Report: Hunter clears waivers « LA Kings Insider

Report: Hunter clears waivers

Posted by Rich Hammond on 18 February 2012, 9:07 am

Per Darren Dreger of TSN, Trent Hunter has cleared waivers this morning. The Kings don’t immediately have to do anything with Hunter, but if Jarret Stoll is able to play tonight, Hunter would likely be assigned to the AHL to make room for Stoll on the roster.

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109 Comments

Happy Lappy says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:10 am

Tells you what DL knows about talent.

[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:11 am
@Happy Lappy, I always liked Hunter. He sure is slow though. I am just shocked that EVERY Kings player is worse this year (except Quick).

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:48 am
@jonsey,

Quick and Willie Mitchell.

[Reply]
KopiSTAR Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:12 am
@Happy Lappy, And yet TM spoke highly of him at camp. Regardless he was able to make the club for the most part and has good intentions. Good luck Anthrax singer!

[Reply]
Kev in Y Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:32 am
@KopiSTAR,

Scott Ian is Anthrax’s guitarist, not the singer.

[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:12 am
@Happy Lappy, at risk of moderation i will stay silent…………

[Reply]
Daren Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:12 am
@Happy Lappy, They gave him a shot, it didn’t work out. Let’s try to be positive today. Practice “The Secret” and maybe today is the day they turn it all around. I am predicting a 2 goal game out of Penner from the Press Box.

[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:22 am
@Happy Lappy, Things would of been different had the top 2 lines scored consistently. Hunter wasn’t brought in to be a savior, just to add some veteran depth and some secondary scoring.

[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:40 am
@Jeff_R, if the two lines would be scoring….is not the solution…Other teams have scoring and need help on their 3rd and 4th line and past on Hunter.Teams also past on Moreau.Doenst that say something about our talent???

[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 11:55 am
@neil, Why do you seem to be putting all of our troubles on our bottom 6? If our top 6 was scoring consistently it would open up space for our bottom 6 to score.

Gmo Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
@Happy Lappy,

Have to agree , twice now. Moreau and hunter two players that dean signed they both go through waivers and nobody wants them. Wow just wow

[Reply]
Harry says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:17 am

Maybe they didn’t want him on the team, since he was the only Bald Guy in the Locker Room

[Reply]
Steve S. Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:20 am
@Harry, Does that mean he could play with Getzlaf?

[Reply]
Harry Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:26 am
@Steve S.,

Yep! I think so =D

[Reply]
Kev in Y Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:32 am
@Steve S.,

I’m on board with this idea!

(Heck, Hunter WAS drafted by the Ducks, after all…)

[Reply]
Subby says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:18 am

We should get Dave Taylor to be a scout. Didn’t he have a good eye for talent? I think he is in the Hurricanes organization though I think.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:50 am
@Subby,

He works for St. Louis. I sat right below him during the Washington game last month when he was scouting that game.

[Reply]
KC23 says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:18 am

Can’t fault DL for trying Moreau and Hunter this season. Proven vets in the twilight of their careers. Worth a shot imho. Neither worked out, but hind sight is 20/20. I do think DL spent far too much time trying Hunter prior to going to waivers. Westgarth has proven to be a decent 4th line winger. Add the fact we had Nolan and King for depth this is way overdue.

[Reply]
Eric Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:27 am
@KC23, I fault the heck out of DL for trying either of those guys.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:52 am
@Eric,

Would you fault Edison for trying to make the light bulb? He got it wrong a few times before it worked.

[Reply]
Cruiznblue Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:01 am
@Michael J.,

Hunters lightbulb never even sparked though…

jp Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:42 am
@Cruiznblue, but his head sure is shiny!
Subby says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:20 am

Sorry for posting this again but does anyone know where to get the Quick All Star jersey WITH the Kings Logo on the shoulder. I’ve seen them but I can’t find them online and Shop NHL doesn’t put them on.

