Ethan Moreau cleared waivers this morning, but his ultimate fate has not yet been determined. There are a couple options, including Moreau accepting an assignment to the AHL, or refusing it and being released. Either way, his time with the Kings is done for now. The Kings are scheduled to be on the ice for their morning skate at 10 a.m. in El Segundo.
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your right Rich Hunter should also accept the demotion and send Moreau to Manchester also.
Harty
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@Harty,
You know you don’t need to sign your name right…I mean we can all see who you are.
Just messing with you.
[Reply]
Harty Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 9:31 am
@AZ King, AZ King com’on we have been doing this for a long time right, we have always respected each other right.
Good one buddy you got me, its just habit forming, ha, ha.
Harty
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 9:46 am
@Harty,
Absolutely. Just trying to add a little levity to this place.
Rich I’m confused… Moreau or Hunter? I thought Moreau was put on waivers, but you stated that Hunter would be offered the assignment in Manch. Can you clarify please?
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 9:30 am
@Stats1, glad it wasn’t just me. I would assume he included Hunter by accident.
[Reply]
Eric Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@Stats1, Moreau… Hunter… what’s the difference?
[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@Eric,
bout 22 minutes worth of penalties.
[Reply]
@spencerlakings Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@Stats1, Freudian slip..
[Reply]
A slip of what’s to come? Or just a typo given everyone screaming, “WAIVE HUNTER”. Me guesses the latter
[Reply]
Tha was a little confusing.. Did you really mean Hunter there?
Are you hung over Rich or am I?
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 9:33 am
Just typo.
[Reply]
Harty Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 9:36 am
@Rich Hammond, thanks Rich, I would hope everyone on the blog is clever enough to know what you meant. We are knowledgeable hockey fans, no biggee.
Its Saturday and game day to boot……
Yeh
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 9:40 am
@Harty, Hey don’t change for AZ King….. sign off with your name “Harty” lol
Stats1 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@Rich Hammond, Thanks! The coffee hadn’t kicked in yet, and I thought it was my error.
[Reply]
Rich could you clarify? I understand that Moreau was waived yesterday, not Hunter.
[Reply]
It’s fixed.
[Reply]
@spencerlakings Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@Lake Forest, well, the typo was fixed. Let’s see if the team is..:)
[Reply]
If Moreau refuses the AHL assignment and gets released, does he still get paid? I would assume so, but I do not know. Anyone? …. Anyone?……Bueller?…..Bueller?
[Reply]
Matthew Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Lake Forest, I think he would get paid the remaining amount of money left on his contract.
[Reply]
Fuzzerson Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Matthew, But not count against the cap
[Reply]
Dalls must be bummed for not having Moreau in the Kings roster tonight..I am still fuming for that penalty he took at the end of regulation last time they played..Now that Moreau is gone lets see whose next? Murray / Bernier? I want Murray to be gone and I want to see JOHN STEVENS to take over..
[Reply]
Clearing waivers speaks volumes. That helps the log jam considerably.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:06 am
@KC23,
I was totally wondering if he’d clear. That he has really does say a lot.
I’m guessing Hunter would as well.
Which begs the question: Why are/were these retreads on this team to begin with? And why did it take so long to determine they weren’t even ‘claim worthy?’
Our ‘depth’ just got a whole lot shallower I’m afraid.
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@KC23, Frankly I’m a bit surprised he cleared. There’s more than a few teams in this league that could use his experience.
Maybe though as a coach, not a player?
36 isn’t the death knell age by any stretch but chopper has slowed down.
At the very least, I thought Edmonton would have picked him up for bonus leadership.
[Reply]
Kings catch a break with Lehtonen out injuried. Not going to say I like our chances after being burned 3x in a row. Instead I’ll put the whamey on Dallas and say I like th Star’s chances.
[Reply]
Daves' a Killer Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@KC23, Didn’t help much with Minn. and their 3rd stringer Historically, seems like the Kings don’t respond well to back-up players in general and goalies specifically. Here’s hoping for a change
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@KC23, Playing the Kings has pretty much been a guarantee that the opposition back-up goalie will star, so tho it seems a break it usually doesnt turn out that way.
