Doughty skates, wearing crown, not in L.A.

Posted by Rich Hammond on 19 September 2011, 3:20 pm

There has been a confirmed Drew Doughty sighting, in Ontario, Canada, where Doughty is working out with the London Knights of the junior-level Ontario Hockey League. Canadian network CTV got some footage of Doughty — wearing Kings practice gear — on the ice and filed this report…

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217 Comments

StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:23 pm

Better than a Sharks practice jersey!

[Reply]
K9Jeeper Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, or Detroit….they really want Doughty.

[Reply]
CB14 says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:23 pm

Glad to see that he’s skating and working out. Hopefully he’ll be in game shape if/when he signs.

[Reply]
MadMatt Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@CB14, true that…but I just came back form watching the Kings training camp practice and the speed is incredible. It’s good that he is at least training, BUT… he’s training with guys who would not even make it to a kings tryout, so there is almost no way he is not going to have to play catch up if/when he signs. I hope this goes fast.

[Reply]
Tompa says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:24 pm

Rich, please ask Lombardi about it so we can get some clarity.

[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
This is all the clarity there’s going to be for now.

http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/09/16/lombardi-on-doughtys-holdout/

[Reply]
MadMatt Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@Tompa, Here’s an idea… Drew, fire your agent and keep his 10%. That way you’ll get a $680k a year raise, and we can all laugh at that jackwagon agent of yours.

[Reply]
Chris Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@MadMatt, I don’t think Meehan works for 10%, maybe 5% but even that’s high.

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Michael_DD8 says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:24 pm

What does that mean!?

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StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@Michael_DD8,

Probably term. Dennis at TFP said something about Doughty wanting shorter than 6 years while Lombardi is sticking to 6+. Seems to me Deano should budge. 5 years still gets one of his UFA years. Lots of teams have a big names guys coming due in the same year. Pittsburgh, Nashville, Anaheim, Chicago. They all have decided to worry about that later and Lombardi should do the same. The window for this team is open now. Having Doughty fully ready for the season improves the chances of success greatly.

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Bluecoconuts Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, my guess is that it’s more about NTC/NMC than anything else.

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CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@Bluecoconuts, Lombardi said that any issues involving a no-trade clause haven’t even been discussed with Doughty’s agent.
http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/09/11/lombardi-update-on-doughty/

TradedForAPick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro,
The main thing is that is when Kopitar becomes a UFA also. No way DL wants to deal with a summer like that

[Reply]
CEFox17 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, 5 years puts Doughty and Kopitar out on the UFA market in the same summer, which is something the Kings want to avoid. 6+ years puts them at least 1 summer apart and creates much less worry about losing them to free agency at the same time.

[Reply]
StillneedDewey fka PakiFro Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@CEFox17,

Many teams have the same problem. It’s not a big deal for five years if he signs. Perhaps the new cba will allow negotiationearlier than the current one does. Let’s stop freaking about 2017 and worry now.

Gustavo Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro,

At 5 years, wouldn’t Kopi and Dewey be both UFA?
NO way DL is going to allow that

[Reply]
fuzzerson Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, If the term does down, so must the cap hit. 5 years at 6.2

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Cathy Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, If it is length of contract he needs to just say that. From the Kings side it seems that if they give him a shorter contract that it would be for less money and Doughty/Meehan seem to want the same money even if it is a shorter contract. He can say it is not about the money but it is if he will not take less money to have the duration of contract that he wants.

[Reply]
Ben says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:25 pm

HOLY S#!T! This is getting better every day.

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BobsYourUncle says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:25 pm

Not about the money? Then WTF?

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puck73 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
@BobsYourUncle, Its always about the money to some degree.

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CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@BobsYourUncle, Didn’t Luc say it’s always about the Money? I believe he did.

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vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@BobsYourUncle,

Anyone who says it’s not is kidding themselves. If it’s about the length of contract, then why? It’s so that he can get more money sooner by becoming a free agent sooner.

It’s about the money for his agent too, which is probably the driving factor in this more than anything else. The agent stands to make a lot of money with this deal, but it also means he can land top clients in the future if he can show that he is able to make a team bend to his will.

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Diablito93 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@BobsYourUncle, He wants doughnuts as part of the package.

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colo king fan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@BobsYourUncle,

its ALWAYS about money in some way or another. the avoidance of UFA years by the Kings is also a loss of money for Doughty. Length of contract, in this case, directly effects the amount of salary DD will make over the course of his career. Not like it isn’t a healthy payday even at the current terms, so make no mistake, its still greedy as ****.

That being said, I wonder if both parties would consider a 4 year deal putting him a year ahead of Anze?

[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@colo king fan,

I hope DL does not bend on this one. Kopi is the better player, he deserves the opportunity to be UFA BEFORE DD does.

If DD goes UFA earlier, DL chances to keep both or even Kopi long term will dwindle

[Reply]
James R says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:25 pm

How long can this go on??

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Drake Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@James R, Until 12/1 at the most. If he’s not signed by then he’s out for the season.

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Newf says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:26 pm

Also, Pierre LeBrun has twittered that DL has said there’s zero truth to DL trading DD, he’s going to be a franchise player.

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Hat trick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Newf, Sounds familiar…kinda like that Ryan Smyth guy that used to play for us.

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Kevin hoard Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@Hat trick, Yes but it was smith who ask for the trade because of family, not DL getting rid of him. Apples to oranges.

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Hat trick Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 8:16 am
@Kevin hoard, I know…it was more of a jab at the way the dealings have been going on. I brought up the Ryan Smyth thing because I found it hilarious that when Smyth was asked about it he denied it. Maybe it was to protect him or the trade deal but was kinda funny how he was insistent on the trade all along.

So with DD, here we are and the season right around the corner and there’s no deal yet. If it’s not about the money but term its amazing to me how they are not able to sit in a room or have a conference call and just hammer it out and get it done. How they couldn’t have gotten this thing done weeks ago. Maybe they’re trying to design the next generation of rockets while they’re at it???

But then on the other hand I doubt they will trade him but given that there’s still no deal let’s just say I wouldn’t be surprised if he was dealt.
BobsYourUncle says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:26 pm

“Is this real life?”…“Why is this happening to me?”…“Is this going to be forever?”…“AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!”

[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@BobsYourUncle, YYYYYEEESSSSS!!! David goes to the dentist! i friggin love that clip…I burst into tears laughing everytime i see it. never gets old!

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Oliver Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@BobsYourUncle, You’re so pretty!

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king-goph says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:27 pm

OK but I’d rather see him exercise his signing hand…

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Dayman Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@king-goph,

ಠ_ಠ

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Cortex949 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@king-goph, Ew

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VanKingsFan says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:27 pm

Your not the bad guy Drew, but your agent is and you are enabling him. You should have fired him or ordered him to get the deal done before camp no matter what.

Call me petty but I would demand he remove that Kings sweater until he is actually on the team…

[Reply]
Ben Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@VanKingsFan, I think he did it to send a message to us. Look at the backlash he’s garnered from this whole thing. When the dust settles, it’ll be interesting to see where he and Meehann stand in regards to how they’re regarded by us…the fans.

