The first group of players will be on the ice shortly for training camp, but first here’s a couple items…
First, Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports takes a great look at “the anatomy of a holdout,” with perspective from a general manager, agent and player about the mindset and strategies involved when a player doesn’t report to training camp.
Also, for those looking for a bit of good news within the Kings/NHL, I caught up with former Kings enforcer Ryan Flinn, who is now working as a firefighter in suburban Phoenix and is quite happy with his post-hockey life.
good morning to all…… its la kings hockey time….. cheers to a great season…..
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 9:36 am
@lvkingaholic,
+1
[Reply]
desertking Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@AZ King, you from Arizona?
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@desertking,
I think he’s an Aztec warrior.
Kingsfanone Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@desertking,
Maybe he meant to type OZ and got distracted by that guy behind the curtain?
Let the games begin!
[Reply]
Thanks for the great morning reading. A truly feel good story with Flinn which ironically provides a bit of context to the doughty situation. While I’ve never had the privilege of negotiating 7 figures I’ve always taken my family and personal happiness into consideration and as important elements of the overall compensation package. How much is not having to move, sticking with a great group of guys, being on a LA Kings team that is arguably going somewhere and getting to training camp sooner rather than later worth to Doughty? I know how much it is worth to his agent.
[Reply]
Would I give up four 1st round picks for Webber today?…HELL YES!!
How about giving up the picks for Lidstrom 10 years ago?…Any day of the week and twice on Sunday!!
Would I trade Webber (now) or Lidstrom (in his prime) straight up for Bufyglien, Myers or Staal…HELL NO!!
Would I be happy seeing Doughty traded for Buf, Schenn, Myers or Staal?…YES!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!
And what would make me happiest above anything else would be Meehan publicly demanding a trade from the LAK., followed by an immediate granting of such wish.
NO GM has considered Drew Doughty worthy of four 1st round picks. Isn’t that enough pudding proof to get Meehan and his spoiled rotten child client to start negotiating in good faith once and for all?
If DD wants FA after 5 years, he is not even worth Jack MoFo Johnson’s money. Period.
To complete the magnificent championship caliber team Dean Lombardi has been busting his a$$ to develop, this poison pill needs to be shipped off away from the team, the division and the conference. DL, the fans and the media know that, regardless of what politically correct bull crap DL tells the media during these so called negotiations.
And the longer DD holds out, the lower his value becomes to his fans, and more importantly, to those cutting the checks across the league.
As of right now, Dean Lombardi is hitting Doughty where it hurts the most…his pocket!
DD is docked around $25,000 in unearned salary for each day he refuses to work.
Drew…$50,000 and counting…tic toc tic toc.
[Reply]
Great news on Ryan Flinn, thanks! Be safe out there Ryan!
[Reply]
I will be leaving for the rink in a few minutes. Be great to see all the players on the ice again. All but one that is.
[Reply]
gmo Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@Jerry B,
im up in canada so would love if you could take some pics and email them to me ehehe just saying ………..wish i i could attend
GO KINGS GO
[Reply]
Great day for Hockey!!!
[Reply]
Ryan Flinn had one of the most entertaining entrances into the NHL that I can remember as a Kings toughguy. I believe he had like 3 consecutive knockouts, if I remember correctly. He also had one of the greatest preseason fights in Kings history, with his own teamate Kip Brennan.
[Reply]
After reading the player/agent/GM article, it seems that it would be naive for us as fans to think DD has no say in these negotiations, regardless of how much Meehan is “handling” it. Obviously Meehan has a plan and DD has bought into it hook, line, and sinker. I had always thought that our Kings had minimal ego in the room, but it seems not to be the case anymore. When MTurco said that today is when it really sinks in for the player, I thought to myslf “self, you think DD is even out of bed right now this minute?” And then I chuckled to myself and shook my head… I don’t know, but I can easily picture him sitting all bed-headed out watching cartoon re-runs with a large bowl of cereal at hand.
Rightly or wrongly so, I’m starting to lay some serious blame at the feet of DD.
