The last post referenced this weekend’s NHL Draft, and the quick transition from celebration to drafting. It doesn’t stop after that, of course, because just eight days after the draft ends, the free-agency period begins. Three regular contributors to this season’s team, Colin Fraser, Dustin Penner and Jarret Stoll, are due to be unrestricted free agents on July 1, and the Kings are open to the idea of bringing back all three under the proper circumstances. In terms of odds, Fraser and Stoll are more likely to return than Penner — I’d probably even put their status as “probable” — but there’s also a chance Penner could return on a short-term contract.
In any event, it doesn’t figure to be a high-intensity summer for the Kings, certainly not on the level of the Summer of Kovalchuk and last year’s high-profile swing at Brad Richards. That, perhaps, is reinforced by the fact that, of the 23 players who appeared for the Kings in the playoffs, 12 were drafted, eight were traded for and only three were signed as free agents. Today, Dean Lombardi talked about the construction of this season’s team and whether he intends to try to keep it together…
Question: When you look at the makeup of this year’s team, there were only three guys you acquired as free agents. Does that surprise you at all? Obviously you made the moves, but in terms of the makeup of a team, is that how it should be? Does it surprise you that it turned out that way?
LOMBARDI: “No, it doesn’t. The big dog, in free agency, is tough. Usually when you want to use free agency, it’s for getting good players who fit. And that’s clearly what those guys represent, good players who fit with what we had within the system, like a Mitchell with Voynov and Scuderi with Doughty. I remember saying that when we were using free agency just to get bodies in here six years ago. That’s not my cup of tea. There’s nothing wrong with going after a big dog, but in most cases, the best free agents are the ones that fit., and those guys certainly fit that.
“We obviously strive for big names. Certainly last year we went really hard. Quite frankly though, the problem is that there’s not a lot of big names every year. Some guys get bigger (profiles) just because the supply in the market isn’t that great, so they start taking on a larger aura. But generally that’s not the case. You look at this year’s class. Once you get through the top guys, who excites you? So generally, you’re looking for guys — I’m not saying they’re not good players, don’t get me wrong — but generally, when you’re looking at that list, it’s more of a fit issue.”
Question: You’re now in a unique situation — I haven’t looked at the whole history, but I assume it’s pretty unique — in that you have a chance to return a championship team intact. Do you want to keep it together? There’s a school of thought that would say some change is good…
LOMBARDI: “When we were doing this, we said that one of the benefits of maybe going slow, so to speak, was just that, that we wanted to be in a position not only to win but to keep it together. So, generally, if you go along those lines, with the draft and not over-doing the free agency, you’re able to do that. Given our age, of this team, even though we had to pay those big contracts, that’s what I was always saying with Doughty. We don’t want to go through this and just have a one-year run and blow it up. So we’re in that position now. Secondly, what you’re asking, I’ve got to do some research. This is a new experience for me. Darryl has been through it three times, although this is the first time he has won it. I find some of the dialogue I’m having to be interesting. I’m talking to a number of people in different sports, and that is one of the issues. One guy told me that one of the hard parts was, he made a mistake in terms of training camp. Because (the previous season) was so long, guys were banged up. They weren’t hard on them in camp, like they usually were, and the team didn’t come back until December. So there’s a small thing to be conscious of.
“Then, as you said, there is a school of thought that says you’ve got to make changes and not get stale. I’m not sure about that. On one hand I could say maybe, but we’re a young team. It’s not like there’s old guys that need to go, who had a last hurrah. Secondly, it’s a very tight group. You can say, `Well, chemistry changes when you’ve had success,’ and that’s true. I don’t think these are things we could sit down and analyze and come up with a definitive answer. You’re right. These are things that have to be discussed. I don’t have those answers now, but I’ve already done some surveying and I intend to do a lot more. Clearly I’ve been around a little while now, and I’m getting old, but I’m learning things I never thought of before.”
Wow, so maybe no room at all for Toffoli.
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Token Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
@Donald_S, I seriously doubt he will be ready for anther two seasons anyway.
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2hitnik Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@Donald_S, I think you give a year at Manchester to adjust from Juniors to Pro. The Gagne deal expires after next season and Toffoli can get slotted there. Don’t need to rush the kid.
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brownie for president Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
@Donald_S, i say trade him and bernier and another propect or draft picks for Nash if we lose penner
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McDonalds Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
@brownie for president,
At $7.8 million per year? For a guy who has never even hit 80 points? Sorry, no way.
