The Kings have signed forwards Marc-Andre Cliche and Rich Clune to two-year contracts. On July 1, Cliche was due to become an unrestricted free agent, while Clune would have been a restricted free agent.
Cliche, 25, just completed his fifth season in the Kings organization and is the captain of the Manchester Monarchs, the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate. This season, he had 17 goals and 24 assists in 72 games. Cliche has played one game for the Kings and was one of three prospects — along with Martin Jones and Jake Muzzin — to practice with the Kings throughout their playoff run.
Clune, 25, just completed his fourth season in the Kings organization. This season, he had six goals and nine assists in 56 games. Clune played 14 games for the Kings during the 2009-10 season.
Lets see -
Sign with some team hoping ot make thier NHLor AHL squad or
Re-sign with the Stanley CUP CHAMPION LOS ANGELES KINGS HOCKEY CLUB and the opportunity to make the NHL squad and go for another Cup
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm………
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Stuart Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
@DesertKing, who are we kidding? There is no opp for them atm… Unless Fras doesn’t get resigned, I can’t see our bottom 6 changing very much.
I think by this time next week, my feel will be back on the ground!!!
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KC23 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
@Stuart, Ah come on Stuart … thing about what you would of said to King and Nolan at the begining of this last season. They had no shot at all at cracking the line up let alone being part of the first Cup run in King’s history.
You never ever know. Holloway made the mistake of his life.
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Belexes Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
@KC23,
agree 100%
paige Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@KC23, No kidding. Would someone please interview Ryan Smyth and Bud Holloway for my malicious pleasure.
DEH Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
@Stuart, my friend, it’s a long season and people get hurt. I think at some point they will get their shot to step in. At that point if they stay is up to them.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
@DesertKing, I’d like to see Cliche et all play a “real” game of hockey. I guess that’ll never happen especially now that our line-up has SCF experience. I’d like to sign em all and wait till trade deadline during mid season.
I wish we can see monarchs hockey on TV
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I think Fraser will probably be gone (overpaid based on his Stanley Cup performance), so there will be a slot open at #4 Center. The next most likely is a spot open at #3 Center (Stoll overpaid for his Stanley Cup performance), but we could have Richards and Carter both play as Centers and fix that very quickly.
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ADub87 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
@PRMan, Wow, could not disagree more. Stoll and Fraser both had great runs in the playoffs in my opinion. Just because they didn’t rack up a ton of goals doesn’t mean they were overpaid, Fraser makes less than a million bucks! I can’t see the Kings bumping Carter or Richards to a 3rd line role either..
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JumboJack Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:16 pm
@ADub87, Stoll was huge in the playoffs!
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King Alex Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
@ADub87, Completely agree & no way in God’s green earth does Richards or Carter go to the 3rd line!
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Todd S. Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
@ADub87, Carter and Richards are top six forwards. Neither of them would be moved to the 3rd line…
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TheDryer5 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
@ADub87,
I think the OP was implying that they WILL soon be overpaid for their Cup performances, not that they’re both already overpaid. The point was that both of those players will most likely get a better offer (either $/yr or term) than the Kings will give, so it will be up to them to take a home town discount (as Penner has stated) if they want to stay.
Would love to see everyone back, but Gagne will start the season on Richard’s wing and King can fill the shoes of Penner as the 3rd line LW if he goes. Of the three of them, Stoll is such a good fit as the 3rd line center that I hope they figure out a way to sign him for another 2 years. If Penner stays, it will probably be for a 1yr discounted rate to try to establish his career again as a scoring LW and reset his value. Getting Penner back will certainly give the Kings great depth at wing in case of inevitable injuries during next season.
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outsider Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 11:53 pm
@TheDryer5, +1
Steve Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@ADub87, Fras not going anywhere. Sutter loves him.
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billanthony Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
@ADub87, It’s very likely several teams will look at Stoll’s performance in the playoffs and figure that’s exactly what they need to “take the next step”. I hope he resigns but he could very well get some offers the Kings can’t match. Just the reality of it.
