd most demanding position in hockey, that would be an even swap.

    He’ll be raising the cup in LA one day very soon, if you would all just give him a chance to grow.

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @nykingfan, exactly! Unfortunately some on this blog are taking Doughty’s contract negos as a RFA personal. I’ve been trying to get this through to some all week. If WE want the Kings to compete for a Cup, then WE as fans need to act like we get what’s going on here. Instead those that are ripping Doughty for doing what most top RFA’s have done, are doing, and will continue to do in negos…..and that’s to get the best deal fron their team that they can! This crying and moaning that some are doing here about Doughty is embarrassing to me as a Kings fan.

    CB14 Reply:

    @nykingfan, Phaneuf had a better first 3 years then DD did, he then signed a 6 year 39 million dollar deal, and he has gone down hill ever since. I love DD and he is the most talented player I’ve ever seen, but one great year and 1 above average year doesn’t mean he deserves to be paid like Chara and Lidstrom. Or even guys that have been in this league for 6 years like Weber and Keith. I don’t think the Kings should trade DD, but I also don’t think he deserves the same deal that Kopi got. And yes I realize Kopi signed his deal after his 3rd year, just like Drew is now. I simply feel Kopi was more consistant his first 3 years compared to Drew’s first three years. Had he played last year like he did 2 years ago, and was in better physical shape, I don’t think anyone would mind giving him Kopi money.

    Eric Reply:

    @Shotongoal,

    I don’t care so much about the negotiations and how Doughty’s going about it. I understand he’s doing what is his right. However, I just don’t think he’s worth the kind of money and years required to get him signed. The Kings could do better by trading him for one or two very good players that would enable them to become instant contenders…

    xeropoint Reply:

    @nykingfan,
    A quick note to those who are fascinated with the idea of trading Doughty:
    You’re NOT going to get equal value.

    Osaka Reply:

    @xeropoint,Shotongoal, everyone, That all depends on what you think his value is doesn’t it. If someone is saying to trade him that person doesn’t see DD’s value as high as you do. Don’t mean either person is right or wrong, just different opinion. GM’s all have different values of players, that is why trades are made. I am not for trading DD BUT I don’t understand those who criticize someone who doesn’t see the same as you. Any player can be traded. I want DD to be a King his whole career, but it is not crazy or out of place for someone to talk about trading him, isn’t that what this blog is for. Being “embarressed” by someones opinion is marginalizing that person making your observation the only true or correct one. IMHO

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @nykingfan, its embarrassing to me that so-called true Kings fans want to trade the cornerstone of the organ-I-zation because he AND his agent are trying to nego his contract. We want the Kings to be considered a Cup contender, and we want LA to be considered a true hockey town, but then some are so shortsighted to think trading Doughty is a good thing? It doesn’t show a lot of “hockey smarts” on us Kings fans when the focus of this blog becomes to trade the teams most prized possession. Yeah, that will get LA a lot of respect in the hockey universe. We are all entitled to our opinions that’s true, so my opinion is that some are very hypocritical, and don’t show great hockey acumen when they propogate the trading of tge “franchise player!” Jsut my opinion.

    John Reply:

    @Osaka,

    I can guarantee you 30 GMs would pay Doughty $7M a season RIGHT NOW, including DL! But he’s doing the right thing, trying to negotiate down for the future of the Kings.

    Trading him or even thinking about the idea IMHO is just flat out stupid – would you trade Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque or Nic Lidstrom three years into their careers? That’s the caliber of player we have here. But like you say, Osaka, that’s just my opinion.

    Just relax people, sadly this is just all part of the process. Doughty will be a King for a long time!

    Osaka Reply:

    @John, I will agree that DD will be here a long time, and I am glad for that. But, there is always a but isn’t there, he is not Bourque, Lidstrom, or Orr! Dude not even close! I hope he is someday but that is far from a sure thing. Just because a player has early success doesn’t mean he will be one a superstar. Check out Jimmy Carson’s stats. DD just might get $7M DL but that hardly means 30 GMs would pay him that. If he was the Bobby Orr you think he is they would but DD is not close. Maybe you see DD through Kings colored glasses. In that is where you may disagree with people, you value him higher than someone who would want to trade him.

    John Reply:

    @Osaka,

    Not yet he isn’t, no, obviously! I’m just saying that’s the kind of potential this kid has. The thing is though, those guys played for a LONG time on their original teams. He most definitely has their kind of hockey IQ & ability to slow the game down. Things that is irreplaceable & impossible to quantify.

    I may see him through Kings colored glasses, sure…but I can tell you one thing without a doubt(y), in my 26 years as a Kings fan, we have NEVER had a defenseman like him!!!

    GrapevineKingsFan Reply:

    @Eric, “Locking” up DD would kill the Kings salary cap (according to you) so you propose to trade him for Webber? The same Webber who will make more than DD once he signs his new contract? I’m not sure I follow your logic.

    Just to get this right in my head, don’t pay DD cause it would kill the salary structure. Ok, that makes sense if you want to continue to be a farm team.

    Trade him for Webber, which will be ok even though he will make more money?

    How does that help the salary structure?

    [Reply]

    bulldog13lak Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake, I hear what your saying , we need to get DD signed but I, personally, don’t think he’s worth $7 mil per year, not yet anyway. Somebody on this site said a couple of days ago about how signing players to long term big money contracts, can have an adverse effect on some players, like they know they’re getting paid anyway, no matter how they play.
    I would like to see production incentives built into these contracts.I know if I don’t produce at my job, my bonus goes out the window!

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake,

    I Like what you’re sayin buddy

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake,
    Where do you guys get all this inside information? It probably has nothing to do with DL taking a stand on DD’s outrageous contract demand (which is just assumption on everybodies part, because no information has even been leaked on what the numbers are). I almost wish DL would just throw his hands up and trade him, since none of you guys have any respect for him anyways.

    You guys all seem pretty opinionated without having any confirmed reports on whats going on with negotiations.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Dominick, pretty much widely reported that he is looking for $7M

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @jess,
    And that makes him a jerk? No one close to the situation has confirmed it, or went on record as a source. That number is only speculation. Even if he’s asking for 7, it will be negotiated, because that’s what negotiations are. One side starts high, the other starts low. It hardly means DD’s a jerk, and not worthy to be a King. Hardly justifies the immature comments either. The whole DD’s a selfish individual thing is just hyperbole. No one knows what is going on, except DL, DD, and DD’s agent.

    jess Reply:

    @Dominick,

    Whoa!! Who called Doughty a jerk? Hey I’ve never called him a name or doughnuts or any of this other bs that people say but asking for more than kopi? That is a bit too much is all most here are saying. This is not a doughty bashing session -at least not from were I sit so don’t go overboard buddy.

