The Kings will hold their pre-training camp physicals tomorrow morning, but it’s likely that they will be one player short. As the world knows, Drew Doughty remains without a contract. Unless a deal is reached tonight, Doughty is not expected to be in Los Angeles tomorrow. Dean Lombardi declined, for a third consecutive day, to comment about negotiations or Doughty’s possible holdout. The Kings presented their latest offer to Doughty and his representatives on Tuesday and talks have been ongoing. The Kings, by all indications, are staying with their internal pledge to not give Doughty more than $6.8 million a year on a long-term contract.
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sign or you need to go
[Reply]
JOHN Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@LUCKY, Boy do I agree with that. Kopitar is far better player then u Drew. Sign or walk. John
[Reply]
furrylats Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@LUCKY,
Better…all with Doughty jerseys show up with your jerseys with a vertical line through the 8…then with a little black/white stick tape and you have
Doughty
$
[Reply]
StillneedDewey fka PakiFro Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@LUCKY,
I actually blame lombardi. All indications suggest the kings are being firm with max 6.8 and min 7 years. Why don’t they offer shorter term? Two years? Three years? Lombardi can keep his player happy like yzerman and shero and burke did. Five years if that’s what bought wants. Let’s not let Deans stubbornness ruin an otherwise brilliant off-season.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@StillneedDewey fka PakiFro,
Finally! someone who’s thinking rationally. I try to look at what will get it done, but everyone is fixated on the money, and refuses to even address the issue of years. Madness!
[Reply]
NOT IMPRESSED Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 7:49 am
@Dominick, Yes, we are fiated on the money because WE PAY FOR IT.
Stuart Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
@StillneedDewey fka PakiFro, I thought DL had made it clear that he was opened to a shorted term but that each year shorted meant an incremental decrease per year knocked off? Makes sense to me. The way DL handles this will set the precedent when it comes time to re-up for others like JQ, JB, AK, and our other young’ens… I don’t blame DL at all, I blame Meehan for convincing DD that he knows what he’s doing and that he will squeeze DL into giving in. I hope this backfires in Meehan’s face and DD ends up disappointed in his own representation and fires him before December.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
@Stuart, Where’s your source? No one has even reported DL offered anything less than 7 years.
Stuart Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
@Stuart, it was one of the DL interviews… I could swear your life on it!
no but seriously, maybe I dreamt it, but I’ve been under the impression that DL made it clear that less years would mean less money… And he didn’t offer it, he simply said that that would be the case on a shorter term coni…
jet Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 8:13 am
@StillneedDewey fka PakiFro, and you really dont think Dean would give the same 2 million Bog got for this season?
[Reply]
Donald_S Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@LUCKY,
The math is interesting. At $6.8 million a year, he would lose $84,000 a game. Assuming a 7 year contract, if he missed 9 games, it would reduce $6.8 million to $6.7 million, and by $100k for each 9 games. Just doesn’t seem smart.
[Reply]
Donald_S Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@Donald_S,
I should have said “$84,000 for every game he missed” if he missed any games.
[Reply]
This from TSN:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375830
Check it out. I’m happy that the Kings won’t pay DD more than Kopitar!
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@King John,
The Kings refuse to pay DD more than Kopi? That story doesn’t add up to me. Kopi’s contract is going into it’s third year. The cap has gone up 13+ percent since Kopi signed. So the Kings think DD is worth the same as Kopi minus inflation? Or they think they are both worth the same and forget nhl salary inflation? Or 6.8 is just what the Kings think the right price worth in today’s market? The last is the only thing that sound logical but the media is spinning Kopi into the mix.
DL would be dumb to paint himself into a corner with DD and Kopi’s salaries. First you make it into a competition. It’s a team. This isn’t Van Halen vs Bowie at the US Festival. What if DL would accept 6 years at 6.8 but wants more years and DD would give 10 years for 7 per? So don’t give DD a few dollars extra just to keep him even with Kopi? Dumb and DL ain’t that.
This has nothing to do with Kopi’s money. The only thing would be if coincidentally DL thinks top top dollar for DD is 6.8/yr.
This is another subject… To me 6.8 long term is DL sticking his neck out too far. Can you imagine DD giving up breakaways every few games with that huge salary? DL would be a laughing stock. Well at lest for the first few years while 6.8/yr is a lot of money. I love DD but it’s too early to 7.5m or whatever DD wants. Just too much still to prove.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@LA_1968, I agree with you on the Kopi money comment about the media, and your breakdown of the money offer. I do think that if you want a show me contract, then your not going to get it, because DL is only offering a long term deal, and will not budge.
Personally I think it’s sad that he would sit DD for any length of time then negotiate a show me contract.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 1:45 am
@Dominick, Agree 100%. I think this thing boils down to DL wanting DD at a good price before he proves himself and DD wanting big money now because if he does prove himself down the road then he’ll be out millions. The only two options are the “show me” or to find a spot in the middle and hope both can swallow it.
Wow. I never thought it would get this far. How disappointing.
[Reply]
What a joke. At the end of the day, stupid 21 year old brat being represented by the biggest piece of crap out there. Way to try and derail what should be an awesome year not only for the team but for the fans.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
@qBIRD, Amen to that brother (or sister)!
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
@Stuart, Why are you always going on about women, Reg?
[Reply]
…let’s hope this gets worked out soon.
[Reply]
BobsYourUncle Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@Joey No-No, Soon, how much longer can it go before it’s at a point of bad feelings on either side? What thirteen hours…? Crazy! Bleh
[Reply]
One word GREED! He is bad ass but you know what let him sit…..I love the kid but damn. I hope this is he agent doing all this. If so FIRE his ass, and get back to hockey or site home and eat a dozen dognuts everday. I am just sick of this……
[Reply]
Cortex949 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@Chris Bond, I don’t really blame the agent. This is exactly what his job is to do. He is there to make sure his client gets the most $ possible. He dosent care about the team or the fans or the cup. Just his players bank account (and his). I blame DD for not stepping in and saying “hey, I wanna play here now, I’ll take this offer”
Interesting to see how far this will go
[Reply]
Chris Bond Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@Cortex949, I have already lost mad respect for Drew….I guess I have to put myself in his shoes and thing really how can I only live on 6.8 MM a year? How will I get by? Well Drew I hope you can eat with only that much money a year….