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red49er Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 1:04 pm
@ADub87, not what he was saying…he was saying they WILL be over paid by ANOTHER team.
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Todd S. Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
@PRMan, I think Stoll takes a pay cut to stay with the Kings and remains the #3 center. The big question mark is going to be the 2nd line LW spot. Penner has already publicly stated that he would like to remain with the Kings, and would be willing to play for less money to do it. Now Lombardi has to decide if he stays with Penner and gets the playoff Penner for all of next season, or he gets the regular season Penner again. I think teams like Montreal and Toronto would be willing to throw more money at Penner than the Kings will, so it will be interesting to see how this summer plays out… But for now, we just sit back and enjoy this amazing Stanley Cup run!!!
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King Alex Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
@Todd S., Looking at the love fest yesterday between DL, CF, & DP at the rally, I think all are coming back & deservedly so. Gags is the question mark meaning does he return after such a serious concussion after winning the cup or does he retire? If Gags does come back, can he remain healthy? Penner is the best option out there and that line of JC, MR & DP played really well together.
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Stuart Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
@PRMan, overpaid? Fraser was overpaid?? he was the anchor on that 4th line. If Fraser leaves it will be because a team wants him to be their 3rd line center. He made more a name for himself this year then he ever had. Although I would hope that he stays, if he were to go, it would open up a spot for a kid to come up (see my post above).
And wrt to Stoll, I hope he sees that at this point in his career it’s more important for him to be secure (sign a 3 year deal at a good hometown discount) because he enjoys being a HOF 3rd line center and you can’t beat the LA lifestyle. He aint no spring chicken and I’m sure he’s got enough cash on hand to eat a paycut. He seems to be one of those guys that plays because of the love of the game and the desire to sit atop buses slowly moving through downtown!! But who knows… I hope he stays a King along with Penner, too. I think Penner takes a 1.5-2M/year to stay in SoCal and do it all over again.
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TJM Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
@PRMan, I would be stunned if they didn’t keep the Kings almost in 100% tact after the playoff run. The team’s young, and no one is past their prime. Honestly I’d expect Richardson or Lewis to go long before any of the free agents.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
@TJM, I’m with you. This season I expect them to stand pat. Maybe there will be one surprise, but it would be a mild one. It won’t be Stoll, unless Stoll turns out to be more interested in money than staying. I figure this is a good chance to sign a few more people up long term who would be contract problems next season, if things work out well for this season.
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billanthony Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:59 pm
@TJM, I think Lewis is here to stay. Tough “on the puck” forechecker and penalty killer who elevates his game and scores timely goals in the playoffs.
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Lake Forest Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
@PRMan, please pass whatever you are smoking…..
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DesertKing Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
@PRMan,
This team is built to just get by during the regular season and then win in the playoffs. The Kings style of hockey is designed to win series, not individual games. Fraser and Stoll did a terrific job during the playoffs, which is what theywere supposed to do.
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Stuart Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
@DesertKing, I think this team wins the president trophy next year. We’ll have new worries in the postseason, like players not having much to play for the weeks leading up to the playoffs, home-ice, etc…
I can’t imagine that this run was fueled by a fire that they’ll all of a sudden forget or extenguish… think of what they’ve learned:
Kopi now knows that playing a physical brand of hockey can be very rewarding. He knows he can bang and get banged and I think he now has the courage to play a more aggressive game which will only help him and the team offensively.
DB now knows what he is capable of, beyond the physicality of his game. He’s a dynamic play maker now and can get a pass there and lead his team through rough waters.
DP now knows that its not all about money and hard work most definitely pays off in the long run.
Our young guys on the back end, Amart and VV, are more confident and secure in what they bring to this team and know that they are just as integral part as DD on the defensive end of the ice.
all-in-all, I see this team taking the division by landslide. The Conference will be close, but we take the Presidents trophy next year and stop the streak of SC champions who started in Europe!!!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
@Stuart, I think they’ll be surprised at the level of competition they face in the regular season, because they’ll be the benchmark of every other team. They’ll see the other team’s top goaltenders, etc., and you can be they’ll be circled on everyone’s calendars.
