Things have definitely changed around Kings training camp in recent years. No longer are there open spots, with coaches and management hoping that a player will step up and fill them. Now, if a young player wants to make the roster, he will have to beat out a veteran. The top six forwards are set. So are the goalies. So are the defensemen, at least when Drew Doughty rejoins the fold. The competition for bottom-six forward spots includes no fewer than 10 players with NHL experience, meaning that a lot of players are trying to win over coach Terry Murray and his staff…
MURRAY: “Well, the team is a much better hockey club today than what it was the first year I got here, obviously. The restocking of the organization, through drafts and through trades and free-agent signings, pushes you up the ladder pretty quickly. So the competition level is real good. Again, you’re bringing in a Trent Hunter on a PTO, as an example. He’s got a lot of NHL games under his belt, and he’s looking to crack the lineup and get a job back in the NHL with us. I’m enjoying the competition and the depth that we now have in the organization. It makes us better, just by talking about it. Getting on the ice in these early days of training camp, there’s peer pressure. Guys are going to dig in. They’re going to push a little harder in all the drills and show, to the coaches, that their development is on line. What’s going on in the organization is really a positive thing.”
Want more interviews? Here are some from the first two days of camp, courtesy of Daryl Evans and Kings Vision.
Nicolas Deslauriers
Rob Scuderi
Dwight King
Brandon Kozun
Christopher Gibson
Jake Muzzin
Terry Murray
Ethan Moreau
Linden Vey
Andrei Loktionov
“So are the defensemen, at least when Drew Doughty rejoins the fold.” That should be “if” not “when” Rich. I’m just sayin it’s not a guarantee he’s going to be here this season.
[Reply]
TMagz Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
@CB14, Sorry to comment off topic, but can anyone tell me where I can find the the schedule for practices at El Segundo? They’re open to the public right?? Thanks guys. So pumped to get this season started!
[Reply]
mcdangles Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
@TMagz, Mon, Tue starts at 8:30 till 5:00 Wed is game day vs. Phoenix
[Reply]
TMagz Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
@mcdangles, Awesome! Thx
Kingsfanone Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:20 am
@TMagz,
Look at the past threads/posts Rich did. He ran a full schedule of the entire camp up to Frozen Fury Oct 1 back a ways. Click on the Insider header at the very top, then go to the very bottom of the page. Older entries I think. Sorry, don’t know how to link it, but its not difficult to find.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:27 am
@TMagz,
http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/09/14/training-camp-schedule-roster/
Try this TMagz
[Reply]
OC Hip Check Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:54 am
@CB14, has anyone else read this??? Has to be one of the worst written articles I’ve read in a while
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/What-We-Learned-Dean-Lombardi-8217-s-lucky-spo?urn=nhl-wp12858
[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@OC Hip Check,
I read it. I found it outstanding.
[Reply]
OCKingsFan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 9:27 am
@OC Hip Check, What do you mean worst article? DD is quite obviously the best player in the Pacific division, and it’s an insult for DL to offer less than 8 mil a year to him. You must be one of those idiots that the author refers to.
As I said in my comment there, the only way DD can save face is to fire his agent and sign. Otherwise, I’d like to see him traded for whatever we can get or I wouldn’t even mind seeing him sit out the whole season. I’ll take the right players over the best players any day of the week. DD is proving that he’s not one of the right players.
[Reply]
OC Hip Check Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 10:02 am
@OCKingsFan, there is absolutely no way that Doughty is the best player in the pacific. I mean worst article by the way they are making it look like dean is the bad guy for not giving doughty exactly what he wants. Wait are you being sarcastic in that first paragraph? I can’t tell OC Kings Fan. Because I 100% agree with your second paragraph.
OCKingsFan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 10:15 am
@OC Hip Check, Yes, I was being sarcastic in my first paragraph. It was quite an idiotic article.
OC Hip Check Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 10:21 am
@OCKingsFan, ahh got it. I was like crap did I read something wrong and just make a lame comment about it? But yea that rticle was crazy right? Was the author of that article being sarcastic? He has to be right? He’s making dean look like the devil and doughty and his agent look like angels.
Thank you DL for giving this organization so much depth and so many wonderful problems…
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
@jess, Lombardi had a vision, but he would not have been able to accomplish this without the support of Leiweke and ownership who ultimately are paying for it (as critical as fans have been of these people).
