Moreau gets physical (and passes)

Posted by Rich Hammond on 22 August 2011, 2:50 pm

Ethan Moreau passed his physical today, clearing the way for him to sign his one-year, $600,000 contract with the Kings. Moreau isn’t expected to put his signature on paper until tomorrow, so that’s when the deal will be officially announced, but it’s just procedure at this point. Within the next couple days, I should be able to catch up with Moreau, as well as find out the Kings’ thoughts on where he fits in.

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159 Comments

Matthew Motush says:

August 22, 2011 at 2:53 pm

welcome to the LA Kings Moreau!

[Reply]
Jon Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Matthew Motush, Indeed. Welcome! Excellent addition. This team is gonna be grit. I can’t wait until October!

[Reply]
KevinS Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:27 am
wonder where he will fit in, since rich was talking about the full lineup already. for left wingers we have penner, gagne, parse, and clifford. wonder if parse or clifford will be scratched for most of the season. hopefully clifford can play and continue his playoff success, and/or parse is able to come back strong since he never really played last year.

[Reply]
Brownkingsfan Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:21 am
@KevinS, Bye bye Parse.

[Reply]
tornado12 says:

August 22, 2011 at 2:53 pm

I had FULL confidence he would pass…He didnt play for the snakeoilers last year!

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@tornado12, Ha, Snakeoilers

Sucks that this rivalry has cropped up for reasons that have nothing to do with the players. And its hard not to like the Oilers (players) in my opinion. Love their young talent, and the mystique of the Oilers still exists from the Glory Days.

[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@VanKingsFan, The only mystique left in that organization is how injured the player you just traded for is and what year the first free agent will choose Edmonton…

[Reply]
Dilapidus Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 3:38 pm
@PRMan,

Are you kidding? Hall is the best young player in a long time. They are going places.

KC23 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@PRMan, How bad are the Oilers? The Oilers are so bad that even their homer fans feel they suck and will be last place yet again. Was reading a top Oiler blogger review and he trashed the GM, coach and the team in general. I was surprised as usually the fans up there way over estimate their own teams.

tornado12 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@VanKingsFan, I agree that the Oilers should be a good team in 3-5 years. I hold nothing against the players, but their current GM is a shyster and I dont like his work ethics. Their last GM made some enemies as well (see Brian Burke and Duck nation…wait, do they have enough fans for that?)

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@tornado12, exactly. the Ducks sold out 5 games last season, 4 were against the Kings!

tornado12 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@puck73, wow really? and that was a playoff team. Probably most ‘fans’ that were there got free tix from corporate seats anyways. SAD!

SuperSonic420 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@tornado12,

I think the only time Duck and Nation should be used together is if your talking about the University of Oregon.

DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 8:10 pm
@puck73

That is a beautiful stat!!!!

Kenny44 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@puck73 I go to Ducks games when the tix are free. And when I take my sons (7 and 11), they insist on chanting Go Kings Go! no matter who’s playing, just to declare loyalty I guess.

Sebastian Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:00 am
@puck73 ducks only hosted the Kings 3 times. where can you find sellout stats for nhl teams?

tornado12 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 am
@sebastian, http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance
according to this, the sux ranked 22nd in home % attendance at 85.8%
the kings were 13th at 99.8% of capacity
CHI was #1 at 108.7%
Hockeyfanb4Gretzky says:

August 22, 2011 at 2:53 pm

well thats good news Welcome to the team.

[Reply]
Joey No-No says:

August 22, 2011 at 2:53 pm

Good to hear. Looking forward to the season to start! GO KINGS GO!

[Reply]
Sammuch says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:05 pm

Welcome EM, but I think you are only good for 55 games and if any of the young Kids show they belong in the NHL, you might sit till playoff time.

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:23 pm
@Sammuch, EM brings a lot to the Kings but at this stage of his career he can also sit in the press box. You don’t want young guys sitting out too much and at $600K this is a great fit. You guys will find out what a class guy EM is.