    Dominick Reply:

    @jess,
    Sorry, I wasn’t singling you out, just trying to stand up for DD who some fans have been taking pot shots at his character for weeks now.

    John Reply:

    @jess,

    I totally disagree $7M is too much, especially in the 6th or 7th year of that contract!

    And yes, a lot of people are talking NOW about DD like they did AFTER Blake was gone. But I guess that’s how we Kings fans treat our own eh. 40+ years of nada has made us bitter whining bitches ;)

    PP Anybody? Reply:

    @jess, Does anybody even see Weber as getting a 7 million a year contract? I don’t see it right now. I mean, Duncan Keith’s cap hit works out to 5.5, so I really don’t see how even Weber is gonna get something into the 7′s, so Doughty has a sugar high from eating too many twinkies if he thinks he’s gonna get 7 himself. Campbell’s 7.1 contract is a Pariah. Florida only took that on cause they were so far under the cap floor. Just don’t think any team would willingly give out a contract that detrimental to themselves right now, let alone DL.

    Token Reply:

    @jess, I called him a punk. He is. Got one of those 20yo punks at home, love him but he’s a punk.

    But then again I set the example 20+ years ago so I guess I get to be a grumpy old man now!

    ;)

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Dominick, Meh. It’s the offseason. Chalk it up to that. Drew’s still the biggest piece of this team and everyone knows it. We’ll sign him before camp, bank on it.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Dommer,

    No worries mate. I’m a huge doughty fan too. Just hope he stays humble and keeps it simple :) After all, we still have to get out of the 1st round this year

    Miller29 Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake, I agree. Until he shows up and stays in shape, stays consistant and dominates, DD is not worth anywhere near what he and his agent are demanding. The guy is full of himself and just wants to cash in based on what others have signed for. If we were to pay him for what he showed last season, he’d be getting less than JJ. Cut the cancer out before it spreads throughout the whole body.

    [Reply]

  10. losingsand says:

    Deslaurier FTW!!!!

    lookin forward to the new draftees, also lookin forward to seeing czarnik, toffoli, weal, and kozun. I believe kozun missed last years camp.

    [Reply]

    OCKingsFan Reply:

    @losingsand, Don’t forget Vey!…I like a few of the invitees as well!

    [Reply]

  11. Ravens says:

    Hey, off topic, wasn’t Doughty supposed to be on that Kings cruise ship in August with Simmonds? Ooops! I wonder if Doughty is still going to be on board? do you think he would be a bit nervous if he’s still un-signed on board a ship full of rabbid fans? they’ll probably be judging everything he puts on his plate at the buffet. Gnarly, I don’t think I would do it if I was him.

    [Reply]

    Real 7 Reply:

    @Ravens, that’s definitely one of his problems….a steady diet of Diet Pepsi = BAD!!
    probably a sign of youth & lack of discipline = he can’t get away with those bad “Junior”
    habits any more…

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Ravens,

    If he’s unsigned then, he won’t be onboard I imagine. Could you see him getting scrutinized for everything you put on your plate?

    Dear God…….da pressure!!!

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Ravens,

    –in drew’s head:

    “ummm let’s see those mash potatos look pretty sweet -but… shoot! –puck73 is looking better just go with the asparagus dammit…

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @jess, Dude, that is actually funny, but the guy that will be watching what he eats is @Gustavo…that guy has absolutely been destroying Doughty on this site, not me.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @puck73, I know yer name just popped in my head :)

    crashin' da net Reply:

    @jess Dear God – Da Money!!!! pat DD what he’s worth (alot less than $7mm if that is the rumor).

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Ravens, That ship has sailed. :D

    [Reply]

  12. Jefreyryan says:

    If we let drew go it will haunt us for a very long time.. We need to get him signed now.

    [Reply]

  13. OCKingsFan says:

    I love the make-up of our team right now with what DL has brought to our team through trade, free agency, and the draft. We are stacked as far as prospects go I just hope a lot of them get a chance to develop with us, instead of having to be traded away simply because we don’t have any roster spots due to our balance of veterans and young players on our current roster. I’m wondering who else is nervous about our lack of size and grit on our third and fourth lines now? We still have a gritty aspect, but nowhere near the amount we had last season. Losing Simmonds, Handzus, and Poni takes away a lot of speed between Poni and Simmonds…they all are 6’2″ or taller, they all are very physical, they all have very good intangibles, Zus is amazing on the PK and he is tremendous at screening the goalie during the PP which is how he scored many of his goals and he is amazing in the face-off circle. Who is going to be in front of the net screening during our PP this year without Smytty and Zus? I am really going to miss all the little things they did for this team and I don’t know how we are going to make up for them on our third line. You can’t replace their size, speed, production, physicality, face off wins, screens on the PP, Pk, etc. I hope Clifford continues to develop and that Stoll and Richie can make up for their lack of size with physical play getting underneath the opposition’s skin the way Simmonds use to. I hope DL can somehow address the lack of size, speed, and grit on that RW of the third line. We will see…

    [Reply]

    Eric Reply:

    @OCKingsFan,

    Well said. I really hope Lombardi signs Brad Winchester. He would be an excellent replacement for Simmonds, not to mention he’s tougher and brings more of an intimidating presence. Also, he score ten goals last year, a few short of Simmonds and third line worthy.

    [Reply]

    OCKingsFan Reply:

    @Eric, Huh I didn’t even know he was an UFA…very interesting I do like that idea! Do you know if he has any speed?

    [Reply]

    Eric Reply:

    @OCKingsFan,

    He’s not much of a speedy player. His main attributes are size, toughness, physicality, and intimidation. This is the kind of player the Kings need for the playoffs. He would lay a beating on the Canucks…

    PP Anybody? Reply:

    @OCKingsFan, Zeus screening up front on the PP helped in what way again with the PP last year? I can’t seem to remember.

    [Reply]

    OCKingsFan Reply:

    @PP Anybody?, The previous year our PP was off the chain good especially in the playoffs against Vancouver and it was Smyth and Zus produces screens. Last year we never got into a flow at all whatsoever, but Zus himself still produced and still does the right things on the PP he heads straight for the front of the net. He wasn’t the problem for our PP last year.