Lombardi has surrounded himself with a great cast of characters; Hextall, Robitaille, Murray, Stevens, Solomon, Ranford, and on and on… From the coaching staff in Manchester to the scouts – as much as the hockey team is a TEAM, so is the management team.
Fantastic job of building slowly and patiently, identifying and filling the gaps, keeping an eye on finances and looking far ahead.
This Kings organization will be competing for years to come.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
@dMan, agree 100$ and would like to add the scout and strength teams
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
@dMan,
Actually AEG already had the vision, and hand selected Dean because they felt he was the best candidate to get the job done. It was the same plan Taylor had, but Taylor fell short, and jumped the gun once the team started showing success, and that team disintigrated. Dean has made all the decisions on staff, draft, and trades, but it was AEG’s wish to beuild the team through the draft, and build up Manchester. Then build up the team to be able to compete, and self replenish its ranks with a consistant flow from the pipeline.
DL is the genius that got it done in such a small time frame (compared to Taylor, who took twice as long, and ultimately had less success).
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
@Dominick, I have to agree that AEG definitely knew they wanted to build a long-term winning tradition in Los Angeles and found the man who shared that vision and was able to implement. I certainly give Leiweke and ownership huge props for having the patience and the dedication to follow it through in spite of many reluctant, unbelieving and frustrated fans.
I couldn’t understand how Lombardi having proven himself so well in San Jose was relegated to scouting in Philly and was very excited when the Kings hired him. The right man for the job.
Dominick Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
@dMan, I agree. It was also Rogies plan, but Rogie gave players away too cheap when he started his rebuilding plan, and the Kings would have taken 2 steps back, before even 1 step forward. 1 fan said it perfectly “Rogie would give players away for a box of cigars if he could”.
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:30 pm
@Dominick, As much as I love Rogie as a player and an individual, I never thought he should have run/managed the team. Seemed to me anyway that hiring him was more an act of cronyism than sound judgment.
I think all GMs want/proclaim to want to build winners, but very few are actually capable of doing it. It also takes owners who understand the stakes and the risks, cause let’s face it, it’s a costly proposition and there are no guarantees.
There are 30 teams in the league and maybe 5 really great GMs and we are very lucky to have one of them.
DonnyK Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:34 pm
@Dominick, I think you mean an old bag of pucks! Ha
How would the 4th line and back ups do as a NHL team. Bernier is your goalie and Lotki and the rest of the young players would be playing…Playoffs????
[Reply]
Paul G Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@neil, Cup! lol
[Reply]
CUP!!!!
[Reply]
The season cannot come fast enough!
[Reply]
Lokti is so adorable! He looks excited, I hope he gets a spot on this team.
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@lala, I’m sure adorable is exactly what he was going for. lol
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@lala, I’m sure adorable is exactly what he was going for. lol
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
@puddle,
you can say that again
[Reply]
King Doughnuts Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
@Shakes, +1
puddle Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 12:39 am
@Shakes, I knew someone would say it! Damn double posts :-/
Great to have this much depth… Jarret Stoll is definitely the best 3rd line center in the league.
[Reply]
Trip Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@Kopi Bryant, Pretty sure!
[Reply]
Sydor25 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
@Kopi Bryant, Jordan Staal says hi.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
@Sydor25, if crosby is really clear
[Reply]
I’m not sure how to deal with this much talent in our system. Its complicated.
[Reply]
Scarletcat Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@KC23,
Kings fans are on overload with this much talent! It’s been just about 20 years since it’s felt this good going into camp.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
@Scarletcat, We’ve never been anywhere near this deep. Ever. We’ve had some better top end players, but debth wise … this is the best debth in the King’s history and I dare anyone to prove me otherwise.
[Reply]
murf Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 1:24 am
@KC23, you are correct sir ,not once in history we had the depth pool so great GKG
Just got home and was hoping to see that DD8 signed. How disappointing. $6.8M a year not enough? Wow. Maybe that concussion he suffered last year rattled his brain more than suspected.
In fact, I wonder if he is hiding something…like maybe some post-concussion syndrome that he is hoping will clear up before he has to take a physical. I hope the Kings make any contract he signs based on his being symptom free.
In every video I have seem of DD, he seems like a laid back cool kinda guy. Not someone with an enormous ego. Not someone who thinks he should be the center of the Kings universe. This drawn out process is starting to seem very odd to me.