[Reply]
tim chaney Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@Chris Bond, i said months ago that it was like the trevor ariza thing. good kid, bad advise…
Diego Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
@Cortex949, Who employs the agent? Drew is the boss, he has final say. Period dot com. I say sit him or shop him, Kings don’t need poison in the room or on the bench /ice. Drew wants to be the “I” in TEAM” and that doesn’t work.
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 10:15 am
@Cortex949, I don’t agree with your definition of an agents job. His job is to get the best deal for his client, not just the most money. He needs an honest client who can communicate to him what is important to him. This encompasses length, money, all the small technicalities and clauses as well as timeliness which fits the players desires. I may be willing to give up some money in order to get the contract done quickly so the ill will is not generated and another person may not be. At the end of the day it is the player’s contract, his signature goes on it. Hopefully a young man in the position to earn this type of money will have trusted, mature adults with a lot more “real world” experience to help guide him in his decision making process.
[Reply]
I’m glad I don’t have a Doughty jersey because I think I’d have to retire it to the back of my closet along with my Blake jersey.
[Reply]
lowdrive Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@lilly, Sadly, I have both.
[Reply]
lilly Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@lowdrive, Ugh! Sorry. I’m suddenly thinking it’s better to keep the jerseys blank.
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@lilly, Ill buy that Blake jersey.
[Reply]
lilly Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@Subby, I’m sure you’ll take that offer back when you hear it’s a kids large.
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@lilly, damn lol
In Dean we trust.
[Reply]
If he holds out even one day, I lose respect.
[Reply]
Chris Bond Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@Matt R, Well get ready, cuz he isnt even in LA. Camp is tomorrow, I cant beleive this kid.
What has he done?
[Reply]
BobsYourUncle Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@Chris Bond, Actually just the physicals are tomorrow, camp starts on Saturday, but yeah, what the hell?
[Reply]
Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@BobsYourUncle, Isn’t that where they weigh you in? Maybe he just wants to skip that part! :b
lilly Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@Matt R, I lost respect Sunday by his refusal to show up at Hockey Fest. It was really sad to see them introduce “your 2011/2012 Los Angeles Kings” with a glaring hole after Scuderi. Him showing up late for camp (probably) and not even being in Los Angeles is making me angry.
[Reply]
Matt R Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@lilly, Good point. Agreed.
[Reply]
Disappointment is an understatement, I can’t believe we are at this point, I never really thought he would pull this crap. What a huge black eye on a great Kings off season… Why would he jeopardize the chance to play on arguably the best roster this Kings franchise has ever seen? Lord, why, why, why…
[Reply]
therope Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
@BobsYourUncle, My feelings exactly…
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@BobsYourUncle, Drew believes he’s bigger than the team, he’s bigger than the game. Clubhouse cancer in my opinion.
[Reply]
This is so frustrating. I expected him to at least be in town so that he can join the team immediately after signing a contract.
[Reply]
Matthew Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@Jon G, No chance of that… Bob Mackenzie on TSn tweeted “Zero movement to report in Doughty-LAK impasse. With Kings reporting tomorrow, Doughty remains at home in London, Ont.”
I just don’t know where these kids get off thinking $6.8 MILLION dollars a year isn’t enough just because “so and so” got more.
[Reply]
the kid could stand to learn a lesson from another high-profile athlete just down the 5 FWY.
http://www.statepress.com/2011/08/24/weaver%E2%80%99s-attitude-toward-contacts-should-be-applauded/
[Reply]
BobsYourUncle Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@KingsMissLappy, Wow, that’s too bad that he is an exception to the rule. Good for him, classy move. Drew, if you are reading this, you need to follow in Weaver’s foot steps and sign on the dotted line and get on the ice already!
[Reply]
Waterndirt Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@BobsYourUncle, You said it… Classy. It’s such a thing of the past these days. I’m not a big baseball fan but when I heard that story about Weaver I was pleased…
[Reply]
ponch0v Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@KingsMissLappy, I went to high school with him, algebra II, real stand up guy. You’re right, should be more like him.
[Reply]
Bailey's House Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@KingsMissLappy, I completely agree. Now only if Doughty could read this article and sign a contract.
[Reply]
GkingsG99 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@KingsMissLappy, Lombardi mentioned this at hockey fest actually. Lets not forget about Jack too.
[Reply]
After all this, the kid better have worked his ass off this summer and (eventually) show up to camp in shape.
[Reply]
If he shows up with a once of baby fat on him and signs at 6.8 I will really be pissed…..
[Reply]
I’ll be getting the new road jersey with number 8 and “OVERRATED” on the back
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
@PaganHagen, I don’t think DD is overrated but you want your puck moving D-man to QB your powerplay yet it is JJ who lead the Kings in PP pts. by a large margin.
[Reply]
King Doughnuts Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
@PaganHagen, Better yet it with the dollar sign, which looks like an eight and Doughty’s name, that would be appropriate!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
[Reply]
Muzzin and Voynov, step right up!
I love having depth…
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@CountRockuLA, I am really interested to Voynov in preseason.
[Reply]
I have to believe a deal will be worked out. By all reports the differences are $200,000 and 2 years. Dean won’t go over 6.8 and less than 7 years. DD’s camp wants no less than 7 and 5 years. It looks like posturing to me, DD will get 6 years @ 6.8 with a lot of money up front. Both sides can say they gave in and both sides can say they got what they wanted.
[Reply]
BobsYourUncle Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@Osaka, I hope you are getting that from your crystal ball because it doesn’t appear to be heading in that direction? I hope you are right though!
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@BobsYourUncle, DL has been saying all summer a deal will get done because he knows what the differences are and knows what it will take. He will not risk the season over $200,000 and 2 years. It will go to the wire because that is how Meehan operates. I truly see a deal getting done soon.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@Osaka, Thats what HomeIce onXM radio said,but that 6.8 means we wont pay him more than Kopi. Lets just hope he signs for 6,8. if he want to be paid more than Kopi we have lots of problems.