If he has a PR agent, smart move on their part, IMHO.

[Reply]
ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@Ben,

I’m completely n board with you here. Drew has been through the wringer as far as PR is concerned. This move shows he still wants to be a king. DL agreed saying that both sides want Drew in LA for a long time, its exactly how long is the sticking point right now.

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puck73 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@VanKingsFan, Don Meehan has always been a poison pill when it comes to negotiations for sure, but the bottom line is Drew can proceed without him anytime he wishes.

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Shotongoal Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@puck73, true, he certainly could but, he certainly won’t and I can’t say that I blame him puck. No matter that we think Meehan is a jackhole, he’s taking care of his 21 year old client and setting him up for the future and not just for today or tomorrow. Like it or not, and it certainly is easy to dislike it, we do have to understand its business. Meehan is the top agent in the game, so he must be doing something right for his clients. I know, I know Bobby Ryan went around him and Kopitar fired him, but Doughty may just not be as mature as those guys and feels more comfortable letting Meehan do his thing. Having natural hockey smarts doesn’t always equate to being street smart or mature….

[Reply]
jet Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@Shotongoal, there is a fine line between setting him up for his future and setting him up for failure.

DaveinSD Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@VanKingsFan, I agree remove the jersey. Why does this video look like some sort of agent tactic to flip the bad side back to DL?

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vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:38 pm
@DaveinSD,

Because it probably is.

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DaveinSD Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@vplaza, you know I want to be excited in seeing DD8 getting ready for the season but I just can’t. The holdout has reached its peak with me!

vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@DaveinSD,

Yeah, same here. The fact that it made it to a holdout situation has soured me on DD. Seriously, if the Kings lowballed him, it wouldn’t have. But IMHO, the offer is fair and makes DD one of the top paid players on the team and in the league. Why is that not enough in the greater context of things?

And if you’re in San Diego, then cool. I’m in Carlsbad.

DaveinSD Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@vplaza, yep my DD8 jersey will sit in the closet for sometime, if not all the time and yea I’m down here in Pacific Beach…GO KINGS!

Silence Dogood Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@VanKingsFan, The jersey clearly was a message. I am glad to see it.

Lets see a deal. Someone ought to throttle both Meehan and DL.

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:28 pm

am soo confused..If its not the money then the length of the contract..

[Reply]
Bean32 says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:28 pm

Doughty wants less than 7 years, Dean wants a min of 7. Is that what the hold up is?

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KingsFanFTW Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@Bean32, i go 6 lol its in the middle he wants 5 years DL wants at least 7 6 there

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Bill M. Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Drew wants 5. DL wants at least 6 because in five years he has to also worry about signing Kopi. Signing (and risking UFA walking) Kopi and Doughty in the same year is bad news for DL.

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@Bill M., yea it is..6 should be easy just 1 more season to be witht he Kings gosh

Doughty sign already
LetsDoThis says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:29 pm

Forget all this Good Guy/Bad Guy stuff. Lets just do this! Someone Blink already so we can get him with the team and we know what REALLY is going on.

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vplaza says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:29 pm

Meh. It doesn’t look like he’s out of shape, but then again, no way to tell until he takes the strength and conditioning tests in camp, which he failed miserably last year.

Fire your agent already or tell him to accept the deal on the table, DD. The offer is very fair and to ask to be paid better than everyone on your team and nearly every defenseman in the league is pretty outrageous considering the three season you’ve had with the Kings so far.

Potential, you have in droves. But you’ve also demonstrated your ability to take the game for granted with your horrible camp and sub-par play last year. In light of that, the Kings offer is more than fair. Play your butt off under contract and hit your real payday when you become a free agent.

[Reply]
MJDisneyGirl Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
@vplaza, DD hasn’t exactly lit it up over the last few seasons. he needs to take what’s offered. JJ didn’t use an agent, saved the agent cut & got a good deal. And Angel Jared Weaver did his recent deal without his agents because he just want more money for Weaver so he’d make more money. Agent lost something like $13 million on the deal. DD needs to seek more partial counsel.

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Fireplug Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
@vplaza, I agree with everything you said. Also note, he is practicing with guys at least 2 levels down. He needs to be practicing with experienced players so he can see the advanced moves, speed and skills.

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CB14 says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:29 pm

So basically by Drew saying that he wished all the behind the scenes stuff would come out so that he doesn’t look like the bad guy, he’s placing all the blame on Dean Lombardi right? He’s saying Dean’s the bad guy for offering him a 9 year deal that would make Drew the 4th highest paid d-man in the league after playing just 3 seasons. Drew, you are so WRONG.

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puck73 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@CB14, If that offer is legit then I think Drew was foolish for not taking it.

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Alan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@CB14, I agree with you CB14 I mean the offer is very fare dam and I got to fight for my 37,000 a year.

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BluLiner Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@CB14, Its clear that Doughty thinks that the Kings are being unfair with him. I am sure Meehan is continuing to feed him this bull also. Conspiracy theory alert – Meehan is in cahoots with Leafs to poison Doughty’s relationship with the Kings.

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nickcypress says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:30 pm

If not money then must be years. He must want less years so he can be a FA sooner… Still lame on drew’s part

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vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@nickcypress,

That still translates to money. FA sooner means get that next big contract sooner. It’s all about the Benjamins.

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nickcypress Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@vplaza, agreed..

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danglebagel says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:31 pm

On the Fly just went over this situation, EJ got pretty into the topic. Pretty much said, why not try a 3 year deal and when thats done just work out another contract, maybe a guy doesnt feel comfortable signing away 8 or 9 years of his life just get it done. With this video, this is sounding like a reality tv show..

[Reply]
Harrison Merkin Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@danglebagel, I’ve been championing the 3 year deal since this whole debacle started. give me 3 Norris years and I’ll give 8.5 long term next time ’round.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@danglebagel, That would put DL in a bad spot having to deal with 2 UFA contracts (Dustin Brown who will be due a deserved raise by that time & Matt Greene) AND Doughty’s RFA contract in which he will want the Moon.

You can only plan so much as a GM. DL is wanting long term contracts for high money players to make that part of life easier in the era of the hard cap system. Example: Dustin Penner makes $4.25 Mil this year and then goes UFA. If he fails this year, easy choice. The way it looks right now (aand it is early), Penner looks like a stud and could have a breakout year. Do you let that walk? Especially if he’s playing with Kopi & Willie and you could give him a deal to keep that line together another 2 years more minimum? That is HALF (most likely) of DD’s new RFA deal per year (if you give him the 3 year). Putting a $4.25M/year intangible so close to a franchise player who is coveting early UFA status is a DANGEROUS move.

Here is a more literal explanation of DL’s strategy: You build the pillars of your house first and make sure they are long term structurally sound BEFORE you build the walls.

If you give Doughty a 3 year deal, you CAN’T as a GM look at him as a ‘Pillar’ of this team. It’s too dangerous. You have nothing contractually to protect you from going into future drafts and picking more forwards because your top 2 D are cement for YEARS. It affects everything you do.