[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@Osaka, thats why he will be a great assist come playoff time. so I agree to agree…

[Reply]
Klong says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:06 pm

Anyone know when they will announce the players and alumni who will be attending Hockey Fest and signing autographs? Or at least let me know if I missed something. I know Richards and Gagne will be having a welcome to the Kings Q & A, but I want to get my new Kopi jersey signed ASAP as well as some memorabilia from other players.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@Klong, I doubt Kopitar will be there, he spends his summers over seas. I’m pretty sure Stoll, Parse, Lewis, Brown, Penner, Gagne, Richards, Greene, Martinez and after that not sure.

[Reply]
omar winkie Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@KC23, Kopitar was there last year. the whole team will be at hockeyfest but only half sign autographs and the other do the Q and As. I dont know if we will know whos doing what till that day.

[Reply]
Sancho says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:07 pm

I’m so looking forward to the upcoming season! Hurry up!!!!

[Reply]
Sancho says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:07 pm

I’m so looking forward to the upcoming season! Hurry up!!!!

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@Sancho, You can say that again … oh wait …

[Reply]
Sancho Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 12:04 am
@KC23, You’re funny! Whoops, double entry, my bad. Better than saying “FIRST!”

[Reply]
King4Life Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@Sancho, Couldn’t agree more!

[Reply]
LBlocal says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:12 pm

He get’s it. http://youtu.be/G9MwuJgWxvg ACES!

gKg!

[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 3:16 pm
http://youtu.be/2b53wbT6TlU

[Reply]
jess Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 8:20 pm
@LBlocal,

He obviously gets it, -adopting his brother’s training philosophy. There is no lack of fitness on the oilers. Just a lack strategy and the ability to make a square deal but both of those are exempt from his work description here with the kings.

Stoked we got him.

[Reply]
Dominick says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:16 pm

Welcome Kingsfans to the island of Dr.Moreau. The guy will be a tiger.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@Dominick,

Actually a “manager”. They always mixing things up on that island.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:47 pm
@DesertKing,

“Maniger” stupid smart phone keeps trying to correct everything.

[Reply]
jess Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 8:29 pm
@DesertKing,

I think there should be a “stupid phone” –would sell millions:)

DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:04 pm
@jess

I agree. I would actualy be able to understand the “stupid” phone. Just need a shoe phone like my hero, Agent 86.
Bootz says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:17 pm

I haven’t heard a lot about Moreau over the years. Can anyone fill me in on what type of player he is? I’m hoping for a Parros type (with obviously a bit more skill) – I really don’t want to see Westy’s face/blood all over the boards again this year.

[Reply]
luuc Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@Bootz,

Not much of a fighter, more a grinder. Hard work along the boards, physical in “game situations”, but dont expect a guy who is going to be dropping the gloves too often. Think more in the Kris Draper, Sammy Pahlsson genre of player.

[Reply]
4thliner Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 8:38 pm
@luuc, Just go in YouTube and type in Moreau hits dustin brown, and it will show u what kind of player he is. He destroys Brownie. Was like the 4th hardest hit for that year. Then he fought Matt Greene right after that.

[Reply]
luuc Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@4thliner,

No doubt he has a nasty side, based on my example look up the Kris Draper v Claude Lemieux battles – but I wouldn’t call Draper (or Lemieux – for obvious reasons) a fighter. I’d say maybe as much as Matt Greene is a fighter, i.e. will drop when its called for, but will not be replacing Westgarth/Clifford in that role. Thats all I was getting at.

Stuart Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@luuc, And what do Kris Draper and Sammy Pahlsson have in common??? Yup, their names are on the ultimate hardware!!!

[Reply]
Dominick says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:20 pm

Anybody know if he has any chemistry with Stoll?

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@Dominick, His brother trains Stoll so I imagine Stoll is a big reason he came here. They know each other well. I played with his brother Chad a little, both Moreaus are great guy, nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

[Reply]
Harry Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@Dominick,

They played together when the Oilers went to the finals in 2006
(Stoll, Greener, and Ethan)

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@Harry, That’s what I thought. Could be a possible linemate chemistry if they have any history together.

[Reply]
OnTheFly says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:21 pm

Rich, Can you please ask if he approached the Kings or did the Kings approach him?

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@OnTheFly, Good question. Enquiring minds want to know!

