Trevor Lewis signed: 2 years, $1.45 million

The Kings announced that they have signed forward Trevor Lewis, who had been a restricted free agent, to a two-year contract worth a total of $1.45 million ($725,000 salary-cap hit per season). Lewis totaled three goals and 10 assists in 72 games last season and was considered most valuable for his versatility (he can play center and both wings) and his penalty-killing ability.

[UPDATE: The Kings have also signed Marc-Andre Cliche, Rich Clune, David Meckler, Andrew Campbell, Patrick Mullen and Jeff Zatkoff to one-year contracts. Among restricted free agents, that leaves Drew Doughty, Corey Elkins and Bud Holloway unsigned.]

[UPDATE 2: Corey Elkins' agent, Scott Norton, posted on Twitter that Elkins ``will not be signing back with the Kings for another season,'' and said Elkins might play in Europe. Elkins played three games for the Kings in 2009-10 (with one goal) and played with Manchester last season, with 18 goals and 26 assists in 76 games.]

193 Comments

  1. Oscar Moller's Beard says:

    Now all we have left is Doughty!

    [Reply]

    USHA#17 Reply:

    @Oscar Moller’s Beard,

    …and Holloway

    [Reply]

    Oscar Moller's Beard Reply:

    @USHA#17, Who cares about him! He will be a career minor league player. Don’t get mad about that comment, it’s the truth.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Oscar Moller’s Beard, That post is very Ironic. A name that is in honor of a likely career Swedish Elite league player talking down upon a player for likely being a career minor league player. LOL. I realize it’s just a name, but it’s funny seeing you make that statement about Holloway with your name being what it is. That’s not a knock on you, you’re probably right about Holloway, I just find it funny because of the name you have choosen. At least in Moller’s case he played in the NHL.

    LBlocal Reply:

    @Oscar Moller’s Beard, With respect. YOU KNOW NOTHING about ‘GWG’, “The Cowboy” Bud Holloway. AKA BIG GAME BUD.

    gKg!

    vindogla Reply:

    @Oscar Moller’s Beard,

    In all fairness, Holloway is a 3rd rounder #86 by the Kings in 2006. He put up 61 points in Manchester last year and is 6’0″ – 201 lbs. at 23 years old. RWinger, too.

    Maybe you shouldn’t gloss over or write off players so easily. Just sayin’.

    USHA#17 Reply:

    @Oscar Moller’s Beard,

    Really?

    Moller's Missing Tooth Reply:

    @Oscar Moller’s Beard,

    Bud has the talent to play in the NHL but he has not yet displayed the work ethic and on-ice commitment. He does not back-check, fight in the corners, etc. the way that LA Kings are expected to do. So if he doesn’t get his act together, you’ll be right. He’s a great kid, so I hope he gets it together. @LBLocal is right about his talent.

    DLB Reply:

    Oscar Moller, get in here and defend Bud’s honor! Your beard has gone rogue!

    39scars Reply:

    @Oscar Moller’s Beard, OMs beard is the only item thinner than ur statement

    Spanky Reply:

    @Oscar Moller’s Beard, When Luc was drafted…he was in the what…5 th round?

    [Reply]

    Oscar Moller's Beard Reply:

    Well I guess I lost that battle;D What I’m saying is that Holloway isn’t very important. He hasn’t proved himself to be an NHL player so IMO, im only looking forward for the signing of Doughty. Not Holloway. ‘Sorry if I offended you guys’, I just don’t think of him as an All Star like you guys!

    [Reply]

  2. KingsGuy says:

    I wonder who that “8ther Guy” is? Ha.

    Glad to see Lewis on board.

    [Reply]

    Scot Reply:

    @KingsGuy,

    Haha. I mean. 8a8a.

    [Reply]

  3. Vahe says:

    I’m guessing a 1.0 – 1.2 mill per

    [Reply]

    puddle Reply:

    @Vahe, I doubt it’s that high. I’m guessing something around the $800-$850k range. I don’t think he’s made Richardson money yet.

    [Reply]

    Vahe Reply:

    @puddle, you were right on that one!!

    [Reply]

    puddle Reply:

    @Vahe, Even I was too high! Good deal for the Kings I think!

    CB14 Reply:

    @Vahe, I thought the same thing about Martinez and then he “only” got 737,500 per year. Richardson got 1,175,000 per year, and he’s a 6 year vet while Lewis has only played 1 year, so I don’t see Lewis getting over 1 million per year. Just a guess.

    [Reply]

  4. Sebastian says:

    nice…roster is now up to 21…when Doughty signs that makes 22, and then one more (Harrold type) player and were ready for the season to start.

    [Reply]

  5. With Karmageddon about to be underway…

    Yeah, I like this.

    [Reply]

  6. Ziggy says:

    Rich is clearly alluding to the great Johan Fransson.

    [Reply]

    Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:

    @Ziggy, Is Johan done as a King? Last year we loaned him to the KHL, but is he ours anymore?

    [Reply]

    USHA#17 Reply:

    @Kings win, Ducks lose,

    Think he’ll stay in Europe with Oscar.

    [Reply]

  7. KH says:

    Love Trevor, hope he can step up on the 3rd line as RW with stoll and Clifford and put some points up.

    [Reply]

    Eric Reply:

    @KH,

    Out of curiosity, what do you “love” about Lewis’ game?

    [Reply]

    Anjin Reply:

    @Eric, Speaking only for myself..his work ethic and versatility.

    [Reply]

    Eric Reply:

    @Anjin,

    But, its nothing special right? To me, he’s a nice player, but a dime a dozen…

    Mark Reply:

    @Eric, Dude can skate, Plays with energy, plays a responsible two way game. I like him too. It looked like he was just starting to get comfortable. Showed a bit of an offensive flare with a couple of nice plays assisting on a few goals there near the end. Hope he can continue to build on it and add some more offense.

    [Reply]

    Eric Reply:

    @Mark,

    I would have preferred a guy like Konopka to center the fourth line, but oh well… Ottawa killed that dream …

    DougS Reply:

    @Eric,
    Speed (of which the Kings could use more), unusual defensive savvy (he was a good, smart PK forward), with some offensive potential. Needs to get better at face-offs, but he’s not that bad now. He’s young, so there is still time for him to improve and round out his game. I see his upside as another Eric Belanger.

