Of course, most of the attention over the past two days has been focused on Jeff Carter’s trade to the Kings, but the team also made a significant move yesterday when Willie Mitchell signed a two-year, $7-million contract extension. The Kings’ most veteran defenseman will stick around, and today Mitchell talked about his decision to stay with the Kings and not test the free-agent market this summer.
MITCHELL: “It’s nice to be here for an extended period of time. I like our team. We have underachieved as a group, there’s no doubt, but I like our team. When you get older, you want to stay somewhere where you think you’ve got a shot at winning. The nucleus of the team is a really, really good group, good players, and that’s a big reason why I re-signed here. I think it’s a group that’s capable of winning. Like I said, once you play a little bit, that becomes first and foremost for you, as far as being where you can have a shot at winning. I’m just looking forward to doing the same kinds of things. Obviously with a new acquisition, hopefully we can score some more goals and head into the playoffs on a hot streak, work our way in to get there.’’
Question: Did you decide you didn’t want to test the free-agency market this summer?
MITCHELL: “You’re only human, you think about that a little bit, but I’ve enjoyed my time here, enjoyed my teammates, enjoyed the team. I think it’s a team that’s got a really good nucleus, that’s got a shot at winning in the next couple years. When you play a little while, that becomes first and foremost, just having a shot at the Stanley Cup. You can go that (free-agency) route, but it’s very unpredictable where you could end up. For me, I’ve played a little while and it’s all about winning. I want a Cup. I don’t have that. A couple guys around here do, and I hear the stories, I hear everything. I’ve been to the conference finals, but that’s what drives me and that’s what motivates me, on the — I wouldn’t say latter half — but the later stages of my career. That’s what I want to accomplish, and I think we’ve got some good people around here and we can get that accomplished.
“We’ve just got to win some games down the stretch here and get into the playoffs. Obviously we’re fighting with a bunch of teams, but I’ll bet you if you polled any of the top teams, if we snuck in around eighth or seventh — or even still challenging San Jose — I don’t think teams want to play us (in the first round). So we’re just looking to focus on the game here against Chicago, a team that’s obviously one of the better teams in the league. They’ve had their ups and downs this year, but we need a big win tonight and get rolling to where we should be, in the top eight. We’ve got to work for it, though, but I feel confident we’re going to do that down the stretch.’’
I want a cup too.
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rontheking Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
@wavesinair,
I’ll take a cup of anything at this point….
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wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
@rontheking,
Maybe that’s the problem. Maybe being a ‘Kings’ fan automatically means every ‘cup’ is a chalice from which to drink. That would explain 40+ years of drowning our sorrows in beer/wine/whiskey.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
@wavesinair,
Hello My name is Pat and I’m a Kingaholic.
LVKINGS88 Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
@wavesinair, Yeah the only thing in the cup we’ve been drinking out of is filled with Kings Kool-Aide. Funny what 40 just said about being a Kingaholic, my buddy just said we should have a group that meets together just like AA, I called it KK for KingsKonformist( I know conformist starts with a C not a K ). “Hi my name is Mattew and I’m a Kings Konformist because I have conformed to whatever the Kings management tells me” now pass the Kings Kool-Aid please.
wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
@LVKINGS88,
Ha, yeah that’s good. Hmmm…. makes for a great skit. But KK is a little to close to something not worth mentioning. Mabye just LAKA…
rontheking Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:18 pm
@wavesinair,
40 years of frustration would turn anyone into a substance abuser…just ask my ex-wife.
Ron Reynolds Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
@wavesinair,
“Maybe being a ‘Kings’ fan automatically means every ‘cup’ is a chalice from which to drink.”
Yeah. Hemlock.
number 6 Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
@rontheking,
I need a cup after the last week. Many are discussing the various brews, but I could probably do with some chamomile tea….. and perhaps light up some of my incense.
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Otto Ped Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
@wavesinair, I want 2girls and 1 cup
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Shakes Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
@Otto Ped, well, at least we know you won’t be getting the Sedins
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wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@Otto Ped,
These two? http://www.phillybroadcaster.com/wp-content/uploads/evan-richadrds.jpg
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
@wavesinair, It looks like Richards is wearing an Ed Hardy shirt, I’d probably look at those two guys and think what a couple of D-bags they are,if I saw them in a bar, lucky D-bags though.
LVKINGS88 Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
@Otto Ped, I want two girls and four cups.
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InTheCrease Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:56 pm
@LVKINGS88, Heck, I’d just settle for 1 girl with D cups. And a pony.
flex Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
@wavesinair, I got an extra one..it’s made in China,but looks good.Lol
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I want a cup too!!!