Earlier I said I would give him a 5 year deal because I believe (Not being a GM and all, but) we could win a Cup in 5 years and we are pretty stacked at D prospect wise. It’s a big enough window that seems palatable to me, but 7 or 9 years would be ideal, especially with DD being a franchise type player.

Just my opinion.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 5:17 am
@Cynic,

I like your take and I agree!

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Rtwing7 says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:31 pm

This is about the term,,,,DD/Meehan only want a 5 year deal, just long enough to take him to UFA status so he can get another big contract. DL/Kings want to get something out of their investment by getting a couple years beyone UFA status and not have to try and sign the core of the team at the same time, this will undoubtedly result in the loss of some great players. Call it years, call it $’s per year, call it term, at the end of the day it’s just like Luke Robitaille said…”it’s always about the money.”

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@Rtwing7,

Zactly!

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Silence Dogood Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
@Rtwing7, If that is it, then DL ought to give DD a 5 year deal.

[Reply]
V.Miceli says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:33 pm

Nice to see our best defenseman on the ice. He’ll be back in LA soon enough.

GKG!!

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LBlocal says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:34 pm

A fresh hot marketing opportunity for our beloved King Donuts. [Ya know, to make up the difference]

http://ohl.uploads.mrx.ca/owen-sound/images/en/gallery/2010/09/timhortonstag3549.jpg gKg!

[Reply]
Trip says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:36 pm

Nice to see DD in a KINGS jersey!! Let’s do this Drew!!
I still think (hope) he’ll play Wednesday.

[Reply]
petemagoop says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:37 pm

it’s not about the money?

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The Realtor says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:41 pm

DD is the one that needs to make a move. Assuming the deal is 7 years, which would bring him to the end 2018. If he signs now at 6.8 he will make 47.6 million. If he holds out this year and then gets 7.3 million, at the end of 2018 he would have only made 43.8 million. Even by getting more money he would lose almost 4 million. Plus if he holds out his value would drop. Even if it only drops 500k, that would be an additional 3 million. This would mean that DD would end up losing almost 7 million dollars. It makes no sense financially for him to hold out. Work the numbers anyway you want – DD will come up short if he holds out. DL has to know this.

[Reply]
LAkingsninja says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:41 pm

Rich…..what does Dean have to say about the clip posted today…..they clearly state that Doughty said, “it’s not about the money….i wish all the stuff behind the contact talks would come out so I don’t look like the bad guy.” So what is he referring too?

[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
I don’t know. I suppose if Doughty wants it to be known, he will speak. I’m not going to ask Lombardi to interpret a cryptic non-comment.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@LAkingsninja, I think it means Drew is having a very difficult time dealing with the stigma of looking like an ingrate. I’ll bet part of his story will throw Meehan under the bus at some point since he’s going to get paid regardless and probably does not care what people think of him.

I would be VERY interested to hear the real reason why Anze Kopitar switched agents from Don Meehan to his current agent. There is a story there that could shed some light on this nonsense I believe. We’ll most likely never hear it though.

[Reply]
Kings Win, Ducks Lose says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:42 pm

DL is not going to give him a four year deal and just walk him to free agency, no way!

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose,

You’d think there’s a compromise here somewhere. The Kings don’t want to have DD for only four years before they have to pony up again. And they don’t want his contract expiring when Kopi’s expires. That would give them little flexibility that year.

So six years is probably the compromise between the 7 that DL wants and the 4 or 5 that DD wants. But with egos at stake (DL’s, DD’s, and Meehan’s), it’s anyone’s guess if a compromise can be struck.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, I tend to agree with you. I think Dean is trying to slot all the salaries so he can pay everyone he needs to pay every year because of the hard salary cap in the NHL. Bottom line, Drew is restricted, and he is not going anywhere unless some team makes a ridicilous offer.

[Reply]
Cynic says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:46 pm

If this is not about the money, then DD should approach DL with a SIGNIFICANT discount for signing a 5 year deal like he wants so we have wiggle room to hire last minute help during deadlines.

Something like: 5.9 Mil/year for 5 years. Tyler Myers did 5.5mil for 7 years and DD > TM, so 5.9 sounds about right.

Bobby Ryan ended up with 5.1M/4 years in his holdout and he needed to go himself to the front office and get it done. IMHO BR has more value than Tyler Myers, so what happened there? Anyway…

IF DD wants to be a King for life which we ‘Hear’ he wants to be, this should be a non issue and it is egos running the show with all this. Who cares if he becomes a UFA at 26 IF he wants to be a life long King? My only isssue with 5 years is that he and Justin Williams become UFAs in the same year. The reason DL wants 7 or 9 is so DD will be the only major UFA to deal with that season when his term is up (Staggering your high money guys).

UFA Years:

Dustin Brown 2014-2015
Justin Williams 2015-2016
Anze Kopitar 2016-2017
2017-2018 OPEN
Jack Johnson 2018-2019
2019-2020 OPEN

I hope DD allows everything to come out after this mess is settled. I cannot imagine why being a UFA at 26 is so important to Drew if his plan is to be a life long King.

I’m calling more shenanigans on Drew Doughty than DL here. Sorry Drew.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@Cynic, Good post, and agree 100%

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@Cynic,

LOL, true. “King for Life” translates to “Free Agent at 26″. And what does that mean? More MONEY!!!! So, I guess it’s not about the money.

[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@Cynic, Tyler Myers got more per year than Cryin because his contract included 2 (or 3 not sure) of his UFA years, while Cryin’s didn’t include any UFA years.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@CB14, Could be true, although BR is only getting paid a coulple hundred thou less than his linemates ($5.325M each). If the Ducks saved 200K/year with BR’s contract because they lost term, that is a win for Bobby Ryan hands down. Sure, I’ll take 200K less per year if it means an extra 1-2 million per year as a UFA. Where do I sign for that ROI?

Now Tyler Myers is worth less than BR (IMO) so your logic makes sense for him. I could see a short term deal for TM being about 1 Mil less a year than what he got if it was 4 years like BR.

It’s always relative to the situation, but I see what you mean.

[Reply]
dMan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@Cynic, I get the feeling his agent set this up. A Doughty sighting – what a coincidence.

He can say it’s not about the money, but he can’t say what it is about?

The fact that Meehan is letting Doughty do the talking is more than a little cowardly on his part.

I hope they’re not going to battle it out through the media – that can get ugly real fast.

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@dMan,

Too late…it’s already pretty ugly. LOL

[Reply]
oldthunder Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@Cynic, well said sir.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@Cynic, MADE A MISTAKE HERE. 6 years should be the right term, NOT 5. I counted wrong. Right thought, wrong number. Don;t want Kopi AND Drew negotiating in the same year.

Kind of important.

5 years would be suicide for DL and negotiating power with Kopi & DD at the same time.

Sorry bout that.