[Reply]
Nothing comes easy for this franchise!
[Reply]
qBIRD Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose,
Ain’t that the truth. He has lost all my respect at this point.
[Reply]
Nobody has won the Stanley Cup with Drew Doughty yet, so our chances are just as good without him at this point. With what this team has in talent right now, someone will step up.
Of course DD is an awesome talent, but we have ALL seen what egos have done to this team before. I’d trade him for Tyler Myers (With that nice cap hit contract for 7 years @ 5.5 per) and a few draft picks and let Buffalo’s new moneybag owner pay him the moon. We get a solid replacement & a few picks to help, they get a marquee player who will shore up their drawing power. He’d be in the East, we’d see him once a year, done.
Yeah, it won’t happen (As Dennis from TFP was saying), but Drew needs to pull his head out. From the Sporting news article I read and posted in an earlier thread, it seems like DD is letting his agent ruin his reputation ad nauseum. Pitiful. I hope some of the players step in to wake his butt up.
This really is heartbreaking and disappointing. If he really was a Kings fan before, he knows what this franchise has been through and now he is in the enviable position to truly help fix it, and he does this?!?! Sucks….
[Reply]
Chris Bond Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@Cynic, Well said brother, well said……
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@Cynic, Buffalo is over the cap right now.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Osaka, Now St. Louis has room and the D-man, taken 3rd behind DD, Alex Pietrangelo…..
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
@Osaka, That new owner would move money for Doughty. Still time to do so. He’d probably pay the penalty for any length of time over the cap just to get DD on his top 2. That team needs a marquee player that isn’t a goalie.
[Reply]
kinger Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
@Cynic, Amen, brother.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@Cynic, would it be right for the C of our team to make a phone call right about now? Just to see what’s the mindset? Would Richards have made that call last year in Philly? Interesting.
But what’s more interesting and something we shouldn’t lose sight of is that even if/when DD holds out, his teammates wont be hurt or angry and will be accepting the moment he walks through the locker room door…
Also, I don’t see that DL is “risking the season” over DD and his contractual situation. The show WILL go on and there will be people to fill the void. Granted, as postured by NYKingfan, there wont be anybody that steps into DD’s minutes/production, but a coolaboration will take place and his minutes will be absorbed and though his points might not be matched, they won’t be missed because of our added point scorers that have been acquired this offseason! I’m stil looking forward to the season, maybe even more so without DD because I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised to see that the sky still hangs above our heads even without #8 toeing the line during the national anthem!
In DL we trust!!!
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@Stuart, Yes, I believe a call from the ‘C’ and both ‘A’s’ would be appropriate at this time, even if it was to tell DD to actually talk to his agent about things in a little more detail. I think Richards would have lobbed a friendly call to see where his head was at.
His teammates understand his position better than anyone, so they won’t feel slighted in the least I don’t think. Truth is, they could end up in the same position someday.
There is no ‘Risking the Season’ here unless You’re Columbus and Nash goes down or something. Even then, teams rally around that kind of stuff. Anyone can win on any given day in hockey. Think of the ballsy lesson DL would be showing to the team if he actually did trade DD for this. I can almost guarantee players would think twice about calling DL’s bluff in negotiations. Of course, it will only hold weight if we become a premier franchise, which I believe we are on the cusp of.
In DL we trust indeed! He’s done much more the Kings than Drew Doughty has.
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@Cynic, …much more FOR The Kings….
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
@go,
I hope he doesnt think we r saying Dru when when boooo
[Reply]
Maybe Drew should do just like Jack did and not have an agent. This has been going on too long. Just get it done. GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@Marilyn, Jack could take up to 15% less because he doesn’t have an agent…
[Reply]
Marilyn Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@PRMan, that is why I said that.
[Reply]
Wow most of the players have been back in LA getting ready for camp and this guy is still at home. This leads me to believe hes not going to be signing any time soon. The question is not will he hold out, but how long. Breaking my heart Drew
[Reply]
What the heck is this kids problem? The team he liked growing up drafts him, he gets to live in the nicest part of California with all the California hotties, the Kings are going to go deep into the playoffs and maybe even win the cup THIS YEAR, but thats not good enough for poor little Drew, little Drew wants more money. Trade him somewhere horrible like Winnipeg for like, lets say, Dustin Byfuglien, Johnny Oduya, Blake Wheeler and see how he likes it there. Every day I have less respect for him and a lot more for JMFJ, who handled his own contract and signed a fair deal for both sides.
[Reply]
Chris Bond Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@chuckrocks, I feel the same way about JMFJ I liked what he did when he did it, its not about being fair to the KINGS but the rest of your team, let them all have fair contract not over pay one spoiled brat.
[Reply]
markisonfire Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@Chris Bond, Jack seems like a very intelligent player off the ice. I really respect him.
[Reply]
chip Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
@markisonfire, That is funny. Backhanded, but funny. Well played.
Cynic Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
@Chris Bond, I kind of believe to this day (Just my opinion, could be wrong) that JMFJ was his own agent realizing that he would be helping out the cap situation for the team as much as pocketing/saving his own fees. Split that 15% down the middle between the team and JJ and he’s basically saving the team $326,785.72 (7.5%) a season (Based on annual cap hit of $4,357,143/yr per CapGeek.com). Just about 1/2 of Kevin Westgarth’s salary.
If DD signed the 9yr/$61M (Or 7yr/47.6M) deal on his own with no agent, that 7.5% saved would equal $510,000/year. Just about Ethan Moreau’s salary.
IDK
[Reply]
If drew thought the fans reacted rough on st patricks day wait till he misses camp ,lost respect for this kid
[Reply]
lilly Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@murf, Yep, one-way ticket to boosville.
[Reply]
Get Doughty, even though he’s extremely expensive. He will pay off in the long run.
Jack, Kings paying fan since they were first organized.
[Reply]
F this guy.
[Reply]
Steve S, Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Jay, ditto
[Reply]
What a great agent, holding out for a fatter paycheck but causing possibly irreparable damage to his client’s reputation..genius.