    [Reply]

    PP Anybody? Reply:

    @OCKingsFan, I didn’t say he didn’t do some of the right things. My point was that what he does at this point in his career didn’t help the Kings power play at all last year. And as for the year before, I saw long stretches of play that were just the same on our PP, as others on here can attest to. If not for a couple stretches where everything went right, it essentially had the same lack of effectiveness. Numbers don’t always tell the story when just looking on paper.

    xeropoint Reply:

    @OCKingsFan,
    It’s a concern, for now. Lost some sandpaper but gained a whole lot of finesse. If the top 2 lines are as balanced as everyone thinks, increased offensive zone time and more scoring should help aleviate that.

    Picking up some veteran grinders is a much easier task, to boot. I wouldn’t worry until there is a legit concern and even then, let’s see how everything shakes out after 20 or so games.

    Having said that, I feel the REAL question is if Murray sticks to his grinding out style or if he can make some adjustments based on the new roster makeup. Will he allow for a more agressive forecheck? Will he allow third man to support the forwards a little closer? We’ll see. He sure hasn’t had this much weaponry with the Kings before.

    [Reply]

    crashin' da net Reply:

    @xeropoint, Very valid questions/concerns.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @xeropoint, good points and well stated

    [Reply]

    Mark Reply:

    @xeropoint, I was wondering the same about TM. Could mean more minutes for westgarth.

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @Mark, Not a bad thing IMO. Westy works hard for his minutes and has some room to grow.

  14. Datacloud says:

    Wow, we have some tiny forwards. I’d be really happy to get one Gionta, St. Louis or Cammelleri out of the bunch.

    [Reply]

    PP Anybody? Reply:

    @Datacloud, I’m not holding my breath on some of the smaller ones. I get the feeling Vey and Toffoli might be the ones to watch out of this.

    [Reply]

  15. Lvhatrick says:

    How about Doughty for Semin?

    [Reply]

    OCKingsFan Reply:

    @Lvhatrick, NO WAY!!! I’d give a prospect and a few picks for Semin no more

    [Reply]

    Michael_DD8 Reply:

    @Lvhatrick,

    Horrid thought.

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @Lvhatrick, please, would you guys stop this? Relax!!! You all want a Cup and you’re talking about trading away the franchise D-man because he hasn’t signed a contract fast enough for YOU? I love all of you Kings fans but this negative talk about Doughty is embarrassing.

    [Reply]

    Robert Reply:

    @Shotongoal,

    DL has already stated publicly that they are taking their time to get it right. He also said DD is not going anywhere and that they would match ANY offer sheet given. Only 6 offer sheets have been given since 2005. I wouldn’t worry about it.

    I would worry about him living up to his potential and stop showing up to camp as Doughnuts instead of Doughty.

    [Reply]

    Canadian King Reply:

    @Lvhatrick, No offense but that might be the worst trade I have heard in a long time. If you are trading Doughty for a winger it better be Parise coming back, not the streaky over-paid Semin, who is a borderline salary dump for the Caps.

    [Reply]

    PP Anybody? Reply:

    @Lvhatrick, I brought up Penner for Semin earlier. I think that might actually be something to look into. Caps save some cap space, we both trade players who have desire issues, but both players get a change of scenery. Potential 40 goal scorer added to our already promising line up this year..

    [Reply]

    jacob Reply:

    @PP Anybody?, penners value is light years below semin …. no way caps make that trade ……… right now , penner value is so low i feel the absolute most we could get for him is either a lame player or a third round draft pick

    [Reply]

    PP Anybody? Reply:

    @jacob, I know everyone on here thinks that Penner is absolutely worthless, but the Caps are now currently over the cap. The Caps pretty much need to get rid of Semin, but they need someone to fill his spot. When Penner tries, he’s still one of the better wingers out there. Both of their contracts are up at the end of the year. The caps would save 2.2 + million dollars towards the cap, and we can afford to take Semin’s contrat back. I think out of all the teams out there, the fit seems to work best for both these teams at this point. I’m just saying, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is at least being considered by both teams.

    jess Reply:

    @Lvhatrick,

    semin is worth two kopecks, a farmers daughter and an ox-cart -but not doughty!

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @Lvhatrick, Should we throw in Kopi also?

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @jet, And Quick.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @jet,

    Along with Kompon and a 40-ouncer and we have a deal!

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @Lvhatrick,

    Dude, I’m not even certain I’d trade Doughty for Ovechkin, straight up! Semin…hahaha, that’s a joke, right?!

    [Reply]

    Ochoniko Reply:

    The only way we can trade drew is if we get Shea Weber, anything else would set the team back… Gotta have a D man who can take over a game.

    [Reply]

    Michael_DD8 Reply:

    @Ochoniko,

    Drew is better then Shea Weber..

  16. Real 7 says:

    Surprised to see Jake Muzzin on the list for rookie camp….possibly by his own choice….he seems like a determined young man…..I liked him last year, so it’ll be interesting to see what he brings this time around…

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Real 7, I think Muzzin is the best young defensemen we have in the system, followed closely by Voynov, Hickey, and Deslauriers. I think Forbert is going to be really good in the future as well.

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @puck73, A couple NHL ready names there. These are good problems. One could speculate, however that Lombardi is thinking on this very issue as it relates to Doughty’s contract status.

    I’m not saying any of these kids are anywhere near Doughty’s ballpark but it’s an interesting thought.

    [Reply]

    jacob Reply:

    @puck73, when we were rolling at the begining of the season muzzinloktionow and scheen were all playing and for rookies playing very well …… i believe dean and murray mishandled all three of them …. we quickly got all three off the team and we went downhill …. they lucked out with martinez – who is great …. but i thought muzzin looked great too ….. and shenn and lokti had spirit and young legs and speed this team needed ……… it was a mistake to jettison all three of those players …… lombardi and murray do not seem to like young players unfortunately , except for the ones they annoint ……. but anyways it all dosent matter now because martinex like muzzin is a stud so only one can play anyway (dump greene?) , and now shenn is gone anyway

    but just dont like the way murray and management handles young players … didnt like the way they handle parse , purcell , boyle ……. for example all this well if hes not a top 6 he cant play for us … thats his role …….. i feel these guys are out of touch ……. parse purcell dont need to play top 6 …. they can play 3rd or 4th lines and be just fine ……. for example … did u see whayt purcell did as a 4th and then promoted to third line in tampa … he was great for them …. i believe murray is out of touch , dean as well ……… i much prefer the style of dave tippet of phoenix ……. “we dont have a 1st line or a 4th line – they are all equal and the same , and expected to provide offense and play defense”

    i believe murray and lombardi operate under a model that was successful in the 70s , 80s, and 90s …….. but have not adapted to the fact that the nhl has changed , and it has gotten faster and more youthful , with younger players being the most successful ones and younger teams being the most succesful teams

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @jacob,

    Muzzin played well but when his play began to dip somewhat he was sent back to Manchester. Martinez was given a fair shot and siezed the opportunity to win the job outright. The play of Martinez was the only reason Muzzin wasn’t given another chance.
    Greene’s got the A on his jersey for a reason. IMO he had his best season last year as a King. There’s no need to move him out. He’s as steady as they come. He’s also the most physical of our D’men.