[Reply]
Harry Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:32 am
@Subby,

You can use this link, and customize it to JQ 32

http://shop.nhl.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12535527&cp=10955496&clickid=body_bestsell_txt

[Reply]
Subby Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 11:22 am
@Harry, yeah I saw that but they don’t put they logo on the shoulder.

[Reply]
underactive Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:39 am
@Subby, icerjerseys.com has them. The team logo shouldercrest patch is an additional $15, but at least you know they actually put it on. Quality vendor. They were the only place that had the authentic RBK throwbacks, when everywhere else, even the TeamLA Store, only had the CCM Vintage brand.

http://www.icejerseys.com/item_details.php?id=11982

[Reply]
Subby Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 11:21 am
@underactive, yeah I saw them but their jerseys are a little pricey, if its my last resort Ill do it but idk

[Reply]
UglyinLA says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:26 am

Here’s a headline I’d like to see:

Per Darren Dreger of TSN, Dustin Penner has cleared waivers this morning.

[Reply]
Harry Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:27 am
@UglyinLA,

Then what?

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:33 am
@Harry,

Well, then we all eat french toast, of course.

[Reply]
Harry Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:00 am
@wavesinair,

I’m all in for that Waves.

Kev in Y Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:33 am
@Harry,

Then there’s no way in hell we’re getting Rick Nash…

[Reply]
UglyinLA Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:01 am
@Harry,

Then what?

Send him to the minors. According to the current CBA, salaries of players playing for a team’s minor league affiliates do not count against a teams salary cap, thereby freeing up salary cap space for other signings.

Want some examples: Wade Redden, New York Rangers or Sheldon Souray, Edmonton Oilers.

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:54 am
@UglyinLA,

Where???

[Reply]
Cruiznblue says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:27 am

About time. I’m sure Hunter was a good guy but he was really unproductive.

Richardson is next in line…or should be…

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:34 am
@Cruiznblue,

With this line of reasoning, almost the entire team should be placed on waivers! LOL.

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rumpa#19 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:11 am
@wavesinair, And they might have all cleared.

[Reply]
Cruiznblue Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:18 am
@wavesinair,

Haha ain’t that the truth

[Reply]
Dilapidus says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:29 am

Once again, there will be Dilapidi in the house tonight. 117 R6 with my 9 year old son. This will be his first time near the glass and I think he’s gonna have some fun.

Say hi if you are in the area.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
@Dilapidus,

Like how you did the plural!

Have fun! And bring the boys a good game!

[Reply]
KingMe20 says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:31 am

Great article on what other NHL scouts see as the problems with the Kings offense from Gann Matsuda:

http://frozenroyalty.net/2012/02/18/its-time-for-la-kings-gm-dean-lombardi-to-address-his-teams-futility/

Gann sees the problem I’ve been seeing: a lack of ability/willingness to get to the slot, and gap control between the forwards and defense on breakouts. I don’t know if that’s a failure of the players, coaches or both. Maybe the players don’t realize that they don’t get where they need to be with the puck.

We all love Kopitar, but for him to get zero shots on net is unacceptable. He’s gotta be more assertive and selfish.

[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:26 am
@KingMe20, thanks brother.

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Cup B4 I Die Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 11:13 am
@KingMe20,

Lack of creativity on offense, which is tied into a general lack of skill. Un-willingness to go to the net. All shots are from the outside. Get rid of Simmonds and Zeus….two guys who thrived in that slot area. We don’t have forwards who are willing to play like that+they don’t have enough skill to not play like that….horrible combo.

[Reply]
mask0425x Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
@KingMe20,

Ok, then how do you explain that EVERY new player loses his scoring touch upon joining the Kings and every departed player magically regains theirs? Forget about Moulson or Purcell, they were kids. How about Poni and Simmer doubling their numbers? I won’t be shocked to see Penner score 25 goals next year wherever he ends up

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
@KingMe20, Sure helps hearing the voice inflection of the interviews rather than just seeing the words in text. Kopitar clearly took that loss personal. Wouldn’t want to be the Calgary player responsible for Kopitar tonight.