[Reply]
King John Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
@UglyinLA, yeah, makes you wonder….
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
@UglyinLA, Good take on DD. You’re right it seems way out of character. I’m thinking this is Meehan’s ego writing checks that Doughty’s future can’t cash.
[Reply]
LGK Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@KC23, I believe meehan has brainwashed doughty. Doughty needs to realise that and break away from meehan.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:39 am
@KC23,
Maybe the biggest obstacle, besides Meehan, is that DD is only 21 and just doesn’t know any better. His immaturity may be showing in all this.
Does he know just because he has an agent, he still needs to be in charge?
[Reply]
We never had much oppounity to skate here in the desert. Our new rink just opened up and we went skating for the first time. I have now developed a much greater appreciation for our players and the healing power of ice bags (that rink ice is hard!).
[Reply]
jess Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
@DesertKing,
Hey you are pioneering new ground my friend it is indeed rare to be able to skate by an aloe plant:)
[Reply]
jet Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
@DesertKing, but the ice at Staples is so much softer
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
@jet,
My new personal goal is to skate on the ice at Staples during next year’s HockeyFest.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
@jet, and the boards are like pillows.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:50 am
@Dominick,
At Motel 6.
Kingsfanone Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:42 am
@DesertKing,
Ok, I’ll say it.
And we’ll leave the light on for ya!
Was at practice all day today, and here is some more quick observations. Jon Bernier and Jon Quick both look excellent out there. Both of them make saves look easy most of the time. Once again Dustin Penner continues to impress, good consistent speed and great hands and a great shot. Also, Voynov looked much better today then yesterday. He was much better positionally today, he was physical at times if you can believe that, and anytime someone got around him he was more then quick enough to catch up.
But maybe the biggest treat for me today besides hanging out and talking with @TA, was us talking hockey with Mike Kozun, Brandon Kozun’s father. Listening to Mike talk about Brandon and alot of the Kings players and prospects was really educational. He also gave us the politics that go on in these organizations, something I am not at liberty to talk about on this site obviously.
Anyway, this weekend was great, and I am really looking forward to seeing some of you wednesday night at staples vs Phoenix, see ya out there!
[Reply]
OnTheFly Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
@puck73,
Can’t wait for pizza night, cause I know what I want to hear.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
@OnTheFly,
Me too! I can’t wait to hear Puck tell us how too make lasagna!
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
@puck73, How did Brown look with Richards and Gagne? Rich said they had some communication problems yesterday and I’d like your opinion of their chemistry.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
@CB14, The line looks great ! I think Brown is going to benefit the most from this. The first 2 days he looks even more motivated if thats possible. He is skating, stickhandling and shooting the puck better then I have seen. Hopefully this works out as good as I think it will !
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
@puck73, Thats great news to hear, and thanks for the info! Much appreciated.
jet Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
@puck73, hey puck, I always respect your thoughts. I have to respectively disagree on this one. As I posted during summer, I thought Kozun had a poor attitude during the prospect camp earlier this summer. It appeared he thought he was too good for the camp and did not see it as an honor bestowed to one that management would want as a role model for their youngsters. I actually thought his attitude was so poor that he should be keep seperate from the youngens. I must admit that his attitude seemed to take a 180 during rookie camp last week. He seemed to embrace being a leader and tried to make sure everyone was involved. As I say that at the end of the last hard practice prior to the games the team did sprints from the goal line to the red line. Kozun was beat by Nolan 3 of the first 4 sprints, while Kozun eaisly beat him on most of the rest when he wanted to. But I guess that is my point, ‘when he wanted to’. Also instead of a hockey stop at the far goal line he recycled out along the boards to save his quads. He was the only one of 2 dozen players to do so. When I select players, i always avoid those who look to do the minimum even if it means leaving some skill on the table. I really like the kid, but I would not take a chance on putting him on the Kings right now. He does not appear to be willing to complete phase A.
Also, be very careful of those players whose parents are at most of the practices. They often have an elevated view of their kids ability. Worse, they often fill the kids head with their subjective view which causes animosity between player and coach. Actually, now that you mention it, this my be the exact problem.
