When the Kings assigned Slava Voynov to Manchester, two days before the start of the regular season, they did so with praise for the rookie defenseman, noting how well he had performed in the preseason. For logistical reasons, Voynov stayed with the team until it got back to North America, and as it turns out, he wasn’t gone long. Drew Doughty’s injury led the Kings to call up Voynov from the AHL on Sunday, and Voynov is expected to make his NHL debut tomorrow night against St. Louis.
It’s been a slow, steady rise for Voynov, who was a second-round pick in 2008. He played three seasons in Manchester, had to overcome a shoulder injury at one point and became an AHL All-Star last season. Given the depth on defense, at both the NHL and AHL levels, Voynov has had to wait for an opportunity, but now one has arrived, Terry Murray said.
MURRAY: “I really liked what Voynov did in the training camp. I thought all of his games were very impressive, to me. I had not seen him play for a couple years. Last year, he missed the training camp with his shoulder. I went down and watched them play in the playoffs two years ago and he missed time because of that shoulder. So I really haven’t seen his game for a considerable length of time. But very impressive, though, through the training camp. He’s intelligent. He’s got an aggressive attitude. He’s got a very nice skill level. He’s a second-, third-option player. He does a nice job on the power play. So we’re looking for good things. I look at him as a veteran player getting an opportunity to play, not just as a player who’s coming up to fill in for an injured player.
“I just want him to play. He’s going to get into the lineup. He’s going to play with Willie Mitchell, as you saw in the practice today. And he’s not a kid. This is a man. He has played in the elite levels in Russia, before he even joined the Kings organization. He’s played some very good hockey since he’s been over in North America. He’s just trying to tie it all together, with the confidence he showed us and the game he showed us in training camp. it was right where we needed it to be. There’s no problem with him handling the high expectations. i think he’s a very confident young man.
“When we had the conversation in Europe, for him to go back to Manchester, with the coaching staff and Dean and Hexy, we all reassured him, `Feel good about your game. You’re on the threshold. You’re ready to make that step across and become a player on a regular basis in the NHL.’ It’s here a little bit sooner than what we anticipated, and it’s unfortunate that it is, but it’s his opportunity to show that he can play. He’s not called up to fill in for an injured player in my mind. This is a time for him to show us what he can do.’’
He was the fastest skater in both leagues last year…
Good to see a Russian boy play..
Would like to see another eventually..
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CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
@SLIM, Me too.
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Duckbasher Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
@CB14, Me three!
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Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
@SLIM, When is the last time a olympic speed skater made the jump to the NHL? I don’t care how fast he is, I care if he can play hockey.
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SLIM Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Osaka,
So I guess it;s not important to skate
fast and well in the NHL…
Just stating a fact..Slow you’re roll ..please..
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Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@SLIM, I didn’t think I said skating wasn’t important.
CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@Osaka, AHL all star last year.
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SLIM Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@Osaka,
Any way you slice it ..you’re response was snippy…
If you read the RH post it was stated that management think he
is a great defensement. So that was indicated…
I just added he was a great skater and he was never an olympic skater..
So your post makes little sense…Peace brother..
Was it the Moby comment I used way back that set you off?
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Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@SLIM, Hahaha No I liked the Moby comment. Sorry if you took offense to my comment. My comments can be dry or snippy but I mean no offense. I read a lot that Voynov was the fastest skater, of course we bring up a players best qualities, I understand. I was just saying unlike NFL football where an olympic sprinter has jumped to the NFL, hockey takes a lot more. I know you didn’t say he can only skate fast or that is all he brings so I didn’t think you would be offended. I don’t go out to attack peoples post so please don’t take it that way. It was sort of like saying remember Graig Johnson who played for the Kings, they always said how fast he was but the guy sucked because he had no hockey sense or hands. I know Voynov is a solid player and is not a Johnson. So again, sorry.
stilts19 Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@SLIM, can’t we all get along??? hahahaha everybody chill out. Osaka didn’t say anything more than speed is great but if the guy can’t play hockey then what’s the point? I get it and I agree (great example with Craig Johnson). He also made a very nice apology that I see you didn’t acknowledge. That’s messed up dude! Throw the dude a bone. He manned up and tried to clear the air. Give him props, why don’t you? We Kings fans have to stick together. Let’s not quibble over silly shiz… GO KINGS GO!
mash-ola Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
@SLIM, So Frolov is coming back you mean???
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Token Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@mash-ola, rotflmfao!