    If you consider that to be “nothing special,” that’s up to you. I think his strengths are not to be taken for granted, and that he’s a bargain at $750k/season. Also, see comments below for why retaining Lewis is a good thing.

    [Reply]

    Eric Reply:

    @DougS,

    I agree with what you’re saying to a certain extent, but I just don’t understand the love affair with Lewis. Clifford I understand. Kopitar, Brown, Greene, etc… He hasn’t proven anything to me besides being a steady fourth liner…

    Crown Royal Reply:

    @DougS,

    Lewis does provide speed and some versatiliy to the lineup. He’s improving as a penalty killer and can be a solid third or fourth line player for years to come. As you rightly pointed out he needs to improve on faceoffs.

    However, when I see bloggers here comparing him to Belanger I must take exception. Belanger is the more talented player who had a shot at being a legitimate top six forward but injures and the way the Kings used him held him back. Lewis lacks puck skills and is no goal scorer. He does not have the talent and will never be a top six forward.

    swedishassasin Reply:

    @DougS,
    if you dont think this kid can score or have any offensive ability youre wrong. in juniors lewie was a scoring machine. but i dont think the kings resigned him to score they resigned him for defensive game. when you have the likes if kopitar richards and stoll done the middle thats a lot of offensive skill right there.
    lewie compared to belanger is a for sure a fair comparison look at there numbers and lewie is in the same position as belanger was after his rookie season.

    BobKnob Reply:

    @Crown Royal,
    He is already a good PK’er.

    Eric,
    what do you want? Gretzky? He’s young, cheap, versatile, speedy, has untapped talent, is defensively sound, and he’s adapted to the NHL game. What else do you want? How can you not like him? And he clearly has room to improve. Last season was not his ceiling.

    KC23 Reply:

    @Eric, Probably fair question. Good PK and defensive players are not really a dime a dozen. Not to mention one that can play both wings and center.

    [Reply]

    Crown Royal Reply:

    @swedishassasin,

    Trying to compare the USHL to pro hockey in terms of scoring just doesn’t wash. As soon as he got to Manchester his scoring ability went way down. He’s no sniper and lacks top end puck skills. He’s a very good but not great skater. He’s not a power forward. Where is his scoring going to come from?

    40 year fan Reply:

    @Eric, I think you have to look at how far he has come in a few years and project that for the next few years. He is still very young, has a heart that’s huge and has done everything asked of him while being moved around like a pin ball. I look forward to this year and think he can have a break out season with a consistency of linemates.

    Even ifhe doesn’t rack up a lot of goals, his play on the PK justifies both his pay and position on this team.

    [Reply]

    PP Anybody? Reply:

    @40 year fan, I think you have to look at the fact that he was a first round draft pick, and it has taken several years for him to even make it to being a fourth line regular. I don’t hate the guy, but I see where Eric is coming from. If anything, he’s a plug in player, and is okay to have but isn’t anything to be excited about.

    Osaka Reply:

    @PP Anyone?

    I think fans read too much into the whole 1st round thing in the NHL. First he was a late first round pick, not like a top 5. Second only 60 percent of 1st round players play 200 games in the NHL so it is no lock. Remember NHL drafts 18 year olds, not like the NFL draft. Lewis I don’t belive was ever projected to be a 1st line player, your expectation of him were not the same as the guys who drafted him. He never put up big offensive numbers at any level. Think more of Kris Draper type of player. Would you say Draper is a dime a dozen type player, a “plug in”? 17 years with the Red Wings, 4 Stanley Cups, a Selke trophy….. A player that excels at his possition (even a stopper role) is not a “plug in”.

    Osaka Reply:

    @Eric, He has great speed, great work ethic, developing offesive upside, and very strong defensively. He can play center or wing in different situations so I think he is very valuable. If I had to pick Lewis or Richards I would choose Lewis. I don’t think his type of player is a dime a dozen. I see him as an Eric Belanger type of guy and that is a valuable asset. Every winning team has this type of player.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Osaka, You forgot the “on” on the end of Richards(on). I agree with you about Lewis over Richardson. Neither are top 6 forwards, so I would rather have the one who’s better defensively.

    Osaka Reply:

    @Osaka, I meant Richardson. I wouldn’t take Lewis over Mike Richards.

    Chris Reply:

    @Eric,

    Lewis was one of the reasons out PK was as good as it was. He learned alot from Handzuz and if you put him with skilled players he can pass well and score. I very good reason to sign a kid like Trevor Lewis. A bargain in comparison to Handzus…

    [Reply]

    jonjon Reply:

    @Eric, his first year he proved he can grow at this level at all three positions. i put him above kopitar as far as penalty killing. his angling, back pressure and footwork are second to none and he is a key asset on this team and a major reason we shut down the sharks PP in the playoffs, not to mention he can help on our PP when needed. so only one year and he’s got his defensive game under him, all he’s missing is a better FO%. im pretty sure a player who can fit into pretty much every role for his team isnt “dime a dozen”.

    jet Reply:

    @Eric, The guy has the ability to get quality looks in tight games. he just needs to work on the finish. I would like him to hit 5% this season.

    [Reply]

    Kings x Reply:

    @Eric, he’s a role player type like richardson…a character guy…you need guys like this…well rounded and versatile…can be plugged into any situation….may not be spectacular, but they do their job…

    [Reply]

    crashin' da net Reply:

    @Eric, lewis probably has the most upside potential of anyone on the team. mark my words, breakout year for him. Fast good-visioned 2-way player that mafter last season has gained plenty of confidence. He’s gonna start picking his spots and hitting the twine. He’ll have more goals and play more games than Clifford that’s for sure. I’m expoecting high points and high teens in goals. DL got a real bargain on this one for two years. Wow!