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@OnTheFly, I heard San Jose had interest in him. His bother has an office in Lomita so it could be a factor on picking LA over SJ.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@OnTheFly, I bet it was Stoll. Throwing it out to DL.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:30 pm
@KC23, would have loved to have been a fly on the wall, hey Dean, remember when I suggested you trade for an Oiler at the deadline. well that worked out so well that I thought I would give you another insider.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 6:52 am
@jet, No, no, no … it went like this … “Hey Dean, got a guy who wasn’t an Oiler last year (covers mouth then mutters under his breath) but he was an Oiler most of his career.” Dean says “what was that last part?” Stoll replys “Oh nothing, just fighting a cold”
Chuck says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:31 pm

2 things come to mind:

1) Welcome to LA!

2) I’m stunned, a player from Edmonton in good physical shape!!

[Reply]
Matthew Motush Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@Chuck,
Well he actually played in Columbus last season

[Reply]
jet Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:31 pm
@Matthew Motush, maybe he went to Columbus broke, has healed, and is ready to go

[Reply]
Chuck Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:45 am
@Matthew Motush,

Didn’t realize that, I stand corrected…

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:45 pm
@Chuck, Maybe his foots broken and he doesn’t know it.

[Reply]
ValleyKingsFan says:

August 22, 2011 at 3:51 pm

@Dilapidus
What do you mean Hall is the best young player in a long time? 2008 wasn’t too long ago and Doughty and Stamkos entered the league then, both of which are in a different league than Hall. If that’s too far back for you, you need search no farther than the 2009 draft. Tavares and Duchene are both better and have more upside than Hall. If that’s still too far back for you, go to Taylor Hall’s own draft. Is Jeff Skinner better. Yes. Best young player in a long time? Not even close.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 6:58 am
@ValleyKingsFan, Got in a bit of an argument with an Oiler fan who was defending TurnBULLini’s bold face lies and was taking pot shots at DL referring to “just another bad deal by DL”. The one that got me laughing was when he bragged about TurnBULLini young “SUPERSTARS”. All I responded back was “Ah yes, TurnBULLini’s LAST PLACE “young SUPERSTARS”.

[Reply]
Mikey says:

August 22, 2011 at 4:03 pm

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ethan+moreau+hits+dustin+brown&aq=3&oq=ethan+mor

Clip of 10 hits. DB is first, EM hits brown on the 3rd or 4th clip. i remember watching the hit live. massive.

[Reply]
Mikey Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@Mikey,

Here is the clip i meant to post. I suck at life..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2uKsDaMVQk

[Reply]
Anaheim Bob Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@Mikey, Great clip. Big hit on Brownie. The hit by Brownie that starts off the clip was truly awesome. It was tough seeing Ryan get put through the glass however. If EM has a few more of those kinds of hits in him, the Kings will be really scary for their oppoents.

[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@Mikey, you are a Kings fan…you dont suck at anything!

[Reply]
colo king fan says:

August 22, 2011 at 4:21 pm

He must have gotten out of Edmonton prior to them instituting the policy that they break all their players as they walk out of the arena for the last time.

[Reply]
Osaka says:

August 22, 2011 at 4:29 pm

Terry Murray on XM radio http://lakings.tumblr.com/tagged/Terry_Murray

[Reply]
Brian Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:05 pm
@Osaka,
Good find. Thanks.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@Osaka, Thanx for that feed. Never thought I would be excited to hear TM speak ! lol

[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:31 pm
@Osaka, TM said, JB is going to play more this year, I think he means 5 extra games 32 total!

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 8:55 pm
@Sammuch, 32 is alot for any backup goaltender !

[Reply]
rick Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:35 pm
@Osaka, Best thing I heard him say is that Kopitar is doing great. BEST news of the summer.