[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
@Cynic, 5 years puts DD at free agency the same year as Kopitar, which is probably the biggest sticking point. Now DL wants to have to re-sign both those guys to new contracts the same year.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
@PP Anybody?, Yeah, I corrected myself. Right thought, wrong number. (See above)

[Reply]
ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
@Cynic,

Just to stir the pot some more. When given a “llifetime warranty”, some fine print puts that at 7 years, as it is the average lifespan of a cell. So is he using that thought process in all this “king for life”? Though then he would have agreed to the 7yr deal. Maybe he didn’t read the fine print?

[Reply]
LAPD line Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@ArmChairKingsFan, Or maybe there was no offer of a seven year deal. I keep hearing conflicting rumors of whether it was 7 or 9 years offered. Seems to me 6 years at 6.8 would be just about right for both sides. Sign it and send my 5% commission to my home address.

[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@Cynic, on behalf of the movie “Waiting” and the employees at “Shenanigans” DL needs to give the “Goat” to Meehan and Doughty’s camp. That in itself should make DD sign. It did wonders for the new kid in that movie.

[Reply]
jason Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Cynic,
Food for thought…
Is there any merit to asking Kopi to restructure his contract by adding one more year? Thus making him the only”Big Name” UFA in 2017-18. Then offer DD the 5 year contract(UFA 2016-17. Obviously, Kopi’s last year would be worth more, therefor raising his average cap hit. But if the numbers worked… I’m curious if this option is worth exploring.

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@jason, Well, I don’t believe you can ‘restructure’ a current deal, but since Westy just extended his current deal, I don’t see why you couldn’t ‘Extend’ Kopi. The only question would be how this would benefit Anze Kopitar? If Kopi believes $6.8M/year is his salary ceiling, then why not do it. If not though, all he’d be doing is a big favor to the Kings, probably at least a $1 Million dollar favor minimum.

If Kopi was up for it, it would certainly be an option I think. Just don’t think he would do it, unless Dean sweetened up that extra year a bunch. Good thought though.

[Reply]
Stickboy says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:49 pm

Someone should snatch that jersey away from him…he’s not a King! He’s just Drew Doughty…playing for the name on the back!

[Reply]
zipper says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:50 pm

“It’s not about the money”. Now he’s slapping Kings fans in the face. I now would be fine with seeing him depart this team. I’d have just as much fun watching him sit on the bench and trying to get another team to give him 7 mil. Most likely a ‘rebuilding team’.

It’s not about the money. What a jerk%#&…

[Reply]
OneTimer Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
@zipper wrote, “I now would be fine with seeing him depart this team.”

Um, no you wouldn’t.

[Reply]
Kopi Bryant says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:55 pm

Will be interesting to hear what Doughty has to say when he gives his first public interview after this is all over. I hope it’s better than the Larry Merchant interview with Floyd Mayweather after his fight this past Saturday. lol.

[Reply]
toemas_sandstrom Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@Kopi Bryant, Drew, if i were 50 pounds lighter i’d kick your ass!

[Reply]
Kopi Bryant Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, lol… classic!

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@toemas_sandstrom,

Too funny!

[Reply]
Paul G says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:57 pm

Who cares about longterm contracts!!!!! Sign him to a few years and then renegotiate throughout the seasons!!!

[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@Paul G, ever heard of arbitration?

[Reply]
Dave says:

September 19, 2011 at 3:59 pm

Must be about the length of the deal if not money and that would make sense. Better to get it done now than have him sign a short-term deal and go through this again.
DL has been clear in saying he wants Doughty and that he’s a franchise player. If this is about term then there is a compromise at 6 years. DL wants 7 and can’t do 5 because of Kopi. 6 years/$39M and let’s get Drew to camp.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
@Dave, I agree. That would be a fair comprimise. Lets get this done.

[Reply]
Harry says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:00 pm

Well Dewey, you should sign, and come practice with your boys here in LA!!

He also indicated how it’s not about the money (on his last interview for the couture funding camp)

I believe it has to do with the no trade clause…

[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Harry, Again, “Lombardi said that any issues involving a no-trade clause haven’t even been discussed with Doughty’s agent.”
http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/09/11/lombardi-update-on-doughty/

[Reply]
tornado12 says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:00 pm

if its only about the years, then make it for 4.8 mill per for 5 yrs. There is no way he should get 6.8 million a year if he only wants a 5 yr deal. you cant have your cake and eat it too!

[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@tornado12, Have you seen Drew lately? He might be doing both. LOL

[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@CB14, i walked right into that one!

[Reply]
Buster Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@tornado12,

I have this sneaky feeling that it’s double digit term being the only thing holding him back. (Not to mention that infernal agent of his.)

I’ll guess 12/$70-75M here, and if I’m right, I’ll faint.

[Reply]
hipcheck says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:03 pm

the fact he is wearing a Kings jersey is a good sign.

[Reply]
Dominick says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:03 pm

I love it. I’m probably the main guy who’s been sticking his neck out to say “step back, and look at it from both perspectives. There’s more than just money at stake here”. Now that even DD says that, people are refusing to do so.

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@Dominick,

Please help us understand what is at stake other than money? Any angle you take, it’s about money, whether it’s salary, contract term, free agency, etc. It’s all about the money.

Anything else is spin because how much money does he really need?

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@vplaza, How bout Richards signed a deal in good faith with Philly and wishes he didn’t because Philly still traded him later? Plenty of other reasons, but money isn’t the end all be all.

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@Dominick,

It sounds like you’re assuming that this is about a no trade clause, when DL has already mentioned as not having been an issue. Or are we interpreting that incorrectly?

Dominick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@vplaza, I still bring up the question, If it’s about money, than why did Meehan not raise the price?

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@Dominick,

I’ll bring up another question. Why has Meehan not given a counter offer?

Actually, didn’t Meehan say that $6.8M wasn’t enough? Isn’t that raising the price on DL?

Dominick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@vplaza, You just worked it around into a circle and ignored my original post.

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Dominick,

Huh? And you ignored my original post about trying to educate us on what it could possibly be other than money.

And are you saying that Meehan saying that $6.8M wasn’t enough is NOT raising the price?

CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@Dominick, That’s because they’re tired of hearing Drew lie. He lied back in August when he said that “There are so many rumors floating around, and I haven’t seen one true one.” When the rumor about a long term deal worth an average of 6.8 a year had been floating around for a month, and Dean Lombardi even confirmed it last weekend. Rich’s post, “Reports this week that Doughty’s representatives had rejected a long-term contract worth an average of $6.8 million were accurate, but that rejection also took place nearly two months ago, not recently.” So when he says “it’s not about the money” Sorry Drew, but I don’t believe a word you say.

Drew’s lie, http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/08/17/tsn-doughty-cant-wait-to-get-something-done/

Dean’s confermation, http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/09/11/lombardi-update-on-doughty/

Stop lying Drew. Even in this interview you say you’ve been advised not to talk to the media, but then you do just that and stick your foot further down your mouth by saying that the GM who offered to make you the 4th highest paid d-man in the entire NHL at the age of 21 is the bad guy. YEAH RIGHT.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@CB14, You did look at the dates didn’t you? Those weren’t rumors till after he said that, and they were confirmed by Rich before the 2 months which wasn’t July 1rst when the original offer was made. Probably doesn’t have to do with the 6.8 but the terms of the years on 7 to 9 which doesn’t prove he lied about anything. He may want 7 to 9 but at 7 mill. He’d take a 5 or 6 at another rate, but it has been confirmed that the Kings won’t sign for less than 7.