[Reply]
Happy Lappy says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:33 am

IMHO, all the talk about Nash and who we would give up scares me. Why would we give up JJ, Bernier, and numerous other younger players and picks for him, the bidding war for Nash is going to make him so over priced. He’s a terrific player, but how many guys do we need to pick up and sell our future for, what system are we coming up with to score more goals? I’m sure he’ll end up in New York anyway. This team is what it is, methodical, defensive minded, with grinders galore, no finishers, no creative forwards and assembled by DL. I would stand pat, let the dead weight fall off the roster and start next year to find a good mix of offensive players and not sell out this year. We are not a Stanley Cup contender this year! So what, we sellout and get Nash and suddenly we’re in the finals? Message to the departing DL: Stop the pursuit of high cap hit players at the deadline and just “Let it BE” or as the frog in the old beer commercial says “let it go Louie”.

[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:36 am
@Happy Lappy,

Now that’s the voice of reason.

[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:38 am
@Happy Lappy, IDK… after that loss, I’m starting to think it’s time to sell the farm. demoralized.

[Reply]
dahack11 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:43 am
@Happy Lappy, totally agree w/ you Lappy…..

Altho I’d also become a “seller” right now….Deal Penner, Stoll, & Mitchell who will be free agents anyway. Get something for them now.

try & resign Mitchell in the offseason then.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:44 am
@Happy Lappy,

Tough call. The only problem I have is that I am so over the mindset of, “wait until next year.” This idea that next year will be the year is so overrated that it boarders on insanity. This thought process had been going on for years and years and it never changes.

The re-build is OVER. Time to achieve or let heads roll IMO.

That being said, we have a very good player development structure in the organization. It’s a good, solid system. So we don’t want to trade away all our draft picks if a move is made.

[Reply]
Happy Lappy Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:48 am
@wavesinair, I hear you Waves, but we are in that same old boat, we have no choice but to wait till next year, start off with a new GM, all the things we thought were behind us, just aren’t.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:51 am
@wavesinair,

Man what’s the point of having a farm if we arent gonna use it too our advantage. You know what, im sicking hearing SAVE the farm. Save what? So can wait for our ‘Sniper’ that still hasn’t developed? NO! We dont have a guy that we are BANKING on to come through eventually. And as much of a Lokti and Toffoli, Vey fan etc i am, these guys aren’t going to get us the to cup this year and probably not next. If the time is ‘now’ which it is, we still lick a scoring winger. W have wanted a bigfish, and i look at it as how lucky are we that CBJ had such a bad year, that there willing to give up a FRANCHISE, SUPERSTAR , Possible 50 goal scorer, 100+ point season player , and it just so happens that exactly who we need. I want the cup, and if you want the farm to sit there and wait for our next GM to come in and tear it up, they will. You dont pay the salary, and Nash’s salary is more then possible to fit under. This is the guy that REALLY gets you out of your seat.

Not to mention, you don’t even have to worry about chemistry with Nash and Kopitar there size and skill with a winger like Williams, id put a bet on before it even happened; to be a line to be reckoned with..

[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:20 am
@Michael_DD8,

You sound like getting Nash changes everything. If Nash possesses such power why haven’t he used it in CBJ? If Nash is a type of player who makes everyone around him better, I would say yes, this is the guy we need but he hasn’t proven that to anyone. He sure is a highly skilled player alone but while the issue is involving others, I’m not convinced he alone can deliver such an impact on this team.

CBJ will most likely wait until the season ends. And if that’s the case, we have a shot on Parise as well. Parise is the type of player who makes everyone around him better. IMO, that’s exactly what this team needs.

rumpa#19 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:35 am
@Michael_DD8, Nash,Kopi,Williams. Last year it was Penner,Kopi,Williams. Take the possible 50 g 100pts.and subtract 66%.= 17g 34p. Maybe 50 & 100 on Philly.