[Reply]
Bonvivant1 Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@Stuart, He better be on a plane to L.A. That would be a show of good faith on his part. If this is going to linger negotiate in LA.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 9:46 am
@Stuart, ya know, i was on the fence a bit about who to “blame” for this fiasco, but after reading that article (assuming its the scenario that is actually playing out here), I am confident in saying this falls directly on the shoulders of Mr Doughty. To hear things like “doing whats best for my family, my future, etc” from a players perspective is a complete disgrace. If you were going to do what is best for your future, you would sign a 61.2 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT. That would secure your future. As has been said, you could live the same lifestyle you are now (and almost assuredly even way above that), just place all that cash in low risk investments and live the rest of your life in financial security. plus when you are 30 (the prime of your career), you could still make even more. Perhaps this is more social commentary than hockey talk, but it is my opinion and im sticking to it!
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 10:45 am
@tornado12,
Let me correct you tornado. When you are 28 (in the prime of your career) you could still make not only more but lots more. Because the market for an elite 28 year old dman (which is what he would be on a 7 yr contract) would be mega.
But I suppose his agent (and he) want the mega payday sooner….. either that or simply more money on that term.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@number 6, Funny thing is, with the economy still stalled indefinitely, and an upcoming change in the CBA, he might not even get a better deal than this even 5 years from now, when Doughty would rather hit free agency. Also, who’s to say he doesn’t fall prey to another concussion in the next five years? I mean really, a guaranteed 61 million dollars RIGHT NOW, is on the table. Unbelievable the amount of ego that must be involved in this kid’s head. This whole situation is ludicrous. It’s more than a fair market value for his talent, and he still will be up for another contract while he is still in the prime of his career. I can’t believe that this is even an issue. How does one grow up and think, “gee, ya know, I really DESERVE more than 61 million dollars”. Yeeeeeeeeeeesh.
tornado12 Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@number 6, my understanding was a 9 year deal for 61.2 according to nick kypreos “Where does LA go next after Doughty rejects multi offers including 9 yrs/61.2M. The 6.8 aav would have matched Kopitar’s as Kings highest”. i tried combing all the old posts here briefly but couldnt find any solid numbers besides AAV reported. can you post a link to the 7 yr offer?
The bottom line for me still is that he is turning down a boatload of money for what? to potentially get a relatively bit more of a boatload of money?
meekie103 Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@Stuart, THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I PICTURED! Hahaha. A big bowl of Fruity Pebbles, sponge bob, and his ninja turtle costume for holloween laid out on his bed! I really want to know what the Vets are REALLY thinking about this and what the morale of the team is surrounding this…
[Reply]
Come on Doughty, take one for the team and jump on! It’s not too late. You know you want to.
p All will be forgiven. You’ve got your whole career ahead of you to get cocky! Make some news boy, sign!
[Reply]
Anyone know what time Kopitar’s group will be on the ice?
[Reply]
Good to hear that Flinn’s doing well. That game was the first Kings game I had ever been to, so I remember it all pretty vividly. I think about Flinn and that fight very really scary to watch. It’s really cool to hear that someone can come out of that situation happy and healthy and alive.
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 9:43 am
@FiG17,
My phone decided to leave out a few words there… “I think about Flinn and that fight very often… it was really scary to watch.”
[Reply]
Let’s focus on the guys who are here and want to be here. I think that they’re the ones who deserve attention, not the player who has put himself above the team in importance.
I hope that Kopi is able to recover completely. I also hope, more than I did before, that Penner comes back with new resolve.
[Reply]
DarenV Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 10:40 am
@vplaza, I met Penner in the parking lot when me and my son were on the way out. He looked great and was very friendly. Took a picture with my son. Might be my son’s new favorite player although we took a picture with Anze when he was 6 months old.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@DarenV,
Good to hear he looked great. Really hoping he plays up to his potential.
[Reply]
Great read.
[Reply]
i know you all will call me crazy…….. but i feel sorry for drew. being at the ripe ol age of 21, i think that his agent has him so confused about everything that is going on. this will be a learning experience for junior for sure, i mean the kid is gonna be a superstar one day. and i do hope it is with the kings………… i want him to sign so we can all move on to a cup raising in june……….
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@lvkingaholic, Drew needs a wife, a dad or a best friend from childhood to help him see this thing for what it is. He’s too close to the situation and being too influenced by his agent to recognize how valuable it is playing on a winning team . Look at what some of the greats have done near the end of their careers (Chelios, Bourque) to play for the Cup, and here he is starting to tear at the fabric of a very solid team. One L.A. hasn’t had in a long time. From future signings to today’s chemistry Drew needs to consider these aspects and put a value on them and stir this into the mix as he evaluates what he wants most. Money or professional satisfaction? not mutually exclusive when we’re talking about these dollar amounts.