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @crashin’ da net,
    Love the enthusiasm. I think people forget that it was his first full season. Seriously, some want the whole ball of wax right out of the gate or the guy gets labeled a dime a dozen. The guys a 4rth liner, playing the role that fits for him right now. He’s not a 1rst line center, expected to play 20 minutes a game, so there’s plenty of room for him to grow. He’ll get better, and he’s coachable, so there’s still time to develope his offensive game.

    I guess it doesn’t really matter what unreal expectations people have for a young rookie 4rth line center, because DL’s already made the commitment, and Lewis is here to stay for at least 2 years. So I’m with you.

    Eric Reply:

    @crashin’ da net,

    He wasn’t scoring in the AHL, so what makes you think he’ll score at the NHL level?

    BobKnob Reply:

    @Eric,
    He’s a better player now, and he has room to improve. I think that about covers it. You’re assuming he’s hit his ceiling, everyone else sees someone who got better as he gained confidence and has skill that will show once he gains more confidence and experience.

    Player-X Reply:

    @Eric, First off, if you are gonna talk about Trevor Lewis and his relative value to the team, it kinda only makes sense to consider his worth of play per salary dollar. For the money, Lewis is an excellent value. He fills RW3, RW4, C4 and could even cover C3 in an -in-game emergency. He is a good penalty killer. Those are many roles for a ridiculously low amount of money.

    However, here are the downsides to Lewis, and they are significant; he was not just mediocre at faceoffs, he was plain awful. I looked it up a week ago or so, he 39.2 percent in 358 chances. That is a terrific vulnerability. Any comparison with Eric Belanger has to start with Belanger’s stat-55.3 at faceoffs. Lewis has shown zero ability to finish, he is not a sniper, he is not a journeyman putting up 10 goals and taking some fighting minutes to relieve the heavyweight, he is a 3 goal scorer that has been put in a defensive role.

    When comparing Lewis to Belanger, there is no basis for doing so. When comparing Lewis to Richardson, Richardson has more offensive upside, is more experienced, and was put on all four lines at various times last year because Murray saw something in him. Richardson also gets paid more, so Lombardi also see more in him than he sees in Richardson. Lewis needs time to grow, and may improve in his lacking areas.

    Lewis is a great value for the money, he is familiar with Murray’s style, and he can handle his defensive responsibilities decently for short stretches against second-line competition. He is not a Belanger that takes face-offs and can be a demon defensively with a scoring threat, he is not a Richardson in terms of versatility and scoring potential. He is a guy that makes near league-minimum and is a great value in that salary range

    [Reply]

    Crown Royal Reply:

    @Player-X,

    Excellent post. Lewis is defintely worth having but people are vastly overrating his potential. He is not gifted offensively and will stuggle to be a good faceoff man.
    Someone mentioned he could be a Kris Draper type player. That’s ridiculous. Draper was a huge team leader in Detroit and was much better than Lewis will ever become.

    DL did the right thing in keeping Lewis but people shouldn’t be going overboard about him. He can be a solid third or fourth liner for years.

    Player-X Reply:

    @Player-X,
    Thanks, Crown, appreciate the compliment, especially from you. Little note re Draper…boy, are you right! Looked him up, 2009-2010 he only took 168 draws but he was 56.5. Also, that guy could really hit, too, as well as score. Glad he retired, that bastard.

    Dominick Reply:

    @Player-X,
    Very good breakdown on his value per dollar. I do feel he’s young enough to learn to be put in more offensive roles in small amounts in the future, and the low numbers stem from being used in strictly defensive rolls, but the proof of that, and wether he can learn can only be played out over time, and is an area where he may never improve. The faceoffs are really a bummer, but he is very young and with some work that might improve as well. I agree on Richardson also, and agree with your posts in the past about making him a full time center and Lewis the winger, but that probably won’t happen consistantly to start the season.

    Player-X Reply:

    @Player-X, Thanks Dom…I think Lewis will fall into offensive situations, but in a limited way as they just evolve from being on the ice in a bottom 6 role. If he were to show promise or improvement, it would be great, and I would be happy if he were to earn a designated offensive spot, or maybe he could show spark when Murray double-shifts a top 6 guy into Westgarth’s spot, for example. Camp is going to be super interesting this year, all lines in the air with tons of talent and potential matchups, can’t wait!

    BobKnob Reply:

    @Player-X,
    Richardson makes more defensive mistakes (bad passes stick out to me), but he is also getting better. Just something to throw out there.

  8. BrokeKingsFan says:

    Im assuming his contract looks very much like Richardsons. Good stuff! This has been an awesome off season so far and when name escapes me signs we will be complete in every aspect.

    [Reply]

  9. CB14 says:

    Mikus, Juraj (King) Mikus. I think that’s who you’re thinking of.

    [Reply]

  10. 40 year fan says:

    Does anyone know where/if Harrold signed? He was a great utility man for the Kings and I hope he lands someplace. A great team player.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @40 year fan, Love Harry, wouldnt bother me if he was back but I doubt it.

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @puck73, I agree. Too much depth there, but he was a useful guy, who never complained. Team guy all the way.

    [Reply]

    DougS Reply:

    @Dominick,
    I wouldn’t be surprised if Harrold ends up in scouting/coaching, and sooner rather than later. He fits a classic profile of a successful coach/manager: Someone who was a marginal player, but that means that he had to study his sport to keep up, and also that he can relate to the average player. Smart, and a good team guy.

    I, too, wish him well.

    Stuart Reply:

    @DougS, sounds like you were just describing Dan Bylsma…

    KC23 Reply:

    @40 year fan, I also think Harrold is a great depth guy, but we have an imbarrassement in riches regarding debth at defense … did I just say that about the Kings? Man, the times they are a changin.

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @KC23, and when was the last time you said “we are going to need to trade one of goalies because we have too many good ones”

    [Reply]

  11. Cynic says:

    Very nice! Fair contract. Looks like the most important thing to both Lewis & Martinez was the ‘One-Way’ contract. Good News.