Cruiznblue Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:13 am
@Happy Lappy,

I agree…were not a cup contender this year…even in the unlikelyhood that we obtain Nash.

As far as the farm goes…we need to use it to get what we need right now…unless DLs plan is now an 8yr plan…

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:29 am
@goldielocks, Nash ISNT the type of player to make everyone better? And Parise is? How so? Your talking a player who has hit the 30 goal mark with relative ease..I understand your reasoning to 1 player not being enough to turn around 30 ranked offense, but to think Parise can over Nash is wrong. Parise i would love just as much, dont get me wrong, but trying to get this guy to the Kings is going to be a nightmare like it always is. Nash has NEVER had a good team to work with, the only time CBJ was ever successful was because of Nash, and stellar goal-tending in there 1 year Mason. But in the end to think Nash cant make people around him better, and Parise can is wrong. Im going on a limb when i say this, but IMHO, Nash is the better player.

[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:47 am
@Michael_DD8,

Nash

-2012: 18g, 21a, 39p, -22
-2011: 32g, 34a, 66p, +2
-2010: 33g, 34a, 67p, -2
-2009: 40g, 39a, 79p, +11

Parise

-2012: 21g, 29a, 50p, -3
-2011: ——————
-2010: 38g, 44a, 82p, +24
-2009: 45g, 49a, 94p, +30

In all fairness, Parise has better team but those numbers tell you how good he is not only offensively but deffensively as well. Parise is an all round player but Nash is not. Sorry.

Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:54 am
@Michael_DD8,

Dont say sorry to me, i wish i could prove or guarantee this, but if Nash was on almost ANY other team besides maybe the islanders and wild for his whole career those good numbers would be even better. I still don’t see how you can knock Nash for his defensive game if you’ve seen him play? He uses his body well and can strip pucks like no other.

Ill agree on this, 1 of these guys is what they need, and they both can bring it. Lets be honest, id want Parise or Nash to come here and not even try to work on there defensive game(weary), we have plenty, we need the guy that can come here and add the offensive threat we need. Id he happy with either.

goldielocks Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 11:01 am
@Michael_DD8,

Well then, if we trade for Nush now, we lose at least 1 rooster player, backup goalie, a prospect, and a pic. But if this goes to the off season, we stll lose some for Nash but none to Parise.

Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 11:12 am
@Michael_DD8,

Agree there, but rememeber the Kovalchuk saga… Plus it might not even be Deano then to be the guy to get Parise. I personally think we have to force a guy here (even tho Nash said he would be happy in LA) if we want a player of that Caliber.

Jeff_R Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
@goldielocks, Showing stats on Nash and Parise and trying to compare them is like comparing apples and oranges. Looking at those stats it is my opinion that Nash’s is the more impressive as he did it on a lousy team and mostly did it himself. Parise always has had good teams to play on, whereas Nash hasn’t. As for Nash’s defense it is totally underrated and only looks bad this year, because Columbus is so terrible. However if you look at the Olympics where Canada won gold the reason being was because of Nash along with Richards and Towes. It was there defense and shutting down of the opponents top lines that allowed Canada to win gold. Doughty too by the way, as he was the best defenseman for Canada (him and Keith.) SO basically we would be getting Nash, whose stats would rise on a better Kings team and not lose anything on defense. Might even be better with Nash then now.

PP Anybody? Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 11:15 am
@Happy Lappy, Agreed, even though I’d love to have a player like Nash, just not under these current conditions. Although, I guarantee if we got Nash now, DL would still be let go at the end of the year cause I don’t see it helping us get anywhere past what we did last year, and then we could have Nash AND a new GM/Coach/philosophy in place for next season.