[Reply]
rotorhead Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@lvkingaholic, Drew knows exactly what’s going on… he’s 21, not 14… although his PIM’s last year might tell a different story…
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@rotorhead, 21 makes you legal for all adult activities, but doesn’t make you mature, wise or thoughtful. Experience does. He, and nearly all 21 y/o’s, lack experience.
[Reply]
i know, wish in one hand…………..
[Reply]
Wouldn’t it be great if Doughty held out through the start of the season and the Kings called up Voynov and he went insane (something like 10 goals in 7 games)?
Lombardi could call Meehan and say “my new offer is 2 mil a season”
[Reply]
After reading that article, The anatomy of a holdout…I am convinced that Doughnut is selfish and greedy and has allowed his ego to swell so big…he can not fit into the doors at El Segundo. Seriously though, shame on him.
[Reply]
Anyone know what the parking situation is like @ TSC right now? Headed up there shortly to catch Groups B & C.
gKg!
[Reply]
mantooth Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@LBlocal, Some spots on the back row. We left there about 10:00.
[Reply]
Drew, you’re driving all of us NUCKINGFUTS!!! Like someone said above, your @$$ better be on a plane today. Git’er done!
[Reply]
Well, our little brat, DD, is at home in London, Ont. living in his “Kings ” embellihed room with Mommy and Daddy. They must approve of their brat’s behavior or they would have had a m0re positive influence on him. They, too, must be looking at the big bucks as it benefits them. To show the solidarity of the team, perhaps those who have Meehan as an agent should be looking for a change.
[Reply]
jpl Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@poe, so im with the majority of people who say drew is asking for too much. between 6 to 7 on a long term contract would work for me maybe you have other views. my main reason for replying to your post is to let you know you sound like a complete idiot. you dont know drew personally yet you call him a brat? i keep reading comments about people hoping he does not take any of this personally and does not hold any grudges when it comes time to sign his following contract…maybe you should take a little time away and relax a bit because it seems maybe as a fan your taking this personally.
[Reply]
The kid is only 21, and we all know how easy it is to influence someone of that age. Agents often sell their clients a bill of goods because it’s in their own financial interest to get as much as possible for the client because that translates into big bucks for them.
Drew needs to have a talk with his dad about what it means to be making that kind of money and to be on a team that will have a great shot at going for the cup. He could make more elsewhere, but you can’t build a team around a greedy player when management is facing a salary cap. He could spend the rest of his career on sub par teams and never get a shot at the cup.
Think long and hard, Drew. Chemistry in the room is critical. You’re not yet worth more money than everyone else. I think you will be in a few years, and if you take a six or seven year deal, you’ll be able to command the moon when you’re in your prime. Step back and view the totality of the situation and you’ll come to the conclusion that 6.8 is huge, and you’re worth every penny of that. And to be fair, as an added incentive, if you take the deal now, before camp is over, I’ll throw in a dozen cupcakes from the Vanilla Bake Shop—–after we win the cup, of course.
[Reply]
Not to change the subject (much), but opinions on what our top Defense parings look like?
You know, without Meehan’s Meal Ticket playing.
[Reply]
Dear DD, if you realy sure that you will be a super star at your prime (at 28) (you are not yet by any means) – sign the contract, enjoy your 61.2 mil. and keep in mind that at 28 you will get much more, unless you are afraid that you are not going to be a super star by that time and just trying to get now more than you deserve.
Also keep in mind – you still on the roster of a Great Young Team, Cup Contender!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@Leo, 9years 61mil 30years old? Why are fans saying 7 years?
[Reply]
The bottom line to all of this, is Doughty actually believes he deserves MORE THAN 61 MILLION DOLLARS. Who wakes up in the morning, has some coffee, then says to themselves, “yeah, I totally should be making more than 61 million dollars”. How do you even get in to that head space? I’m actually curious. I can’t fathom even having the gumption to think that way. I mean seriously, he wasn’t born a millionaire. He was just a normal middle class canadian kid, right? How do you go from being stoked to being able to play a game for a job, and in a couple years, already feel entitled to more than most people can even imagine?