    [Reply]

    Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:

    @Cynic, You are correct… That’s one reason they make less, because they earn the same amount whether they are in the NHL or the AHL… More job security :)

    [Reply]

  12. Player-X says:

    Lewis and Richardson, the perfect two that can cover three positions, LW,C, RW, and really can cover any of the bottom six positions. These guys give Terry Murray the perfect multi-tool…

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @Player-X,
    Exactly. The bottom 6 needs to be flexable. Westy being in and out will shift guys around constantly, and rookies will get some time here and there, so it’s good to know you can move guys into multiple positions to fill in spots and still give rookies some icetime.

    [Reply]

    crashin' da net Reply:

    @Player-X, you bet! brains and heart. Two very under-rated players.

    [Reply]

  13. King Alex says:

    Good for Lewis & good for the Kings. Lewis brings more to the ice than last seasons 13 points. Glad he is signed. I am confident all the pieces will be in place & ready to go come training camp.
    This should be one heck of a season!
    GKG

    [Reply]

    TYLER Reply:

    @King Alex, there should be a LEEEEWWWWW chant for thi guy on the PK…takes Zus’s spot

    [Reply]

    King Alex Reply:

    @TYLER, I was thinking LEWIE LEWIE OHHHH NOOOOO CLEAR THAT PUCK NOWWWWWWWWWW….YEA YEA YEA YEA……!!!!

    [Reply]

  14. DesertKing says:

    Wow, DL is doing great!! Not only that, but what a great group of players who appear to be putting the needs of the team ahead of thier personal “wants.” This off-season has been so good, I can hardly wait for the next off-season when we will be seeking a free-agent while holding the Cup in our hands.

    [Reply]

    BobKnob Reply:

    @DesertKing,
    I really doubt they took less for the good of the team. There is a lot of talent knocking on the door and that lowers their value on the market.

    [Reply]

  15. Jon G says:

    Very nice. I think he’ll flourish in a 4th line defensive and penalty killing role, but he can also move up a bit whenever we get hit with injuries.

    [Reply]

    wavesinair Reply:

    @Jon G, Yeah, his penalty killing was stellar.

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @wavesinair,
    As young as he is, I wouldn’t mind seeing him paired with Richards on the PK to gain some valuable experience and maybe some mentoring on penalty killing. Could payoff in the future if he can learn to use his speed in those situations to try and attack like Richards does.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Dominick, I agree. I see it being the same as last year with Richards basically taking Zues’ spot on the #1 unit with Stoll taking the faceoff then going off the ice and Lewis coming on.
    #1 Richards, Stoll then Lewis
    #2 Kopi, Brown
    #3 Stoll, Richardson

    Richards, Kopi, and Lewis are all below average on draws so I still see Stoll being out there to take the first faceoff.

    KC23 Reply:

    @Dominick, Good call.

  16. markisonfire says:

    With 8nly 8ne player left t8 sign, the Kings are l88king like they’re in pretty g88d shape. Great j8b by Dean L8mbardi and c8mpany!

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @markisonfire,

    Are y8u 8kay? Y8u seem s8mewhat pre8ccupied 8ver s8mething in an in8rdinate and 8verly psych8tic way. I h8ope y8u can 8verc8me it s88n :)

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    Hilarious guys!

    [Reply]

    miracle.on.manchester Reply:

    @DesertKing, thanks… a… lot… you…guys!!! I… had… to… read… these… comments… like… a… bad… william… shatner… impersonation…

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @miracle.on.manchester,
    Like a bad Powdered Toast man impression “Must sqeeze……butt cheeks….together……speaking in……frag…men..ted…….sentences”.

    DesertKing Reply:

    @miracle.on.manchester,

    Reminds me of listening to an impromptu speech by the mayor of LA.

  17. tuan jim says:

    I’m glad, of course. All the guys who’ve been signed were honest contributors to last season’s success.

    I can’t help but notice that the guys who weren’t signed — and who certainly had a good deal to do with that same success — are BIG forwards, one of whom — perhaps the best of all the whoms — went to The Enemy in San Jose.

    People tell me the guys we’ve got play bigger than they are. I’d surely like to have BIG guys who play as big as they are.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @tuan jim,

    I’m pretty happy with what we got but by the time we get to the first round, we better be able to win in regulation, and we better have a friggin powerplay.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @tuan jim, We were a BIG team last year and look where that got us, 1 and done. We needed skill and speed. The only forward on the Kings last year that played the majority of the time and was under 6-1 was Dustin Brown. Here’s proof.
    Penner 6-4
    Kopi 6-3
    Williams 6-1
    Smyth 6-2
    Stoll 6-1
    Brown 6-0
    Poni 6-4
    Zues 6-4
    Simmonds 6-2
    Clifford 6-2
    Lewis 6-1
    Westy 6-4
    All heights from ESPN.com .
    Remember in the playoffs when San Jose kept getting their goals from a trailing forward left unchecked because our guys were too slow on the backcheck? I do. Yeah we lost 2 6-4 guys and 2 6-2 guys, and replaced them with 3 5-11 guys and 1 6-1 guy, but we added some much needed speed and skill. Plus Mike Richards doesn’t exactly play small. Every team has “small” players. Even the Big and tough Boston Bruins. Whose centers in the playoffs were 6-0 Krejci, 6-2 Bergeron, 6-0 Campbell, 6-0 Kelly, and 6-1 Seguin. Not exactly sky scrapers. Not to mention 5-9 Marchand and 5-10 Recchi who were 2 of Boston’s top forwards. I think we’ll be fine.

    [Reply]

    gene Reply:

    @CB14, Wow, you mention those Bruins. Three of them are kick ass heavey duty rough and tumble bad guys. Especially Campbell. Just asked the Canadians what he did to them in fights.Dont compare us to the Bruins. We would get run. Period.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @gene, I mentioned those Bruins because Tuan Jim brought up BIG players. Big, not tough. I know Campbell is a bulldog, and Marchand is a pest, I was simply bringing them up because they aren’t BIG. I wasn’t referring to fighting, and I don’t think Tuan Jim was either, as evidence of the fact that he brough up Zues. A BIG, but not exactly tough player. BIG players aren’t necessarily tough, and small players aren’t weak. Dustin Brown was our shortest everyday forward last year, and outside of Cliffy and mabye Westy, was the toughest one out of the bunch.