[Reply]
the nhl trade freeze starts on dec. 19 and ends on dec. 27…
so, realistically, the kings have about 9 days left before the year ends to make a trade…
and i seriously doubt that dl would let tm go during this time…
however, it doesn’t take many more losses for this season to further distant the team from its preseason expectations…
i think many of us want to see some passion come out of today’s game – and a win wouldn’t hurt the team psyche either…
[Reply]
Happy Lappy Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@variable, Now would be a perfect time to let TM go, he would be able to get all his Christmas shopping done early.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:21 am
@Happy Lappy,
if the losses keep piling up, the team play remains wildly inconsistent and we can’t score more than 2 goals a game, something MUST happen…
i’ve stated on here previously that around the 30-game mark would be the appropriate time to reassess the team and to make immediate changes if things are not going according to plan – and obviously, we are not on dl’s “schedule” of progression…
and as we are on the precipice of our 3oth game, moreau gets waived…hunter is probably next or is dealt…and calls are probably being made to and fro by management…
i understand why dl exercises patience – that’s what good gm’s do…but great gm’s execute plan B or C, etc….when plan A is at a minus…
and judging by dl-speak of late, i think he’s starting to come around toward the idea of shaking things up…
[Reply]
Happy Lappy Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@variable, We’ve seen consistency in the last 3 games. There are no buttons left for TM to push, players appear to be tuning out or are just plain tired of the monotonous tone and message form TM. The time is now to make a change, the players, almost to a man, look beaten down and frustrated and all using the same old mantra, “we need to get more shots on goal”. The problem, seems to me, is the poor quality of their shots, from way too far from the net, with goalies seeing them and easily making the stops. Also, way too many of their shots are not getting on net.
LA_1968 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@variable, Good commentary. Patience is a must for a good GM. However, things are not going well as you also say. His “speak” was pointed more at the players in the last interview. But at the same time he can’t fire all the players. DL is not going to let the season be ruined by patience. If we start to lose contact with a playoff spot I think he knows he’ll have to step in.
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:05 am
@variable, Thanks for the info. Didn’t know about that trade freeze.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:10 am
@variable,
No wonder there’s been a cold front in LA the past couple weeks. The Kings ‘fan freeze’ started after the Ducks loss and won’t end until heads roll. It sure it chilly around here!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:24 am
@wavesinair,
rain is coming later this week, too…(!)
[Reply]
neil Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@variable, some what of a repost….since we have time this morning….Has TM really helped this team in the last 3 and a half years…I would argue no…Are we better now then last year..No….are most of the players better this year then last year …No….Has this coach taught us how to play hard for 60 minutes…No… And to me..this coach has not taught us how to win……Has the coach have us playing better defense…yes BUT with Scuds,Mitchell,DD and the rest…we should be better on d….I also think this coach hasnt devolped any of the ypung talent….Lewis,Cliffy,Richardson etc…are not getting better…So I ask…has TM really helped us the last few years???
Neil (with thoughts to Harty)
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:36 am
@neil,
i don’t really agree with yr assessment of tm’s tenure with us, but that’s okay…i think he’s done an admirable job while he’s been here…
this season, however, has been disappointing for all that are involved thus far…and as ol’ saying goes, it’s easier to fire a coach than to trade players…however, i don’t think peeps realize how extremely HARD it is to make a good trade in today’s nhl…and it’s especially harder when league parity is probably at an all-time high – there are too many teams still in the hunt to give up on their season and begin the fire sale of prized assets…
in many ways, you have to start from within the organization to spark a change before you go outside…though, the injuries to willie and the ricker don’t help us get semblance any quicker…but they do open up opportunities for others to step up…so far, no one has…and because of this fact, it has also opened up an opportunity for dl to make changes…i’m hoping that dl becomes more proactive during this time – if he isn’t covertly already…
[Reply]
neil Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@variable, are we really better off now(with TM) as we were two years ago???