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fuzzerson Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@SLIM, The key is not just straight speed but the ability to maintain speed when you change direction. Agility is more important than straight speed. BTW, he has that.
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SLIM Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@fuzzerson,
I completely agree and alluded to that..
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tim chaney Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@SLIM, speed is extremely important for a puck moving defenseman. not to mention, if theres a odd man rush by the opponent he can make it back to defend. he has a very good shot, and can be physical as well. he might never go back down. look out alex…
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Poorman Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 2:38 am
@tim chaney, I don’t know anything about him, but I straight up won’t sugarcoat how I feel. If he really is the fastest skater in both the AHL and NHL, that’s impressive by itself regardless of what else he does. I can’t wait to see this guy play. Remember, you can’t teach speed can you Westy? BTW, what’s up with this Westy roster spot. Seems like the Kings could replace him with a non goon and be just as good.
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Looking forward to what Voynov can do, although we already have an idea. It’s finally great to have depth in this franchise isn’t it?
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Pretty much what I expected to hear. Regardless of who got injured, whether it was a ‘stay at home’ or a ‘puck mover’ Drewnov was going to get the call. I’m looking forward to seeing his debut…in person! Can’t wait for tomorrow night.
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@wavesinair, He looked fantastic in preseason games. He can skate in Drew-like fashion. And he’s got a quick shot. At least from what I’ve seen. Only saw him in a vulnerable position one time in the 2 preseason games at Staples.
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HeyChief Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@wavesinair, I’ll be there tomorrow night too. Although, I’m disappointed that Doughty won’t be playing I’m more excited to have the chance to see Voynov play.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@wavesinair,
We’ll be in section 102, row 15, come visit if you’re close!
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wavesinair Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@Kingsfanone, I’ll try! I’ll be right above you in PR6!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
@wavesinair,
Cool, I’ll look for ya!
Poorman Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 2:45 am
@wavesinair, Maybe the two of you can spoon!
wavesinair Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 5:24 am
Jealousy doesn’t become you!
Interesting words. Be great if he ends up tearing it up, I hope he does. It is a lot to ask of a rookie.
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Sounds to me like Voynov is going to stick with the team if he shows he can handle NHL play. Could be some interesting roster developments in the not too distant future…
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Goring 19 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@rick, Greene
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AZ King Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@Goring 19,
Greene has had a slow start to the year, but the guy does so many little things to help this team I don’t see them sending him away anytime soon.
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Goring 19 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@AZ King, just saying in jest. He won’t go anywhere, just don’t like to see him get caught out of position like he did against Philly the other night that led to a wide open net. He does do a lot of little things as you say but some nights he as slow as the proverbial molasses and tend to get beat at times.
AZ King Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@AZ King,
Agree 100%
I love what he brings to the team, but when he gets caught out of position he doesn’t have the speed to get back. It’s so nice having Scuds and Mitchell so Greene can play a 5/6 role, which he is more suited for than top 4.
AZ King Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
@rick,
I just don’t see where. If there wasn’t room for him at the start of the season than where is he going to fit when Drew comes back? It doesn’t make sense to have him up here to sit in the press box. Is it possible that he could outplay Martinez? I suppose so, but even with
Martinez getting scratched last game I just don’t see it happening right now.
And no we’re not going to trade anyone away to make room for him. Again if they were going to do that it would have happened prior to the start of the season.
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Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@AZ King, I don’t see Voynov sticking this time.
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rick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@AZ King, Good points, but TM sure sounds to me like he wants this guy on his team sooner rather than later.
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“He’s not called up to fill in for an injured player in my mind. This is a time for him to show us what he can do.” Alec Martinez, are you listening? Sounds like if VV plays like he’s capable of playing, he’ll stay up. At least that’s what I read in to it.
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Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@CB14, There you go, people are saying he could replace Greene but it is Martinez’s job he is after. Murray was telling him it is there if he can take it.
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xeropoint Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
@Osaka, Which kind of doesn’t fall in line with the clubs philosophy of “paying their dues” does it? Martinez played well over a full season and to say his spot is up for grabs (after a couple games in which he wasn’t glaringly bad) to an unproven rookie is suspect, to me.
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Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@xeropoint, But it would have to be taken from him, not given. I don’t think Voynov will stick this time, he would really have to play well. But that goes for any call up, if they played well enough they could take anyone’s job. Murray’s words are meant for motivation (IMO), but are true. Just not very likely. This doesn’t go against any philosophy, the best man for the job. Martinez is an NHL defenseman, Voynov isn’t (yet), so like I said I don’t think he will stick this time.