    P.S. I put the mabye in front of Westy because I know how much you like him. LOL

    Eric Reply:

    @tuan jim,

    I wouldn’t have minded if Lombardi resigned Handzus for the $2 million he got in SJ and play him as the fourth line center…

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Eric, Zues got 2.5 million per year for 2 years. Way too much to pay a 4th line Center. I liked him while he was here, but I’m glad he’s no longer here. We don’t need him. We’ve got our 4 Centers. We’ve got a great Penalty Killer to replace him in Mike Richards. Besides Leadership, what else eould Zues offer this Kings team that it doesn’t already have?

    [Reply]

    tuan jim Reply:

    @CB14,

    Size, smarts, winning face-off percentage, size, shoot-out skills, PK skills, size . . .

    Kings x Reply:

    @Eric, half as much, a year older, and a year slower…

    [Reply]

    Dave Reply:

    @tuan jim, the team can’t be both fast and big. there are only a few players that are both. when we were a “big” team we were too slow. now that a couple of the bigger players have moved on and have been replaced with guys not as big but with more speed now we are too small.
    the team has plenty of size with Penner, Brown, Clifford, Westgarth. that’s one big body on each line – no need for anything more than that.

    [Reply]

    tuan jim Reply:

    @Dave,

    What’s done is done. There’s no use my fussing about it — especially now, when it’s likely that no further change can be expected.

    But as much speed and talent as we’ve picked up, I can’t help thinking that our defense won’t be as effective next season with what we’ve lost. Zus, Poni, and Simmer were SIGNIFICANT reasons why we were able to win games on the road, why we had — for two years running — such a strong regular season win percentage when leading after two periods.

    No doubt it’s an advantage gaining skilled offensive players. But there’s nothing on our team that comes within light years of what Sean Thornton brings to the Bruins. But what we lacked in toughness we gained in SIZE. I hate beating this horse to death — one would think I’ve already killed it in post after post — but even the toughest guys on opposing teams get awfully tired doing their thing in the third period with 6’4″ and 6’5″ tyrannosauruses leaning ll atheir body weight on them.

    I hope and trust that the acquisition of Richards and Gagne — may Allah preserve them from injury! — will win us the kind of games that we lost last season. But we’d be fools not to realize that now we are going to lose games that we won last season, that we won for no other reason that that we outweighed and over-awed our opposition — especially in those grimy, trench squabbles in third periods.

    Think how often we were able to hold onto ties, or gain ties, in those third periods. Think how often that got us into shoot-outs — shoot-outs that we won more often than any other team in the league. I know that shoot-outs don’t exist come play-off time. But if we hadn’t had so great a record in those shoot-outs, if we hadn’t scratched out that single all-important extra point, we wouldn’t have had to worry about going one-and-done in the first round. We wouldn’t have made the playoffs at all.

    [Reply]

    Dave Reply:

    @tuan jim, i don’t see where you are getting this idea. Richards is a better defensive player than Handzus is and now Stoll can move down a line and focus even more on defense. i think we are clearly better defensively up the middle than we were last year.

    and with Smyth out and Gagne in that is an upgrade defensively. we are yet to see what the third and fourth line will look like for sure but i don’t see any reason a Clifford-Stoll-Richardson line would have any trouble defensively.

    i do think the game plan changes a little now with more offensive fire power. instead of trying to squeak out a goal or two each game we can expect to see more chances and more goals which means less of a defensive posture. it got to the point late in the year where the Kings were trying to get into the shootout. there is a difference between playing defensively and playing solid defense. last year the Kings were far too often playing defensively for fear of not being able to score if they get behind. i hope to see less of that timid approach without giving up the tenacity the team played with defensively last year.

    tornado12 Reply:

    @tuan jim, because all that SIZE has gotten us out of the first round the last couple years right?

    [Reply]

    tuan jim Reply:

    @tornado12,

    The SIZE got us into the playoffs.

    Once there — and for reasons that are still obscure — it wasn’t our offense that let us down, but our 5-on-5 defense.

    I do admit that the absence of PP offense when we needed it most cost us a series that, frankly, I realize now we should have won.

    [Reply]

    Cmaldo96 Reply:

    @tuan jim,

    I understand your concerns as to losing Handzus and the role that he played on this team, but think of it this way…

    Handzus was… frankly, S…l…o…w… I could get up, use the restroom, grab a beer and go back to the game in the time it took for him to skate blue line to blue line. His incredible smarts keep him competitive and in good position. I highly doubt that he will be any faster this year than he was last year. The team got younger… You can’t build a team that will win for years with players that are close to retirement. I love Zues, but I don’t think he has much left.

    Finally, something you said stood out to me. You said that the opposition would be worn down from having our “Big” players leaning on them. I’m sure they were drained after Zues leaned on them for half the game…. But I am also sure they will be exhausted from chasing Richards and Gagne all around the offensive zone.

    Finally… If I am a coach, I would MUCH rather face a team with one line as a legitimate threat than a team with two or three lines that can burn you. I know Zues put in a couple of goals for us… But I am sure opposing coaches weren’t exactly assigning someone to shadow him.

  18. Steve Jensen says:

    If things shake out according to form, it looks like there will be two forward spots open and one battle for 6/7 defense.

    Penner-Kopitar-Williams
    Gagne-Richards-Brown
    Clifford-Stoll-Richardson/other
    OPEN-Lewis/OPEN-Lewis/OPEN/Westgarth

    Martinez/Drewskie/OPEN fighting for 6/7

    Looks good.

    Not sure if Loktionov can be effective as a fourth line center, but I hope he can.

    Let’s stay healthy.

    [Reply]

    jonjon Reply:

    @Steve Jensen, more like 2.5 westgarth will be a scratch half the season. i wonder if voynov will be able to step over martinez and drewiskie, should be interesting

    [Reply]

    Bluecoconuts Reply:

    @Steve Jensen,

    Parse will play on the wing, either 3rd or 4th. Richardson will either be 3RW or 4RW, and probably a rookie for the last RW spot.