I just don’t get it. I understand wanting to be recognized for achievement, or even potential. But this deal is more than fair. It puts him in the top 5 of all defensemen in the league. It would also put him equal to the highest player on our team. What else could he want? What difference does it make? Really?
[Reply]
Someone stop this nightmare. I just want Doughty signed and hockey started. I am so tempted to go buy a PS3 right now and NHL 12 just because I can’t wait.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Subby, I have a PS3 and just got NHL12 and it is AWESOME! Its kinda like a methadone hit for a heroin addict…not the real thing, but it takes the edge off
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@tornado12,
Great mental picture! Thanks!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@Subby,
X-box is awsome also. I own both systems, and I suggest if your thinking of buying a system you rent them out at blockbuster first. That way you can see which one you like better. Their both different in different ways, and their both extremely expensive. So try them both before making up your mind.
[Reply]
Thomas Hickey, today is your day. Show the coaching staff that you are ready to not only play great hockey for this team, but that you can bring some maturity to the posiion left open. You deserve this scenario and I hope you grab the bull by the horns.
[Reply]
Wahhhhh</3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1c1OYaZ9gA
[Reply]
Does anyone know what’s up with Forbert? He was our top pick at the draft in LA correct? Is he not close enough to be in either rookie camp or big boy camp??
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@Mudfish4, Finishing college ,and right on schedule.
[Reply]
I take 7 year old tomorrow afternoon but who’s going to be in Team A?
[Reply]
Flinn’s transition from fire to ice is a rare, and needed, happy story
I believe the transition is from ice to fire… or the transition to fire from ice…
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@Marc Nathan,
Too bad it can’t help transform the Devils financial situation.
[Reply]
I don’t think there would be such a strong reaction to Doughty’s holdout if fans didn’t feel so strongly about his level of talent.
Defensemen like Doughty don’t come around very often. Some try to compare him to others, but the sheer talent this kid has at this age surpasses many of these comparables. Everyone knows this; GMs, agents, players, coaches, etc.
There is no denying his skills and talent.
Lombardi knows this. He’s been adamant about keeping Doughty.
Some want him to be “reasonable” and take one for the team, but just take a look at what happened to visibly one of the best players in the league; these guys are always one play away from being out of the game. Given his recent experience with concussions, there is an argument to be made that Doughty must also look out for himself. Where will the fans be if he’s out of the game “Tough luck there, Drew. We miss you. Hope you feel better soon.” , what will hockey mean to him?
Just as Lombardi is convinced he’s doing the right thing for the organization, Doughty is holding out because he believes it’s the right thing to do. And we are not privy to all the details behind that decision.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@dMan, if he were to sign a 9 yr contract and gets injured, does insurance not cover that?
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@dMan,
DD rejected both offers of 7 & 9 years, respectively. So far, everything that’s been leaked points to a immature player that allows his greedy agent to pump his expectations for non hockey reasons such as:
1. Agent greed. The more DD makes, the bigger cut Meehan gets.
2. Spite towards Dean Lombardi due to their acrimonious history of dealing with each other.
Asking him to sign a 48 million (7 yr) or a 61 million (9 yr) contract is outrageously far from asking him to take one for the team. That is abject nonsense.
There isn’t a single reason left, in my not so humble opinion that can justify taking DD’s side any longer.
He’s MIA
He’s a Holdout.
He’s distracting his teammates.
He’s hurting the team chemistry developing process so important during training camp.
He’s very possible not going to be in hockey shape if and when he ever shows up.
I just saw the brief TM interview and OHHHHH How I wish I was inside the coach’s mind when he was saying all those nice things about DD.
His mouth was full of praise for DD, his skills, his value to the team and how fun it is to have him around.
Translation:
“This little f#&ck is throwing a wrench in a carefully orchestrated effort to bring these fans and this city a championship caliber team. Who the f@#ck does this prima donna think he is? Can’t wait for DL to trade his sorry a$$ for someone who wants to be part of this team and doesn’t presume to be better than the team itself”
[Reply]
Dough. ty.
[Reply]
Or Dough. no ty.
[Reply]
Being a Firefighter Paramedic myself, I salute Ryan Flinn, awesome story, good for him for “serving”. Thanks for sharing Rich!
[Reply]