    Your point about DL/TM and how they deal with young players seems way off base.
    They gave a shot to Simmonds out of training camp a few years ago and he made the most of his opportunity and kept the job. Guys like Boyle, Purcell, etc were given opportunitites, but didn’t take advantage of them. A change of scenery seems to have helped both of them. That’s how it works in the NHL.
    Loktionov has gotten hurt each time the Kings have given him a chance. that’s not DL/TM’s fault. that’s just how it goes. I’m sure he’ll get another shot during camp to make the team. Hoepfully he does well and stays healthy.
    Scehnn in the opinion of management wasn’t ready for the NHL last season. I was hoping he’d make the team as well and stay with the club because I always like to see the young kids succeed, but that doesn’t mean it would have been the right move.
    Hypothetical….Schenn stayed with the club all season but struggled as many young kids do….Do you think we’d have been able to get Richards if that was the case?

    This is a Kings team that is now a cup contender. If the young kids struggle, we don’t have the luxury of keeping them around and babying them until they begin to produce.

    Stuart Reply:

    @jacob, careful Jacob, if you play a “top 6″ on a bottom line you’ll catch hell for “demoting” someone… :) jokes peeps.

    jacob Reply:

    @jacob, there was no reply thing under name ny kings fan so i reply here

    no, my point is u dont put all that pressure on boyle and purcell ..”well we drafted you and project you to be top 6 guys …. and right now we need top 6 talent so here is your shot , and you better produce” ….. thats unrealistic let them play a full season or two down on the third or fourth lines where they dont have that kind of pressure on them to score ….. just let them go out and play ……. like tampa did with purcell , no pressure to score on the fourth and third lines – and as the season progressed from him getting consistent ice time every night for a full season with no pressure to score – all of a sudden with about 25 – 30 games left purcell started to turn into a top 6 guy for tampa

    my point is i know they were given numerous opportunities here but it was …… play two three games in the top 6 with pressure to produce – then nothing happens and murray scrathes them for a game or two or three ….. then well lets try them again …. and repeat the cycle over and over … three or four games in with pressure in top 6 to produce – then nothing happens – so scratch them ……. and repeat this cycle over and over ………………… that was their numerous chances as you say ……………….. and im saying thats just flat out wrong for rookie types – just put them in non pressure 3rd or 4th line roles and let them get used to the game for a season – let them get used to how much faster it is playing with the big boys …….. and then like with purcel, gradually he will start get confidense and then his career can take off

    give them aseason to play in non pressure roles on the thrid or fourth lines just to get their feet wet … lokti, shenn,parse, purcell, boyle , moulson ……. and so after half a season like with purcel or a full season like with moulson and boyle, now they start to progress more rapidly ……. for example put lokti and parse down on the 3rd and 4th line with richie and clifford etc – dont have the attitude well parse and lokti will either play top 6 or go to manchester or be traded …. just let these guys play a year on the bottom lines just to get their confidense going and meanwhile we will reap the benefits of having guys like parse and lokti playing on lower lines, but who can still produce points and goals , probably 15 down there if u let them play all year ….. and thats what yur looking for in yur third or fourth liners production wise to be a great team ……… anyways enough said ….. i dont like how murray and lombardi handle the guys …. i just dont like it …… other teams started the players i loisted down lower with no presure all the while hoping they would turn into top 6 players and wala – its happening …….. sorry just dont like the way murray and lombardi handle them

    and no i wasnt too serious about dumping matt greene – i know he had a good season last year … i was just saying too bad their isnt a spot for both , and i mentioned greene because if a spot did open up right now for muzzin it would have to be greene traded because obviously the top 4 arent going anywhere …. but i realize that probably wont happen and greene played fine – just saying its too bad for muzzin

    and ps – …. i dont think muzzin struggled at all when he played ….. in my opinion just another example of how murray and lombardi – especially mmurray mishandles young players – one mistake and its scratch him or send him to manchester …… meanwhile drew doughty makes a million mistakes and was pretty much awful last year and not only is he never a healthy scratch to teach him a lesson – he was never even once benched for any amount of time during a game …. you dont think all the other young kids about doughtys age see this and shake their heads and have a negative feeling about the coach and the organization ………….. i know they do …….. its a total double standard

  17. Bill M. says:

    Yotes lock up Yandle – 5 years at $26 million. There’s our realistic market price on a top end puck mover. Just over five? Hopefully this gives people a real number to haggle over and it gets done quick. Might wait on weber though…

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Bill M.,
    I don’t know if Yandle is a good comparable for Drew. He could sign 10 minutes from now at a similar price and prove me wrong but I think your last sentence is probably more accurate.

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @Bill M.,

    Except Yandle’s about half as good as DD in D zone with 3 quarters of the hockey sense. People seem to forget that Doughty’s already checked the shi out of many players in his short career – something Yandle rarely does.

    [Reply]

    Puckn-A Reply:

    @John, He did outscore him by 19 points ;)

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @Puckn-A,

    Which doesn’t really mean a whole lot in relation to their defensive games – DD had 107 more hits. They’re pretty close players on the O side of things.

  18. Harry says:

    DL talking to Tambellini (Oilers GM) for another trade

    Hemsky for Hickey?

    What’s up with the Stamkos to LA rumors…LOL

    [Reply]

    OCKingsFan Reply:

    @Harry, Hahaha heard these rumors as well…Even though Eklund on hockeybuzz is always wrong, he has posted on hockeybuzz “KINGS MOVE?” he said he heard from a source that something is brewing in L.A. and is “digging”…interesting! Lol I will admit all of these rumors about trades and signings with the Kings this off season is way better than nothing going on! It keeps me on my toes and makes me check these sites at least 50 times a day lol

    [Reply]

    Bill M. Reply:

    @Harry, Stamkos for DD rumors are coming from Tampa fans realizing that they can’t win a cup with no defense.

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Bill M., Idk… they were most definitely in the thick of things not too long ago.

    [Reply]

    408kingsfan Reply:

    @Harry, They are still on talking terms?

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @408kingsfan,
    That’s what I would like to know and if there’s anymore damaged goods on Edmonton we haven’t traded for yet, it’s a sure bet that Hemsky is atop that list.