    [Reply]

    Eric Reply:

    @Bluecoconuts,

    I think its safe to assume that Westgarth will be a regular in the lineup. The fourth line will most likely look like this:

    Clune/X – Lewis – Westgarth

    Westgarth played the majority of the season and in every playoff game. What makes you think he’ll be scratched?

    [Reply]

    LAPD Line Reply:

    @Eric, Wishful thinking…

    Dave Reply:

    @Steve Jensen, Parse will likely take one of the spots or be moved for someone that can.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Dave, If he’s moved he’ll likely then put up a 20 goal 25 assists season. It’s bound to happen. Then we could add his name to the list.

    [Reply]

  19. ian rees says:

    Rich, im a lil confused. If the Kings tendered Lewis a qualifying offer to retain his rights wouldnt he get a raise? The only scenario i can think of is maybe lewis turned down the kings qualifying offer because it was a 2 way and instead wanted a 1 way but had to take less money? Im probably wrong, can anyone clarify how that would work?

    [Reply]

    Rich Hammond Reply:

    Not sure…that’s plausible. Also, this is a two-year contract, so he might have opted for a bit more security instead of accepting a one-year QO.

    [Reply]

    ian rees Reply:

    @Rich Hammond, ah, that makes sense as well. thanks

    [Reply]

    puddle Reply:

    @ian rees, Same thing happened with Alec Martinez. I think Martinez’s original deal included signing bonuses and things like that so it made his entry level cap hit HIGHER than his new cap hit, but entry level base salary alone was actually LOWER than what he got in his second deal. That may have also been the case with Lewis, but I’m not sure and I’m too lazy to look it up at work. :)

    [Reply]

    Dave Reply:

    @ian rees, might have had something to do with getting a one-way deal vs. a two-way deal as well.

    [Reply]

  20. Dave says:

    another fantastic re-signing by DL. Lewis is cheap for what he provides and i expect him to play a lot more this year with some time on the 3rd and 4th line and a lot of PK duty.

    [Reply]

  21. rumpa#19 says:

    he seamed to step up to the playoffs a bit as did Clifford,Hopefully they build on that.

    [Reply]

  22. Chuck says:

    Dirt cheap contract, would have thought he’d make $1m/season, as a former first round pick….

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Chuck, Those low point totals and marginal plus/minus brought that contract price down imho.

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @KC23, I agree, plus it’s his first real NHL contract, so a short term gives him a few years to develope those parts of his game.

    [Reply]

    tornado12 Reply:

    @Chuck, is draft position really a bargaining chip in negotiations? that doesnt seem right..

    [Reply]

  23. vplaza says:

    Good solid utility player. He’s familiar with the team and the system, so good to keep him on board.

    [Reply]

  24. SDKing says:

    Great signing.

    Question.

    Has anybody heard anything about Peter Harrold being signed to another club? thx

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @SDKing, as far as I know he is still a King. He is actually attending a fund raiser today hosted by Drewiske for Huntingtons disease along with a couple other guys from the team.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, He’s an Unrestricted Free Agent. Not a King.

    [Reply]

    Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:

    @SDKing, He’s an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA)

    So, he’s on his own until he can work out an NHL contract with any of the 30 Teams or an AHL contract if nobody is interested in him at the NHL level… I don’t think he is in the LAK’s plans at this point, as they have ample coverage among the non roster players (Muzzin?)

    [Reply]

    friarking Reply:

    @SDKing, I’m suprised he hasn’t been signed yet. He could be a 5th-7th defender on most teams. Something’s wrong when Randy Jones is employed and PH isn’t.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @friarking, Somethings wrong simply when Randy Jones is employed. I never understood Terry Murray’s fascination with Randy I like to pass the puck to the other team Jones. Didn’t Peter Harrold out play Randy Jones in the playoffs 2 years ago against Vancouver? I think he did, and yet as you said he’s signed and Harrold isn’t.

    [Reply]

    Buster Reply:

    @CB14,
    Who DIDN’T outplay Jones would be the main question here.

    CB14 Reply:

    @Buster, Sorry for that one. You’re 100% correct, and the answer to that question is no one. Heck, even Erik Ersberg outplayed Jones, and he didn’t even play in the series.

    KC23 Reply:

    @CB14, imho Harrold had a poor series against Vancouver 2 years ago in the playoffs, but he came back in much better shape last year, but there was just no room for him.

  25. vplaza says:

    With that cap hit, the Kings look like they’re just around $9.9M under the cap without DD. Hmm, how much of that does DD want/get and what does DL do with the leftover?

    [Reply]

    Harry Reply:

    @vplaza,

    DL Always like to get into the season with some cap left under his belt. Maybe pulls a move during the trade deadline. I would assume Doughty would get nothing more then 5.9

    [Reply]

    Cortex949 Reply:

    @vplaza, That means DD can’t get 10 years 100m?!? Hahah

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @vplaza,
    After DD signs, and DL signs a few others he’ll have about 2.5 (purely an estimate). He’ll probably look to save it for the rest of the season so that if he has to make a trade, he’ll have a little extra to upgrade with and take on a rental somewhere. Best case scenario, he doesn’t use it at all.

    @Harry,
    Just curious, how did you arrive at a hard line number like 5.9?

    [Reply]

  26. Chuck says:

    Bye, Elkins…

    [Reply]

  27. puck73 says:

    Although he didnt play much with the Kings, I am gonna miss Elkins. He played very well down in Manchester, and I thought he would make a very good 3rd or 4th line center with the Kings someday. That being said, center is one of the 3 positions we are so deep at now, and lets face it..if you make the 23 man roster now, you earned it. Also, it is possible Elkins and others may go on to other teams and have good NHL careers, but unfortunately for some we draft or sign, there will be alot of competition at the position you are trying to secure from now on. Gone are the days when there were plenty of openings on the 3rd or 4th lines…thank god for Dean Lombardi and his entire staff !!

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @puck73,
    Awsome ain’t it?

    I am regretting that 50 player limit though, because we’ll lose that 1 extra guy with Fraser taking up that #50 spot on IR. I’m sure it can’t be helped but I hate that were going to lose someone like an Elkins type, to a guy who might not be able to play for 5 months. Tambellwieni cost us someones roster spot somewhere, and whoever loses out will only have Tambellwieni to thank for it.