[Reply]
Mr. Doughty, don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry… SIGN ALREADY!!!!!
[Reply]
Could he be pissed that they traded Simmonds? Just throwing it out there. They were BFF’s and roommates. This is really disappointing to see, unfortunately the team can’t be shielded from this and if he does come back it will make for some harsh feelings in the locker room. He is showing little class, tact, and maturity.
[Reply]
qBIRD Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@TheRussianKing,
If that’s the case, then that shows a real lack of maturity. The NHL afterall is a business.
[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@TheRussianKing, Maybe DD wants to go to Philly so he can be with his “security blanket”.
[Reply]
Losing respect for Boo Doughty day by day.
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@danglebagel, Boo Doughty – That’s perfect
[Reply]
The Kings won’t budge on anything less than 7 years. This is an even bigger point.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
@DLB, They will, it is just negotiations. You can’t force a player to sign a long term deal going into years you don’t own their rights. If DL give DD 6 years DD’s camp has to come down to 6.8 from the 7 mil demand.
[Reply]
DLB Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@Osaka, From what I’m reading it doesn’t seem like DL has any intentions to negotiate on years. He is a pretty line in the sand kind of guy.
I’d much rather have a shorter deal at this point.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@DLB, The Kings have DD rights for another 4 years before he is an UFA? The Kings can’t really force him to sign beyond the years they own his rights too. I can’t sell a car I no longer own.
I agree, just sign for a year or two if there is an impasse. If DD plays great I feel better about giving him a big contract. I really don’t see the contract not getting done in the next 48 hours though.
He has lost a lot of respect in our house. I will cheer for him when he helps the team, but my overall opinion of him has changed dramatically.
[Reply]
If anyone boos Doughty he will think all he is hearing is dreeeww and will always believe he is loved by all
[Reply]
I wonder if Drew will hold out, and then I wonder if he’ll hold out to Dec 1st?
Let’s see how much nads he has in a stare down. I guess he’s not so much a Kings fan as everyone has been led to believe.
I am disappointed.
[Reply]
This is the agent getting in the way. I’m sure Doughty has nothing to do with it.
[Reply]
qBIRD Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@Brad,
Don’t agree any longer. If he is a team player and wants to play he steps in and says get a deal done and get me to training camp. That hasn’t happened.
[Reply]
kinger Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@qBIRD, Agreed. Meehan works for him, not the other way around.
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
@qBIRD,
Exactly. The “It’s not him, it’s his agent” angle was plausible, until now. If he doesn’t show up for camp, then that means he is making a conscious decision to not participate because he won’t take an offer that is already more than he deserves.
[Reply]
gr81scores Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
@Brad, the agent works for Doughty and not the other way around. If he really wants to get this done he will. Just disappointed that he’s going to miss the beginning of training camp. Immature if this is what he wants. Shows great potential but he hasn’t won anything yet.
[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@Brad, DD could move the agent out of the way and tell him he’s signing. Unless of course DD works for the agent rather then the other way around.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@HockeyOnly, maybe Meehan embezles (spl?) 85% and DD gets 15%
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This is ridiculous! I honestly thought this wouldn’t drag out till the start of training camp.
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Enough with the DD hate. Have you guys forget who he is? 6.8 or 7.0 he is still going to have an amazing career with us because he is a really good player. We can’t give him up so enough with the trade him nonsense. Stop calling him a brat and selfish. We don’t even know for sure if it’s him or his agents fault. It’s business. Let the big boys handle it and just be patient and wait. Lets focus on the positives. We have a good team without Doughty so lets concentrate on the Kings that are going into training camp and when Doughty joins us he joins us. Yes we would be fine without him but we are thugnasty with him so lets just HOPE this gets done ASAP and freaking smile! The seasons almost going to start and Doughty isn’t going to miss it.
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David Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@Subby, What do you mean you don’t know if it’s him or his agent ? No matter how you look at it Doughty has the final say!
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jason Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@Subby,
sorry he going to miss all of trainning camp mabey sign a week before the season starts. Then he will miss first two week because he need to get into shape. I say let look at him as if he was hurt. IR anybody for the first month. That means any player from manchester can step up.
The team is not built around one defencemen it built with a core defense great goaltending and now we can mabey put a puck in the net.
Nobody is going to throw any money at him because they don’t want to become the oiler situtation. 5 year 25 million for penner what team does he play for now? DD think he going to find a offer guess again. Time to move on for the next two month no drew no problem at the end of the month then dl should talk again but for now i just say he hurt and might be coming back at the end of oct.
time to see how good are miror leauge players are because hey if he does get hurt after this cirus ends. This team need a plan b or c
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Osaka Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@Subby, A deal will be done in 48 hours.
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Shotongoal Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@Subby, you are correct, sir!!!
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He should be happy he has this offer, which is very generous considering he had one great season and one not so great season. Sets a bad precedent for future signings.
Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.
Erich Fromm
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OnTheFly Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Mike in Oregon,
I agree, future signings for next year are Mitchell, Penner, Stoll, Parse, Fraser, Moreau, and Westgarth. You know if Mitchell stays healthy, he will have earned more $$$.
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brymaster1 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@OnTheFly, I’m willing to bet they don’t resign Fraser or Moreau, and I don’t this there is a place for Parse on this team anymore, Westgarth unless he has a whole year where he plays like he did in the playoff he will be low money.
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I think he’s just using this as an excuse to not have to work hard in the offseason, again. Ciao buddy, hopefully your new team doesn’t mind waiting half the season for you to get into shape, like your last one.
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Who cares about what’s his name!
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Bob McKenzie’s twitter, “Get sense what transpires in next 24 hours with Doughty-LAK is critical. This may, and I said may, be perilously close to going off rails.” Not a good sign.