KindSir Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
@PRMan, Reading comprehension people. He’s saying some teams will be willing to overpay Fraser and Stoll based on their playoff performances. Come on now.
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Stuart Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@KindSir, Fraser might leave for the $$$ but I think at this point in his career, it’s more than about the $$$ for $tolli…
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370455VinSD Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@KindSir, Awesome, I got all the way through this thread and didn’t look at it like that until now! That is hilarious.
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Lake Forest Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
@KindSir, my “what are you smoking comment” is not about fraser but about having MR or JC as the third line center….
THAT IS CRAZY TALK!
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Deke'r Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
@PRMan, ….hey buddy…think you need to watch the games a little closer….
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Osaka Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
@Deke’r, Did you read what he wrote? He said some TEAMS may overpay for Fraser and Stoll since they are UFA’s AND they PLAYED GREAT. He didn’t say those players were overpaid.
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Osaka Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:05 pm
@PRMan, I agree teams may overpay for our UFA’s but I don’t see Clune being an NHL player for the Kings. Cliche may take Fraser’s spot but playing in Stoll’s spot might be a stretch. If the Kings lost Stoll to free agency I would think they would look for a veteran shutdown guy via trade or free agency. Just my 2 cents but I see what your saying.
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Choralone Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 11:55 am
@PRMan, Verb tenses make all the difference….
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Marc Nathan Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 2:41 pm
@PRMan, agree with those that disagree…
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Pretty cool week for Marc Andre Cliche… Hoist the Stanley Cup and sign a new two year deal!
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Rich,
I noticed the crew removing the Final logo on the ice following the Rally.
Can you find out what will happen to the 3 pennies that was placed at Center Ice?
Ed
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Right back at it. Way to go Dean. Keep them cupboards stocked.
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Why didnt Rich advise how much we paid them for the 2 years? Just curious. I know for other players we know the amounts (westgarth/richardson/mitchell)
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Rich Hammond Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Different situation. Two-way contracts for these guys. They don’t get NHL money unless they make the NHL roster. Both would probably be in the range of $600,000. AHL salary would be about $62,000.
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Lake Forest Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@Rich Hammond, Thanks Rich and if you have a minute what is the minimum NHL contract for 1 year?
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
@Lake Forest,
$550K I believe.
Stuart Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@Rich Hammond, wow, what a drop off. thanks Hammond. It was nice to see you walking by outside the staples store after the Rally. Got to shake your hand!!! Truly, a man of the people!
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Lake Forest Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
@Stuart, Where did all the insiders meet?
Stuart Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
@LF, I wasn’t able to meet up with any…
Thought I saw a few, but wasn’t sure. I just happened to see RH walking by after the show and stopped and shook his hand and gave him thanks for a job always well done!
Lake Forest Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
@Stuart, Did you bring the family? I didnt see anyone from here either except for hip-check,who happens to live less than 2 miles away from me. We got a table at Lowry’s restaurant right on Fig. in the shade and had a beer with a few friends.
Had my 2 year old with me so there was a lot of carrying on my part, I was exhausted today!
Duncanz Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:03 pm
@Luke Warmest, @Stubble
Get your acts together and get on the blower or announce the night previous.
There was a slew of Insiders.
Could’ve carpooled up from your necks of the wood too.
Yard House afterwards was good lunching!
Osaka Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:07 pm
@Stuart, You think Wiskie would rather be a scratch for the Kings or a starter for Manchester?
Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
June 17th, 2012 at 8:23 am
@Rich Hammond, Rich, maybe surprisingly. Cliche’s deal is NHL 525K/AHL 75K first year but then 525K one way deal (he gets paid $525K in NHL or AHL) This according to capgeek.com
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the Clune signing is what I don’t understand….I mistakenly thought they couldn’t wait for his contract to expire so we’d be rid of him….guess I thought wrong….I would now guess that he will be a benefit to the Monarchs, as they build their own dynasty….