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @xeropoint,

    Hahaha you know damn well that’s Tambellini’s thinking!

  19. 408kingsfan says:

    Linden Vey tore up the Western Hockey League last year 46 goals 70 assists WOW!

    [Reply]

    Jefreyryan Reply:

    @408kingsfan, Me too and for tyler toffoli.

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @408kingsfan, Yeah, Kozun did the same two years ago. Doesn’t mean they’ll play NHL.

    Hate to say, size does matter in this tough sport. Hope they make it.

    [Reply]

    Who Knows? Reply:

    @Token, Tell that to Marty St. Louis.

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @Who Knows?, Yeah, and there’s at least 30 mini-Marties all over the league. /end sarcasm font

    Sorry but the numbers just don’t back it up.

    As I said, hope they turn out like MSL, but that’s the same as hoping they turn out like Crosby. Slim chance.

    Dominick Reply:

    @Token,
    Size doesn’t gaurentee anything either. Plenty of mammoths who never even donned an NHL jersey. At least the scoring is a legitimate reason to take a long hard look, and even be a little excited.

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @Dominick,

    See: Steve McKenna , Raitis Ivanans, etc.

    bobknob Reply:

    @Dominick,
    Guise,
    the point is that all else being equal, a bigger player is a better player. If st Louis were bigger, he’d be even better.

    Dominick Reply:

    @Bobknob,
    My bad, I didn’t read into that. Fair enough though, if Vey was 6’2″ 215lbs The Kings wouldn’t of drafted him 96th overall, and he wouldn’t be in Jr’s, but his relatively small size doesn’t mean that his numbers should be over looked, or dissmissed. Plenty of bigger players didn’t even score 1/2 that many points in the WHL. All I’m saying is the numbers are worth being excited about.

    PP Anybody? Reply:

    @Token, Vey is 6 ft., Kozun is 5’8″ with his skates on. I think Vey has a few more inches in chance that his game might translate to the NHL later.

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @PP Anybody?, My Bad, I was thinking Weal. Ignore the old man.

    Robert Reply:

    @PP Anybody?,

    Wayne “The Great One” Gretzky, is listed at 6 feet tall. Most of the time, the listings are slightly over the actual height.

    Thankfully, as my girlfriend will tell you, size doesn’t always matter… but it sure helps!

    IceGuy Reply:

    @Token,
    Size matterrs? Really? Two words for you – Dustin Penner.
    Next.

    [Reply]

    Jefreyryan Reply:

    @408kingsfan, stupid dyslexia… Sorry i read that wrong.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @408kingsfan, Saw Linden Vey at training camp last season and he was the invisible man, he didnt do anything special against our younger prospects, where as Robbie Czarnik and Brandon Kozun looked very good. It has been a year, so lets see what the kid looks like now. I remember for years Trevor Lewis was starting to look like a bust, now you cant get the kid out of the lineup so we will season if Vey has improved enough to impress this year. At the very least, he will go to Manchester, and in the good hands of Mark Morris and his staff….That’s always a good thing !

    [Reply]

    PP Anybody? Reply:

    @puck73, I would still call Lewis a bust. A first round pick shouldn’t take 4 years to make your 4th line. Not to say he doesn’t make a decent 4th liner, but some 5th round draft choice should be taking a spot like that, not your 1st.

    [Reply]

  20. dMan says:

    @dMan, anybody know how many picks the Kings would lose if they tendered an offer to Stamkos?

    If they can sign Doughty to a very long term (read lifelong – 12-15 years) contract and get Stamkos (though not sure where he would fit in) the next 5-6 years would be pretty solid.

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @dMan, There are good recources for this but I have to ask…

    You’re scenario is the Kings get Doughty on a lifetime deal AND somehow pry away Stamkos, too?

    For offer sheet compensation, look here:

    http://spector.yardbarker.com/blog/spector/nhl_2011_free_agent_compensation_chart/4809364

    [Reply]

    dMan Reply:

    @xeropoint, just speculatin’ I don’t see this happening at all.

    [Reply]

    408kingsfan Reply:

    @dMan, That would give us all the fire power anyone could handle.

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @408kingsfan, It would be a roster with 1 Drew Doughty, 1 Steven Stamkos and 18 Kevin Westgarths.

    [Reply]

    chip Reply:

    @xeropoint,
    And every shift ending in three players heading to the box, clapping their hands…

    McDonalds Reply:

    @xeropoint,

    lol

    regulate Reply:

    @dMan,

    That would be all fine and dandy if the salary cap was 75 million.

    [Reply]

    dMan Reply:

    @regulate, exactly. I don’t believe it.

    [Reply]

    dMan Reply:

    @dMan, my original post seems to have disappeared, probably because I mentioned the soruce of the rumors. Rich?

    This post then will be taken out of context!

    [Reply]

  21. Kingstane9 says:

    the strongest prospects here (my take): Muzzin, Jones, Gregorc,…ok, Vey, Toffoli, Weal and Kozun obviously are in that category as well.

    [Reply]

    Mark Reply:

    @Kingstane9, Add Holloway

    [Reply]

    Kingstane9 Reply:

    @Mark, agreed in general, but I can’t. He’s not attending this camp, I believe..

    [Reply]

  22. dwave says:

    God, I hate Bailey so much sometimes lol

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @dwave,
    Why did you drink too much of it? I like the Irish mint myself.

    [Reply]

  23. xeropoint says:

    Doughty’s so selfish, he hijacked the prospects thread! ;)

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @xeropoint,

    like you said, we’ll get’r done..

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @jess, (DD signed)

    [Reply]

  24. Ravens says:

    I know I already mentioned something earlier on this topic but the more I look at un-drafted RW Rob Mignardi the more I like he’s 6’1″ over 200 LBS and he was third in scoring on a great Owen Sound Attack team, only 7 less goals than #17 overall 2009 draft pick Joey Hishon. could be a real diamond in the ruff

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Ravens, I’m not up to speed on any of these guys but there has to be some reason this kid dropped even if the stats are close, right?

    [Reply]

  25. Kings4Me says:

    Back to the prospects. Where is Maxim Kitsyn? I was looking forward to seeing him this year.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Kings4Me,

    According to quisp, russia.