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I obviously have no idea how the business of hockey works, so I’m not going to pick a side or badmouth either DL or DD. BUT, something does come to mind that I find a bit disheartening. Anyone remember the Kovalchuk fiasco. Could DL be playing the ball a little too hard. I mean, obviously we’re fine w/out Kovy, and DL has done a great job building the Kings into a contender, so I’d never criticize the guy, but I totally second-guess the “take it or leave it stance” that this could very well end up with. Yes, being firm on the $6.8mil makes perfect sense as no one should make more than the best player (which Kopitar is). But why does it absolutely have to be 7 years. Sign the kid for five if he’d accept that. It’s a contract NEGOTIATION, both sides are going to have to give in. Guaranteed, DD’s side realizes $7.0mil is kind of shooting for the moon but is holding to it because, apparently, DL refuses to offer less than 7 yrs. Sign for 5, win a cup, sign him again or let him walk. IT’S HIS FIRST CONTRACT (not entry level) FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. But this “anger rising, you have til this time on this day or we pull the offer” is just what DL did with Kovy, and we lost out on him. Keep the young, homegrown core in tact. Both sides need to give.
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BJ Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
@likegangbusters, Apparently negotiating is not your strong suit. You don’t come this far and then CAVE on everything just to get him signed. How about letting him sit out the year and miss one year of earnings at $6.8MM. By the way, in case you haven’t read or heard, New Jersey is rumored to be headed for bankruptcy and Kovalchuk wasn’t enough for the Devils to even GET INTO the playoffs. Last, DL is working within a cap system that requires players to give a little if they want to win now and long term. It appears that DD wants the ching regardless of the system DL has to work within.
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likegangbusters Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
@BJ, So apparently you just glossed my actual post and didn’t get the actual point. My negotiating skills aside, I first said I don’t know how the business of hockey works and, facts are I’ve never been a part of a sports negotiation for a multi-million dollar contract. I never said anything about one side CAVING, my words were “both sides are going to have to give in”. Maybe I should have qualified that with “a bit”? Still, the only point I was trying to make is that maybe DL’s whole “line the sand” tactic isn’t the most conducive to signing a player. I only mentioned the Kovalchuk fiasco as an example of DL doing that and us losing out on a player. Who knows how Kovy would have played with us or how he would have complemented our players (we obviously aren’t the Devils)…that’s all irrelevant, as is the current financial situation of the Devils (and yes, I have heard). I was referring to one incident that occurred 2 years ago as an example of something else that is going on now to establish a pattern of behavior that, in the long run, MIGHT NOT necessarily behoove the team. We lost on Kovalchuk and could lose Doughty because of it, and is that really wise? I’m not even stating an opinion, just posing the question. But the bottom line is, if we really want him, and if (big IF at this point) he really wants to play here, then obviously real negotiating will have to occur, and lines in the sand will have to disappear. And anyway, what good would it do to let a 21 year old kid who’s set to be the second coming of Scott Niedermeyer (supposedly) sit for a season and lose all those games that would definitely aide his development? Yeah, a point will be driven home if he sits, but if that happens then you can basically count on him never playing for this team again, and nothing gets accomplished other than making a point. Posturing often does nothing other than anger the other side, obviously.
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BJ Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
@likegangbusters, No pissing match here; however, how do you explain Kopitar, Johnson, Brown, Mitchell, Scuderi, and Williams signing multi-year deals? It seems to have worked for them and there agents not to mention within the team framework. Kovalchuk and Richards were UFA’s that had 29 other teams to choose from. Doughty is looking like a greedy, self-fulfilling GUY (not teammate) especially in light of the Taveras, Myers and now reported Schenn signings. It is Doughty’s right to do what he is doing, but he controls his agent in terms of getting things done. In my view it looks really bad for him regardless of what happens. If the reports are true that he has been offered $6.8MM a year for 7 years and that doesn’t work for him then again it doesn’t look good.
Pesus Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
@likegangbusters,
Imo Im sure there was a 5 year deal on the table at one point, but thats what they want, so the 5 year deal was worth less, maybe around 6 a year. The hole point of 5 years is so hopefully drew has a cup and a norris then he can really cash out when his 5 year deal is up. Its all greed! I like DL’s stance, if u want big $ in 5 years take a little less now, but DD doesnt want to do that either. No hard facks just what I think. And Kovy was never coming here, he used us to get more $ out of NJ.
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likegangbusters Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@Pesus, Agreed. In the end, it is all greed. I can understand that being DL’s stance in this case, all I’m saying is that to get something done, absolutes don’t seem to work. Flexibility is usually what gets deals done, and when I’m reading that the Kings are holding firm to 6.8 (sensible) for 7 and won’t go a penny or year more or less, take it or leave or we’ll pull the offer, especially after reportedly doing the same basic thing with Kovy, that tends to not be very productive, I guess. No one I know appreciates ultimatums of any kind. It’s all speculation and I think we’re in fine shape without him (and really, if all of this is more DD’s doing than anyone else’s then we don’t need him), so however it goes, it goes. It’d just be a real shame to see him go over circumstances like these (if it goes down that road) and then have him actually become Niedermeyer v2.0.
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YoBro Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
@likegangbusters, I don’t believe many folks will agree that we “LOST OUT ” on the Kovy sitch. I don’t believe this is the Armageddon some envision either. I’ve been patiently waiting , and will continue to do so until my Magic 8-ball no longer says; Answer fuzzy- try again later. In other words, when there is actually a reason to be upset. —- or happy!
Go Kings
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likegangbusters Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@YoBro, just meant that we didn’t sign him, nothing else. truth be told, there’s no telling how he would have gelled with the guys or how he would have played with the Kings as opposed to the Devils…for all we know, he could’ve put us over the top, we’ll never know.
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jet Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 8:58 am
@likegangbusters, but we do know that Kovis contract would have kept the kings from building a long time contender. the line in the sand is not just to set up a take it or leave it ultimatum, but to say this is the best we can do within our goal of building a cup team. it is obvious every fan sees how the cap has to be managed to make a team a contender every year.
The 7 year deal is the best deal for DD. Why would he take a 2 year deal at 5M or a 5 year deal at 26M when he can get almost twice that at 7 years.