[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
@PP Anybody?, You don’t think that getting Nash will elevate this team farther then it went the past 2 years? Nash is the one piece that this team is missing in our organization, a winger that is a sniper and can score at anytime and make those around him better especially Kopi. It would allow Kopi to become the #1 Center he is expected to be and make it so he scores consistently and not go into long scoring slumps like he is prone to do. It would also open up the other lines to score, as the team would be hard to defend. With our defense and Quick to go along with our better offense, we would win the Pacific and challenge Detroit and Vancouver. Yes I feel Nash is the one player that could change our offensive woes around. I am not saying we are going to become an offensive dynamo, but a team that consistently scores and keeps our opponents from scoring, as with Nash we will be even better defensively.

[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
@Jeff_R, One more thing on Kopi. With Nash by his side Kopi will be able to take over games. When down he will be the one bring us back to win. Kopi will also go to the slot more and to the net and shoot more, as Nash will open up space on the ice for Kopi to move.
Michael_DD8 says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:35 am

I think its obvious to say we are making a trade and id like to say its either gonna be JVR , Carter or Nash were going after. After our last shutout, it puts us even more into the race for these guys. Waiting until of the off-season might be logical for us, but for DL’s case, and problem, he needs this team performing this year. Plus in the offseason, the big fish is Parise(we really want to try this again?) who has a chance of signing with ANYONE and we all know how that goes. Nash almost seems perfect for LA, and as much as i hate to give up JJ and Bernier (was sitting with Bernier the other night at a bar) if we want that bigfish, we have to get it. I love JJ too, and this season he looks better then ever, which he should, but to not think that VV or even Amart or hickey in the future can step in is totally logical. VV already shows us he can post the offensive number, he just need to round out of his defensive game(Took/taking JJ awhile), and its almost a parallel move defensive wise. Losing 2 big roster players, but adding Nash could be a shakeup the team needs.

[Reply]
dahack11 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:46 am
@Michael_DD8, Sorry, but I don’t think Nash is worth 7.8 million, And to give up 2, or 3, 4 players like Bernier & JJ is downright dumb.

[Reply]
dahack11 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:49 am
@dahack11, Also adding Nash means we have THREE players making 7 mil per & that doesn’t include Richards. I don’t like how that hamstrings us in the future.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:57 am
@dahack11,

Nash not worth the 7.8? You see what Malkin is doing this year in Pitt? Nash has the ability and skill level to do the same, in the right environment with good players. There are only i think 4-5 other players with more goals then Nash in this league post lockout. Those players are like (Ove, Crosby) and its not by much. If Nash was on any of those teams for the past 5 years, what makes you think he wouldn’t be at the top.

The kings are really good at getting the puck to players, but not good at finishing, but Nash is that player you just need to get the puck too, hell do the rest.

What is dumb about giving up JJ, i understand Bernier, but JJ no. Its tough to give up Bernier for the reasons of Quick, but if this means winning and becoming a team that can support Quick, he will stay simply cause he loves it here.

Happy Lappy Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 9:54 am
@Michael_DD8, Carter? Why would we handcuff ourselves with his salary for the next 10 years? We need to use next year’s cap space to fill 2 or 3 voids in wingers with good scoring touch, makes no sense to fill up this years cap and leave us with nothing to pursue free agents next year.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:00 am
@Happy Lappy,

Cause with Carter he has 5-6 good year’s in him to win 5-6 possible cups. He has all the skill in the world. What are you worried about? Not being “handcuffed” but still the same team that never went out and just DID it. Not to mention if he does play where he is happy, we can trade him after 4 years to a team that needs salary and a veteran, and hopefully a guy who has won a cup, no?

[Reply]
Happy Lappy Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:23 am
@Michael_DD8, If he was all that, he would still be in Philly. I have a feeling he was not that good of a teammate and was referred to as a cancer in the locker room. I have no proof of that, but some rumors are actually true.

Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:30 am
@Michael_DD8,

So you are telling me we are infected with Mike Richards as well? They went within 30 min’s of each other.

If we traded Kopitar and Quick today, you would come up with some theory to say to get ourselves out of Denial as well.

dahack11 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:33 am
@Michael_DD8, No…..he can’t be traded w/o his consent. it’s why GM’s are reluctant to give up much for him.

Also, I understand it’s not my money, but apparently you don’t understand the NHL salary cap. we have very little room in it & adding Nash at 7.8 mil. will make it impossible to add anything in the future & impossible to resign Quick.

And you are so quick to deal JJ…..have you checked out the great Nash’s +/- mumbers????

Jeff_R Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:45 am
@Happy Lappy, Carter and Richards wasn’t the problem. The problem was adding the cancer known as Pronger to the lineup. That is when it all went South and they felt that getting rid of Carter and Richards was to the benefit of the team.

Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:46 am
@dahack11,

I understand the salary cap very well, and with Penner, Stoll , Mitchell , and many others coming off the books, it gives us a chance to work it out. If the rangers are in fact able to go after NASH and make it work, we can to. Hell, even boston think they could make it work. What will you need to ‘add’ anyone’s since this is suppose to be the time now right?

I was waiting for someone to bring up +/-. Thanks, so now JJ sucks, Kovalchuk sucks, i guess Nash sucks and also players like Getzlaf do as well. This would be a scary world if players +/- was viewed without looking close to circumstance or the past. Or your telling me that Nash is a defensive liability which is totally wrong, and at this point, im down for Nash to play 0 defense and just score goals, in the end, we have too much defense….

JD Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
@Michael_DD8, Nobody knows what Quicks plans are for the long term, he might hire DD’s agent. To say he will stay because he “loves it here” is just wishful thinking. He’s a east coast guy, who has family there, I’ll bet he loves them too. Doubt DL will make any moves until the off season

JD Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@Michael_DD8, Shouldn’t have said DL wont make any moves, but I dont think he’ll trade bernier until he locks up quick long term, if he even wants to sign quick long term
neil says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:37 am

shows you Hunter’s value in this league….zero.Also…Phila’s G.M.outsmarted D.L. This is how….Phila knew that under their system that Simmonds would become Richards and under the King’s system that Richards becomes Simmonds….now that those two are a wash(in their respective team’s style of play) and then you get Scheen in the deal….Phila wins the deal…same as DL trading away Moulson,Purcell etc….DL has killed this team….

[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
@neil, Yea losing Simmonds and gaining Richards is the reason why we suck so much offensively. Hunter wasn’t signed by DL to score 20 goals, he was brought in for secondary scoring. Plus he was only signed after a try out. Saying that Philly wins the deal is a misguided attempt to bash DL for making the trade. The trade was made for the future not just this season. Moulson and Purcell is another way to bash DL, as Moulson is getting the stats he is becaause he plays with Tavares on a horrible team. Purcell plays with Stamkos, St Louis on a horrible team. Do you really think those two would be scoring here had they stayed at the rate they are scoring now? Our offensive woes is not because we have bad players or bad coaching. There are other reasons.

[Reply]
JD Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
@Jeff_R, Dosnt matter who moulson plays with, the guy is a goal scorer, who buries his chances, if he was still here, he would be on our first line
But I agree with you on Richards, you make that trade every time

[Reply]
Steve C Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@neil, Perhaps he could be claimed on re entry waivers where the other team would pick up 50% of the remaning salary. I think Trent is just as good as if not better than some of the Kings players like Lewis and Richardson but those guys are younger have 1 year remaining in their contracts whereas Hunter did not.
I think having Lewis and Loktionov in the 3rd line despite their poor production (especially Lewis) may have something to do with lack of offense. Also Penner and Stoll just hasn’t fit the bill in the second line.