    [Reply]

    Real 7 Reply:

    @Kings4Me, “I score goals” will be heard from….I figure between him, Toffoli & Kozun, they’re good for 75 goals….not sure when or what league though…

    [Reply]

    Ravens Reply:

    @Kings4Me, Kitsyn is going to honor his contract with the KHL and play for one year there, I’m assuming he will come back, the kid seems to keep his word to everyone, inlcuding “I Score Z Goals” lets hope he continues to be the kind of person he has shown so far, and comes back to be the next Frolov x 2 squared

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @Ravens, In post komunist Raaaassia, boy become man after serve army by plaaaying hokey for Siberian mining klub.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Token,

    “Club” ;)

    Token Reply:

    @Token, Sorry comrade DessertTzar, forgot to uze broken Raaaaassian accent font!

    :)

  26. DesertKing says:

    I am looking forward to watching the progress of Toffoli. I only know what I have learned from everyone on the Insider, but he definitely is a goal scoring machine. I wil be interested to see if his shooting and scoring ability translate from the minors to the NHL. It is very obvious that he isn’t afraid to take the shot and he is definitely capable of burying it.

    [Reply]

    jdm1977 Reply:

    @DesertKing, I’m probably more excited about Toffoli than anyone else. I’ve read he aleready has an NHL release. It’s been a while since we’ve had a pure goal scorer.

    [Reply]

    mcdangles Reply:

    @jdm1977, Toffoli has an NHL shot, he can score and he has that same knack to be at the right place 10-15 feet in front of the net like #20 did for the Kings year after year. I will be there next Tuesday to see my fellow Scarberian-Torontonian…

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @mcdangles,

    Since I wear a #20 jersey to the games, I am really glad to hear that assessment of Toffoli’s scoring ability.

  27. Osaka says:

    All the people who hate to read negative comments about DD haven’t had to stomach 1/100th of the negativity TM supports have. Hahahaha. Come on guys, remember not to take ourselves too serious. Our opinions don’t change anything.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Osaka, I’m sure I’ve contributed greatly to the TM bashing comments. Mabye I’m number 1 on that list. LOL. You’re welcome!

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @CB14,

    I never single out players (waste of time) but I think I got you beat on the TM bashing although I have made a half ass promise to myself to keep it to a minimum this year ;)

    @Osaka Dude you were right about boston! I happily ate some crow on that one:)

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @jess, Lets put it this way, you’re 1A like Kopi, I’m 1B like Richards. Fair?

    Osaka Reply:

    @CB14, I give you the crown on TM hate. Hahahaha We did have some good “discussions” didn’t we ;) It’s made me stronger.

    Seriously you always try to back up what you say with facts so I have respect for you bro. I have no problems! Once we get pass TM I found us saying the same things most of the time.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Osaka, Yeah, I have the same respect for you as well! It is a little odd that we agree with most everything else, except for TM. That’s what makes it fun. If we all agreed with each other, this would be a pretty boring comments section in the down times when there isn’t much to discuss.

    That last sentence wasn’t referring to your blog Rich, just the posts between all of us commenters on days when not much is happening in Kings hockey.

  28. John says:

    Anybody have any insight into how Robert Czarnik’s development is coming along?

    I seem to remember he was projected as a bottom 6 defensive forward (just what we’re looking for).

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @John, he was sent back to minors last year. Strength was his downside.

    [Reply]

  29. Andrew says:

    Lol Eklund cracks me up, saying Stamkos for Doughty and JB, silly Ek leave the rumors to the fans. I dont even think i could have made that one up in nhl11

    [Reply]

  30. Andrew says:

    btw Doughty will be the last King to wear the number 8, Source- my brain. We as Kings fans love to take shots at people for what? Taking time to make sure a deal benfits everyone, we sign him for 10 years and have some crazy contract and be tied up for years to come. Like it our not he is just as big (or bigger) as Kopi, JJ, DB to this team. This is the Lindstrom of this generation, be happy he’s a King. One thing i will say is, he needs to realize Hockey comes first, its your job, you single, no kids, he needs to be a gym rat this offseason. anyways thats just my two cents. Have a nice one everybody

    [Reply]

    Andrew Reply:

    @Andrew, also everyone calling for Penners head, easy now they guy was brought to play with kopi and he did it very well till kopi went down. Hes not a make your own play type guy, hes a right time right place guy.. his conditioning needs to be 100X better, which from what i can find he has been in the gym all summer long so far.

    [Reply]

    Sammuch Reply:

    @Andrew,
    I agree with a lot what you said. I just have this feeling its going to go down to the start of the season. DD should prove he can do the big boy job too! Do a two year and show us you are a 7 millom dollar man. Sign for 12 mil for now for 2 years. You might make 8 mil a year if he proves everyone wrong 2 years from now…

    [Reply]

    FKA PakiFro Reply:

    @Sammuch,

    And what if the CBA is all torn up and re-written next year? Doughty might end up a free agent depending on the new rules. I think a lot of this has to do with Dean Lombardi making sure he’s protected regardless of the new CBA. When Lombardi said yesterday that he wants to make sure its done right, it tells me theres more to it than just Doughty being a spoiled brat. I kind of wish either side wouldn’t say anything at all about it untill its done.

    [Reply]

    Andrew Reply:

    @Sammuch, Like what JJ and Ak they both did a 2-3 year deal and proved what they can do then resign for longer?

    [Reply]

  31. Royal Purple says:

    Brandon Kozun will be a fan favorite if he gets a shot to play here in LA. IMO he was one of the stand out players in last years development camp. He’s got no size, but tremendous speed and hands. He fits the high energy style of the kings too, playing much bigger than his listed 5’8″. Plus he’s a LA kid. Hope he gets a shot this season, and puts some pucks in the net.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Royal Purple, He definately has speed and skill, that was on display at training camp last season. Also, for his first season in Manchester playing against grown men he put up 23 goals and was a plus player. If he keeps progressing the way he has been it is very possible we may see this guy in the the next 1 to 2 seasons in the NHL.

    [Reply]

    Royal Purple Reply:

    @puck73, Yeah unfortunately there aren’t many roster spots available. It’s a welcome sign for Kings fans though. Hope he makes an impression in camp again. If so we’ll see him in a Kings jersey in a couple years. Glad too see others have noticed his skill set as well! GKG!

    [Reply]

    rontheking Reply:

    @Royal Purple,

    I’m rooting for him too.

    The bad news is that as of right now he is all of 156 pounds and built like a mosquito.

    The good news is that mosquitoes are annoying as hell and almost impossible to swat until they stop moving. I am hoping he fills out a little and becomes at least as big as a gnat on steroids….

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @Royal Purple, He stuck around for a long time in camp last year. I think he was cut in the final round of cuts at the big training camp.