[Reply]
Brian says:

August 22, 2011 at 4:37 pm

Quisp is suggesting that this guy is a 3rd liner, but for all he’s good for, I’d have to disagree. Although there’s always fluidity during the season, my suggestion for the lines is as follows(I don’t put much stock into right versus left side — I was more comfortable on the offwing anyhow):

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

Westgarth subs in for Moreau when Murray matches up with enforcers. Wild card is Fraser – could be an injury sub on the bottom six pending health and grievance resolution. Gives the kids more time to develop in light of the UFA (Penner, Stoll, Moreau, Fraser) situation in 2012. Hope Toffoli skips last junior eligible year and heads to Manchester — match up Toffoli with Lokitonov and Vey/Kozun and see who bubbles to the top. I think we’re at the point where trusting rookies in the lineup is a liability and not an opportunity. That’s a good developmental sign for the organization.

[Reply]
LAPD Line Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@Brian, What a welcome change having more quality players than we have room for. Offense, defense, and goalie looks very good, now and for years.

[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:22 am
@LAPD Line, – Not if they all keep jumping ship to play overseas.

[Reply]
Exospeed Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:46 pm
@Brian, That 4th line would be scarry for the oposing team. we all know clifford and lewis can step it up in scoring when they need to, and their physical game is always there. adding a grinder like moreau to that line makes it deadly in my opinion. I cant wait for the season to start!

[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:59 pm
@Brian, Toffoli is ineligible for Manchester, same way Schenn was last year. His birthday is in 92, so he will still be 19 and must be returned to the OHL unless he miraculously makes the Kings out of camp.

[Reply]
Buster says:

August 22, 2011 at 5:09 pm

An Oilers player passing a physical.

Is this a sign of Armageddon?

[Reply]
regulate Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@Buster,

You mean a Columbus player, don’t you?

[Reply]
jason says:

August 22, 2011 at 5:29 pm

so i wonder who will be benched? Martinez? I think martinez shouldnt be overlooked..he was great

[Reply]
regulate Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 6:09 pm
@jason,

Huh?

[Reply]
KH Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:37 pm
@jason, Martinez plays D?

[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:49 pm
@jason,

haha

[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:56 am
@jason,

Bnech DD, not Martinez, lol

[Reply]
edwood2 says:

August 22, 2011 at 5:31 pm

Just saw on TSN that Harry signed with the Devils. Maybe he can teach Kovi some manners and humility. Thanks for your time here, Harry. You were a good player and a better person.

[Reply]
408kingsfan Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@edwood2, Have you been sleeping for a week? he he

[Reply]
edwood2 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 6:18 pm
@408kingsfan, just busy.

[Reply]
PK Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 6:04 pm
@edwood2,

Just saw that too. Good utility player. Deserves a shot at a regular shift. Hope he gets it in the swamp. He was great at plugging holes when guys went down. Always ready to go in any situation TM needed.

Best of luck to him.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:30 am
@edwood2, It’s a plot … you see Harry has been planted in NJ to spread the word to Parise about how great it is in LA.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:49 am
@KC23, lol

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:51 am
@KC23,

I like it!!

[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:48 am
@KC23, ..because Harry would know how great it is to “play” for LA.

[Reply]
KingsGuy says:

August 22, 2011 at 7:23 pm

Haven’t watched Moreau closely – Seems like a great addition. Welcome to LA Moreau

I am trying not to jinx anything here… But, it’s seeming as if we may be a cup contender this season. Been Waiting 18 seasons for a line up. (Thats 92-93 season vs MTL for those who didn’t know)

[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:38 pm
@KingsGuy,
yeh, I has season ticket until 04. I had seats since 1990. Did not want to pay for a team from 94 to 04 that gave my hard earn $$$$ to a loosing cause.

Now I only choose to go to game I want. But my brain is saying do the 10 game plan now that we have hope for Mr Stanly!!!

[Reply]
KingsGuy Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:41 am
@Sammuch, Ya its a tough call. Pay for 10 games – or go to 10 games and buy tickets for less than face value online…

[Reply]
DesertKing says:

August 22, 2011 at 8:25 pm

I just don’t see how we are going to get through the season. All of those forwards who are 1st or 2nd liners and too good for the 3rd or 4th lines. How do we deal with too much talent spread throughout the entire team instead of 2 or 3 superstars. How are we going to balance the speed we have with the grinders? How are going to cope with balanced scoring and a deep defense? oh, the trials and tribulations of being a Kings fan for the upcoming season. I guess we will just have to live with it and the knowledge that DL signed a really good player with a minimal cap hit giving us a deeper and smarter team and possibly our best chance for a Cup since ’93. Welcome Ethan and GKG!!!

