The roster math is all unofficial, but to a certain extent, it’s also undeniable. Assuming that Colin Fraser and Jake Muzzin start the season on injured reserve, there might only be one open spot on the Kings’ roster. Assume the top six forwards, plus Clifford, Stoll and Richardson, and the six regular defensemen have spots. Assume, also, that players such as Lewis, Westgarth, Moreau and Hunter have secured spots. Presume, probably, that Davis Drewiske has as well. That would leave one spot between either winger Scott Parse or defenseman Slava Voynov. The question becomes, do the Kings carry seven or eight defensemen? Today, Parse skated with the “extras,’’ Fraser and Westgarth, which wasn’t a great sign for him.
I asked Terry Murray directly, though, what Voynov’s chances of making the team were.
MURRAY: “I can’t speak for management. That’s probably a conversation we need to sit down and have, but I would say the chances are not very likely that we would keep him around. With Drew back now, and the players that we have in place from last year, the chances are maybe not quite in his favor, but he has certainly made an incredible impression on us throughout the training camp. We love the way he has come along in his development. He’s right on the threshold of stepping over and making his debut as an NHL regular defenseman. … I don’t want to rule it out, because he deserves a lot. He’s been a great kid and I love the way he’s playing. So we just need to make sure we’re making the right decision for his proper development.’’
someday we will have Voynov and Hickey in this team someday
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@KingsFanFTW, I dunno, someone on LGK, found a article from russia saying if he doesnt make the team, he will give kings 2 weeks to “exchange” (trade) him or russia will be his destination… a full year in the AHL is not on his agenda…
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@lafan13, well then thats his lost Defense gets hurts and he will get the call up and they cant pull a Martinez..That sucks tho
dont need them to leave but they got to learn patiences doesnt come if u know the team has soo many depth in it
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@lafan13,
For how he has been playing, it would be a serious slap in the face to keep DD2 over him. Parse should be gonner too. Sometimes, I just don’t understand management.
[Reply]
uknojata Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@RobSD, sometimes I think Terry keeps players around because he can’t let go of old ideas. Seems to me Slava has had a much better preseason than DD2 and is probably giving Martinez and green a run for their money. What more does he have to do to earn a spot on the team?
Riofan Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@lafan13, I posted the article. I think it’s a case where if Voynov was down further in the depth chart he would ask for the trade. If the No.26 jersey is any indication he’s very close to making the team even if he’s not part of the 23 man roster to open the season, meaning he’s likely not to spend the entire season in Manchester. He’s gained the “foothold at base” as the transaltion to the article indicates.
Voynov: “Spend the entire season in the AHL just not in my plans. You can certainly try to gain a foothold at the base.”
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@Riofan, ya, the translation makes the whole “foothold at the base” part alittle difficult to interpret for me. That is a very good point bout the #26 though, hopefully he feels like hes part of the team, and doesnt give up. I know Russia would LOVE to have him back, seeing hes one of the best D prospects from there in years.
Thanks for the article though…. How’d u find it BTW? U can read that crap?
tim chaney Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@lafan13, looking for a taker for drewiske…
[Reply]
Scott Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 9:41 pm
@lafan13, I hear if LA doesn’t act quickly on Voynov he might leave LA. LA really should keep in mind that Russia has already said that if a Russian wants to play in the 2014 olympics outside of Moscow.
So if Voynov wants money he’ll stay in LA (assuming LA will play him over Greene or Drewiski) otherwise LA could lose Voynov to the KHL.
Now would be a great time to tryout JJ at W with Stoll and Richardson.
Penner-Kopitar-Williams
Gagne-Richards-Brown
Johnson-Stoll-Richardson
Hunter-Lewis-Moreau/Parse/Clifford
Doughty-Mitchell
Voynov-Scuderi
Martinez-Greene
JQ
Bernier
[Reply]
Hadley Reply:
October 4th, 2011 at 12:21 am
@Scott, keeping Voynov and trading JMFJ to Detroit would be best — but if JMFJ is going to stay, at least move him up to the wing — good post.