PRMan Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@xeropoint, Martinez was poor in the preseason, but tore it up in the first couple games.
Token Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@xeropoint, VV has been in Manchester for three full seasons. I call that paid dues.
Lets not forget where players project and how that impacts decision making. VV projects higher than AM. No knock on AM, he delivered beautifully. Fact is a second round import draftee is going to get much more investment attention than dice roll prospect.
Kudos to both VV and AM! Given the dynamics of long seasons methinks both will have a chance to shine.
Now what the crap do we with Deslaurier next season
!!!
xeropoint Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@Osaka, I agree with that. If he earns a spot, he earns a spot. No doubt. What I have issue with is that Murray would have to “motivate” him through the media and that some people have inferred Martinez is the one to lose out because of a quote.
Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
@xeropoint, Only because he would have to beat out Martinez, DD, or JJ for a job.
Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
@Token,
Deslaurier is only 20. We have 7 years to figure it out.
“You’re ready to make that step across and become a player on a regular basis in the NHL.’ It’s here a little bit sooner than what we anticipated, and it’s unfortunate that it is, but it’s his opportunity to show that he can play. He’s not called up to fill in for an injured player in my mind. This is a time for him to show us what he can do.’’
Well, I find that part interesting…Trade or waiver coming up for one of the Kings?
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AZ King Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
@Harry,
Why are people so anxious to give away pieces of this team? For crying out loud, we finally have some quality depth and all people want to do is get rid of it. No one even knows if Voynov is going to be any good. Plenty of AHL players with tons of promise never make it in the NHL.
Slow down everyone…
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CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@AZ King, All Harry, and I, were saying, is that judging by Terry Murray’s words, not ours, it sounds like VV will be given a chance to stay with the Kings if he plays well. Don’t bitch at us, bitch at TM because he’s the one saying it. If you don’t take that from what he said, fine, but lay off of us. We’re not making this stuff up.
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xeropoint Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@CB14, Which was completely not the point AZ King was making.
CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@xeropoint, Ok, what was he trying to say?
xeropoint Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
@CB14, I’m guessing, since he wrote only about the part where we potentially trade/ waive someone to make a spot for Voynov and nothing about him earning a spot over someone else, then that.
AZ King Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@CB14
Wow okay, I wasn’t trying to bitch anybody out. Just asking a question.
What I got out of what TM is said is that he’s not going to treat Voynov as a call up. He going to put in out there in a position to show what he can do. The same position he was in during the preseason, but apparently fell short at since he was sent back to Manchester.
I guess I missed the part about trading or waiving someone to make a spot for him…
AZ King Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@xeropoint
Thanks dude.
CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@AZ King, Sorry about the overreaction, bad day at work.
I thought you knew someone would have to be traded to potentially make room for VV, and thus Harry and I were within reason to question who would be traded. Miscommunication on my part. Didn’t mean to be rude. Hope all is cool. 
Harry Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
@CB14,
I shouldn’t have said anything, because some folks just got the wrong impression.
We should be happy for all the insight that is provided to us by our Insider.
Relax folks! It’s going to be a fun season… CB, thanks for understanding dude.
Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
@AZ King, I agree that Voynov has yet to play a single game in the NHL so he isn’t our savior. Murray’s comments were meant to motivate him to compete for a roster spot on the Kings and not play like he will be going back to Manchester in 2 weeks. But this is a blog, the purpose is to say “what if?” or “what do you think about?”. If Murray tells Voynov to go take a job from a player on my team, if he does then fans on the blog see the Kings with an extra defenseman they couldn’t just send down to the AHL so they are saying “what if…..”
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Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@Harry, He wants Voynov to compete for Martinez’s job, not just fill in for an injured player.
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art Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@Harry,
I can’t see the Kings waiving Martinez because he’d be taken right away. I’m not sure there’d be many takers for Drewiske, but I think his 7th D-man spot is almost set in stone. He wont be waived either because he has a “role” on this team, even if he doesn’t play much. I think that the Kings are very high on Voynov and will not be willing to give him up unless they get something big in return. This means that the only competition is between Martinez and Voynov. Voynov has All-Star potential and it is a lot more likely that if they were to move someone it’d be Martinez. The Kings need to add some prospects that can play on the wing, and a team like the Rangers might be willing to give one up for Martinez.
Not that I want to see Martinez go, but if the Kings want to remain a contender for the next few years I think they will try to keep Mitchell and Scuderi. This really doesn’t leave much room on the big club for guys like Hickey, Muzzin, Deslauriers, or Forbort. We definitely could use some more forward prospects since we don’t have many. That said, there is no urgency at the moment, and we don’t need to make a trade yet if we’re not getting equal value.