    I’m bummed I don’t get to see them this year. Working in San Jose. :(

    [Reply]

    Royal Purple Reply:

    @Token, I lived in San Jose for a couple years too. Worst hockey years of my life! I mean who wants to watch Thorton on TV every night. :/. Good thing you can catch nearly every game online these days. Keep your head up man. Just be sure to be home for the parade!

    [Reply]

    Bill M. Reply:

    @Royal Purple, Definitely want to see this guy make it. he’s small, but he reminds me a lot of St. Louis – great hands, wicked shot, major wheels, and a tenacity that will go along way to overcoming his size.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Royal Purple, I’m really looking forward to seeing this little guy. It is very hard just to get to the AHL with that kind of size let alone the NHL. He has to be some kind of talent. I used to marvel at Marcel Dionne who was another very small player that was amazing.

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @Royal Purple, Oscar was a step ahead of everyone last year. Like Kozan, he has to be a top 6 guy.

    [Reply]

  32. jacob says:

    i hear casey anthony is a free agent now , maybe dean will give her a tryout

    [Reply]

  33. BigMikeonD says:

    Can we stop with all the ridiculous trade DD talk. He is the next great D man ala Niedermayer or Borque. Give the kid a chance. This is the business time of the year. He will get his contract, show up in shape and everyone will be glad he did. Do you really think we will ever get any veteran players to come here if we trade away a potential superstar over a RFA contract? Give it a chance. Stop already. The kid just turned 21. He should be playing in Socal for a long time.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @BigMikeonD, That’s the plan I am sure. That being said, I dont think him being a holdout for the entire summer would be good either, the reason..It would be a Big distraction for the players, the coaching staff, and Management. They dont need to keep hearing..when is Doughty going to be signed. That does nobody any good. Also, Drew and his agent better be careful because if this goes thru the whole summer, Drew may find himself…#A Missing a whole season of hockey which would slow his development or #B Traded to another team, possibly a non playoff one, and who knows, maybe he has wanted to play for the Kings his whole life and right now he is playing Russian Roulette with DL. As much as I like Drew, I like the Kings even more, and if this becomes a distraction all the way to training camp then he needs to be moved so the other players who are serious, and are competing for jobs can concentrate.

    [Reply]

    Scot Reply:

    @puck73,

    Well said. Sure hope it doesn’t come down to that.

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @puck73, sorry puck73 I usually see things similar to the way you do, but I think you are way off on this one. His contract situation has no bearing on any other player, the coaching staff, or the front office. He is not the first player to go through contract negos, and for God’s sake , its July 6th!!! He’s NOT going to be traded, sit out a season, sign an offer sheet with anyone else or go play anywhere else. Even if the negos went as long as into camp, which there is no way they will, it SHOULD NOT be a distraction to the other players. That would be an excuse that I, nor I’m sure you would want to hear from any player or coach. I do agree that no one is bigger than the team, but Drew Doughty is not your average talent. I’m shocked at how much drama some are creating on this blog because Doughty has not signed a contract yet…..

    [Reply]

  34. Harry says:

    When are we going to trade Kompon? I think that would be the best trade ever.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Harry,

    I suggest you package him with Casey Anthony as Jacob stated above and then give them away for nothing, maybe even pay someone to take them. When i saw that they sent to Kompon to the meeting with BR, I knew that deal was dead. I don’t think anyone wants to play on our PP the way it is currently implemented.

    [Reply]

    Harry Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    I totally agree.

    [Reply]

    Scot Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    Well like you said yesterday, it ended up being a blessing we didn’t sign Brad Richards.

    I think 3 summers in a row now, a big free agent has serendipitously signed with another team instead of the Kings. Brad Richards most recently, Kovalchuk last Summer, and Marian Hossa the year before that. I really wanted Hossa at the time, but I had no idea he was going to get THAT contract from Chicago. When he did, I was so happy he didn’t sign here. I don’t think DL offers those ridiculous contracts, and we should be thankful for that. Hossa got 12 years, I think DL offered him 8 years for a lesser cap hit. In Dean we trust.

    [Reply]

  35. BrokeKingsFan says:

    looks to me like Linden Vey, Jordan Weal, and Tyler Taffoli are STUDS!!!!! they have some pretty gaudy #’s to say the least. Im hopeing that can traslate over to the NHL and if so we will be stacked for alot longer than i previously thought.

    [Reply]

    Bill M. Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, Toffoli has an NHL quality shot already, and decent wheels. I think for him it’s just a matter of experience – time learning to play a complete game.

    [Reply]

    mcdangles Reply:

    @Bill M., unless……they trade these prospects the next year or two. They traded

    [Reply]

    mcdangles Reply:

    @mcdangles, Schenn, which, was a mistake. The Kings do not know how to hold onto their draft picks that they have drafted the last 3-4 years. Is it me or do they just give up on developing these young men and trade them after they are in the Kings organization for only 2-43 years??

    mcdangles Reply:

    @mcdangles, meant 2-3 years ^^^

  36. Sebastian says:

    I dont see Justin Azevedo on that list….is he too old or did they give up on him. the guy is pretty small but skilled.

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @Sebastian,

    It’s probably because he’s played a couple seasons in Man – he’s graduated from “prospect” to “rookie”.

    [Reply]

  37. Bama Kings says:

    A lot of solid young talen in there. . .

    [Reply]

  38. Scot says:

    Jamie Langenbrunner signed with the Blues, for those like me who wanted him in LA.

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @Scot,

    THANK GOD we can’t talk about getting him anymore ;)

    [Reply]

    Scot Reply:

    @John,

    Lol. I definitely was in the minority on that one.

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @Scot,

    Nah, it wouldn’t have been a bad pick up, in all honestly. I just question how much he has left in the tank. And I like that we’ve been getting younger this off summer ya know

    Sebastian Reply:

    @Scot, good…no more speculation. The Kings have all the personnel they need to start the season.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Scot, He is washed up. As soon as New Jersey traded him they went on a massive winning streak and nearly claimed a playoff spot after that horrible start they got off to when he was around.

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @puck73,

    I actually see NJ nearly making the playoffs because they brought/got the old coach back. Once he instituted his own systems the club responded remarkably. Amazing what human confidence in one person can accomplish.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Kingsfanone, Jacques Lemaire did a great job, but remember, Langennbrunner was moved at the same time and he is clearly not what he once was, hence..he wasnt signed until now. You could also say the same about Jason Arnott.

  39. IceGuy says:

    DD will be signed, no worries. Right now it’s about business, not hockey.
    Assuming that though, who are the people with the most adjustments to make for the upcoming season?