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CB14 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
@Real 7, I think he’ll be a back up in case Fraser leaves. Lewis and Richie are better at wing then they are at Center.
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Based on Fox’s local network butchering his name, even after all he had done up to date, I guess I don’t feel too bad for Fox Sports having to apologize on air yesterday.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/06/jonathan-quick-swift-kings-goalie-fox-gaffe_n_1575386.html
Just think, we could have three new players next season!
Brad Doty, Anzee Kopidor and Jonathan Swift. (No relation to Taylor)
What an embarrassment to the local media. Maybe now that we have the Cup, they can get the names right!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
@Mudfish4, Don’t forget Mike Quick.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
@Mudfish4,
Don’t count on it. But miracles do happen sometimes, don’t they?
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DEH Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:20 pm
@Mudfish4, what? Quick was just mispronouncing the word “fabulous!”
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Fraser’s not going anywhere. Sutter loves him.
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How much money do we have left after they pay Vezina Smythe?
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:55 pm
@Steve,
A lot. Under the current CBA, they can sign Stoll, Penns, and Faser at the same salary and still give Quick a 7M contract. The cap is projected at 70M-ish, about 6M more than the current level.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
@FKA PakiFro, King is an RFA, and Nolan, Lewis, Clifford, Voynov, and Martinez will be next season. Plus, Gagne and Richardson will be next season, but I’m guessing they aren’t thinking too much about those two for a year from now. Scuds and Drewiske, not to mention Bernier, are more complicated. Parse is a UFA too.
So, King has to be dealt with, and then there’s a decision on Parse, and then they’re best off if they can handle some of those contracts that are a year off, including what to do about Bernier, strategically.
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What a story Fraser is now? It’s Smythgate, and all of a sudden Fras has a cup. He certainly made the best of a horrible situation.
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Lake Forest Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
@Steve, I think the best part about that was his attitude towards the situation. Nothing he asked for, but he dealt with it and came out a better player/person.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
@Steve, I was right, I mentioned to fellow bloggers that “they might be pleasantly surprise” by cFraser just before he got into the line-up.
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LOL @ Kovalchuk, B. Richards, and Smyth.
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Can it be possible with THIS team to have ALL the lines including the fourth a scoring line?? I think designated “checking lines” are a thing of the pass since it appears all our lines including Kopi’s line are good checkers. Heck Kopi sent Bernier I think, head first into the boards!!! LOL
Jwilliams was the most underated back checking forward this 2012 season in the Kings.
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KC23 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
@rogiesbackup, I thought Lewis was the most underated myself.
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cromartee Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
@rogiesbackup,
Kopi may be the only guy on the team that doesn’t look for checks so ya, there may be no need to call any line a checking line.
No one has been commenting much about injuries but I this year may have been as injury free as any year I can remember. Gagne being the only long term injury and the only one out for most of the playoffs.
So I’m hoping everyone comes back because it’s unlikely that we will have two good injury years in a row. And whatever changes are made, it’s not going to disrupt this team – a rare situation to be in we are.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
@rogiesbackup, I mean, can you guys imagine having FOUR, count them, FOUR lines with KNOWN goal scorers. That’d be a team hard to deal with not only keeping pucks away from your net but also LESS time on the PP since these “goal scorers” don’t take too many penalties.
**checking lines*** thing of the past!!!
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Parse looked like he was limping
at the rally and didn’t look all that happy either..
Anyone else notice that
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KC23 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
@SLIM, I did see that one turn near the boards where he kind of had a pained expression and a hitch in his stride. Hate to say it, but he might be done.
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Can someone explain the logic in this? The Kings allowed 30 goals throghout 4 series, and the Penguins allowed 30 goals in their 1st round against the Flyers. Nevertheless, odds for 2012-2013 season is 1st – the Penguins, 2nd – the Kings? Where did good old theory “Defense wins the cup” go?
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
@goldielocks, East coast Biased!