The real issue is what will happen to the cap after next year. If any more teams fo BK, the cap will have to come dowm to under 50M to protect the league. and 50M could be conservative if Europe goes into a depression and we double dip. I think this is why so many GMs just went with short contracts this year. if any thing goes wrong in europe we will be happy we are not stuck with a 7 year deal.
@puck73, Id take Parise, Larsson and a first
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SLG1013 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@brymaster1, This would be a huge gamble on the Kings part, considering that Parise is coming off a major injury and is a UFA after this season. I don’t have any confidence that the Kings would be able to resign him since he would most likely want to test the FA market (and he has stated several times that he likes it in NJ). If he has a great season, he will command huge dollars as a UFA…
Larsson, while projected to be very good, is unknown, as is any additional first round draft pick (especially if it’s not in the top 10). So this deal could ultimately end up as Doughty for Larsson after 1 year. Are the Kings, with Parise and Larsson, and without Doughty, good enough to win the cup this year? Is this the gamble that the Kings should take? Remember that the Kings control whether DD plays for the next several years. I can’t believe that he would jeopardize his own career by sitting out even 1 year…
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Pesus Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
@SLG1013,
And sitting out would cost him 6.8 mil. Sit on that!
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Well apparently 6.8 million a year for a 21 year old isn’t good enough for Drew……WTF??
Kopitar is more valuable to the Kings than Doughty is… How could we pay him more than Anze??
I hope we don’t take this crap from him or his agent. I remember we passed on offering Heatley anything because of his attitude…….We need to take the same stand with Doughty..
His attitude does not help TEAM building!
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DL sould offer an incentive based contract for anything over 6mil earned.
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Where are all the fans that said he would sign go? I remember fans saying he was gonna sign and it was a joke to jump to conclusions, but they seem to be away from their computers at the moment. DD is a jerk, just like Rob Blake.
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Shotongoal Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@Ducksuck, I’m one that said he would sign and I will stick with that! Stop being so angry! Let the negos play out, many here are being emotional about this. If you think the Kings are better without Doughty than you certainly are entitled to that opinion, but if you think they need him to seriously compete for the Cup then relax, take a deeeep breath and let this thing play out. Its up to you, but in no way should you start “calling out” fans here who are staying positive about getting Doughty signed……
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Ducksuck Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 7:42 am
@Shotongoal, Didn’t the fans wait long enough in the entire summer? Watched it play out and glad you see you still are behind him, but why can everyone sign a contract and this one player can’t?
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Having the situation go this far, we all knew it would come down to the wire.He’s going to get signed, and Iwouldn’t be surprised if it’s tonight. The issue is that he’s lost alot of respect with the faithful fans (evident above) and it’s going to take alot for him to redeem himself.I wouldn’t bet against having lost respect from some of his team mates too.I hope his fragile little 21 y/o psyche can handle the load the fans will give him.He also better be in the best shape of his life.
Some will say this is his livelyhood and has a right to hold out for the best money possible. Bottom line is, he’s been offered more money than he, his chidlren and grandchildren can spend in a lifetime. This makes me truly admire JMFJ by showing the team comes first over personal needs.
those who say we cannot win the cup w/o him…really? Last year proved to me he is not a team leader by any means…yet! Dont’ get me wrong, I would love to have him for years to come. But If that’s not the case, his trade value will bring alot of talent to this team.
For the first time since the summer of 88, I couldn’t wait for summer to end and start of hockey.It’s sad that this has to tarnish things.With or without DD, This will be a very memorable year.
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Zach Bogosian signed 2 year $5 million deal. Is DD that much better? Let Drew go!
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brymaster1 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
@Artur Helman, actually yeah he is, Bogosian had a good rookie year but has struggled the last 2 years.
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Message to Dean Lombardi. You’ve done a remarable job to get the LA Kings where they are today, a Stanley Cup contender. As much as I love DD, you have to respect this is about the TEAM and we can’t go spending Weber type money on a young player’s potential. Certainly not after last year’s performance. I hope we get him sighed but I support your decision that your doing what’s best for the team today and, most importantly, years to come. Thanks!
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7 years, $6.8 mill, and a $500 gift card to Krispy Kreme
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Newf Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
@Dwreck, ew. Drew would turn that down. Tim Hortons all the way!
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I wonder how much of this is Drew saying I want nothing less than ……… And how much is the agent saying don’t sign unless you get …… Drew fire you agent and come to reality!
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Last offseason it was his body that got too big, this one, it’s his head.
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Its one thing to wait till the last minute but cutting into camp is unacceptable. If it was i bad deal i would understand not wanting to sign, but, as it seems, throwing a fit over 200,000 is classless. Way to welcome the new guys and build chemistry, instead you label yourself as the kid you are.
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@Real_ESPNLeBrun: FYI both Doughty and Kings camp relay that all is quiet on the Western front at this point…
Not happening tonight.
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Trade his rights… Meehan is playing hardball with Lombardi…Doughty is on the side of greed and certainly has not warranted that type of money. He is showing that it’s money over the team…the money will always be there for him if he lives up to his potential…he doesn’t want a long term deal as he is afraid of not being surrounded by players in the future…rediculous… he might end up with even better players as this team goes.. Walk away from either te greed or the team – either way you become the goat in the eyes of the fans at this point.
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it’s the way she goes boys…… sometimes she goes, sometimes she doesn’t………. game on…..
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This is a question for Rich. Back in July I asked you in the open forum session if you’d trade Doughty if he wasn’t signed by the start of the season. Your response was, “he’s not going to be unsigned at the start of the season, so it’s a moot point.” I realize that the start of the season is still a ways away, but i’m just wondering if you still feel that way? I’m not so sure myself. I’d put it at 50-50 right now, and decrease those odds by 40 on Monday.
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Osaka Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
@CB14, Never say never in sports right.
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hell work out a deal with the preds and trade doughty for weber if he doesn’t want to sign for the same amount for kopitar…but work out a contract with weber 1st!
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AZ King Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@DAVE,
If the Kings were going to trade for Weber’s $7.5 million, why not just pay that to Drew and be done with it?
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How about the Kings take after the Islanders Charles Wang, if you are signed and in camp by day one, you sit for the year. It would hurt, but it does serve its point. Do it Deano.