Ill give more of my thoughts on others at rookie camp tuesday.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
@jet, Hey jet, I just said that I talked to his father, but I never said that I thought he was a shoe in to make this club. Kozun is like alot of good prospects here, if he wants a job on the 23 man roster then he will have to yank it away from someone.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
@jet, isnt Kozun’s family from LA? if my kid was at the Kings training camp, I would be there too showing support for him…with all due respect, would you not?
[Reply]
jet Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
@tornado12, no absolutly not. When I do watch my kids practice it is from afar,so that there is no distraction what so ever . Of course, I would not miss a game if my life depended on it.
ta Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 1:00 am
@jet, Actually i was there to and I thought that Mike Kozun gave very honest and candid
thoughts on his son. I enjoyed talking with him and wished Brandon all the best.
[Reply]
ta Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 1:05 am
@puck73, Mike, i had a lot of fun hanging out with you today watching the boys.
WOW, i still can’t believe how much talent and depth that we have this year.
TM & DL and staff are going to have a hard time cutting this roster to 23.
Can’t wait for the season to start!
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:56 am
@ta, wow, when was the last time anyone said it was going to be hard to cut this roster down? But, when you look at all successful teams in sports the one thing that they all seem to have in common is quality depth….
[Reply]
I love to just sit back an admire it for a minute when a plan comes together. I hope DL did so, because he promised us a plan for building a sustainable organization, and the kool-aid is truly delicious these days. This organization is STACKED!
[Reply]
If Drew doesn’t sign this week, I expect he will miss some regular season games. Dean isn’t going to back down and neither will Meehan. Drew needs to do what Bobby Ryan did last year and skip the middleman.
[Reply]
StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:28 am
@Sydor25,
Or call Jack Johnson!
This situation is making me lose sleep.
[Reply]
I also want to add one more player that looked good, Loktionov. he looked like he bulked up and was skating and passing the puck as good as I have seen. Who knows, maybe this is the year the coaching staff wont be able to say no to this very talented player.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
@puck73, yup he’s solid
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
@puck73, I think Loktionov will go down to Manchester, but he’ll be back up in a hurry if we lose any center to injury.
[Reply]
I hope darryl evans can have a interview with the new guys on camp.. And also SRB line.. Its good to be the coach right now and have interchangeable options!! GO KINGS!
[Reply]
Penner – Kopitar – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Clifford – Stoll – Parse
Lewis – Mourea – Hunter
Martinez – Mitchell
JJ- Scuderi
Muzzin – Green
Doughty – crispy cream doughnuts
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
@KC23, No Richardson? I thought he was one of our best players in the Playoffs with Clifford and Simmonds.
[Reply]
LGK Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
@KC23, what about richerdson. lol funny about crispy cream.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@KC23,
Those are some scary good lines. Maybe DD should be paired with the other DD – Dunkin’ Doughnuts
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:02 am
@DesertKing, You might be right. Dunkin doughnuts is the veteran of the two, but it is hard to discount skillful young cripy cream especially if you catch them early in the day.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:52 am
@KC23,
After having Dunkin’s Doughnuts in New York, you are 100% correct, there is nothing quite as good as a Krispy Kreme. The Dunkin doughnouts were really bad, just good enough to eat on the subway.
puck73 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@KC23, Sad day, who would have thought we would have seen the day on this blog where Penner was praised for being the new poster boy for fitness and Doughty being labeled as a fat lazy kid.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:04 am
@puck73, no, no, no, fat greedy kid. Come on puck, keep up!
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@KC23, so here’s a potential 23 man roster for opening night
Penns
Kopi
Willie
Gans
Richards
Brownie
Stoll
big red dog
Lewis
Richardson
Hunter
Moreau
Lokti
Parse
Marty
Mitchell
JMFJ
Scuds
Greenimal
Mr Doughty (Voynov)
Drewiske
Quick
Bernier
lines
Pens-Kopi-Willie
Gans-Richards-Brownie
Richardson-Stoll-Lewis
Big Red Dog-Lokti-Moreau
Mr Doughty(voynov)-Mitchell
JMFJ-Scuds
Marty-Greenimal
Press box
parse/Drewiske/hunter
Disclaimer – it was tough as sh…err…dung to come up with this! WOW i love this sh…er…stuff
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
@tornado12, Greenimal? nice! Not sure on Hunter yet (i’ll defer to those actually there at camp), but wish the guy all the best.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@Dominick, from talking to puck73 and reading the comments here he sounds like he is skating well. Also knowing TM’s old school veteran leaning tendecies i think he has an upper hand here. plus TM put him right there with the #1 line when Williams was out sick, to me that says A LOT!