Canam Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@KingsFanFTW, I know it was only one game but he looked like a minor leaguer in Vegas. Slow and out of position all night. He played a lot (or at least it seemed like it).
[Reply]
Canam Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@Canam, to be clear…..speaking of Voynov.
[Reply]
LittleRhody Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:58 pm
@Canam, I agree with your view on the game in Vegas. I think, however, he was probably a little concerned about the arrival of the Kings new 7 Million Dollar Man.
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Gut says: Trade Drewiske for something. Wish him well as he leaves. Then keep both Parse and Voynov.
Parse has real low trade value right now but he would NOT clear waivers. Could be really good somewhere else (shut up about Camilleri but talk about Teddy Purcell and Moulson).
Is that gut feeling a bad way to go?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Steve S.,
If we did get trade DD2 for “something”. Voynov would still not be in the line up. He would be in the stands virtually every night which is probably not a good way to keep him developing.
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PRMan Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:13 pm
@KC23, I would put Martinez on the bench because his upside is #5 at best. VV has Top 4 written all over him.
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@PRMan, top four, eh? So where does that leave Doughty, Johnson, Mitchell, Scuderi?
KC23 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@PRMan, I’ll just say this … Martinez in 60 games plus 11 … JJ in 82 games -21.
TYLER Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 7:48 pm
@KC23, side note…JJ does get alot of his points on the PP which doesnt count in the +/-
markisonfire Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@Steve S., I don’t that is exactly what is going on here. Hear me out.
Keeping Voynov up with the big team means that either Martinez or Voynov will have to sit in the press box. Pairing Doughty with Johnson has never worked as a regular pairing. Mitchell, Scuderi, and Greene are all essential pieces according to management (and I concur). This means that each pairing will have a defensive defenseman and a puck-moving defenseman. Well, obviously Doughty and Johnson will be in the top four. Our defense will definitely be:
Mitchell – Doughty
Johnson – Scuderi
xxxxxx – Greene
xxxxxx
The two “open” spots have three players vying for them – Voynov, Martinez, and Drewiske. The problem then becomes, who deserves the pairing with Greene, who can play a handful of games while spending most of the season in the press box, and who is the odd man out?
Martinez has the inside track on the pairing with Greene. To be honest, he deserves it; he did a great job last season. Then what? Do we really want Voynov sitting in the press box? Even if Martinez and Voynov split the season and each had 41 games, neither of them would be able to get into a rhythm.
I think the real question here becomes: Should Martinez or Voynov be paired with Greene? Apparently, management thinks Martinez should. Perhaps they are looking to trade one of them? They are certainly both ready to be with the big club.
I don’t really understand keeping parse though. Management must see something I don’t, because if any of the top six go down, we still have Clifford and Richardson to fill in while having one of Moreau or Westgarth or whomever take their spot. Hopefully Parse shows he has some value though.
[Reply]
Steve S. Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@markisonfire, I see what you mean. best to send Voynov down then.
[Reply]
Waive whisky and keep voynov!.. IMO!
so excited GKG!
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KingsGuy Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@Jpizzle313, Agreed – DD2 needs a plane ticket back home…
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Krusher Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:06 pm
@Jpizzle313, Seconded (or is it Thirded?)
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MB Kings Fan Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@Krusher, Fourthed!
[Reply]
Methinks Voynov might be looking to pick up a Dewey voodoo doll at his local voodoo store.
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 2:55 pm
@Skebo, They have voodoo stores in russia?
[Reply]
Voynov>Martinez and Drewiskie
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Friarpuck Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Michael666, agree on Drewiske, disagree on Martinez. That being said, Slava has a much higher upside than Martinez.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@Michael666, Blindman>Michael666
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Voynov should be playing in the NHL. Weather it’s on the kings or another team
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I honestly dont see what the coaches and management see in Parse?
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Kings 4 Life Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@Kings 4 Life, oops wasnt a question.↑
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Zamboni Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Kings 4 Life, Completely agreed.