[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@Dominick, You’ve got me confused with all the dates, so here’s another rumor. On August 10th Rich wrote that, “The Kings have a long-term offer on the table.” A week later, on August 17th Drew said, “There are so many rumors floating around, and I haven’t seen one true one.” Drew lied IMO.

http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/08/10/lombardi-not-much-new-on-doughty-front/

Leo Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@CB14, right on target – he is a lier,
good post, I am 100% with you

[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@Leo, Right On!
vplaza says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:04 pm

He doesn’t want to sound like the bad guy?

Drew, do you have b@lls? If so, fire your agent and sign what most people consider a more than fair deal. Then say why things got to this point. It’s really that simple.

Otherwise, abiding by a “gag order” only adds to the speculation and the perception that you’re just a greedy guy who is putting himself above his teammates. And why the gag order? This isn’t a murder trial. The Kings have been up front with what they’re offering yet it doesn’t sound like anyone knows exactly what you (or, more accurately, your agent) is looking for.

You don’t want to sound like the bad guy? Well, sorry to say, your approach makes it easy to tag you as one. You spout that you wanted to be a King for life. You say that you grew up a dedicated Kings fan. Yet your actions/inactions speak otherwise. What they speak of is someone who is looking for petty things (such as wanting to be the top paid King on the roster), when in reality, you’ve accomplished nothing to warrant that moniker. You want to be a free agent after just four years when you said you wanted to be a King for life.

And it’s not about the money? Then why is being the fifth highest paid defenseman not enough. When the people ahead of you have won Cups, Norris Trophies, etc. (Weber excluded), why do you think you deserve more than they do? Is it because your agent says you do?

Sack up and do the right thing.

[Reply]
gr81scores Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@vplaza, you just read my mind!

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:07 pm

Off-topic, but I couldn’t wait for Rich to set up a thread:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=376172

[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@tuan jim, You’re a little late to the party. http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/09/19/kings-announce-signing-not-that-one/

[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@CB14,

Hammond . . . he beat me ’cause I hate getting up in the mornings and he thrives on rising when the cock crows. His farmboy upbringing was too much for me.

The one time I caught him with his pants down was after the Kings whupped the Wings and I posted a headline that erroneously claimed Detroit came back to edge us in the third period.

I beat HIM on that one ’cause he passes out too early in the evening. The screwed up news report — which Rich later opened on a new thread — only came on-line after midnight. That’s when I’m up-and-at-’em. So I was sharp as a tack while Rich, of course, was snoring in La-La-Ville, with his tongue hanging down the side of his face.

[Reply]
Dave says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:10 pm

Pretty clear that is just a matter of the term at this point. Wish it would get done but Drew shouldn’t be worried about how he looks. Goodness knows we’ll all be cheering for him like crazy once he’s back on the ice.

WE STILL LOVE YOU,DREW.

In a totally manly way.

[Reply]
DAVE says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:10 pm

right it’s not about the money!

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@DAVE, LOL! I like your first comment better.

[Reply]
Alan says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:12 pm

It’s not about the money says Drew 6.8mil for over s years is not good enough? So then tell us Drew what is it about? I think he wants doughnuts and cokes after every game so he can stay nice and round

[Reply]
gene says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:12 pm

Poor DD doesn’t want to sound like the bad guy. B.S. It is about money and he wants a 3 to 5 year contract. I truly believe it is his agents fault. More money more the agent gets. Rmember Weaver’s ( LA Angles pitcher) agent was mad Weaver did not take the better and longer deal. Weaver signed for $10,000,000 less to stay with the Angels. DD grow up and realize 6.8 million a year over 8 or 9 years is a hell of alot of money. ITs not all about you but the team and city.

[Reply]
NOT IMPRESSED says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:15 pm

This contract negotiation is going to haunt the NHL. The fact that DD is not getting any offers from other teams, especally teams that are having trouble making the salary FLOOR, proves that restricted free agents are not free agents at all. There is colution going on between the team owners/managers and Donald Fehr is going to exploit it.

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@NOT IMPRESSED,

I doubt that there’s COLLUSION going on. Did you already forget the stupid contract NJ gave Kovalschmuck after the Kings made an offer? And there were a few head scratching contracts signed this year as well, which wouldn’t happen if there was COLLUSION happening.

I think the uncertainty of what the next CBA is going to look like has more to do with few offers for someone asking for $7M+ a year than anything else.

[Reply]
NOT IMPRESSED Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
@vplaza, Kovalchuk was a Unrestricted Free Agent. I’m talking about Restricted Free Agents.

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 8:39 am
@NOT IMPRESSED,

Either way, it’s not that easy to say no offer for DD equals collusion. For example, anyone attempting to sign him as an RFA and gets him would owe the Kings handsomely. The max is four first round picks. I don’t know how many teams are willing to part with those.

And the RFA mechanism can lead to bad blood between teams/GMs. I recall SJ trying to offer sheet the Chicago player last year (don’t remember the guys name) with some ridiculous number. It forced Chicago to overpay for the player, who they deemed important, but before the offer, they were thinking they could keep him for a reasonable amount.

So, looking at it from different angles, it’s difficult to say with certainty that there is collusion when it comes to free agents, UFA or RFA. It just doesn’t add up.
LBlocal says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:20 pm

Could it be that DD08 is sore that he hasn’t been anointed with a letter on his chest? Certainly, not for awhile after this shtick.

gKg!

[Reply]
Kenage says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:21 pm

You also have to remember that with a shorter deal the money gets spread out less for cap purposes and the Kings would have a higher cap hit each season with DD on a shorter deal.

[Reply]
King without a crown says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:22 pm

Not about money is the biggest load of crap I have ever heard.Even term length comes back to a money issue, so spare us the whoa is me Drew. You have dreamed of being a King since you were a kid? Then make a long term commitment to your dream, or compromise a bit.Winning the first cup in Los Angeles Kings history will be the sweetest thing you could do in your carrer. I don’t understand why you would jeapordize a chance at doing that.Be a big boy and get a deal done,let’s not play the blame game.

[Reply]
Slapshot says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:23 pm

No its not about money now! Its about Money in the future when he gets the URFA status, riiiiight DREW!

[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:23 pm

Money says he doesn’t want to be viewed as the bad guy. Now, where would he have gotten that impression? Has he been reading our posts? Hmmm?

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@miracle.on.manchester,

I didn’t know Mayweather played for the Kings. (I kid, I kid.)

[Reply]
T says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:27 pm

Who cares if it is about the money. Just get him signed.

[Reply]
Mary Mc says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:27 pm

Is waiting for Doughty like waiting for Godot????

[Reply]
ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@Mary Mc, AHAHAHAHA LOVE IT!!