KC23 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:09 am
@Dominick, Hunter makes a lot of sense being a natural right winger instead of most other options which include someone either playing wing instead of center or on their off wing. The guy has put up better than 20 goals more than a couple of times so he can score and he’s big at 6’3″ 217lb. Not to mention he is a gritty veteran who’s been around a while.
CB14 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
@tornado12, Yeyyyyyyyy, no Westy!!! I likeyyyyy
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
@tornado12,
I kind of worry about spending so much time to raise all these fine young prospects, and now we seem to be throwing out that plan, and filling out the roster with veterans, and the Kids are running out of roster spots to compete for. I have a soft spot for veterans that enter camps unsigned in hopes of winning a contract, so my feelings are very mixed with Hunter who has paid his dues in the NHL for years.
All I can really do is wish him well, and let the chips fall where they may I guess, because I’m at a loss on how I feel about him making it.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
@Dominick, i hear ya, and frankly when I heard Moreau and Hunter were coming here, my first thought was the same…BUT if our goal is to win the cup (it is) and we want our best proven NHL players (we do) then since these guys are here now, then well…you get the picture. The guys I am most worried about are the Russians and the potential for them bolting for the KHL if they dont make it to the NHL roster. Besides, who else besides Lokti/Voynov really have proven all they need to at the AHL level and would not benefit from another year there right now anyways?
KC23 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:16 am
@Dominick, I know what you mean, but our options at RW are slim. If he was a center it would be a big waste of time, but RW was the one area we lacked in debth, but somehow DL pulls another rabbit out of his hat and now we have debth everywhere.
Kozun would certainly benefit another year down in Manchester. That first line in Manchester is gonna be scary, not to mention their defense.
anyone else notice deslauriers talks like kopitar? hahaha
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
@danglebagel, he looks big and I know he’s fast….there’s got to be a place in the NHL for this guy sometime soon….
[Reply]
I can remember back when i hoped we would have one mediocure goalie, two good defencemen, one good line and a great fighter. oh wait, that was only 4 years ago
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
@jet, You didn’t think Fukufuji was good? LOL
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@jet, Treat your self during the season. Only read posts when we lose, and we will have less than one mediocre goalie, not even two good defensemen, and no good fighters.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
@Dominick, yep it is pretty funny how a 100 point team gets slammed for losing a game. i never realized how many ducks fans there are.
[Reply]
back in about 1970-71 it was a moral victory to score a goal against Montreal or Boston…
and not leave too much blood on the ice…
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Real 7, And go to page “7″ of the LA Times to read about the game. Now we make it to page “3″ most of the time. Front page when we win the CUP? We’ll see. GO KINGS GO!!!
[Reply]
Still not on the Doughty band wagon. No worth an elite NHL player contract based on numbers, intangibles, years of experience. who ever is advising him is not doing a good job, he is not a Chris Pronger, a Cedano Chara, nor a Nick Lidstrom. Stop filling his head like he is right now years down the road he may be, but probably will not be here in L.A. Be a man, sign and come to camp, otherwise, we don’t care about your individual needs, hockey is a 25 man team, get on board, or get the heck out. Do it sooner than later, you want a sign and trade, pull the trigger now, and let us get on with our season.
[Reply]
So anyone see the odds in Vegas for kings to win the cup? I might want to throw down a few bills when I’m there for frozen fury this year. I already bet my friend $250 that the kings end up with more points than the ducks. (he’s die hard ducks and leafs fan)
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:19 am
@Cortex949, I want a piece of that action. He really thinks the Ducks will end up ahead of the Kings this year? Wow.
[Reply]
Cortex949 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:15 am
@KC23, I don’t know if he really thinks that but he’s a die hard leafs and ducks fan cuz he’s from Toronto, lives in oc now, and his sister is a ducks ice girl. I’ll ask him if he wants any more takers on that bet for you hahah
[Reply]
D-R-E-W D-O-U-G-H-T-Y, I hope you actually read this and care, I have been a Kings fan since 1970, would like you to be a part of this, but if you want $7 mil plus and a 4-5 year deal, I hope they do a sign and trade, find someone who wants to play in L.A. and do it soon. Good luck and good by.