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number 6 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@Kings 4 Life,
They don’t have much depth on left wing, so if there is an injury (remember Gagne’s injury history) they would need him to fill the gap. Otherwise we’re talking about bringing in Dwight King and it seems as though he isn’t quite ready.
[Reply]
downsy89 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@Kings 4 Life, Just have him because of injuries. Yes loki or King can fill in but what happens if we lose two forwards? Its about having the depth. Plus he 27 years old and the younger guys are developing. They rather have young guys play more games then 25.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@Kings 4 Life, parse is like a fortune cookie that makes no sense
[Reply]
Alan21 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@Kings 4 Life, Same here, never have. but then he is always hurt so who knows.
[Reply]
trade JJ and Parse for draft picks. martinez takes JJs spot and Voynov is a regular in the line up. Drewiske stays as the healthy scratch
[Reply]
downsy89 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@eric20, How about no. JJ is way important. He stays home and puts points up. EVERYONE forgets about JJ, and what he brings for us. Honestly, I favor JJ over Doughty.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@downsy89, – JJ is close to being as good as DD. But not quite. For sure he’s come a long way the last couple seasons and I’d keep him as a King for many years for sure. If Voynov is threatening to bolt, then trade his arse to Edmonton (or whoever else we believe will finish in the bottom) for draft picks. We need to restock the “future Kings” shelf after letting Schenn get away from us.
[Reply]
TradedForAPick Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@eric20,
I’m of the mindset we don’t trade JJ and he becomes DD’s pairing for the top pair next year. Voynov has one more year to wait then becomes Scuds’ partner
[Reply]
John Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@eric20, you dont trade a top 3 Dman (jj) to make space for a rookie, when youve spent 5 years building a contender. JJ has a very good contract for what he Brings. Where did the logic go on this site? You wanna dump Parse because “Clifford or Richie” can fill in on the top 6? Parse has a top 6 skill set. Cliff and Richardson are bottom 6 skill (for now). Parse was making some great plays before his injury. He’s got plenty of time to regain his form until an injury happens to a top 6. He’s paid his dues. You dont throw him away to make room for a spare defenseman. LOGIC folks. If Parse does nothing this year, than who cares. His contract is up, and we’ll let him go. Thks team is too good to spend all tbis time whining about parze/voynov/drewiske and Martinez. Be stoked for the season and let management handle the rest.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@John,
How dare you bring reason into it, sir!
[Reply]
Hadley Reply:
October 4th, 2011 at 12:35 am
@eric20, you could get a ton of good stuff for JMFJ, especially if you include Bernier in any deal — established players, draft picks, whatever you want. My fear is if JMFJ winds up back in Detroit, he will do a Larry Murphy and miraculously learn his position. He’ll turn his Minus 21 into a Plus 21 and wind up next to Murphy in the Hall of Fame. Voynov could have two great years for the Kings and then get homesick and go back to Omsk or wherever he’s from to raise a family.
[Reply]
“I don’t want to rule it out, because he deserves a lot.” …a shot? Or a 7 million dollar contract?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@wavesinair, a pat on the back after his plane ticket to Manchester is handed to him.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@KC23, lol
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I think it would be a mistake to waive Drewiske in favor of Voynov. In that scenario, Voynov becomes that 7th D-man who, if lucky, gets to play 25 games a year. I think it would be much better for Voynov’s development to send him back to Manchester where he’ll get to play every day. More roster spots will be open next year for Voynov. One more year in the minors won’t kill him.
[Reply]
Zamboni Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Friarpuck, Yeah, there will be a spot open for him next year since Mitchell is a free agent in the summer. Then the question becomes what to do with Hickey and Muzzin…
[Reply]
Bill M. Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@Zamboni, I think it’s likely that Muzzin projects more into Mitchells spot. He’s more of a shutdown style D.