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tell that to the other guys in the room.
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“most veteran forward”…?
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Sean Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
@Stonewall, Mitchell is by far their most veteran forward in terms of years played, ice time, etc. He’s an older player on a young team, something some of the young bucks need.
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Let’s move Matt Greene A over to Mitchell!! lol
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wavesinair Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 12:59 pm
@Downsy89,
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised. Either that or the C a la Marleau.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
@wavesinair, I would not be upset if Mitchell got the C. I think Brown and Kopitar would do a lot better if they weren’t in the leadership group. Let them lead by example on the ice and I think they will play much better, a la Marleau.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
@Downsy89, How about we just move Matt Greene?
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wow Give Mitchell a C…He a classy guy..I wouldnt think this team a Stanley Cup team in couple of years..
But he must see something that we all don’t see..Glad he sign 2 more years with us…
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CanadianKing Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:13 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
Love this guy. Him and Scuderi are the most underrated players on this team IMO. Worth every penny.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
@CanadianKing, yup i agree with u on him and Scuderi too glad they both with the Kings
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
@CanadianKing, So right. Scuds and Willie have everything to do with Quick becoming an all star. Those are the two guys Quick can trust the most.
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Sean Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
@CanadianKing, +1 dude, couldn’t agree more. The average hockey fan sees defensemen who score as more valuable, which isn’t always the case.
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Crownme87 Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Agreed. I think think WM should be the C!
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way to go willy very happy you signed for two more years,IMO you are our best D-man
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Exactly what Willie said about the top teams not wanting to face us if we squeak into the playoffs is what I have been saying all along. We are top 2 in defense and goaltending. If we just start scoring even a little we will be tough to beat, especially in the playoffs. Thank you Willie!!!!!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
@Jeff_R,
Hey, you gotta get to the game!
Go!
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
@Kingsfanone, I don’t live that far away and I have a couple of hours still.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:24 pm
@Jeff_R,
I wanna hear you yelling! Bring the boys some good karma!
Guy is so captain material. This guy has sure help restore a bit of my lost faith over the last few weeks.
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I love this re-signing. Mitchell has been our best defenseman this year, and I think he’ll continue to play exactly the same way over the next couple of years.
It’s also great to see that he feels we aren’t too far away from winning the Cup, despite underachieving this year.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
@Jon G, Love Willie! A great team first defenseman.
And although the curtain is coming down on one of the most disappointing seasons I can remember, a big win today could turn things around. If nothing changes today, the chances of salvaging this season get very slim and will evaporate completely over the next couple weeks. Lots of pressure ’cause time is slipping away.
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This guy’s a leader, on the ice and when we get to hear his thoughts pre or post game. Imagine the effect he has in that role for his teammates.
The Kings are lucky he signed that extension, because what guys like Mitchell bring often you can’t put a price on.
They’ll need every bit of that leadership the deepr they go. He’s been impressive in that role all year.
Mitchell knows this team, and their flaws, better than anybody else; signing for 2 years brecause he feels the chance to win the Cup is in that locker room say a lot .
Good for the Kings…he’s a winner
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King Cobra Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
@Deirdre,
Hey Deirdre, do you think it is good that we got Carter?
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Great D, great player, very happy we resigned him.
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I freaking dig you Willie Mitchell! I said our D corp needed to keep Willie and it’s done!
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Want to win a cup? Get some more small town Canadian Boys that are willing to gring their way to a cup. Hockey is a religion in Canada and waking up at five in the morning for hockey practice is a way of life. And don’t think when those guys are out on the ice and their body is busted up that they don’t feel the pride and will themselves to keep going.
And if you don’t beleive it look at the stats. The finals for the Stanley Cup each year always have the most Canadian born players on the Roster. Boston last year, Chicago etc. So remember that when you play your hockey pools for the finals. Count the Canadians on the roster before you see the team name and the two with the most pick for the finals.
So Mitchell is a good signing bringing the roster (with the Carter Trade) to 15 Canadians. That would be the only reason I would even think of trading Brown for someone, as long as that someone was a small town kid.
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Belexes Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
@Hockey Fan,
How many Canadian born players are on Columbus?
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Hockey Fan Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
@Belexes, Haha..Less than the Kings!! 1 less but less nonetheless!
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DL should take the “C” and both “A” patches, place them on a table in the middle of the locker room before practice and say “up for grabs, WHO WANTS IT.” let’s see who has STONES.
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Hey Mitchell………shouldn’t you be wearing a cup already?
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Can Willie save DL?