    [Reply]

    jonsey Reply:

    @puck73, Kind of weird his agent posts that on twitter. When he goes to Europe, he might be giving up on the NHL. He’ll never play in the NHL again (Think Andy Murray’s son), and if he does, it’ll be on the 4th line for the league minimum for a team like NAS.

    [Reply]

    tuan jim Reply:

    @puck73,

    Corey Elkins is 6’3″, isn’t he?

    [Reply]

    Dave Reply:

    @puck73, he never really had a shot in the Kings organization with Kopi, Richards, Loktionov, Lewis all likely to be here for quite a while. probably better for him to take a shot somewhere else. although it would have made more sense to me to see if he could sign somewhere else and play in the AHL with a different organization.

    [Reply]

  28. HBFan says:

    I almost miss Anthony and Cristobal ranting that DL ripped off Trevor and should have paid him a Mil per season, much like when they ranted how Patty O’s salary was a slap in the face. Wait. On second thought I don’t miss them at all.

    [Reply]

  29. daederhead28 says:

    rockoooooooooooooooo!!!

    [Reply]

  30. Buster says:

    I sort of feel sorry for Winnipeg right now. They will have Charlie Huddy teaching Randy Jones how to play D. This should be good.

    [Reply]

    edwood2 Reply:

    @Buster, if he would only learn!

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Buster, All they need to do now is add Daryl Sydor and Tim Watters and the “Escort Service” will be reunited !

    [Reply]

    Buster Reply:

    @puck73,
    And don’t forget about McCa$h (or was that McSorley?).

    [Reply]

    Hockeysureshot Reply:

    @puck73, Oh man, you brought up the great Tim Watters #5…..

    [Reply]

    tornado12 Reply:

    @puck73, Im not saying those were great players, but I would argue any player on that ’93 team should not be shunned. I mean if playoff success is the measure of a team (which i believe it is) then that was the greatest team in Kings history.

    [Reply]

  31. Chris says:

    Great signing…

    Lewis was one of the reasons out PK was as good as it was. He learned alot from Michel Handzus and if you put him with skilled players he is a great passer and can score. A very good reason to re-sign a kid like Trevor Lewis. A bargain in comparison to Handzus…

    [Reply]

  32. Goring 19 says:

    Very happy with this signing. Trevor is a very versatile player as said before on this blog. Love his PK and he can put the puck in the net too it seems at the right time. GKG

    [Reply]

  33. KingsFanFTW says:

    thats great news :)

    [Reply]

  34. Daren V says:

    What happened to/with Peter Harrold?

    [Reply]

  35. launch says:

    very happy that Lewis decided to re-sign!

    how many times did the guy backcheck on a PK with the desired result? let me tell you……way more than anybody else.

    great signing….the only thing that I see improvement on is the faceoff circle.

    GKG

    [Reply]

  36. Sammuch says:

    I hope they can sign Holloway too… We have no LW to call up from Manchaster, if one of our LW get hurt. Plus, TM should give him the time of day with the Kings, say 5 to 8 games to see what the man can do at the NHL level.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Sammuch, Believe it or not, but Dwight King actually didn’t play half bad last year in Manchester after his time with the Kings. Plus he’s a big body type of guy that would fit in well in any type of roll outside of a stopper line.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Sammuch, I’m a little surprized Holloway isn’t signed. Wonder what that is all about?

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @KC23, The problem with good players like Holloway that take a few years to develop; he is no longer waiver exempt. That means he has to land a full time job with the big club or at least ride the pine for a while before he gets a shot, eating a roster spot.

    Kind of like what Lewis had to do. One shot to make it.

    Same story with Hickey.

    I do hope he sticks around for at least one more season. Kings went overnight from playoff contender to cup contender. That means a long season in which to get an opportunity to impress.

    [Reply]

    Goring 19 Reply:

    @Token, “overnight to cup contender” I like that. BTW, where’s the marinade Token? I’m making tri tip roast tonight.

  37. deadite77 says:

    So which east coast team does Corey Elkins score 30 goals for this season? Maybe he signs with NYI and him and Moulson can race to 30.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @deadite77, “… Maybe he signs with NYI and him and Moulson can race to 30.” Yep, and still end up in last place with a JJ-ish plus/minus. :D

    [Reply]

    captainCrunch Reply:

    @deadite77, Since the Kings made a qualifying offer, doesn’t that mean the Kings still retain his rights?

    [Reply]

    Goon Squad Reply:

    @captainCrunch, they had to make the qualifying offer to keep his rights, however he is not bound to accept the offer if he doesn’t feel he fits into the team’s plans. Since they do retain his rights, that would be the main reason he’d go to Europe, because he can’t play for another NHL team unless he’s traded. You’d think if he wanted to make the NHL, he’d sign the offer and then ask for a trade, but who knows?

    [Reply]

    McLovin Reply:

    @Goon Squad, it’s not that simple. A player can ask for a trade but that doesn’t mean LA will give it to him. A lot of players have asked for trades the last 2 years and have all been denied.

  38. Subby says:

    WOAH a lot of new posts, anything I might of missed in all the comments that anyone wants to update me on? Oilers drama? >:]

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Subby,

    Not really. Tambellini still s@#k$, Fraser is taking up a roster spot, we are going to have a great team this year, Kopi is ready to go, Select-A-Seat is this Monday, the 405 is closed, the Sun went down in the west, and Rich is still going on vacation.

    [Reply]

    Subby Reply:

    @DesertKing, Thanks for the update :p

    [Reply]

    Goring 19 Reply:

    @DesertKing, Doughty still isn’t signed, Bill Gates is rich, water is wet, Elvis is still dead

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Goring 19,

    Elvis is dead? Are you sure? I thought I saw him in Vegas no too long ago………

  39. Pobo says:

    Umm…What about Moller?

    [Reply]

    Dave Reply:

    @Pobo, he’s off to Sweden and the Kings still own his rights.