[Reply]
TradedForAPick Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@Bill M.,
I think Muzzin may be getting the call in two more seasons. Not next year, barring one heck of a camp. JJ and DD then plug Voynov in with Scuds
Bill M. Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@TradedForAPick, JJ and DD just never seemed like a good idea defensively. Offensively, especially on the PP, it’s nightmarish for the other team, but defensively, there is no balance, because both tend to be overly aggressive and there is no stay at home element. DD is good defensively, but unlike Mitchell/Scuderi, he isn’t good enough to compensate at all for JJ. If JJ can learn to keep his game simple and effective, then he would be a plus player and then DD/JJ would be a wicked top pairing.
PRMan Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@Friarpuck, I would put Martinez into that bench role. He’s way better than DD2 but still not a ton of upside (certainly not above VV).
[Reply]
drop the puck Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@PRMan,
Problem is he’s ready for the NHL and done developing..you can only develop so long before you get your shot or dont..IMO they keep him up, if not they will trade him or he will bolt for the KHL…I dont see him staying another year in Manchester when the opportuinities for him to play for the kings in the NHL are so limited..shame really..
[Reply]
John Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:28 pm
@drop the puck,
Tell that to the red wings. How long were datsyuk and zetter developing?
Depth… A good problem to have. Vegas odds on the Kings for the cup are 10 – 1. GKG!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Reggie Grarbs, I wonder what the best odds the Kings ever had to win the cup before the season started? I bet 10-1 is the best it’s ever been unless maybe 1976.
[Reply]
tim Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 10:39 pm
@Reggie Grarbs, I placed a bet on the Kings in Vegas and the odds were 5-1.
[Reply]
baby23 Reply:
October 4th, 2011 at 7:56 am
@Reggie Grarbs, 5 -1 odds
[Reply]
Can’t trade Drewiske and have Voynov up. Then we have seven defensemen who actually have to play, and only six spots. No problem with Drewiske warming the press box, but a guy like Voynov or Martinez? Can’t have them sitting. Parse will be up for now, but he’ll likely be heading for the waiver wire once Fraser is healthy. Then Fraser can join Drewiske and Westgarth in the press box, and there’s your roster:
Penner-Kopitar-Williams
Gagne-Richards-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Richardson
Moreau-Lewis-Hunter
Mitchell-Doughty
Scuderi-Johnson
Martinez-Greene
Quick
Bernier
[Reply]
Riofan Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@Zamboni, If Parse wasn’t waived in favor of Lokti I see no way he gets waived for Fraser. The only reason Fraser is still a King is because he wasn’t healthy to be bought out. The organization has invested a lot in Parse and will continue to provide opportunities for him to find his game this season.
[Reply]
John Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@Zamboni,
fraser was a consolation prize. Parse has been a King. Parze>fraser easily.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@Zamboni, Fraser over Parse really? Hahahahaha…did you ever even look at Fraser’s stats?
[Reply]
I say Parse will be on waivers once Fraser is healthy and ready for games. Fraser won a stanley cup and knows how play in his own end. But long as Parse is not playing well. He wont get much playing time unless an injury happens (knock on wood).
[Reply]
Mike Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@downsy89, agree….. Parse has been given enough chances and our top 3 lines are set IMO.. Trent Hunter was a nice pickup, but that spelled doom for Parse….
[Reply]
downsy89 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@Mike, Trent Hunter capable play in the top 6. He did for NYI.
[Reply]
Sam Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@downsy89, Trent Hunter is not a top-6 forward for a Stanley Cup-contending team. If he’s in the top-6 for the Kings its not good.
rontheking Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@downsy89,
Wow really Fraser’s that good, hunh? He must have a great +/- too, to go along with all of his other outstanding numbers since he’s so great. Jeez….
[Reply]
Is Martinez really that much better in that 5-6th defensive spot? I don’t think so. IF Vito goes to the KHL we still own his rights I hope. If not, than I would trade him rather than send him packing for the K….
What really chaps my ass is Westgarth’s existence on this roster… get rid of him and dominos fall as they should for everybody..
[Reply]
Voynov has NOTHING to proove in Man. If he does bolt to Russia I dont blame him for doing so. DL needs to find a way to give the kid a chance with the big boys.