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number 6 Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
@39scars,
Only DL can save DL.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
@number 6, DL can make the moves to help the team play better (more scoring) but it is up to the players to make it so DL saves his job. We have the team as is now to make it to the playoffs and possibly win the division (minus one more top 6 forward who will come Monday.) So I feel it is in the players hands now as to how they finish.
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dodgervern Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
@Jeff_R, I agree we have the players and after watching Carter tonight I think he will show the other players a bit about working to get open and creating scoring.I even expect Penner to score a few if he isn’t traded.Foxy said after game he expects another minor trade,but I for one think Penner just needs some confidence.Stoll could score if he shoots like he does on shootout.Go to corners and elevate the shot a bit.GKG!
100% off topic………..Anyone else think DL leaked Brown’s name as trade bait to the media to light a fire under the captain’s butt? Hard to think Brown won’t come out blazing tonight!!
Go Kings!!
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Niko Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
@Cup B4 I Die,
I think he was listening to other teams offers for Brown, but not actively shopping him (except for Nash). When JJ got traded, suddenly everyone thought Brown could be had too and the media went nuts. I was thinking the same thing as you at first, but more to the extent to fire up the whole team. If the team’s lack of offense could get it’s captain traded, no one was safe. It wasn’t DL to start the rumors either, pretty sure it was McKenzie.
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flex Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, Coytes capitain do not need any fire under his butt,to come out blazing every single night.
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Reading this game me goosebumps. Mitchell is class act. Do it for Mitchell boys , he signed with the Kings because he believes in the team. Believe in yourself boys.
Go Kings Go
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Willie put his money where his mouth is. Bottom line. He could definitely could have gone to a team higher in the standings than the Kings. He truly believes this team has something special.
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My wife has D cups. I would trade them for a Stanley Cup right now.
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chuckrocks Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
@Concussionman02, lol, nice!
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colo king fan Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
@Concussionman02,
You see boys, THIS is dedication. You sir, are captain material.
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Bingram Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
@Concussionman02,
It’s probably talk like that that got you the concussion.
Go Kings, go!!
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If Kings fans got their wishes this team would have 10 players with a C on their jersey. Last time I checked, you didn’t have to have a C on your jersey to be a leader.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
@CB14, CB14 dont worry i choose u to be Captain
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
@CB14, So true. Zeus was a leader and he didn’t have a letter.
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@Cup B4 I Die, I’d say more under everyone else but Brown. Tell me one game this season that Brown hasn’t given 100%? Dustin Brown is NOT the problem on this team. The only number that is down for him this season is goals, and that is everyone on this team. It’s ridiculous what some have written about Brown here over the last couple of days. Should he be the captain? Not sure, but he didn’t steal the “C” it was given to him and he stepped up and took on the responsibility.
Unfortunately I think it shows the lack of hockey for some here when they rip on Brown…..amazing!!!
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CB14 Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:32 pm
@Shotongoal, +1000000000000
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ThreeMachine Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
@CB14, 100% agree. if DL does happen to trade Brown for some reason, I think it would be a huge mistake. The guy gives 110% every game. Just cause you don’t score the most goals or have the most talent doesn’t mean you can’t be a good captain. Any sports team I’ve ever been on is the same way, the captain is the guy who tries the hardest and has the most heart, which I believe is Brown. Maybe he does try to do it all himself a little much and maybe he could be a little more vocal in the locker room, but who knows what the locker room is really like? He gives his all every game and if I had a captain like that it would definitely make me want to play my best and hardest every game. Go Brown and GO KINGS!
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Scot Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
@Shotongoal,
And we who see it the other way think the same about you guys!
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Scot Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
@Shotongoal,
We aren’t saying Brown is the problem with this team. We are saying the way the Kings use Brown is improper. He shouldn’t be the Captain, and he shouldn’t be on the top line. That’s all I’m saying at least. If they can make that adjustment and keep him on the roster, keep him, he’s valuable! But In my Opinion, he would be most valuable in a 3rd line role, without the burden of captaining this team with such high expectations.
I think Kings fans would see his true value if he was in a different role on this team.
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
@Shotongoal, I think it would be less of a burden on Dustin if he wore the A or no letter at all, but if his teammates and coaches respect his as their Captain then who am I to say.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
@Shotongoal, I have no problem whatsoever with Brown’s play, heart, etc. He gives 100% all the time. However I think he became captain too soon and I feel he will do a lot better without the pressure of being Captain.