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He just doesn’t want to be the King anymore! And that’s the main reason why he didn’t sign yet. Move on!!! Let him go and try to get as much as possible for him. Parise & Larson in return would be perfect deal for me!
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I want to take my sun to practice on saturday. Where can I find a break down of who is in what group? He is 2 so he only has a couple of hours in him and wants to see Kopi. Any help is greatly appreciated.
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This is ridiculous. I sit right behind the bench and I will boo him when and if he shows up. This team has all the pieces and this is screwing up the chemistry. I have lost a lot of respect for this kid. Number 8 is one glazed on top of a frosted with sprinkles. Boooooooooo Drew.
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Had to make up a Drew poster….Check it out. http://t.co/OzytBLU7
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Luke Schenn isn’t signed but he’s showing up to the Leafs camp….Drew get your ass to LA!!!
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brymaster1 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@Paul G, its been reported that Schenn signed a contract today and will be announced.
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This is why I don’t buy ANYONE’s jersey. I only flash the Crown year in year out. Only fans are loyal, players come and go. How can he want more than Chara, Lindstrom, or Keith, Too much, way too soon Drew! I wish players would honor their colors on their sweater and not the green.
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YoBro Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
@Renzonate, Agree on all counts.
Go Kings
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What a buzzkill.
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FU Drew. Sit the kid for the entire year. I hope this goes past Dec. 1st and DL doesn’t budge an inch. DD sits for an entire year and Meehan loses a client.
If he does sign, can anyone say, “Rob Blake”? Dude doesn’t realize how many fans he’s lost because of this. I can’t wait to see the fallout from it all once the season is underway.
Then again, judging from this nonsense, I’ll bet he’s dumb enough to think the entire stadium’s saying his name instead of booing him.
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4LAKingz Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@Ben, We all should turn around and face the rafters with dead silence when his name is announced.
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Ben Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
@4LAKingz, I just hope no one’s sporting his jersey at any of the games if he’s not signed. The way I see it, if you don’t support us (The Kings), we don’t support you, period.
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Doughty has been danced around and undressed by top notch players since he came in the league (Bobby Ryan, Ryan Smith, and Couture, I believe), he is not worth 7 million at the moment. Might as well have people dancing around a prospect for less than a million, than paying doughty 7 million to have a season like the one he had last year. I say we should only give him 7 million if he promises to give Willie Mitchell 3 of those million.
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fernando Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Not truly sure what players, but he has looked silly playing defense
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Stagger Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
@fernando,
I disagree. I see Doughty as a great one on one defender. They all get beat occasionally. They’re playing against the most creative & talented players in the world. Drew will stop them much more often than not though.
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OMG, we’re King fans…we should expect this kind of crap. I’m a Chicago Cubs fan as well, just gimme a push! Question, pro sports team that has gone the longest without winning a championship? Too easy?
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“We responded after we had discussions with Drew,” Meehan said by phone Thursday.
“We’re committed to being engaged in discussions and we’re more than willing to talk. I think the next step is for the Kings to respond to our correspondence.”
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outsider Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
@Subby, he definitely doesn’t want to be the King anymore!!! No other explanation. Move on!!!
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Stagger Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
@Subby,
Where did you see this? Source?
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I will boo him. How is that not enough money for a single 21 year old? Don’t trade him. Sit is ars and make him think about the money he is losing. How awesome would it be if they won a few playoff rounds or even the cup and dip sheet was sitting on the bench. If he doesn’t show up in camp, I think his relationship with fans and teammates will be almost unrepairable. Or maybe just his image. What a royal douche.
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We should maybe try and get Pronger and O’Donnel from Philly instead of screwing around with Doughty any longer.
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Stuart Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
@408kingsfan, OD isn’t with Philly anymore, CHI I think.
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How are incentives built into contracts? How do they affect the cap? I.e, can we offer 6 mil a year with, say 400k for every round of playoffs we make it to?
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i dont know what to say..There also two side of story of this..There Doughty and their DL
All i have to say if DL can flex alittle and Doughty too they should of got this done but one of them is not flexing at all..
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For the people saying that Doughty’s agent is just doing his job, I don’t necessarily agree. An agent’s job isn’t to just get the most money for his client in a given year. It’s about his client’s long term well-being, including his time after his playing career is over. I’ll be Paul Kariya would gladly give back a few of those dollars he earned for a chance to be able to show his kids his name engraved on the cup. Doughty along with Kopitar is on his way to being LA Kings royalty. I would dare say in 20 years, Kings fans may hold Doughty in higher regard than Robitaille or Gretzky.
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Also, before you guys trash Doughty too badly (too late), remember that we haven’t been given the specifics of the contract offers from Lombardi. We’re only hearing them from various media who cite “inside sources”. We don’t know what Doughty is asking for or what he turned down. Let’s take it easy and wait to see how this plays out.
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I have stuck behind Drew from day one, and would never consider trading him???? are you serious???? so what if he makes more money than Kopitar? is 200,000 that much of a big deal in terms of a contract? Doughty is 21 years old this is expected. By all means he is not even close to maturing. It sounds like most people here expect him to be a Lidstrom in terms of character. Which is what he will be in the future. He’s is the best “young” defensemen in the league and he knows that. He is cocky and these are the reasons why I love Drew. SHOW HIM THE MONEY!!!! lets see how serious the kings front office are into going for the cup
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Ben Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
@A-tar, So pay him the money he wants and piss off everyone else on the team?
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A-tar Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@Ben, y would they be pissed? everyone knows he is better in terms of talent than most of the team
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CB14 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
@A-tar, He has more pure talent than anyone on the team, but he isn’t the best player on the team, that’s why guys would have a problem.
red49er Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@A-tar, most of the team? then pay him where slots in…4th or 5th highest on team
I said it months ago. Trade him while he had more value. Now he still has value, but not as much as before this fiasco. Who has been brain washing this Doughnut loving kid just out of diapers to think he’s worth that type of money. Lets trade him for Shea Weber and add a prospect. We know that Nashville won’t be signing Weber next year after the arbitration and Weber wasn’t to happy about Predators management letting it go that far, so it might be a good fit. Do it Deano!!