Harty Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:51 am
@neil, your entitled Neil but thanks knowing the connections……..hey my only issue is this, I believe regardless of what level your at in your professional career there has to consquences. The following guys with Murray can commit any mistake and he continues to put them right back out there without missing a shift, tells me TM isn’t running things within the game……
-Doughty (giveaways, caught up ice, bad decisions, stupid penalities)
-Gagne (never back checks, won’t give his body up to gain a puck, not team driven)
-Williams (very stupid penalities)
-Kopi (at times off and not supporting down low, although I do believe he is the best in the west hands down)
-Johnson, Greene, Mitchell (giveaways at our blueline)
…..and with this no consequences. They all have get out of jail free cards, crazy……
The guys who have less talent then above but give it there hardest effort everytime on the ice and yes again don’t have all the talent tools but bring other items, the above list needs to score or contribute, this list just needs to play thier game…….
-Clifford (big heart, go to the wall for anyone, can skate and shoot, tough hands)
-Westgarth (real team man)
-Scuderi (big effort every night without a complaint)
-Quick (consistantly over achieves)
-Brown (wants to be on the ice all the time, leadership)
This is what drives me crazy, as one mistake from the list below and immediately sent to jail, any of the others and “oh its okay go out and do it again my friend”. Murray your not a leader for this very reason.
[Reply]
AM Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@Harty, I agree with what you said, but brown loses an edge every shift and he can’t hit the net.
Forum67 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@neil,
I have been a member of the ever growing rooting and shouters society for the dismissal of TM as the Kings coach. But I wouldn’t take things quite as far as you have in your assessment of TM. When TM took over the Kings were not a very good team and was loaded with young players who had never been in a playoff game. Thanks to TM’s efforts the Kings became one of the better defensive teams in the league and finally got back into the playoffs.
I give TM high praise for where he brought this team from. But in my estimation he has hit the wall in terms of moving this team to the next level. He got us out of the valley but it’s going to take someone else to lead us to the promised land.
[Reply]
DEH Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@variable, don’t really think DL needs to make a trade, but he needs to add an offensive voice to the coaching staff. I’m not saying fire TM, he can stay, but give him an assistant who can run the offense. We have 3 defensive coaches who are doing a good job at running the defense, but have no clue how to use our offensive talent. Bring in Luc to teach DD how to shoot quick, not every shot needs to be a slap shot. We need someone to game plan what to do once the puck is shot. It’s great that TM wants more shots, but it’s useless since our guys are so out of position to handle the rebounds.
[Reply]
DEH Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:29 am
@DEH, get rid of ‘useless’ (typo my bad)
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:40 am
@DEH,
i seriously doubt that luc will be a bench boss this year or anytime in the future – that’s not what is believe to be what he wants to do…
and, unfortunately, i couldn’t ask him that question when i met him earlier in the week…(!)
http://deepinsidethekings.com/2011/12/dont-worry-you-didnt-miss-anything/
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@variable,
Nice write up, better story!
I don’t believe you!
variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@Kingsfanone,
hehe…
no lie…hard to believe, but it really did happen…(!)
it was somewhat surreal to see him there…out of all the places – man, luc is just ubiquitous…
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
@variable,
I think you’re reciting your dreams now!
Next, you’re gonna tell us Magic got arrested!
Hahaha!
Great story! I loved it!!
variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@Kingsfanone,
thanks, man…
re: magic…
lol…exactly…(sorry, PUCK73)…(!)
Stuart Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@puck73, what was Magic’s bail set at? LOL that was crazy…hey has anyone heard from @puck73 lately? Maybe Mag sent some guys to visit him?
Us Kings fans endured the unedurable when Dean failed to dump Cloutier after his abysmal performance. When he finally did, the season was irretrievable. Must we now endure the same because Dean is procrastnating in dumping Murray and Kompon? On the long drive to Staples tonite, I expect to see Murray asleep with his eyes open behind the bench with not an iota of emotion. I don’t want a crazy man like Crawford, but someone who shows some interest as to what is going on on the ice. Puleez, an early Christmas present???