[Reply]
CabbagesAndKings says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:31 pm

If it’s about money — Drew fails at being a stand up team player.

If it’s about term — it’s either because: 1. Drew isn’t sure he wants to be a king right now or that he will continue to want to be a King in the future — in which case he fails to be a stand up team player. 2. Or he his afraid of signing a long contract and being traded, leaving him stuck on a team he doesn’t want to be on for half his career.

If it’s the second, then I understand his concern. However, that is a chance you have to take being a hockey player. Do you think Richards thought he’d be traded to the Kings this season? Nope. Did he worry about something like that happening when he signed his fantastic contract with Philly, Yes he did. But he signed anyway. As a player, you have to take that chance. You don’t get that security blanket Drew — you just don’t. You sign the contract and hope for the best like everyone else does. If he thinks this is something he can control — he fails at being a stand up team player.

I actually can not conjure up a single scenario that leaves Drew looking anything but horrible.

The only mistake Mr. Lombardi has made thus far, is publicly announcing there is no way he is going to trade Drew. As a GM, it’s his job to continually improve the team, and if there is an offer that would improve the team it’s his job to take it. Saying there is no way he is going to trade him is a very bad business move.

Minus two points for Mr. Lombardi.

[Reply]
dMan says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:31 pm

Ah, I think I understand the confusion now… No, it’s not $6M for 6.8 years

[Reply]
Dominick says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:39 pm

I guess hyperbole is the fruit of the day. Even if DD says it’s not about the money for him, it’s still about the money for everyone else, because how could it not be?

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@Dominick,

You are a trusting soul. There’s no way DD would lie. Why would he?

How could someone so concerned about looking like the bad guy through all of this say anything else but “it’s not about the money”? Maybe because if he says that it IS about the money, then he looks like a really bad guy.

So, he has no other choice but to say that it isn’t about the money (and I wouldn’t be surprised if Meehan told him to say that). I’m sure you’ve heard of things such as “spin” and “PR”. DD is doing a poor job of it by the sound of the opinions in this thread.

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@Dominick, And if he says the sky is purple it is because he said so? You said yourself he wanted 7mil on a 7 or 9 year deal but would take a different price on a 5 year deal. That is about money. 7 years 6.8 is the best offer the Kings say they would make but he would only do that year at 7 mil. What is the issue then? What do you call it? Call a spade a spade.

I agree with you 100% though Dom that the Kings must come down on the years of the offer. I will take Drew’s side that the Kings can’t force a guy to sign long term. If LA has his rights for 4 more years then we can’t force him to sign for 5 or more. He is only LA property for 4 years. You can try to sign him long term with a fat deal but Dean needs a 4 or 5 year offer (at less money of course) also. Otherwise this holdout is on him too, and it is. The Kings are to blame as much as Drew is no doubt. BUT, call it like it is, it is only about money. I wouldn’t give that greedy SOB a penny more than 6.8 on 7 years. That is already over payment. Sign him for 4 or 5 years Dean and let him walk. You know 5 years used to be a long contract.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@Osaka, 5 years is what Stamkos got. If the hold up is really all about an extra 200,000 thousand a year than I’ll be pissed at both sides. That is not worth DD sitting for any length of time, and DL, and Meehan are stubborn for doing it. If it’s about control over a guys future than I will side with DD on the fact that those are his years to give away as he see’s fit. If DL is trying to force him to give up those years then DL is being stubborn. If Meehan is just wanting the money than he should be fired, and that’s on DD for not doing so.

It is interesting though that DD has said that it’s not about the money and no one see’s the difference.

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@Dominick,

You keep bringing up that people aren’t willing to believe DD when he says it’s not about the money. Have you stpptto consider that many here can’t hope to make the kind of money being talked about here?

Perhaps that will explain the immediate cynicism when $6.8M isn’t enough. It’s just tough to buy that tripe for many people. Why is that cause for surprise?

And you know, if it was his desire for more flexibility with his later years, isn’t that about money as well, wanting to get the biggest deal when he becomes a free agent?

Osaka Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@Dominick, Ryan Smyth also never asked for a trade.

[Reply]
Laura says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:41 pm

It doesn’t bother me that he’s skating in the Kings jersey. I kind of like it. I actually hate that he’s in Canada, so far away from LA. I’m trying not to listen to any of the rumors. I just hope that fans don’t boo him once he signs. Let’s get this done already!

[Reply]
colo king fan says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:48 pm

for those of you saying “so it isn’t the money..” its very much the money.

Hitting UFA in 5 years maximizes Drew’s opportunity to get a huge deal for the longest amount of time possible, so yes, its about the money. As I posted on Mayor’s Manor (a facebook post by them), Drew wants his cake and wants to eat it too. He wants the current deal for the length he desires (5 yr). But the thing is, the current deal is overvaluing him (was last years performance really worth a 6.8 cap hit? be honest.); to get this resolved asap, I think (note the term “think,” I’m not a GM nor should I ever be one) that Dean should give him the years he wants but significantly lower the amount of money involved.

Simply put, if Doughty wants his big contract now, he’s going to forego some UFA years (at least one by all indications); whether or not that ends up making Drew more money in the long term is a subject for accountants. The best option I see would be to offer him 4 years, which (if I remember the CBA right) puts him at a RFA one year before he hits UFA. This gives him the opportunity to re-sign as a King for market value (which he will determine by his play over the 4 year contract), and also allows him to be a King for life (if that is truly what he wants). It also gives the Kings an opportunity to retain him as a player, while giving him a contract that is fair to him and reflects his true market value. I’m sure there are negatives about thio solution that I’m not recognizing (see the I should never be a GM point I made earlier), but to me it would give both sides the opportunity to get exactly what they both want.

[Reply]
Lime says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:50 pm

I’m jumping into the thread a bit late but I have to say this seems like an effort (maybe by Meehan…?) to keep the spotlight on DL and DD. Looking at most of the comments here it seems the attempt to victimize Drew failed.

[Reply]
scootty says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:55 pm

If it’s not about the money, then Lombardi should offer a 5 year $5.5 mill. cap hit. If that is rejected, then we’ll see who is telling the truth in this fiasco.

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@scootty, BINGO!!!!!!

[Reply]
Weasel says:

September 19, 2011 at 4:56 pm

Time to get this one done. THe Kings need to make some concession at this point. we want to win now and have invested heavily in Gagne & Richards. I mean we gave up Simmonds+SCHENN – we have to start doing whatver we can to make a cup run in the 2-4 years (and hopefully beyond). In other words we’ve shown our cards and DD has all the leverage (assuming he saved enough money to survive a holdout). Does anyone know how PER YEAR the two proposals vary by? Are we talking $1M or $500K or less? If it’s like $1M then I can undersatnd just saying no way. But if it is less than $500K I think we’d just have to bite the bullet. After all $500K isn’t even Moreau or Westgarth or Frasier. So if you overpay DD a little bit you’ll lose a depth guy somewhere down the line. I think we could live with that, no?

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@Weasel, $200,000 and 2 years. Not very much right? Seems crazy.