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Three Machine Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
@Shotongoal, I get what you’re all saying about not having the pressure of being a captain, but it could very well work the other way too and kill his confidence by taking away the captaincy. Never know unless something changes though, so we’ll have to wait and see how it goes. Here’s to hoping the Carter trade works and everyone starts stepping it up *raises glass in air*
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Mitchell you are the greatest. We all want the same thing. I like you think we have the team now to fight for that silver cup. Really I do. No more excuses. The talent is there we have a mix of young and proven players. Even Penner if he can find his place can come along for the ride. Look if we some how blow this season we can blame it on all kinds of reasons. But I’m looking to further than tonights game. Yes we may not make it. I’m not falling for the fired ice cream like I did at Hockey Fest. I do think that willy is right we have a great nucleus. I proud to br a Kings fan and it’s men like Willy that keeps the fire lit. Can’t wait to see how Richards plays. I’d be willing to bet my left nut that he gets a goal tonight. This dude has got to be one happy camper. A month to go here and we have to go on some sort of winning streak. Take care of the game at hand boys!!! Let’s get that crowd at Staples rockin. And please for the love of GOD stop that Cartman crap. Go Kings Go should be the people leading the chant. Not some funny looking cartoon clown. This is hockey not South park. I swear that’s the reason we suck at home. We are not taken seriously by the other teams. Lazer show before puck drop cool, AC/DC cool, shots of hot chicks cool, Cartman BAD Not so cool.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
Carter>Cartman !
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Great response by a great teammate!!!!!
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Really glad to have Willie on board for another couple years. In my eyes, the best and most complete defenseman we have. Guy is so good in so many areas of the game. Rock solid defensively, strong, good mobility, and most of all, SMART. He reads the play better than anyone on the back end, and even better than most of the forwards. Seems like an all around great guy too. Pleasure to have him.
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In Willy we trust! =D Great speach lets get it done now
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jacky boy Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
@kenny, So who is the next captain MR or WM?
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I want a cup to Willie!!!
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Be interesting to know if Management offered him longer-term with less money at some point during negotiations. Say, 4 years and closer to $3 million per, instead of $3.5… Players with family often take term over $ per season… $3.5 is a big cap hit for a shut-down defensemen, but at least with Mitchell you get more than just a shot blocker… Besides, after losing Jack, Kings can hardly stand to let another D leave. I guess the Johnson trade gave Mitchell a little leverage.
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Shotongoal Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@InfiN8, I think Willie Mitchell gave himself the leverage for being the type of player and teammate that he is. The trade had nothing to do with him getting an extension IMO.
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Great job Willie, and from one Mitchell to another Mitchell thanks for staying on board, I guess I can continue wearing my Mitchell jersey with pride.
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Captaining, Big Willie Style. He may not have the C, but he’s definitely a leader.
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Note to Mitchell: no chance of you winning a cup under the current regime. So I doubt that was the reason you signed. But I don’t care why you signed, I’m just happy you are here.
Did timing of JJ/JC trade have anything to do with the re-signing?
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:18 pm
@MmmmYummy, disagree with this 100% cept the Mitchell signing be a good thing.
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:18 pm
@MmmmYummy, I read somewhere about two weeks ago they were working on resigning him.I think Dreger’s report.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
@MmmmYummy, Also this signing was in the works for the last month so no it had nothing to do with Carter trade.
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This interview must be stapled to every locker in the Kings dressing room, and read aloud to the entire team by Willie himself…
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Good to see that despite all the concerns about this team’s chemistry right now that one of the veterans on the team (who plays hard every night) wants to stick around and see this through. Hopefully everyone can forgot what crap hockey has been played these past few weeks and begin to push forward. Lets do this!!!!!
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If every aspect of this organization had the class, integrity, focus and leadership qualities that Willie has, then at That point they probably would challenge for a Stanley Cup.
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talk to the equipment manager Willie. I’m sure they have a cup for you, and with pucks flying at that rate of speed, you need a cup!
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The Cup is our Holy Grail. Let’s take the first step of this crusade with a win tonight boys!
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Ha ha! Willy Mitchell for a sniper June 1rst.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
@Dominick, Dirtbag, Dom’!
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So glad you are staying Willie. You have been our best defenseman all year. SO HAPPY!
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freakin love this guy… this signing is the best thing to happen to the kings in years and the re-signing just means we get to enjoy it longer.
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Just go to the gift shop before the game tonight!
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He just didn’t want to wake up one morning in MF Columbus.
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I think the team needs something new to rally around. Whatever it is now just ain’t working.
“Get Willy the Cup!” Should be the new rallying cry. Focus on the mission.
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..of what? tea?
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100
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