[Reply]
tothehaters Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:09 pm
@DesertKing, ooooo nooo not sure how we will make it through Nov, thx . )

[Reply]
Brownkingsfan Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:38 am
@DesertKing, Hahahaha! Love the sarcasm! And I love this team! Curious to see how the chemistry works out, and how the lines will look! GKG!

[Reply]
Chris says:

August 22, 2011 at 8:32 pm

Why can’t I get a reply in?

[Reply]
Token Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 6:01 am
@Chris, You must be married!

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:12 am
@Token,

LOL

[Reply]
39scars Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:46 am
@Token, Ba-baa-bump

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:20 am
@Token, or has kids! lol

[Reply]
Chris Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:37 am
@Dominick, wife and 2 kids…with 1 on the way (October)(all girls). I am used to not getting in a reply. Heck I get more attention from you guys then I do from my family! of course this makes watching Kings games that much more enjoyable! I was asking about my reply because I guess I said something to Scot in the last post and they deemed it inappropriate. I just hate when someone does the whole “first” thing. anyway, my original comment was I hope this guy brings in the veteran experience and helps fill the Zues void at a bargain price! It’s like shopping at Walmart but the stuff is not crap!
pat says:

August 22, 2011 at 8:32 pm

Just for kicks.

Gagne-Richards-Williams EX FLYERS line
Penner-Stoll-Moreau EX OILER line..

I would like to see Moreau paired with Stoll maybe Richardson on the right side. Then again Moreau can provide the veteran presence with Lewis. I can imagine what TM feels right now with alot of options with the lines

[Reply]
Harry Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 8:33 pm
@pat,

Moreau is listed as LW…I wouldn’t mind that line unless he doesn’t feel comfortable playing on the right wing

[Reply]
pat Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 8:48 pm
@Harry, That why i would put Moreau Stoll Richardson on one line. With our new acquistions our powerplay should benefit big time.

[Reply]
tothehaters Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:02 pm
@Harry, the guy is going to be 36 when the season starts, do u think he cares if its RW or LW.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:35 pm
@tothehaters, I think he will care about how his name is spelled on the big round, shiny, silver thing.

Eric Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 8:49 pm
@pat,

If thats the case, then the first line would be Clifford-Kopi-Brown, which is a pretty darn good line. Can you imagine how much room Kopitar would have to do his magic? Plus, Clifford would make sure nobody takes a run at Kopi.

[Reply]
Eric says:

August 22, 2011 at 8:46 pm

I think/hope TM will pair the lines as such:

Penner-Kopi-Williams
Gagne-Richards-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Richardson
Moreau-Lewis-Westgarth

That’s a decent amount of toughness spread out throughout the lineup. You have Penner (If he actually brings it) on the first line, Richards and Brown on the second, Clifford and Richardson on the third, and Moreau and Westy. Good team toughness.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 8:59 pm
@Eric, I still think Parse will be in there somewhere, we shall see. Wow, having depth and up and coming young players sure is a nice problem to have !

[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@puck73, Parse will get traded to St. Louis Blues for a 5th rounder and score 27 goals.

[Reply]
Eric Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:21 pm
@puck73,

Clune will also be in the mix. There’s no room!

[Reply]
tothehaters Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@Eric, why is westgrath in the line up.

[Reply]
Eric Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:45 pm
@tothehaters,

The same reason Parros is in Anaheim and the rest of the enforcers around the league. As I’ve stated many times previously, Westgarth provides a very important element for the Kings. He also has vastly improved his NHL skills and IMHO is quite capable of playing around 9-10 minutes per game.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:13 pm
@Eric,
I’m not meaning to be down on Westy because I like him, but 9 to 10 would be extremely generous. 5 to 7 is more an accurate TOI for him (even with the improvements). If he’s getting 9 or 10 then he’s not fighting enough, and if TM gives him 9 to 10, I hope Westy is playing in 32, instead of 62.

puck73 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:15 pm
@Eric, I agree, and I think his teammates would agree with you even more.