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@Enrique, how is that? we got are Defense set…If Voy does bolt thats on him not Team management..They did giving him a chance to prove to them he can still a spot but i guess they seeing something that we are not seeing..
[Reply]
art Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@Enrique,
I completely agree with this post. If Voynov doesn’t want to be in Manchester he will probably bolt to the KHL and we may not see him ever play a game in a Kings uniform. He has too much potential to just let go. If he leaves to the KHL it also lowers his trade value, with the uncertainty of a return to North America.
[Reply]
Someone get rid of Drewiske and keep Voynov
[Reply]
Things I don’t get is..
Why has Fraser possibly earned a spot after he comes off the IR (We should buy him out, he is worthless).
Why did we go out and get Hunter and Moreau, when we could have used that spot for some of the Kids in Manchester?
I like what Moreau has done back in his prime, but I think part of development, is getting some NHL time for the Kids that have paid their dues.
Hunter – yeah, he might of earned his spot in camp, but I don’t expect anything great from him. He hasn’t done anything special in his career.
Why is Parse even with the team?
If anything, Hunter and Moreau should be extra forwards and not playing every night. I just don’t get it.
[Reply]
downsy89 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:36 pm
@hockeykingsguy, Its about experience. Loki, King, Voynov are capable playing, but that will make us to young. Moreau has been to the stanley cup finals and a former captain. Hunter a former 20 gaol scorer and at the age of 31. Fraser young and stanley cup winner with Chicago. Its just about having these guys understanding what it takes to win. We do not want to be to young and less experience. Yes Voynov can play with us but why keep him if he only going play 25 games?
Yes Loki, King, out played Parse but Parse is 27 years old who will probably only play 30 games. Rather have Loki and King play a full season and keep developing because they are so young
[Reply]
drop the puck Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:37 pm
@hockeykingsguy,
Totally agree……..well said.
[Reply]
Enrique Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Awsome post agree 110%@hockeykingsguy,
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@hockeykingsguy, Moreau has experince that the youngsters dont know….U can have all the speed and age of 20s just like the Oilers but yet still be last..This time Oilers got Smyth because they need a vet to teach the youngsters to get to the next level..
So We have too many youngsters we will not wont get to the next level if we dont have guys like Moreau and Hunter…They might help this team out in the long run.They are not meant for scoring 40 goals or anything close to that…They are there to defend and to shutdown big lines..
That what everyone wants on this team.They expect soo much and soo high….
Hunter and Moreau is a great addition to this team.Like i said they are not meant for scoring goals.Not just about who scores goals all the time.U can score 4 goals less than a second but the question that still reminds is can u defend that lead??
The Kings couldnt defend that lead in game 3 so we needed them and thats why DL got them for that reason thats why they are in line 3 and 4…the Shutdown lines..
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@hockeykingsguy, oh yea i forgot u can get wide of Moreau and Hunter but Voy and Hickey will still be in the AHL…
So i dont see how they effecting Them on the roster.If they did all they be doing is sitting out and wasting away.
AHL at least they are playing games then just watching from the outside
[Reply]
Bikey Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@hockeykingsguy,
Moreau and Hunter won’t be playing every night. TM will definitely have Westgarth playing some games. But the Kings want to go further than the first round in the playoffs and thats exactly why DL signed them. A tough 4th line to play against. Moreau-Lewis-Hunter. Fraser only played 5 playoff games and has got one minor penalty to show for it. He’s gonna get bought out. Hunter and Moreau aren’t here to score goals in bunches. Their job is to tire and frustrate the opponents. Grind them down to sand. Maybe draw some penalties. DL knew what he was doing when he signed them.
[Reply]
keep Voynov. He seems to have more star quality, top four potential
[Reply]
Mikey Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@Mike in Oregon, especially since he’s russian. people love russian hockey players
[Reply]
Keep Parse, trade Penner for Simmonds haha
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It seems that if Voynov does not want to play in the AHL this season his only options may be to force a trade with another NHL team or get the Kings to agree for him to play in the KHL.