    [Reply]

  40. jet says:

    Folks, Cynic took a picture with Harry holding the Mikus jersey. the wont be back curse in on.

    really, I love his heart, he can play multi positions, and his career will not be delayed by sitting on the bench for half or more of the games this season.

    [Reply]

  41. brig33 says:

    I started a facebook page to petition the new jerseys haha if you hate them too like the page. wont make a difference, but it makes me feel better to vent about it lol
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Petition-to-stop-new-La-Kings-jerseys/255412351139980

    [Reply]

    TYLER Reply:

    @brig33, problem is…the majority like them…myself included…they could be “WAY WORSE” like say nashville florida or minnesota…dont complain..almost everyone else in the NHL loves our jerseys..quit hatin

    [Reply]

  42. Osaka says:

    I am not saying Lewis is this good but look at guys like Guy Carbonneau, Mike Peca, Kris Draper…. All won the Selke Trophy, had long carrers (over 15 years), highly respected, and valuable players. Again Lewis isn’t at this level yet but to think his type of player is a “plug in” or “a dime a dozen” is a little naive. If a rookie scores 30 goals people go crazy over him, but if a rookie is on the #1 PK unit or is on the ice during the last minuet of a game that is no big deal? I think if you ask 30 NHL coaches would you rather have #1 ranked PP or PK you would get 30 guys say PK. Games are lost on the PK.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Osaka, If Trevor Lewis ends up being the next Guy Carbonneau…Stanley Cup, guaranteed!

    [Reply]

  43. 39scars says:

    I just signed for 10 years for .45 million. We r like brothers

    [Reply]

  44. Kingsfan99 says:

    @Dave,
    They wont trade him thats why hes going to europe for a yr. A handful of guys on manch asked for a trade and la said no.they need to fill up an ahl roster too, so they aren’t going too let guys go to try and make another nhl team so easily. Its a business and unforunately some guys get buried because of it. I think we will be hearing great things about elkins.

    [Reply]

  45. Subby says:

    Someone stuck at least 50 ‘Lets go ducks ‘ stickers all over my car. -_- I am so mad.

    [Reply]

    UglyinLA Reply:

    @Subby,

    I doubt it was a Ducks fan; they are too complacent. I’d search the neighborhood for a Sharks fan or a Nucks fan. They see our Kings as a growing threat.

    [Reply]

    Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:

    @UglyinLA, thats messed up, heeey someones gotta buy those stickers, pranksters or no

    [Reply]

    Subby Reply:

    @Kings Fan In Temecula, I live near Honda center and I know people who work there. It was prob some of my dumb friends or my online haters lol

    Subby Reply:

    @Kings Fan In Temecula, I assume they got the stickers free and thought ‘lets mess with Subby ‘

    Belexes Reply:

    @Subby,

    Well, get used to seeing more of this since nobody buys the stickers, they go on clearance, and then get picked up for very cheap by some twisted prankster.

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @Subby,
    Cool prank. Something I would do for sure. I had a Buddy who was into the Montreal Canadians years ago, because he grew up there. When Montreal traded Patric Roy, I paisted his car with Colorado bumperstickers on his birthday. I left a note on his windshield that said thanks for the cup. To my surprise Colorado did win it, and I never admitted I did it.

    He still complains to me about it to this day.

    [Reply]

  46. anonandonanon says:

    @Mark, I like the fact that we have not seen his ceiling yet. He needs to work out the face off thing. Third line righty, and second face-off for Stoll. Big shoes. Grow this kind of guy from within. Good signing for both paries, commitment.

    [Reply]

  47. Moller's Missing Tooth says:

    Rich, can you please find out from both sides what the story is with Elkins? It would appear that one side or the other sees no future for Corey with this organization. Seems that the player wants a trade, but who knows . . . He has the talent to play in the NHL at least as a 4th liner.

    [Reply]

  48. Kings Fan In Temecula says:

    Its funny too, cuz i’ll forget that goal he gave to Detroit or Chicago i think it was, and they had the breakaway and scored,cost us the game and we needed the point i think, well i furious at the guy, i was honestly screaming at the tv for what happened, then he got called down the next day and never came back lmao

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Kings Fan In Temecula, I dont think Terry Murray ever forgave him either.

    [Reply]

  49. Puckn-A says:

    I actually noticed Trevor getting more confidence with his hands by seasons end/playoffs. I also was a hater last couple years regarding his offensive skills, but there were a few times at the end of the season where I noticed him nailing top shelf on the move and was impressed. I doubt he will get 20 goals but I can see12-15 with maybe a shortie or 2 mixed in.

    [Reply]

  50. Sammuch says:

    I think Lewis has a lot of upside still. He has the speed and stick work to make himself a decent player. He will play the D, but could see him as a theart on the Offance too in the near future, 15 to 22 goals a season. Might take Stoll job next year, if Stoll signs somewhere else as a free agent at the end of the year.

    [Reply]

  51. tornado12 says:

    Lewis’ best asset is his skating. That is IMO the most important foundation of a TEACHABLE skill set on the ice. Now was Gretzky a great skater, no. In fact, alot of great skaters dont even make the NHL. What the greats have is ‘it’, AKA- the ability to SEE the game and be one step ahead. I havent seen that from Lewis as of yet, and I don’t think it is something that can be learned. But skating ability is a major positive and if he can round out the rest of his game he has the ability to some degree to ‘make up’ for the ‘it’ deficiency in his game.
    His great skating is what makes him a great PK’er and so versatile. I’m not sure if he can ever break the 20+ goal level in the NHL. However, with more experience he will learn better positioning and be better on the ‘thinking’ part of the game, furthering his value and potentially reaching that level. But he will have to show more to be anything more than a solid bottom six’er and sometime top six’er filler in case of injuries.
    Bottom line is though, every team needs players of his ilk to be successful. I really like this signing.

    [Reply]

  52. pr0cess says:

    Lewis is cool

    [Reply]

  53. Ducksuck says:

    Wish they didn’t resign any of those RFAs on this post Richardson and Lewis is great westie should be sent down he is about as good is clune is minus the skating. at least zieler and Harrold are gone. Only player sad to leave is moller but not like he stepped up into any NHL role

    [Reply]

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