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Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@art, Well done, nice post.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 12:22 am
@art, Forbort can take mean greene the penalty machines spot when he’s ready.
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parse and martinez for a decent LW
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AZ King Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@Kings x,
Depending on your definition of decent LW, this would never happen.
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jwr Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@Kings x,
I would prefer a 3rd line Rt Wing that’s a good 2 way player.
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CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@jwr, Me too! Richie and Clifford can handle the left side. Moreau can also play L.W. too.
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KC23 Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 2:36 am
@jwr, Exactly. RW is are weakest position by far.
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@Kings x, My gosh you guys. Voynov hasn’t even played his first game yet, and your already trying to figure out who to get rid of. Am I the only one who doesn’t want to put unrealistic pressure on a rookies?
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KC23 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
@Dominick, I find it pretty amuzing.
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Shotongoal Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@Dominick, I’m tired of being tired of some of the outrageous “release”, “trade” and “send down” posts. So yes, I’m right there with you.
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PurpleBlacknGold Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
@Dominick, If we combined the suggestions of about 20 different posts, we could trade / waive / send down everyone now on the team, and just play the whole Monarchs team as the Kings this season!! I for one am just excited about what we have, and am not anxious to get rid of anyone yet. Let’s see how this plays out for a couple months before goin crazy with moving players….
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Everyone needs to remember that TM saw him all pre-season and sent him down for a season. He obviously felt that he wasn’t ready to replace anyone on the current roster. Don’t be so quick to give up on the players currently up. I like Voyo also but he was kept down for a reason. Personally, I hope hope he kicks butt and stays here.
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So what is the status of Voynov going back and forth between the big club and Manchester? Does he have to pass thru waivers or is this under an emergency recall scenario???
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CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@mash-ola, He doesn’t have to pass through waivers, he’s waiver exempt. The only Kings waiver exempt are VV, Clifford, and Hunter.
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Home opener and we get to see Voynov debut, good times. Now just beat the Blues, and it’s a perfect night.
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Jack Aubrey Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 9:39 am
@Dave, Right-e-oh!
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NOBODY BUT FIVE PEOPLE HAVE SCORED. PERHAPS VOYNOV CAN BRING OFFENSIVE SKILLS TO LIGHT MORE LAMPS
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AZ King Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@Mike in Oregon,
It’s be nice if he pulled a Martinez and scored in his first game.
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I like Voynov, but I like Martinez more. If it came down to it, I’d hope Martinez gets the bigger minutes, he’s looking like he’s gonna have a breakout season.
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KC23 Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 2:37 am
@Nyck, Martinez is definately better at this point in their career. Martinez needs to hit the weight room next off season though. He needs to tuffin up a bit.
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Alternatively, TM’s comments may have been to motivate AM , not VV. just a different view.
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Osaka Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
@Jumblehead, Good point!
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luc20rules Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
@Jumblehead, You forget the possiblity of trades this year as well. I would like to see Columbus just continue to tank. This would lead to a possible senario that could fix the Kings biggest weakness A. Vermotte & Jeff Carter are both excellent Lefthanded faceoff men. We have the righty Stoll, but since losing Handzus no lefty above 50% in faceoffs. I know there are guys that may fill a bottom 6 roll, and take lifty faceoffs like Eric Belanger. But Carter can play LW and a trade Penner and (picks &/or prospects) for Carter would be in the Kings best interests. However Penner is in a contract year and could just explode this season. I just hope if we do trade for a player on a cellar dweller we have learned from the Penner deal and do it earlier so the player can play into hockey shape. To long on the bottom and some players let themselves go.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 12:25 am
@luc20rules, Isn’t Richards a lefty?
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Kill it slava!!! You will be missed in Manchester no matter how short or long you are gone!
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Poorman Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 2:47 am
@kingsfaninnh, I have a feeling he won’t miss Manchester!
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I’m not sure we’ll have to worry about who gets sent down or moved for VV… something tells me DD won’t be ready in the next couple of weeks (I’m thinking it will be a month, and just a hunch, no links to back it up) so VV will have ample time to adjust to the NHL game and hopefully flourish!
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Yeah,DD injury perhaps ominous…shoulder?? Good news as noted above is J J seeming to really find himself this year…Penner seems to have the same problems…disappointing…we need D speed so a potent VV would be awesome…lets see tonight…GKG
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