I’m not saying it is impossible, but it is likely to very hard for him to just sign with the KHL on his own without the Kings’ approval. The NHL and KHL have a memorandum of understanding, which they recently signed, regarding transfers for this year. While it is not a transfer agreement, both leagues have good incentives to honor the MOU. Here’s google’s translation from Russian (hope it works) – http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.khl.ru%2Fnews%2F2011%2F7%2F7%2F32992.html
if the translation doesn’t work, here is the original site you can translate from http://www.khl.ru/news/2011/7/7/32992.html
Also, another thought:
If Voynov can’t crack the lineup, I wouldn’t mind trading him for an almost NHL ready defensive d-man. There are a number of puck movers in the system, but no defensive d-man who can step in this year or next. Going this route may be more beneficial in the long term considering that DD, JJ and Martinez are all young puck movers.
[Reply]
Translation “If I had my say so, He will be gone” It sounds like upper management will make the final decision. I can invision Voynov in his hotel room looking at his lap top on this site. Can’t read english, so he asks his roomie what does this say about me…roomie says “coach doesn’t want you” maybe there’s just some things you might not want to share with the press? Especiaally when you are still auditioning? Geez!
[Reply]
Sam Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@wideleft, I read it completely different. I read it like Murray would like to keep him.
[Reply]
wideleft Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:06 pm
@Sam, He did say I can’t speak for management, si i doubt he’s going to sub-phrase anything upper management might be considering. But who really knows. You might be right.
Personally, he deserves to stick with the team. He’s out played at least 2 existing D’S from last years squad. How refreshing that you have someone that can shoot at the net from the blue line.
[Reply]
Bikey Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@wideleft,
He’s to fast and skilled for TM. TM doesn’t play that way. He doesn’t get it. He likes slow and gritty. Like Westgarth. I hope management tells him to stick it where the sun don’t shine. We’ll keep him. He’s a smart player. I wonder how Greene-Voynov would work out.
[Reply]
“He’s right on the threshold of stepping over and making his debut as an NHL regular defenseman. … I don’t want to rule it out, because he deserves a lot. He’s been a great kid and I love the way he’s playing”
Slava definitely got my vote to spend the year with the big team, even as a #7 defender riding the pine. He has many peripheral things to learn about being an NHL player. And as our illustrious team injury history shows, chances are high he will have plenty of chances to plug in. Many more than the 25 games some here predict.
Parse? I think he’ll be given a pass to enjoy the local Octoberfest in Germany, but not much more. Pity, really…I like the kid and his iron will to stay, despite his serious injuries.
[Reply]
It only makes sense to keep him if he is getting top 4 minutes as that is what he is: a top 4 defenseman. Now, If I am GM, I am trading Scuds and putting Voynov with Doughty. I think this kid is a star waiting in the wings. I am not the GM so I don’t get to make such moves. Will be interesting to see what ends up happening because he has nothing to prove in Manchester. I love this kid!
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I wouldn’t be jumping with joy if it happened, but would playing in the KHL be the worst thing for him. It’s not ideal, and I think Manchester would be better for him, but he doesn’t have much more to prove there. Let him make a little extra dough. The only downsides are a) Doughty, Johnson, or Martinez get hurt and he isn’t available to be called up and b) what if he doesn’t come back next year.
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With regards to Willie Mitchell being a free agent next season, with the way he has been playing why wouldn’t we resign him? He is a STUD stay at home Defenseman and I’m sure that with the team we have and the fact we took a chance with him last year Willie would want to stay so we are at the same spot next year too, EXCEPT that I think Greene could/would be expendable depending on the season that Martinez has. I think next year our team will be even more stocked as I think that Lotki will become 3rd line center and Stoll moves down to 4th line and PK duties. Guys like Lewis and Richardson will likely be traded because there simply isn’t any more room for their level of talent, and hear me I am NOT saying either of them are bad just not as good as we have available to fill their spot!! Oh man Dean Lombardi is the MAN!! Please will somebody bring me some more kool aid, cause I’m am thirsty for the Cup!!