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Diego Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@IntheSinBin, Works for me. Dump him.
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vandalsfan Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
@IntheSinBin, agreed 110%
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@IntheSinBin, actually sounds like a good idea, this is ridiculous and a distraction to the team
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I do see that Toronto Bluejays hat on his head all the time.
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Well, the next 36 hours should be fairly stressful for us Kings fans. On other hockey sites opposing fans are pilling on us pretty good, chirping how DD doesn’t want to play in LA, he wants to play in a true hockey market et cetera. I was above all of it over the last month, and merely laughed about it, but now that it is looking more and more like a hold-out situation I have to admit it isn’t funny anymore. I never thought we’d have this type of situation with DD.
Another buddy of mine stated if there is a trade you should hope it’s to an East coast team. I actually said I wouldn’t care and that I would rather have him closer so Brown or whomever had a chance to put him on his wallet as many times possible. I’m pretty sure DD’s agent has advised not to visit any social media sites in order to insulate himself from reading any of the negativity.
I actually don’t really want to hear from DD until this situation has been settled one way or another, because I am truly tired of hearing him talk out of both sides of his mouth. “I want to remain a King, I’ve been a King’s fan since I was a kid,” and my personal favorite, “I just want to get the deal done.”
Both sides are looking out for their own interests, I get that, and this is a business. Us, the Kings fans have pure emotion invested into this situation…well season ticket holders have a financial investment to, so this hits us at a completely different level than Kings management and DD.
I can look at this from different percpectives; I would love to have DD sign and remain a King for along time, great! But if the price is too high what type of pieces can we add to the puzzle down the line to remain competitive? Do the Kings become a team that constantly has to settle for cobbling together second tier players due to the financial constraints. On the other hand DL is a master with the draft/trades and what type of system could he put together with the pieces he could obtain by trading DD.
Are the Kings a better team right now with DD in the fold? Yes. But what are the long term ramifications on the team with a large contract? A Stanley Cup? Maybe, maybe not. Are the Kings a better team this year without Doughty? Yes. What could the Kings do with the assets received from trading him?
Too many ifs and maybes… I’m glad I’m dealing with this on an emotional level.
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puck73 Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
@LicoriceBiscuit, Lets see how you feel on October 4th when the season starts and he is still holding out. If that should happen, I guarantee you that both you and I will have an opinion at that point,
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LicoriceBiscuit Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
@puck73, without a doubt. I’m pretty sure my opinion will be in flux as the hours pass
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BTW, just my opinion, but anyone willing to sign DD to a 5 year deal….
You don’t let your #2 1st round pick become a UFA in his first year of eligibility and give him all the negotiating power. That’s just ‘Stupid-cide’
Besides, you gotta stagger the contract years of your top guys. Right now, Brown is up in 2015. Anze is 2017, Williams is 2016, JJ is 2019, do you see the pattern? No 2 guys are up in the same year. a 7 year deal for DD would put him at 2019 (Same as JJ), which is last resort for DL. He wants 8 or 9 years that staggers him to 2020 or 2021. 7 years is far enough out that DL will have options by then more than likely, which is why he would accept 7 years as a term length. Any less is too much value to lose from DD becoming a UFA early. With these negotiations the way they are going, we’d lose him for sure!
Just another take.
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jet Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@Cynic, id take a 5 year 26M contract. This would make for a very tradeable asset in 3 years. I would imagine 2 1st and a #2 dman would be offered.
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I think its DD’s agent’s pride and history with DL that is getting in the way.
Look at it this way – and I’m generalizing with the numbers If DL offered 6.8 per year for 9 years (61.2 Mil) and DD wants 7.5 per year that is a difference of 700k per year. If DD holds out this year he will be losing 6.8 million. That means that even if he gets 7.5 for the next reaming 8 years, at the end of these 9 years he would only get (60.0 Mil) he loses money by holding out. They have to realize this.
This is why I think it has to do with more than money.
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jet Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@The Realtor, he would lose much more than 6.8, because he would not get that much the following year after sitting out a year. You are right about it being about the money.
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Maybe he’s holding out for a Weight Watcher’s endorsement clause.
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Sounds like Lombardi has boxed himself into a corner. You present the maximum at the start, you run the risk that it gets rejected and you have nowhere to go. Especially now that some of the figures have become public, it is going to be very difficult for either side to give in. I applaud DL for his guts, but he may very well have misfired on this one. Doughty/Meehan are by no means innocents in all this, but from what I have been reading, the Kings may have gone at this the wrong way. I want to see this tremendous talent in a Kings uniform for many years, and will not be at all happy if that doesn’t happen.
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jet Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 9:53 am
@rick, but it is not the start, it is the week of camp
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Dear Doughty-
Do you remember Rob Blake???? He pulled this B.S., and is now the most hated x-King. We don’t take kindly to 21 year olds holding out for money. You’re now on record, as just being in the game for the money, what a shame…
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Ben Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
@Chuck, Wasn’t DD still an embryo when Blake was playing?
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Opportunity for another young player to step up!
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This is nuts, if its true that Doughty wants at least 7 mil. Drew is a phenomenal player but even at 6.8 mil he’d be top 4 in defensemen in the league. I don’t think he is worth Chara money at this stage of his career. I dont think he is worth more than Nick Lidstrom. Even at 6.5 its too high at his age. When he’s 25, yeah 6.5-6.8. 26-27 on if he is tops in the league in stats and getting nominated for Norris then yeah he should be top 4 salary wise, but he isnt there yet.
Kopitar is worth 6.8 because he is nearly a point per game player and a 1st line center which is the most highly coveted position in the game.
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Trade his butt, Get rid of him.
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he’s sealing his fate from being a fan favorite to total jerk…he needs to grow up and wise up quick!
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I think Drew Kovalchuk is looking for a deal that is something like 22 years / 800 million dollars. Or maybe he’s dreaming to play in New Jersey?
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So much for playing for the love of the game…..it will never be the same for Drew.
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