[Reply]
Downsy says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:05 pm

Do not be fool. It’s psychological scheme. It has be about the years, MONEY, and his agent. Doughty does not want lose respect so that’s why he let this story happen. Its still about the money. Bc Doughty would be traded if it was about DL, and we know all the players get along.

[Reply]
Hat trick says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:12 pm

Not about the money eh? Sure would be nice that all the “behind the scenes stuff” would come out also because yeah DREW you Do look like the bad guy! You look like a greedy little cry baby, primadonna. And who’s “advising” you not to speak to the media? Your agent? DL?

We’ve got a cup to win, forget this guy…

[Reply]
Mike in Oregon says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:17 pm

He’s being paid more than he’s worth at $6.8. Hopefully he grows into being worth it in later years. Dump your agent Drew. You look like a greedy dough boy (maybe pun intended). Sign and consider yourself VERY lucky. Go Kings

[Reply]
Crownme87 says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:21 pm

Doughty quit playing with the amateurs! Sign that contract and come to LA and play with the real boys..

[Reply]
Leo says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:23 pm

No wonder that everybody is upset, but let’s remember:
we still have A Great Young Team – Cup Contender!
GKG

[Reply]
edwood2 says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:39 pm

After reading all 156 comments, I am going to re-write an old song. “What’s it All About, Doughty?”

[Reply]
Osaka says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:39 pm

All reports are neither side wants a 1-2 year deal. Is DD worried about the new CBA? If DD won’t sign short (1-2 years) and won’t sign long (7-9 years) and won’t sign for less than 7 mil a year, what is he willing to negotiate on? It is not like he is giving the Kings many options.

Come on guys, 6 years @6.5mil or 5 years @ 6mil. Dean needs to come down a year or 2. Drew will sign because it isn’t about the money.

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Hat trick says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:51 pm

Good choice on the practice jersey there Drew, I can get the same one and wear it to sticktime also but ya know what? It makes you an LA King about as much as it makes me one at this point!

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Brian says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:52 pm

Is he somehow not in charge of his own decisions?!?! I don’t get it. If he’s not the bad guy and it’s not about money what’s the hold up?! Does Meehan really have him by the balls?

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nykingfan says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:53 pm

I don’t thunk Drew’s a bad guy at all. I don’t think DL’s a bad guy either.
I just want DD in camp getting ready for the season.
does that make me a bad guy?

[Reply]
OneTimer Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 8:06 am
@nykingfan,

No. That makes you … me.

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Nightman says:

September 19, 2011 at 5:55 pm

Hell After reading Jack Johnson’s piece about his contract renewal i say DD should fire his agent and let JJ negotiate his contract!

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ray tromba says:

September 19, 2011 at 6:33 pm

Business is business boys . . . but where there is a will there is a way. And the way needs to be found now . . . meehan and lombardi are playing a game of chicken to see who will blink first. drew is the pawn in the game of chess. just hate seeing the kid who is such an integral part of this team not be part of the team building chemistry which is more often than not, what makes a team “a team”. man up boys, get on the phone or in person and knock it out. thats what this will take and the time has come. what should be a great time of excitement and anticipation is tunring into a game of cat and mouse. lets get it done and get on with this thing.

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Gustavo says:

September 19, 2011 at 6:46 pm

FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME,

DO NOT ADVOCATE A 5 YR DEAL FOR DD IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM.

DO YOU REALLY WANT THE TEAM TO HAVE TO NEGOTIATE A NEW CONTRACT FOR KOPI AND DD AT THE SAME FREAKING TIME?

DO YOU AGREE WITH ME THAT KOPI, BEING THE MORE VETERAN AND BETTER PLAYER THAN DD DESERVES TO REACH A UFA CONTRACT YEAR BEFORE DD DOES? IF SO, PLEASE STOP ASKING DL TO BEND ON THE LESS THAN 6 YEAR OFFER.

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
@Gustavo, Give him 5 years.

[Reply]
scootty Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
@Gustavo, I don’t see signing Kopi being very hard.

[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
@Gustavo, Quit yelling at us. LOL

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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 7:04 am
@Gustavo, the only way DL goes 5 years for Money, is if Kopitar gets an extension on his current deal before it expires. This would avoid the dreaded double free agency of Kopitar and Money.

And, IMO, if Kopitar were to resign with a quick negotiation, it would only put more of a spotlight on who is the “bad guy” in these player-team contract talks.

[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 9:02 am
@miracle.on.manchester,

If makes no sense to negotiate and extension for Kopi as the single or primary purpose to accommodate a Doughty contract.

[Reply]
Stang says:

September 19, 2011 at 6:53 pm

Look what Ken Campbell w/ Hockey News wrote: “Ever wonder why hockey players never settle for less than what they believe they’re worth? Can it be that every single one of them is a greedy, self-absorbed jerk? Don’t think so.” I guess they let anybody write for that paper. The Kings have a number of players who have taken less than their worth for the good of the team. Jack Johnson is one of them.

[Reply]
Bobcraneselbow says:

September 19, 2011 at 6:57 pm

Wow! A grown man in the middle of an important business transaction is concerned with being considered a “bad guy”? This indicates to me that Drew is being manipulated and things are out totally out if his control. I am starting to see Drew as a victim for the first time. Poor kid, I feel for him since this appears to be a grown up situation for which he is not ready. I think Drew just wants what we all want….for him to play hockey for the beloved LA Kings.

[Reply]
GeezerKingsFan says:

September 19, 2011 at 7:10 pm

Anyone else read this http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/What-We-Learned-Dean-Lombardi-8217-s-lucky-spo;_ylt=AvU6LAALBqtygjRoqCJSZKF7vLYF?urn=nhl-wp12858

[Reply]
Hat trick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
@GeezerKingsFan, The guy’s obviously a ducks fan.

[Reply]
Rtwing7 Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 5:45 am
@GeezerKingsFan, The guy writing this article is a bonehead and clearly knows very little about hockey, the Kings or pro sports negotiations.

[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 7:00 am
@GeezerKingsFan,

The only idiot there is the Yahoo management team for hiring a tool like Lambert.

Lambert has a well known reputation for being an agent tool. He does not even write his own articles. Agents like Meehan do it for him. All he does is add his name to the page and makes sure the article sounds like it was written by him, but mentions the agent at least 3 times.

Only a player’s agent could possible write something as inflammatory towards his teammates as this article portraits. “Doughty better than Kopitar or Quick or Richards”.

The battle between the agents Doughty’s Meehan and Kopitar’s Brossin is worthy of a Jerry Springer full week show. A few years ago, Kopitar’s father had the good sense of advising his son to dump Meehan due to his dirty borderline illegal tactics and go with Brisson, instead.

Meehan accussed Robittaille of influencing the Kopitar family to make the jump to Brisson so a contract could be negotiated in good faith.

We, the season tickets holders and devout paying LA Kings fans, applaud Mr Dean Lombardi for his stance on the team’s offer to Doughty. Doughty deserves to be among the highest paid players in the team. DL has made the correct offer.