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KC23 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@Play2Win, We may want to re-sign him, but if some other team offers Mitchell 6mil a year then what?
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Bikey Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@Play2Win,
Stoll is a UFA next year and his cap hit is 3,6 million. Either he takes a big pay cut or he leaves. 3rd or 4th line centers don’t make that kind of money and there is no way in hell DL is gonna pay him that much.
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Bikey Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@Play2Win,
Resigning Mitchell for another 2 years would be a good idea. If I were DL I’d start talking to the man right away.
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Dominick Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@Play2Win,
Mitchell? DL won’t make a choice till next summer, and he will offer a deal the Kings can afford (see Handzues). The Kings won’t make a decision before then unless their hand is forced to do so (like a long term injury to Scuds, or Greene, or a trade offer). Lewis, and Richardson will continue to get 1, or 2 year deals till they have a break through season, then they might be signed to a 3, or 4 year term. They are farther along then trade bait in my opinion. They are in specific roles, with room to grow. They are the future.
Wether Greene stays has to do with Cambell, Whiskey, and Muzzin more than Martinez. 3 years from now we might have Forbort also, so Scuds, Greene, and Mitchell are the transitional players that they could replace over the next in 3 years. None of those 3 will leave early though unless a prospect steps up (and that does not mean Voynov, or Hickey who are puck movers).
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we can’t keep Voy if he does not play. Bring him up during the season for a half dozen games or for an injury. This will let his progress continue and still give him a taste. This formula has worked so well that I cannot see changing it now. If he wants to be the best, he will stay and play in the NHL someday.
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if slava doesnt make the team he’s gone, he will go to russia in a heartbeat! it sucks! seriously he’s better than dd parse westy its bull that kid doesnt get a spot f that! so much for letting our young players get a chance to shine!
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I say send Parse down. He is just way to inconsistent , and I think Voynov has earned his place on the team. It’s not like we are giving up scoring by having 8 D on the roster. I think he could produce more than Parse even with limited ice time.
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Why does no one listen? The Kings wouldn’t bring Parse, or Whiskey all this way just to get rid of them before the season starts. You guys can cry all you want to, but it isn’t gonna change anything. The Kings don’t have to get rid of anybody if Voynov goes down.
82 games is a long way to go, and you guys wanna throw players away before the season starts, when we don’t even have too, just because of some player who (If he stays) wouldn’t even make an impact because he would ride the bench most of the season.
Hellooooo! is this thing on? Somebody change the mic, I think it’s busted.
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tornado12 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@Dominick, ive been with you the whole time, the speakers seems to be working just fine on my end
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@Dominick,
My speakers working good too, Dom, and I’m with you also!
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Also! The Kings wouldn’t lose Voynov if he got sent down. It’s a myth. As I’ve said in past threads, he’s under contract for 2 full seasons.
Why would he want too anyway? He knows he is the Kings top D prospect, and it’s only a matter of time.
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CB14 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:59 pm
@Dominick, I agree with you that VV should be the d-man sent down instead of DD2, and that he probably won’t bolt for Russia, BUT, I disagree with your statement that it’s only a matter of time. DD, and JJ aren’t going anywhere. AM just signed a 2 year deal and is ahead VV on the depth chart. Also TM likes to pair an offensive d-man with a defensive d-man, so barring a trade or injury to DD, JJ, or AM, VV is gonna be in Manchester all year. Then next year his only hope would be for JJ to get much better defensively so that JJ and DD can be paired together, if WM leaves via free agency. Which is also not a given. IMO Hickey is the better all around d-man, but Voynov is cleary better offensively, so if MG, WM, or RS get injured, I believe Muzzin or Hickey would be called up before VV. That’s just my guess anyways, unless TM gets canned and JS takes over, then VV might get his shot. Also the fact that 2 of his teammates in Manchester went to play overseas because they thought they weren’t given a fair chance with the Kings, might be on his mind.