Token Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 6:15 am
@Eric, Swap Lewis and Richardson. Lewis is a right shot center that goes better to RW. Richardson is a left shot center that moves well to the left wing.

I believe Lewis had a better face-off percentage than Richardson so that should be considered.

Just for fun, Stoll is a right shot center so having him play RW for Loktionov for example and take face-offs might be an interesting situation.

[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:49 am
@Token, Actually no, Lewis’ face off was the worst at 39.2% going 151 of 389. Richardson, at 92 of 181, had many fewer tries but enough to be meaningful, ending at 50.8.

That is why I want to see Richardson center the 4th line; so many people plug him inot right wing on 3rd line, and even tho he has played RW some it is his least played position. Like you said, Richardson is a center that can play LW, and in emergency has filled in on RW but rarely.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:47 am
@Eric,

Penner-Kopi-Williams
Gagne-Richards-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Lewis
Parse-Richardson-Westgarth/Moreau

The way I see it playing out, but lately there always seems to be a rookie that sneaks in the line up somewhere. Question is now, where?

[Reply]
neil Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:16 am
@KC23, ALL the different line suggestions will be used this season…remember our coach….

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:49 am
@neil,

“Coach” should be actually changed to “line mamanger”

Token Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:34 am
@KC23, If Loktionov cracks the roster, and his chances are more than fair to do so, I can see a bottom 6 lines of:

Cliffy-Lokti-Stoll
Parse/Moreau-Ritchardson-Lewis/Westy

Talk about scoring threat from all four lines.

Then you look at depth at each position:

If you lose a L1/2 player, Parse can step in.
If you lose a C1/2 player, the whole center stack just moves one slot up.
If you lose a R1/2 player, Stoll or Lewis shift to RW and up.

Other than Westy, I dont think we have any players on the forwards roster that couldn’t handle 3rd line duty and most could do second line for short stints.

I like that very much.

[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:06 am
@KC23, My thinking goes like this: Since the Kings can ice two lines of nearly equal threat, as they will, the other team is most likely to try to force one of them to play defense. So, the opposition is probably going to use their checking line against one and their own top line against the other. San Jose does this, Thornton against Kopi, or Thornton against Sedin, etc. I think it is unlikely that another team would want their second line against our second or first line, and I really doubt they would send out their fourth line against Kopi or Richards, either. What that does is put our third line, Stoll, against either the other teams second or fourth line, both of which are good for the Kings.

The reason I say all this is that I expect Parse to be a RW3 with Stoll. They showed chemistry when Parse first played, and even though Parse is somewhat of a liability defensively, our third line and therefore Parse is not likely to play the “shutdown” role enough to hurt the team.

The Kings have finally moved to a legit 4 line team, especially with Moreau now, so they don’t have to play such a limited style of having one line designated to stop the other team’s top line. Now, the other teams will have to worry about our top lines because we will have no lines that are weak defensively.

Penner-Kopi-Brown
Gagne-Richards-Williams
Parse-Stoll-Lewis
Moreau-Richardson-Westgarth/Rookie

That is how I would do it, especially given the faceoff percentage of Lewis at 39.2 and Richardson at 50.8. The only fly in that ointment is Murray once saying that he thought he got more out of Lewis at Center than he did at wing.

Also, I have Williams with Richards and Gagne. Quick-footed high tempo players together, leaving Penner and Kopi and Brown as a line of big bodies that are not slow, but have similar tempo and game-styles of possession and passing under pressure. Parse can be flipped short-term with Penner if Penner needs a wakeup, Gagner and Parse could switch more naturally as their styles match.

[Reply]
ta Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:21 am
@Player-X, what about Clifford? i feel he should be the 3rd line LW

Stuart Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:36 am
@ta, what a DLemma!!! What to do with all these capable players!!

puck73 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:36 am
@Player-X, Why do you think Parse is a liability defensively? He was a plus 5 in 5 games last season playing with Kopitar and Williams, and the season before he was a plus 13 playing with 2nd and 3rd line guys in 59 games.