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wideleft Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Eastcoast Crosby mancrush
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
@wideleft, yeah…that too
cromartee Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
@goldielocks,
Didn’t know all that. Very surprise the Pits picked ahead of Kings. That Flyers series was one loose series. Massive contrast to the Kings Vancouver series.
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Im interested to see what happens to Parse…hes an UFA after all. King also needs a new contract…hes a RFA but still. I think DP, JS, and CF all will re-sign…DP and JS take pay cuts due to a “hometown discount” and CF gets a raise (825K was a steal IMO and he deserves more)! we have the ability to keep this team together for a chance at a repeat and Im thinking DL gets it done. We will have the same lineup (unless some of the young guys steal roster spots) as this year just at a reduced price.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
I’d be shocked if there were no changes. But this whole subject brings up an interesting situation for Dean Lombardi (and us fans).
He is in uncharted waters. The goal has been achieved. The struggle is no longer the same. There’s no more filling holes, finding the right mix, or waiting for guys to ‘mature’ so that we can eventually win the Cup. Everyone is a Champion today. That’s done. Cross it off the list.
So now, the focus shifts from ‘getting there’ to ‘staying there’. It’s not about winning a single cup (or even 2). It’s about continuing to establish a new culture of winning here in Los Angeles. It’s about proving, beyond all doubt, that we are a force to be reckoned with for a long time to come.
The Cup is obviously still the goal, but I have a hunch that doing far better in the regular season will be important too. Claiming that Pacific division title. Being in the Top 10 in wins/powerplay/scoring etc. Being more consistent overall. Of course, making the playoffs is a MUST next season regardless of how we get there. But there will be a change in focus.
Destiny to Legacy.
Now I’m already getting excited for October and it hasn’t even been a week!
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Home ice = more money. That’s the goal. Winning Conference/Division.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:03 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I don’t think anything is a goal except for getting in the playoffs-Kings just broke all the stereotype/rules of a stanley cup winner. hehe
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Yeah, King’s gonna have to get paid. His agent’s not going to let his value in the playoffs and down the stretch go uncompensated. Then there’s the question of whether to handle Jordan similarly or necessarily put his contract off, along with most of the other FAs for next time. Really, most of the concern seems to be preparation for next time. Guess you have to look at those who will be UFAs first. That’d be Quick, maybe Scuds (maybe they will agree with him to let it ride for a couple extension.) Richardson could be an interesting gamble that far out. Drewiske probably won’t be. Looks like if they do it right (and if the season happens) they can probably work the cap pretty well for two more years without too much fuss. That’s without regard to who they might see on the market, though.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
OR bring up.
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I’m calling it right now … Vey makes the team next year.
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regulate Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
@KC23,
This is not as far fetched as it sounds. Vey is probably one of our best prospects that gets less attention than Toffoli, but plays more of an NHL game than him. Very underrated on message boards.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Cliche get a legit shot at that 4th line center role and not sign Frasier. Cliche, is a defensive specialist with more offensive upside than Frasier. Getting him some NHL experience might groom him for the eventual departure of Stoll as the third line center.
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mcdangles Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 6:08 am
@KC23, true test will be how well and how much both Vey and Toffoli want it during training camp. I know Toffoli is bustin his chops right now as is Vey before camp time comes around. I say Toffoli will be the lone man standing out of the 2 when camp is over
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Marc Nathan Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
@KC23, Vey will be developing quite nicely in Manchester next year. His game had some holes that will be filled in this coming season. Maybe a few games in LA if injuries warrant, but he’s gonna be counted on to provide a good deal of the Monarchs offense.
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Didn’t take long for DL to get back to work then.
I’m still on a high from our successful Cup campaign. I’m having a hard time focusing on anything else still. All of which makes me appreciate your efforts even more Rich in keeping reading material coming our way.
I went to the parade and rally yesterday to witness history. So glad I got to experience that. It was truly amazing. As a Kings fan since 1978 it’s been a long wait, and it’s a great feeling knowing that we have a management team in place throughout the Kingdom now that makes the future brighter than it’s ever been. Big thanks to DL for having a plan and implementing it, personnel wise.