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DLB Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 10:52 pm
@Dominick, I totally get what you’re saying. On the other hand Voynov could have made far more money developing in the KHL rather than over here. The Kings said they wanted him in Manchester. The move is never easy and he took less money to do it. He has nothing to prove there, really, and now he got cut from the team, so there is at least some concern.
Hopefully it works out for the best.
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CB14,
I hear you, but his buddies were RFA’s and had that choice. Voynov doesn’t. He has 2 years to make the line up, resign, or leave. 2 years is the exact same amount of time Martinez is signed for, so it is up to him, where he ends up in the next 2 years. Chances are DD, JJ, or Martinez will have an injury in the next 2 years, and Voynov, and Hickey will be the first call ups (I hope).
The Kings might also transition to having 1 pairing with 2 offensive defenseman, and a rotation on defensive forwards to add offense to the 3rd, and 4rth lines, but I still wonder if TM could even pull that off, so 2 years is a lot of time for things to change.
We could win a cup, and trade DD (that would make some Kingsfans happy).
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tornado12 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@Dominick, anyone who was advocating the Kings should trade DD was just thinking with their hearts and not their head.
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Dominick Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 6:45 pm
@tornado12, I agree. DD will show’em just like Matty Norstrom did.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 7:10 pm
@tornado12,
I don’t think they’re thinking at all.
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CB14 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 7:08 pm
@Dominick, Good point about the RFA, didn’t know that. I would also like to see 2 offensive defenseman paired together, but I don’t see TM going that route at this point. We’re talking about a guy who’s still planning on using our 3rd best, or IMO 4th best, defensive Center to match up against the other teams top line only because he Centers the 3rd line. So him changing his ways probably won’t happen very soon.
Hopefully John Stevens will lead this team to glory! With DD patrolling the blueline as well!
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CB14 Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 7:14 pm
@CB14, Also just want to point out that I like VV a lot. I would even trade AM to open up a spot for him, that’s how much I like him. Mabye AM and Scott Parse for a heavyweight who can actually play, and a draft pick. Since TM is dead set on having a heavyweight in the line-up on most nights, we might as well have one who can play Hockey better than I could!
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Huge mistake if they send him down. Drewiske or Martinez should go before voynov.
The goal should be to make the team better. Voynov makes the d core better. Let’s just hope he doesn’t bolt to Europe like the other guys did if he doesn’t get a spot
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What does Voynov have to prove? Drewieski is what he is, a 7th or 8th defenseman, with limited offensive ability, and not enough sandpaper to his game. Voynov has been the best defensemen in camp this year, and sending him to Manchester again is competely unproductive. Give him a shot for crying out loud.
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we are going to lose Voynov…. in favor of Drewiski? I feel Like having a Lewis Black meltdown, jowls tumbling, spitting, the wide -eyed look look of a man trying to fathom how reason and logic can come to a screeching halt, seemingly unnoticed by masses of allegedly like-minded people. Shaking and gesticulating wildly … rattled, like Michael J. Fox in a jenga tournament …. Voynov is ready and by comparison, Drewiski is a freaking pylon, he is all things bland and sub-par as a player. he is unsalted butter. he is bud light, synthetic bacon, he is a mesh tank top, a banana hammock, a plastic skateboard, the two-pack of M&M’s you get at the bank, he is super market pre-packaged sushi, hotel soap, he adds nothing to the D and is all things that suck, sorry man, just sayin
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The Kings will lose Voynov if they don’t keep him on the team… It’s a shame Voynov’s ready,he had a great camp… It would be a waste if he bolts………..
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I don’t wanna lose Slava. But who’s he gonna replace on the team?
And he’s too fulla sperm to keep in the press-box.
He must go down.
Quite a problem to have, isn’t it?
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Hate to say this, but trade Greene and stick Voynov in. You will get some value back and upgrade your right side D spot on the 3rd pairing. Also frees up an ‘A’ for Mr. Richards.
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