Player-X Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:56 am
@Player-X, damn thing just ate my reply, hate do-overs.

@ta-You are right about Clifford, he could be either 4th or 3rd line, and could platoon among Parse and Moreau if need be on LW3 and LW4; oversight on my part and thanks for pointing it out. We gots depth, mang!

@puck73- I meant that Parse is not known as a defensive player and was never slotted to be. The plus 5 was as in a scoring role, I was talking about him fitting into a 3rd line stopper role, but making the point that the Kings will not so much need a stopper line this year, making Parse a fit for all 4 lines. He could fill in to motivate Penner, he could flip with Gagne if injured or after PP, he could play with Stoll and he could even be an energy guy with Richardson.

DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:50 am
@Eric,

The words “Penner” and “toughness” cannot be used in conjunction with each other (infortunately). If he makes me eat my words this season, then I will be happy.

[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:09 am
@DesertKing, Semi true and semi not true: Penner does not deliver big hits, but is big enough to play through them when they try to lay a big hit on him.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:14 am
@Player-X,

Semi-agree and semi-disagree . You are right, he has the size to lay the tough game, but he hasn’t displayed the “heart” to do what he can and needs to do. Lets hope he has a change of “heart” and uses his physical size in the most productive way possible. GKG!!

Player-X Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:58 am
@Player-X, I think that means either we are in 1/4 agreement, or else you add two half agreements and we are in total agreement. I was told there would be no math…

DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:22 am
@Player-X,

LMAO!!!!!!
Mike J. says:

August 22, 2011 at 9:02 pm

This reminds me of Dean’s August move to bring in Mitchell last year. It was an August move that a lot of people just shrugged over, and yet his character showed through clearly once he became healthy. Moreau’s one of those guys I’ve always respected. Dean’s always talked about bringing in the right guys who fit the team and Moreau’s one of those people.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:17 pm
@Mike J., Willie Mitchell… The best closer in the NHL.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:36 pm
@puck73, but Quick is right behind him

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:55 am
@jet, Oh my god, you’ve obviously been reading too many of of @puck73′s post’s….Respectfully yours, Jim “@poorman” Trenton Radio personality and Hockey Analyst and Jon Bernier apologist.

Shotongoal Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:10 am
@Mike J., hmmm I don’t remember anyone just shrugging over the signing of Willie Mitchell…

[Reply]
Kenny44 says:

August 22, 2011 at 9:42 pm

Shades of Kelly Buchberger – former Oil LW captain taking a final twirl with LA, adding some leadership and grit with an eye on going deeper in the playoffs

[Reply]
Oscar Moller's Beard says:

August 22, 2011 at 11:38 pm

I like this signing! Welcome EM!

[Reply]
bfarm says:

August 23, 2011 at 12:16 am

Sooo.. I’ve been looking through some of the archived articles we have been reading together this summer.. And I stumbled upon this article detailing the news of a pivotal trade made by los angeles this summer

http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/06/23/report-mike-richards-to-kings/

Now what interested me is not the article itself, but… THE COMMENTS! Oh how mad so many of us were when this trade went through! HAHAA its crazy to reflect on this now is it not?

And also, whats changed our sentiment about this trade? Was it just the initial fright and uncomfortable feeling with trading away a tough grinder and a top prospect that infuriated a lot of us? Have we just come to accept the situation and are hoping for the best? Did people change their minds about Mike Richards talent? (i think so, he’s a great center) Is the addition of Simon Gagne a factor?

Haha i even said “I think i just threw up a bit” I didnt like it at first either…

GO KINGS!!!

[Reply]
Hoosier King Fan says:

August 23, 2011 at 5:34 am

Welcome Ethan. I watched you play for the Indianapolis Ice and have followed your career. Now I look forward to you doing great things for the Kings. Can’t wait for the season to start!

[Reply]
Cry Baby says:

August 23, 2011 at 7:39 am

I just stumbled upon this…

http://hockeybuzzhogwash.com/

The truth about Eklund!