[Reply]
mr. meehan,
Please enjoy this bottle of scotch today and the bottle you will be recieving every day going forward. Drew is worth 8 million per year. Don’t settle for anything less.
Your friends,
thomas, Slava, and Jake
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 12:53 am
@jet, can you CC Mr Doughty that memo?
[Reply]
Wow,I had a great time today watching the team @ camp. Last Sunday at Hockeyfest was fun but today was a great experience. Spent the day with Puck who is very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. I also got to talk with a lot of people within the Kings family and learn a lot and heard some great stories.
I talked with Hammond/Darrell Evans/Mark Hardy/Foxie and at the end of the day Terry Murray.
Here are a few players that i thought looked good today.
Penner WOW what a totally different player then what i saw last year with us. I see him having a HUGE year.
Loti also looked very good in his session, he scored a few and set up a couple team mates as well. he even picked Kopi pocket.
Hunter also look very good and if he is healthy he could be a good pick up as i could see him playing on either the 3rd or 4th line.
I thought all 4 goalies looked very sharp! Quick/Bernie/Jones/Zackoff
Scuds MR fundemental looked ready as usual
I thought Voynov had a good day and I also thought Deslauriers looked good. He might not be ready yet but boy is he big and very fast. I can see him being very good in the future.
The only negative was the line of Brown/Richards/Gagne that look out of sync. I guess thats what training camp is for. But i’m so excited to see that line together once they get some chemistry.
When i talked with TM i asked him how difficult is it going to be to select his opening day roster with this much talent and depth. He said WOW very hard but who ever makes this team will have really earned his spot for sure. I’m so excited for this year if we stay healthy it’s going to be a special one. Sorry for the long post.
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puddle Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 12:47 am
@ta, Don’t be sorry about the length of the post. That was a fun post to read! I agree with you on all your points. I had similar takeaways from what I saw as well.
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tornado12 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 12:51 am
@ta, thx for the analysis! that makes me a bit nervous to hear about the richards line. I was hoping for the all philly line there because of their past experiences together, but as you pointed out, that is what training camp is for…plenty of time to put it together.
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Change of topic- check out Foxy on the ‘Getting To Know’ feature on THN.com.
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Here is an interesting Western Conference prediction http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41746-Proteau-My-NHL-predictions-West.html
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DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:04 am
@KC23,
Pretty good article and veryimpressive to see us at #3 on his list. The only thing I disagreed with was that if DD isn’t signed, everything goes in the toilet. DD is a great player, but hockey is a team sport and with the upgrades made by DL this off-season, we are a better team with more speed and skillon the offensive side while still mantaining our really good defense strating with JQ in goal. Signing DD just helps to cement us in as a top team, but i don’t think our potential Cup run lives or dies on his signing (but I hope he does sign!). By the way, how do you expect the rest of us to keep up with you when you are posting at 3:39 am? You are truly a dedicated Kings fan and Insider
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If any of you have NHL.com’s gamecenter … a good game to watch is the King’s March 15, 2011 game against Nashville. It was one of the last games Penner – Kopitar – Williams played before the injuries messed up the line. They looked extremely good together.
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I like the positive emphasis Kings Uber Fans, but the only real discussion among all the happy camp talk is unfortunately the giant albatross in the room that is Drew Doughty. If this team doesn’t get him signed, you can kiss the Cup goodbye and chalk it up as yet another Kings historical chapter of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
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puck73 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:29 am
@Poorman, Drew’s deal will get done. Their is alot of politics that go into a deal like this. On the one hand, you cant pay him too much or you might piss some guys off in the locker room. But on the other hand, if you low ball him then the players will think the organization is cheap and thats not good either. Everyone including the players know that their is a hard salary cap in this league, and they are also aware that Kovalchuck, his agent, and that stupid owner Jeff Vanderbeek destroyed everything that Lou Lamoureiilo had built over the last 20 years or so.
Bottom line, Drew is a restricted free agent which means he cant go anywhere unless some team offers Dean a package that he simply cant refuse. I would say nobody will cough up alot right now but then again I didnt think the 26 year old captain of the Philadelphia Flyers was available for a prospect like Schenn so I guess anything is possible…Stay tuned!