    1. Terry Murray.
    For the first time while the Kings coach, he has solid offensive Lines. No matter the combinations of Lines 1, 2 and 2/3s of Line 3 (my vote was Cliffy and Stoll there). Can he manage to tweak his “system” to accommodate the talents of his players, rather than the opposite approaching – forcing someone to be something they are not? Yes, you can teach Kopi defense because he’s young, but Richards and Gagne are vets, having developed their basic skill sets and styles in the hot cauldron of nightly NHL play. And, he’s going to have to decide if he is going to build the squad based on “energy” and “stopper” lines, or if he’ll commit to rolling 4 lines throughout a game.
    The team was excellent last year in holding leads in the 3rd Period. Why? Good team defense is one reason, but the other, in my estimation, was the overall toughness of the team. When the opposition gets slammed around for Periods 1 and 2, they’re hurtin’ Dudes for 3. Physicality does take its toll. Example: Brownie is making a career out of that approach. So if you have Brown on one line, Richards on another and Clifford on another, when does the opposition get a break. They don’t. And if you roll 4 lines, and even out the minutes, everyone has fresh legs when it counts the most – the end of the game.
    If Murray can adjust the battle plan to be offensive in 1 and 2, get a lead, then use the 3rd as his beloved defensive approach, watch out for the Kings. Actually, management ought to make a deal to have Jimmy announce, “And now, to bring you the play by play for the 3rd Period, it’s Target Time, and here’s Bob Miller.”

    2. Dustin Penner.
    He gets the new handle of “Tin Man” from me until further notice. The guy needs to learn to play with heart. He was a big fish in a small pond with the Oilers, but the Kings are a vastly different group and play as a team. He got exposed in the worst possible way after Kopi went down – on the ice, in front of everyone. The question is can he get his head into the game? Success is going to be a combination of that and Murray figuring out a way to light a fire under him. Maybe add a dash of attitude from Brown and Richards, too. A spot on Lines 1 and 2 is in no way assured for Penner. He’d better understand that there are guys rated below him that will fight and claw their way into Murray’s “good house” to take his spot. I’m hoping he understands that, and comes to camp on fire, ready to prove to me and others that he’s deserving of a reputation of a top 6 NHL player.

    3. Jamie Kompon
    Yikes! Who wants to be in his position? He’s either going to finally figure out how to run the Power Play, or the only reason he’ll be behind the bench is for handing out towels and hockey sticks.

    4. Kevin Westgarth
    He did show some real improvement in the Playoffs, but really not enough to justify his playing 3-5 minutes in the games he’s in. That little ice time is forcing another forward to cover his position, i.e. double shifting. He’s got to find a way to contribute more, or Murray will continue taking heat for inserting him into the lineup as a “deterrent”.

    5. (yes, finally specific to this Blog section) The Bottom Four
    I’m thinking that Forwards 1-8 are pretty much in place. That leaves a 3rd RW and Line 4 open. Lombardi has done really well in building the team, especially with the potential we now have with recent trades and Free Agents. But he has also left the door open for younger guys to fight for their spot on the roster. This is exactly the way to build a franchise long term – always having room for the next surprise coming up through Manchester. The kids who are coming to camp next week are all looking at what Martinez and Clifford did last year. Those two are the real heroes and inspiration of the young guns. “They made it. I can make it!” And, as fortune would have it, there’s a hero for the offense AND the defense!
    This rookie camp is going to be one huge opportunity for someone, and that opportunity rests on the shoulders of guys who want to succeed and prove their worth. Great motivation.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @IceGuy,

    good stuff

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @IceGuy,

    Excellent analysis and couldn’t have said it better!

    [Reply]

  40. kfan says:

    The Kings future looks really bright with all the yong talent coming up… Kitzin,Kozun,Vey,Toffoli,Holloway,Forbort.. Just to named a few,they will be great additions to the team one day and i feel that day’s very close…. The Kings have put a pretty good team together right now.. On Doughty, i know he wants to set himself up for his career and life with a hefty contract… Who wouldn’t?… I’m hearing 12-15 years/ $100 million.. If it is for $100 mil. I’m hoping it’s for 15 years and a lesser cap hit.. Help me out guys…. Is that around 6.6 a year cap wise?… That’s not to bad for keeping Doughty for all of his career.. On to Stamkos…. Now everyone would love to have this guy,great great player and great for marketing, but to trade who i’ve read to get his this guy.. I’m Mike Richards,who we traded Schenn and Simmer + a pick… So that is 3 players for 1 which left a hole on RW / 3rd line… And Jack Johnson ( who had a great season ) and/or Jon Bernier.. But Stamkos contract is to much to carry and you have 3 pretty good players that have affodable contracts MR/JJ and JB …. Hemsky?.. even with his injuries i feel he would be a good fit,if you would at his last 6 years,even his last 2 years with injuries.. He’s an almost a point per game player and put him with Stoll… And if they have decent seasons?.. Well maybe they’ll re-sign with the team.. Both are great 3rd line players w/speed.. Another player rumoured and another player that would be a good fit is David Booth..Couldn’t be no worst than Penner,but Penner did come over late in the seasoin and had to learn a new system and new linemates..He did show signs why the Kings traded for him,but he did show signs of WHY did they traded for him.. But new season and a full season,time will tell… It all begin with a decent contract of Doughty,keeping JJ nd Richards,trading Hickey + pick for Hemsky or/and Booth… ( like to see both ) … would make the Kings very solid all the round…………

    [Reply]

    jacob Reply:

    @kfan, hemskys not a third line guy …. hes a top 6 guy veteran …. he wouldnt be playing with stoll …. id love to have him though in our top 6 plying with kopi instead of penner …….. but it makes too much sense , so dont hold yur breath – it wont happen …. this is the kings after all ….. they didnt become clipper like for making smart moves ………. sweet logo on your new jerseys kings – not ….. (lol not) ………… i think its probably the ugliest logo ive ever seen in my life …………. so u see, this is the kings doing something one would think has to be done and is common sense (getting rid of that awful logo) …… but hey , this is the kings …. the clippers of the nhl …. so of course instead of getting rid of that logo , they actually make it their new permanent logo and not on just their third jersey

    lol … we are the kings … i mean clippers …. for a reason ….. its boneheaded player transactions for 40 plus years and off ice decisions like this about the logo …. that cement us as the clippers of the nhl

    [Reply]

  41. Soccerhockey says:

    Are we allowed to watch the prospects practice? Any info on El Segundo?

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @Soccerhockey, it is free, parking is free,

    [Reply]

  42. Harty says:

    go Jordan Nolan go……….

    He’s big, can skate, the question is can he compete at this level??

    Harty

    [Reply]

Leave a Reply