[Reply]
gene says:

August 23, 2011 at 8:41 am

Welcome Ethan, you are a awesome addtion and look forward to you kicking some quacks a–

[Reply]
Weasel says:

August 23, 2011 at 8:44 am

Quick question – is a ‘depth player’ one who is in the bottom two lines or bottom D-pairing, or is it a player like DD2 who is often a healthy scratch? I always thought of it more like the DD2 or Moeller type of player, but a lot of comments about Moreau are calling him a depth player.

Thanks

[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:12 am
@Weasel, Depth can mean both, but is usually referring to a bottom 6 guy. A guy that sits out a lot is wanting to be a depth guy, instead of the “extra” guy. The cool thing is the Kings really now only have a bottom 3…

[Reply]
Mikey Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:21 am
@Weasel, I think the ‘depth player’ is a player that has learned the game over the years and has the ability to creatively and intelligently apply that knowledge at both ends of the ice. Example you ask? Zues- there was a reason why he was on our PK. He just did everything right. If we had a hard time scoring PP goals on SJ it just got a little harder if hes gonna be on their PK.

[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:58 am
@Mikey, I didnt like to see Zeus go, but understood. The fact he went to the hated guppies makes it sting oh so much more!

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:37 am
@tornado12, I hope some of the additions we have made will ease the pain of losing Zeus, especially on the penalty kill.

tornado12 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:05 am
@puck73, I think the addition of Richards somewhat makes up for the loss of Zeus on the PK. However, he does not replace Zeus’s reach and strength. Im not sure if MR’s shot blocking abilities compare as well. Our main PK people are pretty much in tact, so our PK ranking shouldnt slip much. MR, AK, DB, BR, TL, JS can all contribute up front. Our back end is the same obviously.

Dominick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:17 am
@tornado12,
Richards can push the puck forward better than Zues, and will carry it, and make plays, faster than Zues. Richards is also a scoring threat short handed, and all though Zues was strong on the puck, Richards is cunning with the puck, with a more offensive vision. Zues had a lot of strengths, but every strength he had can be trumped by what Richards brings to the table.

The guy who is really replacing Zues is Stoll, who brings a totally different game to the table defensively. I think that’s a major improvement also. Stoll is faster, can hit as well, and see’s the ice very well defensively. Backchecking will improve through the nuetral zone tremendously, and breakouts will improve for that 3rd line with Stoll coming down below the puck instead of Zues.

tornado12 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:47 am
@tornado12, I agree with what you said about Richards, but although he may ultimately be a good PK’er in his own right, I think you proved my point that it is a different style. No one currently on the roster replaces tit-for-tat the physical abilities of Zeus on the PK upfront.
RE- stoll. Also agree he is now our bonafide 3rd line center and is replacing Zues with the 5 on 5 play. Also agree he is an upgrade there for the reasons you so aptly described.
vancitykingsfan says:

August 23, 2011 at 11:42 am

I know this has nothing do to with Moreau, but in the words on ECKLUND, this is something new, but very hard to believe. I know he is only about 3% right, but very interesting on the other hand.

All this said, since I must report in rumors, I have heard that the LA Kings would love to steal Selanne from the Ducks. I have even heard some numbers, although right now all hands are on deck in LA to get Doughty signed…and fast. The only scenario I could see where this happens is a scenario where the Ducks run up against their self imposed cap, but even then you would have to think Teemu would give a home town discount.

The Kings are going to already present two legit top lines…something that has been lacking for quite some time.

What you all think????????

[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:52 am
@vancitykingsfan, hogwash. I think the 3% figure is too generous.

[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@vancitykingsfan, I would take Teemu in a Flash, Finnish Flash that is…

[Reply]
StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@vancitykingsfan, It’ll never happen. Teemu (or his agent) already stated he would only come back with the ducks.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@vancitykingsfan,

what is the calculation for 3% of 0?
The next time Ecklund’s right, is the 1st time he’s right.
He’s the Rona Barrett of hockey

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 3:42 pm
@vancitykingsfan, adding Selanne would put us over the top for sure. But lets be honest, do you really see him signing here? I am 99% sure he wont.

[Reply]
john says:

August 23, 2011 at 3:25 pm

i wish i got 600,000 to play a game i loved…

i really screwed up this life time.

good signing!

[Reply]