[Reply]
Paul G says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:48 am

no offence Rich, but how come Darren finds out this stuff first and he works for TSN and your our insider?

[Reply]
USHA#17 says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:54 am

Cleared waivers! No kidding? Really? Great! Now he can rejoin the team in time to turn their game around in time for the stretch!!!

What’s that? We’re already in the stretch? And how may games do we still need to win? Huh, 15? And how many are left? 24? When was the last time LA played 500 hockey (as in regulation wins)?

Good news is no need to bother watching discouraging games…doesn’t seem like I be missing much unless Lombardi does something stupid… Quick, someone take away his phone! Maybe I’ll tune in if the rest of the West collapses and hands LA a playoff berth.

[Reply]
Hat trick says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:56 am

Wow…I’m shocked!!! How lucky for the Kings!!! Great pick up Dean…

[Reply]
Blueline says:

February 18, 2012 at 9:57 am

Maybe if DL spent more time in the off season talking to players in our fold and explaining what the team has on its mind, rather than trying to dig up fossils like Hunter and Moreau, they wouldn’t have bolted to Europe. We sure could use Holloway right now, hell since the start of the season.

[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 11:26 am
@Blueline, I have a feeling DL did spend time in the off season talking to players in the fold, and told them they weren’t going to make it here until they became defensive shutdown experts. I think they probably said okay then, I’d rather go score some goals somewhere else.

[Reply]
KH says:

February 18, 2012 at 10:16 am

How about this trade scenario

JJ for JVR

Then

Bernier/Stoll for Carter/Sanford

[Reply]
petemagoop Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:19 am
@KH, sounds good to me

[Reply]
KH Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:22 am
@petemagoop, A line of JVR-Richards-Carter would be excellent in my opinion

[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:34 am
@KH, Sanford is on injured reserve as of last night

[Reply]
friarking Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:39 am
@KH, or we could just trade all of The Kings for all Flyers past/present

[Reply]
Simarosa says:

February 18, 2012 at 10:20 am

OK, so hopefully he’ll come to Manch via the red eye tonight and can be in the lineup tomorrow afternoon.

[Reply]
Lake Forest says:

February 18, 2012 at 10:23 am

Going to the game tonight FIRST ONE this year. section 315, row 9 seats 3 & 4.

I’ll be wearing a simmonds jersey and a black hat…..can’t wait

[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@Lake Forest,

Have fun!

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
@Lake Forest,

Have a great time!

[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
@Lake Forest,
Hope you get to see some goals , and by the kings

[Reply]
TD says:

February 18, 2012 at 10:28 am

Hey rich! Why is this information per Darren Dreger? U r suppose to be the Kings “insider” why is it we r always reading information about our team from other sources, first? U, Rich, need to step ur game up just like the Kings players themselves!

[Reply]
Happy Lappy Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:32 am
@TD, lighten up Francis, not that big of a deal and not a big surprise. I’m sure Rich is looking into trade talks and other things of more importance.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:34 am
@TD,

Easy bud, Rich gets information as he gets it..If DL or any of these guys don’t inform Rich first, its pretty much out of his hands. I don’t think management goes out of its way to inform Rich first so he can be the first to report it. Actually would like to think it does not even come across there minds, nor Rich’s. Did it hurt hearing it from Dreger first?

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:34 am
@TD, Wow, he gives you the info just so you can bash him? Tough crowd…

[Reply]
Harry says:

February 18, 2012 at 10:31 am

50% Off Kings Jerseys. Use Code: “POWER” @ teamlastore.com (Valid from 10am-12am)

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:34 am
@Harry,

Ordering my NASH jersey now!

[Reply]
Harry Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:39 am
@Michael_DD8,

You may want to hold on to your money on that one buddy.

[Reply]
Happy Lappy Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@Harry, Thanks Harry, just got mine ordered.

[Reply]
Barry's Mullet says:

February 18, 2012 at 10:36 am

Who do we sign next after we trade all of our chips for Nash? Because we will need more help up front!