[Reply]
Moreau now, Hunter next, then hopefully Penner.
After all of that (clasps hands together and aims them at the sky) Please say TM gets the Pink Slip.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:31 am
@Mars, Penner just played his 3 best games of his Kings career.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@Mars, If Penner keeps playing the way he has the last 3 games, he wont be going anywhere. After watching him play the last 3, I think he was playing hurt last season, something alot of athletes will do because they are afraid of losing there job and appearing weak to their peers.
[Reply]
Happy Lappy Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:36 am
@puck73, Ah, what do you know about hockey!!!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@puck73,
Or, maybe they’re not as afraid of losing the job but rather want to play and contribute. In todays world of gauranteed contracts I’m not so sure that guys are worried about losing their jobs with over a year left on their deal.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@Michael J.,
Agreed!
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@puck73,
Next you’re gonna announce Tiger Woods is back!
Cred, dude!
Tee hee!
[Reply]
@spencerlakings Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@Mars, Seriously? Penner was the best player on the team the last two games. I think we need to cut him a break…
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@@spencerlakings,
Maybe the last three. If he truly is finally healthy (should that he was injured all along) and the three games since his return are any indication of what his play will be like going forward, the Kings will be much better for it.
Who knows, maybe when Richards gets back scoring might take off.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@Mars,
penner is ours to keep…
if he doesn’t score anymore goals, who’s gonna trade for a struggling player, a ufa at season’s end and pay a portion of his $4mil salary…
and if he goes on a goal rampage, why would we trade him then…?…don’t we need to score goals…?
besides, penner has shown significant signs of life during the last week…if you root for the kings, you root for penner to keep this up and continue to improve…
a motivated, productive penner is worth more to this team than a trade because of his situation…
[Reply]
Jason4kings Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@Mars, Waive Penner? That’s so two weeks ago.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@Jason4kings,
Hilarious! Great line!
[Reply]
Steve C Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:03 am
@Mars, Hunter has 2 points in last 3 games and is WAY more disciplined than Moreau was.
[Reply]
Just to be pedantic…
There’s another option: Moreau can remain with the club, in which case, his “cleared” status would last 10 games or 30 days. After that, he’d have to go through the Waivers system again.
[Reply]
As I’ve said, I really don’t feel this team was ready to contend. They got better for sure and took some steps forward but also took one or two backwards. There are still too many pieces missing to seriously think of making a real cup run. Sure, anything is possible if they make the playoffs but I never believed for one second this team had a real shot.
[Reply]
Forum67 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@bitter,
Well, for now at least you were right, and those of us who believed at the beginning of the season that the time really was now, were wrong. But with two thirds of the season still remaining I am not prepared to throw in the towel.
[Reply]
bitter Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@Forum67, Of course not. The team could still make trades and get better. Who knows? But as is, I don’t see them going anywhere.
[Reply]
If Penner keeps playing like he has the last 3 games, do you offer him a new contract? I know I might be getting ahead of myself here, just wanted to get some opinions.
[Reply]
Harty Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@AZ King, tricky question AZ, if you do its small money and one year tops. ($1.2m for one year)
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@Harty,
I agree. Still a lot of hockey left to play, but if this is what a healthy Penner looks like, and if he can keep it up, I think it’s worth considering.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@AZ King, Yes, but only if it’s reasonably priced. Sort of like what Williams got. 3.65 million cap hit for 4 years.
One name that keeps coming up when talking about the Kings is Parise. If he’s available in the off-season, I think DL will take a BIG swing at him. In order to sign Parise the Kings would have to let 2 out of these 3 players leave via free agency, Penner, Stoll, Mitchell.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@CB14,
Getting Parise would be amazing, but I’m trying to not get my hopes up. Out of the players you listed I think Mitchell is the most important one to keep. I don’t think Stoll will be back next year anyways. Penner is the wild card, but I would gladly part ways with him to get Parise.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@AZ King, I agree Mitchell is the one I would keep too. I’ve never been a big Stoll fan, and his play this year isn’t convincing me otherwise.