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Gustavo Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:13 am
@puck73,
M. Richards was traded for Schenn + Simmer + Picks (2 I think). Not exactly a steal, but I do think DL definitely stepped up the cup team building process by pulling those triggers. It seems a bit ironic so many downplay B. Schenn’s future potential, but foam at the mouth when Doughty’s potential, conditioning and performance is questioned.
There is no doub both players have a bright future ahead of them. But which one will have the character, work ethic and self discipline to max his natural skills?
Now that DL has stood his ground on DD’s last offer, the politics of it all get simplified to the point that a grade school student can understand them.
If DD is such an important player, then the blame for team failing to reach the expected level of success will fall squarely on his shoulders, should he keep holding out. Regardless of how I feel about trading DD, I doubt DL will pull that trigger and risk getting blamed for not being patient with the kid. Or worse, if the Kings don’t reach the finals, at least.
As for the battle of the egos among agents Meehan (Doughty) vs Brisson (Kopi) and GM Dean Lombardi, it’s just additional spice to the soap opera. Jerry Springer, watch out!!
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Shotongoal Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:40 am
@Poorman, you’re probably right in the assessment that they don’t win the Cup without him this year but, its going to be a moot point because they will sign him at some point in time. Probably sooner than later, too. Stop being negative Poorman, it will get done!
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DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:57 am
@Poorman,
I think you meant “white elephant”
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Poorman Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@DesertKing, Hahah, yeah. I am in New York now. That must be it. Like my FB page Fellow Kings Fans Facebook.com/PoormansNation. This is the name of my new syndicated radio show starting soon. BTW, but let’s not get into this, I would have kept Schenn. But sign Doughty, please guys!
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Kenny44 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
@DesertKing, Ohfergawdsake, you just trumped Poorman’s mixed metaphor with a malaprop! I can’t resist such linguistic carnage, so I’ll just add that Meehan is trying to play chicken and mouse with DL, but DL has seen that fairytale ending before. He wasn’t born on the turnip truck yesterday.
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KC23 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
@Poorman, If you’re saying that we can’t win the cup without Doughty then I take it we can conclude you assume we will win the cup with DD signed.
Poorman’s pick for the cup if we get DD back … the King’s. Bold move poorman, I like it.
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Poorman Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
@KC23, I stand on record. With Doughty, the Kings win the Cup. Luckily, I’m in New York, so I can hide and not get shredded when they don’t! But yeah, the team has a really good chance of going all the way with DD.
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I wonder what you could get for DD8 in a trade?
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Shotongoal Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:37 am
@petemagoop, just stop it, please!
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tornado12 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:56 am
@petemagoop, not enough
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We’ve got a confirmed 2 year extension boys!!! The wait is over!
http://kings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=588940&cmpid=tw-westgarth-0919
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“@LAKings: #LAKings agree to a two-year extension with Kevin Westgarth: http://ht.ly/6yucq“
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DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@Subby,
Ok, now that the big signing is outof the way, DL can concentrate on DD. Is it coincidental that we sign Westie when everyone at management is sick
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Doughty WILL NOT be traded.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nhl/blog?name=custance_craig&id=6991644&_slug_=nhl-los-angeles-kings-open-exhibition-season-drew-doughty&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnhl%2fblog%3fname%3dcustance_craig%26id%3d6991644%26_slug_%3dnhl-los-angeles-kings-open-exhibition-season-drew-doughty
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DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 9:49 am
@Subby,
Remember the Schenn! Remember the Schenn!
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Subby Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 9:50 am
@DesertKing, gah your right (;< well he isn't planning on it at least.
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DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@Subby,
Good job! You actually scooped Rich which is very hard to do! By the way, we met briefly at HockeyFest. I offered to give you a pen while your were seated and waiting for the autograph session.
Subby Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@Subby, were you the one walking down the steps? or the person sitting behind me?
Cynic Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@Subby, Lombardi (Or any GM for that matter) would NEVER tell you a trade would be possible in a high-level negotiation like this. It would be used against them more ways than one. DL would make the deal first, then simply announce it. If it was to be a sign & trade, he’d set up the terms of the deal with the other GM, approach Doughty’s camp with what his new team was willing to pay, then if accepted, complete the deal.
I’d still trade DD for Tyler Myers, a 2nd & a 5th. $5.5Myr/7yrs is a nice cap hit for a big guy like TM. He’d be a nice replacement.
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