When DL arrived, he had zero to work with. He promised to rebuild this team and make them competitive. He said he would start with defense and goal tending first…I believe he did exactly what he said he would do! Last I checked we have a Vezina candidate in net and our defense is ranked 3rd in the league.

Now…none of us our happy with the lack of offense! I just don’t think the answer is always to trade away the farm to plug a hole. I’ve seen this movie way too many times over the years as Kings GM’s make trades to save their jobs.

Kings are not going to win the SC this season! If DL can make a deal to improve this team he will. I don’t like the majority of FA signings he has made, but than again NO one wants to play in LA. However, the trades he has made have all been very good…I won’t bother listing them and spare all the naysayers.

Much to like about this team. Core of players is solid! Defense is solid! Quick is solid! Don’t blow up this team because everyone is in a slump offensively. I’ve seen this team when we had too much offense and no defense and zero goal tending…fun to watch 8-6 games but with the Kings losing 75% of the time and out of the playoffs before the all-star game!

[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 10:55 am
@Barry’s Mullet, If DL can make 1 or more trades that can help this team start scoring consistently, then there is no reason with our defense and goaltending to thing why we couldn’t win the cup.

As for trading for whomever we get, even in obtaining Nash we don’t have to give up the farm. Giving up Jack, Bernier, etc isn’t giving up the farm. Dean has built this team with a long reserve list so that he could make a trade like this and replace those lost with guys in the system. Getting Nash would totally transform this team. It would make it that much harder for our opponents to defend and crate more openings for us to score. Nash would help us go to the dirty areas and be the sniper that Kopi needs to raise his game to the level we all thought he would when drafted.

[Reply]
KINGSFANinVegas says:

February 18, 2012 at 10:41 am

How about this idea, instead of one huge trade for Nash, which I think would be a big shake up to the team, how about making two major trades.
Trade Bernier to the Hawks for Patrick Kane
Trade JJ to the Flyers for JVR.

You would fill two big holes that way and get some people who will fire the puck.
JJ is my favorite King, and it would kill me to see him go, but if the bottom line is vastly
improving the team, then you have to give something to get something.

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

February 18, 2012 at 10:57 am

We all have to ask ourselves the following:
What is Lombardi’s motivation between now and Feb 27? Improving the Kings (talent-wise and future financials), or saving his job?

For reasons we can all argue about, and have, the Kings and Lombardi find themselves painted into a corner.
Dean gave up Schenn, Simmonds and Zues. Smyth wanted out so he doesn’t count.
Over the last year, Dean brought in Richards, Penner, Moreau, Hunter and Gagne. Fraser was the “bag of pucks” guy in the Smyth deal.

Results? Zues does OK in SJ. Simmonds explodes in Philly. Schenn improving with the Flyers. Smyth doesn’t count.
Here? Penner. Bust. Moreau? Bust. Hunter? Bust. Gagne? Finished. Richards? Not as much as expected. Fraser? OK, he counts a little as a 4th Line fill in, but little else. Voynov? Up and down. Lotki? Not there yet. Add to this list underperforming Richardson, Lewis and Stoll. And, Doughty has yet to recover from the hold out. Williams? “He shoots wide!” Oh, King & Kong? Too new to know.

Where do you even start to fix the Kings?

Depending on how Chicago does between now and when we play them next week, the only deal that seems to make any sense at all for both teams, would be Bernier for Kane straight up.

I have no idea what Lombardi will do. None of us do. But history tells us it probably won’t be enough.

[Reply]
Cynic says:

February 18, 2012 at 11:01 am

I’m going to offer a counterpoint to any fears on the viewpoint of getting Nash & the price. It became a blog post so it’s on DeepInsideTheKings:

http://deepinsidethekings.com/2012/02/potential-nash-trade-broken-down-to-prevent-widespread-panic/

[Reply]