NOT ONE SINGLE PLAYER IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE TEAM ITSELF.

[Reply]
Unimailer says:

September 19, 2011 at 7:22 pm

What worries me at this point is this deal has become VERY personal. It seems as if Doughty has had his feelings hurt. This does not bode well for his psyche in the future. I have a feeling that this is now going to go the distance (i.e. he is going to hold out until the Kings have to trade him). Not to be a downer, but when do the Kings catch a break? I think the Kings have to stick to their guns, as many have you have pointed out earlier. Kopitar is the big dog. Period. Doughty in the future. But it looks to me as if his future will not be in L.A..

[Reply]
Bobcraneselbow Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
@Unimailer, You have a point, its hard to convince a 21 year old who has been on a rink his whole life that it’s not personal. I hope the assumed negativity doesn’t get to him. Business is Business.

[Reply]
StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
@Bobcraneselbow,

are you implying all the people posting on here are 21 year olds? cuz they (the fans saying he’s fat, donuts, whatever) sure as hell seem to be taking this personally.

[Reply]
Bobcraneselbow Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, Fans are always fickle…it’s Drew’s defensive stance that is making me nervous. I certainly hope he’s beyond all of the tripe, but with statements like “I am not the bad guy” makes you wonder.
Eric says:

September 19, 2011 at 7:30 pm

Hey Drew,

No doughty you want to come play hockey for the Kings, eh? You should tell that hoser Meehan to take off, eh!

Also, you want something to come out? Put it out there. Meehan has got your leash pretty tight? Look at yourself man. You look like you are being controlled.

Bad guy? Same team man. Same Team. There is no bad guy (except for Don imo, he’s no King, and doesn’t give a turd about us.) This is beyond old by now. Get these idiots talking again at least. Word is they haven’t spoken in two days. Aren’t you a little pissed that you are paying this clown and he hasn’t even contacted the Kings in two days? Not to mention that you are missing paying work days while these guys do nothing to get it done. Seriously man. WTF.

Let’s get this season started right! Come on Doughty! Come home to The Kingdom! We are looking good! Don’t let these haters fool you, we welcome you back asap. And keep wearing the crown!

Go Kings! Go #8!

[Reply]
Keith Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@Eric,
Nicely put!

[Reply]
Brown23 says:

September 19, 2011 at 7:34 pm

Like the broadcaster guy said, “if not about the money, then what is it about?” That Drew doesn’t want to make it seem like he is the bad guy out of all this contract talks. lol! Right Drew, we believe it is NOT about the MONEY or that YOU are NOT the BAD GUY EITHER.

I can’t wait until the negotiations for a new CBA contract heats-up because with youngsters (like Doughty) getting monster deals at such a young point in time into being in the NHL is ridiculous considering he has not earned jack crap, yet.

I’d say trade Drew Doughty if I was GM of Kings because Drew is all about himself and nothing else. I know, I know how much he means an all, but there is someone else out there that could replace him.

[Reply]
Lucky Luke Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@Brown23, Good post

[Reply]
john olive says:

September 19, 2011 at 8:11 pm

Let him sit out the season. 6.8 mil is too much at this point. The Kings can compensate if JJ picks up his game. The Kings have been very fair to DD and this is how he treats them and the fans, who pay far to much to attend a game.

[Reply]
Unimailer Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
@john olive, if JJ picks up his game? IF my Aunt had balls, she’d be my Uncle. JJ is a good player, but IMHO, he does not fit our system. If he played somewhere else where they would let him off his leash he would kick butt, but in the system we play, he is a bit of a liability. Just calling it as I see it…

[Reply]
Harty says:

September 19, 2011 at 8:19 pm

The risk is when he does return and he will, and when he makes an error the badgering he is going to get will be unbelievable.
Drew come back fast, not only does the team need you…….you need to get back for your sake.

[Reply]
Kings in CO says:

September 19, 2011 at 8:30 pm

It’s all about the money.

[Reply]
Chuck says:

September 19, 2011 at 8:50 pm

As soon as he said he didn’t want to look like the bad guy, he became “the bad guy”…

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Gislaw says:

September 19, 2011 at 8:57 pm

As others have already stated, no matter how you spin this, it is about the money. I remember when I was 21 and had yet to learn that my decisions/actions actually have an effect on my future. Was it Winston Churchill who said, ” a man’s character is judged by what he does when no one is looking”? Either way, this comes off to me as an incredibly poor PR move by this kid’s camp.

Only 12 days to Frozen Fury, and with or without DD, the Kings will be there! GKG.

[Reply]
KingsOfComedy says:

September 19, 2011 at 9:03 pm

Trade him to Toronto got Dion Phaneuf & Schenn.

[Reply]
Belexes says:

September 19, 2011 at 10:43 pm

Good to see the trolls are alive and well in this thread…

[Reply]
KC23 says:

September 19, 2011 at 10:46 pm

Not about the money … yeahhhhh riiiiight. Gimme a break.

[Reply]
KFII says:

September 20, 2011 at 8:40 am

Oh my. How fickle a fan base can be. Let’s wait and see.

[Reply]
Keith says:

September 20, 2011 at 4:40 pm

Dear Mr. Doughty,

Please realize that the entire fan base of the LA Kings is now rabidly anxious for what we expect will be a great, deep playoff run, Stanley Cup Contending season. Even the slightest distraction at this time is completely unacceptable! You are risking total alienation of your fans with this holdout.
What’s a couple million between friends? You know you want to play, you know we want you here…just tell your agent to get a deal done and get into practice. Don’t wait another day, the risk is too great!

Sincerely,
LA Kings Fans!

[Reply]
Lucky Luke Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@Keith, Good post

[Reply]
vplaza says:

September 21, 2011 at 9:16 am

So, the latest article from Helene Elliott in the LA Times says that Dean won’t trade DD’s rights.

And really? It’s not about the money? If this is accurate:

“The Kings have offered Doughty up to nine years at an average annual value of $6.8 million but he indicated he doesn’t want to sign for that long and give up several years of unrestricted free agency. Doughty also rejected offers of six to eight years.”

Then, really, it’s not about the money? Six years at $6.8M isn’t enough? Why, so you can become a free agent after five years and get a larger contract? And I thought DD wanted to be a King for life?

Every day that passes without any indication from DD’s camp on what they want or need to get a deal signed just makes him look “like the bad guy.” Sorry to say, I’m finding fewer reasons to root for the kid. He may be the “annointed” one and will be a multiple Norris Trophy winner down the road, but this is NOT the way to endear yourself to the fans of your team.

[Reply]
Lucky Luke Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@vplaza, Good Post

[Reply]
Lucky Luke says:

September 21, 2011 at 3:28 pm

Hope the Kings can trade Drew Doughty he is not an Nicklas Lidstrom !!!!!!
more an Bill Guerin who likes to play in the team that pay him the most money
how after he is unrestricted free agent you think he like to be with the Kings ?
or he signs with the Rangers who pay him 200.000 $ more than the Kings
Let him go I don’t like this players
Bring some good new players to LA

Lets go Kings

[Reply]