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todd Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
@ForumFan, I feel very confident that DL wasn’t just shooting the breeze with DP and CF at the Rally. He looked like he was talking business.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
@todd, That’s a big no-no. Have to go through the agent if he’s represented.
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That’s so Cliche.
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MattG Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:33 pm
@Steve, Shouldn’t his name be pronounced Cleesh. The other just sounds, well, you know.
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First chance to spout my thank you’s.
A unquestionably best thank you to Larry Abel. You always get a A+ from me, and other Insiders as well! We appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness to not just myself, but the rest here!
Thanks to puck73 as usual for always for being a true friend!
Thanks to lil rhody, danielle, Dominic, waves, DesertKing, subby, variable, cynic, duncanz, playerx, Jeff r, and anyone else I left off here, for getting the chance to hang out & talk Kings hockey with you! You’re all great people!
Most of all, my biggest thank you to Rich Hammond. For his excellent reporting to supplying a wonderful forum (pun intended!) to express and learn about Kings hockey! You are a true treasure & a good man!
Thank you all, Stanley Cup Champions!
(that sounds so cool to say!)
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Duncanz Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:21 pm
@Kingsfanone,
Proud to be your fellow Insider, Mr KF1.
That was such a fun time at the event and afterwards in the Yard House with everyone, wasn’t it?
Thank you Larry too, if you’re reading this.
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Maybe NJ will eat some of Kovalchuk’s contract to deal him. Then the blog can go viral for the rest of the summer.
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A note to the UFAS and RFAs, you can negotiate your contracts yourselves if you fire your agents before negotations commence and you then can be more reasonable (hometown discounts) and not have to pay the 10,15, 20% or whatever to the bloodsuckers
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Ok, I know it’s only been a few days, but does anyone know or think we are in a position to acquire Rick Nash? Another gun like him would be great. Is there any other better fit, do we need to?
Go! Kings Go!
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jpizzle313 Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 1:11 am
don’t see it happening.
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I think the Kings bring back Stoll at a discount and shortly thereafter, drop Penner. Alot of that savings (thinking $7M) will go to Quick. If the salary cap does indeed go to $70M, can we say welcome Zach Parise? If we get Parise, I’d be surprised if the Kings dont trade Simon Gagne and his $3.5M salary.
The Kings defense is set for next year, salary wise. However, I can see the Kings moving either Scuderi or Greene and inserting one of their outstanding minor leaguers. Repeat this process for the following two years. With their Cup caliber experience, “Brad Doty (sic), Voynov, and Martinez become the young nucleus of the defense for a long time to come. I think locking up Voynov and Martinez should be a priority during the upcoming year.
With Quick signed, Bernier will become a hot commodity and worthy of high draft picks which will help us beyond the next few years.
As I type this, I am thinking what a genius DL is.
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I would say that surely Parse and Gagne could be gone, as they won the cup without them. so they may not be that crucial to the future…I say don’t sign any FA and let some of the kids come in..
This team has enough experience to mesh youngin’s in the lineup almost anywhere. Save some $$ and get youth! I would like one more 2 way player in case Kopi needs a break!
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I read that Gagne has said he is SERIOUSLY considering retirement, due to the repeated concussions, having won the CUP, and his age…
I can’t imagine that they will not resign Stoll.
Penner is a tougher call . . .
[though remember the basketball analogy . . . teams stood in line to sign Robert Horry, knowing full well they got next to nothing from him until the playoffs.... and then ... SSSWWWIIIISSSHHHHHH go the gamewinners. Could be that Penner's role is to win playoff games. They are deep enough to tolerate that...]
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How about Lokti?
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Brown-Kopitar-Parise
Gagne-Richards-Carter
Penner-Stoll-Williams
Clifford-King-Nolan
GO KINGS GO BACK TO BACK STANLEY CUP CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!
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