TONIGHT WE TURN THE SHIP IN THE WATER AND HEAD FOR A LONG, LONG WINNING STREAK HEADING INTO HOLIDAYS……
we’ve got the talent, we just need the motivation……..if your going to the game get yelling at these guys early with positive messaging, expecially if your prior to players arriving and or at warmup, get them pumped.
TELL THEM WE ARE BEHIND THEM ALL THE WAY AND LETS GET THIS THING GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION…….
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@Harty,
My name is Mike and I approve of this message…
[Reply]
anonandonanon Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@Harty, I just happened to run into Dustin Brown at the Grove last week, I think he’d taken the boys to see Santa. GSG! I intro’ed myself and told him I was a serious, longtime fan of the Kings. I also told him that things would turn around and not to worry they had the talent. It was going to be OK! GKG!
I like the positive spin H. I see this team morphing a little each game. Stagnant teams who lose draw my ire. This team is about to pop, bigtime IMO. Stay very positive, this present bitterness will be swept away by the sweetness of future triumphs.
[Reply]
between the Lakers and Kings…..The Toyota center is the place to be this morning!!!!!
[Reply]
Call up Clune! He’s the kind of player the Kings need. Attitude and agitation. If no Moreau, then yes Clune.
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IMO, I think the Kings should trade Kopitar for Kessler. I’m sure Vancouver would accept that deal. A 1-2 punch of Kessler and Richards would be lethal and fair very well in the playoffs. I’m tired of Kopitar starting the season great and then tailing off the rest of the year. I feel like he has Kovalev syndrome in him; meaning, he has the talent to be a top three player in the league but just doesn’t bring it. He’s often lackadaisical out there and NEVER pushes back or even tries to stand up for himself from time to time, nor does he ever throw a single hit.
Dean should shake up the lineup a bit by trading Kopi for a player of Kessler’s stature, bring in some real stay-at-home d-men (not a soft Scuderi who never sticks up for the goalie, himself, or any other teammate) to protect quick, try to get rid of Williams because he simply cannot win a single battle (you need to win battles in the playoffs to advance). Oh yeah, fire Murray and hire Carlyle or Ted Nolan. If the aforementioned changed are carried out, I guarantee this team would be a legit contender. If not, they will be lucky to catch 8th place.
This team is simply too soft, characterless, and lacks an identity. We’ve been waiting patiently for five years under Lombardi and this team still suffers from a lack of an identity. Pathetic.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@Eric,
I lost count of how many bad ideas are in this post, but thank goodness you are not the Kings GM.
[Reply]
Eric Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@AZ King,
Please elaborate.
[Reply]
yard dog Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@Eric, I totally agree with your assestment of Kopitar. I do not think it is underachieving, it just appears to be characteristic of his play and it happens year in and year out. His play always tails off…he is very streaky and most suredly plays soft. I do think he was our best player until MR came along, but that is not saying much for our team. I have always mentioned… that with just him as our number one and TM, we will never go anywhere in the playoffs. And all those with opposite opinions of your post…well, unless I missed something, we have yet to get out of the first round yet. I also wonder what the end of the season has in store. Who knows, but Kopitar has not been the answer. In fact .. Again, he is no where to be found during this latest abscense of MR..Just my opinion
[Reply]
Eric Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@yard dog,
Glad somebody agrees
[Reply]
Well if there were ever a blog topic that had/has the opportunity to get ugly fast this would be it. Pretty civil thus far, however, for the most part
[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@SpencerMaze, I may be wrong, but if he doesn’t report to Manchester the Kings would be well within their right to suspend him without pay.
[Reply]
With all the talk about TM sailin off, Im curious who folks really wanna see running the ship if TMu goes, curious who could be made available…
[Reply]
Interesting article on the MN Wild. It helped me recognize many things our team doesn’t have or doesn’t do, despite the amount of talent.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AgwdrpLveFq4L9yJsWPDFk57vLYF?slug=nc-cotsonika-3periods_minnesota_wild_power_rankings_120811
[Reply]