I know he has never really had anyone to play with, but that’s not a good enough excuse for paying him that kind of money. And plus, such a trade would dramatically alter a Stanley Cup winning lockeroom while draining our system of prospects.
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bbb7 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
@brownie for president, No thanks. We need to start accumulating some draft picks now, not trading them away.
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number 6 Reply:
June 20th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
@brownie for president,
right?
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tim chaney Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
@Donald_S, he would really have to kick the door in. he has plenty time to impress though, and its nice to know he’ll be there waiting.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@Donald_S, There shouldn’t be right away He needs to EARN his way in. Not have it handed to him because there is nobody else.
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Donald_S Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
@mrbrett7,
Toffoli is 20. Older than Doughty, Brown or Kopitar were than when they started with the Kings. Did they spend a year or two in the minors? No one in the Kings system has put up the kind of number that this kid has in junior. I’m not a coach (obviously), but I don’t think he has anything to learn from playing in the minors. Better to let him come in as a 3rd line wing in the NHL and ease his way in. But against the best in the world. He didn’t just score 52 goals by the way, he was also a +44, best on his team. He will fit in with the Kings, I think, but like I said, looks like no room at the inn.
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He Shoots He Scores Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:23 pm
@Donald_S,
I’d disagree with that. Vey, Kozun, and Weal have all put together 100 point seasons in junior. Even Richardson put up a 100 point season, if memory serves me right. How that translates to the pro game is another story. I think Toffoli will have success, but it’s important not to put too much pressure on the kid. Brown, Kopitar, and Doughty all came up in a time of rebuilding. This team is largely built now, so the importance of Toffoli in today’s context isn’t quite the same as the others.
TheDryer5 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:55 pm
@Donald_S,
They all came in when the team had a non-playoff roster, plus they ALL still earned their spots. Kopitar and Brown were both expected to go back to Juniors/Manchester when they made the team as 18/19yr olds. They were still considered a year or two away before camp opened up and nothing was handed to them. I would love for Toffoli to come into camp and make the decision difficult for Dean, and possibly even earn a spot. He’s got a lot of talent and a huge upside. Another goal scorer certainly wouldn’t hurt! It’s up to him to make it translate at the pro level.
historyguy Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:52 pm
@Donald_S, Whether Toffoli is at the stage that Kopi, Drew, or Brown were when they joined the big club isn’t the question. The question is what’s best for him, and that’s where Dean-O really seems to have a good feel. He seems to know when a kid is ready and when he isn’t. Kopi and Drew were obviously ready when they arrived…that’s pretty uncommon (except for very high draft picks, which both were). Brown arrived when the team wasn’t very good, so he was better than the other options they had at the time.
Right now, coming off a championship and with a team that’s largely going to be intact, it’s a pretty nice position to be in. Nice to have the option of playing a kid or giving him time to develop if Dean thinks he needs it. Dean’s not going to let him sit in Manchester if he thinks the kid can contribute. For proof, look at Nolan and King.
For now…it’s good to be a King!
BobKnob Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:38 pm
@Donald_S,
Pretty sure Brown (and Richards and Carter among many other successful NHL’ers) played a year in the minors due to the lockout.
EDIT: checked hockeydb, close enough.
The Stanley Cup Championship should reinvigorate the players & staff. I only see positive things from being this young and this deep throughout the organization. Thanks DL.
Go Kings Go!
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It’s amazing actually…Winning he Cup..
DL made some BOLD moves this year…
Had we gone out in the 1st round with these moves…
DL would be looking for a new job right now…IMHO..
He happened to get the right players at the right time….
It’s a crap shoot really….And he rolled the table!
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vplaza Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
@SLIM,
Not to mention that he to the right coach AND that the players got it together at the right time.
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SLIM Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@vplaza,
Really quite remarkable….
He pushed the right buttons
At the right time….
And this team with that coach started to PLAY hockey..
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Looks like Dean got his voice back.
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Kenny44 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
@Tyler, no kidding! His non-answers are even longer than his answers.
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I say keep it completely intact. I don’t see “staleness” happening with this group. And we have plenty of good talent in the wings. Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke. Maybe some tinkering in two years-after the REPEAT! Go Kings!
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socalkings Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
@Doc Allen, agree
Quick, Bernier will push him to continue the stellar play
Kopi, good guy and will not become a floater
Brown, he’s the captain for a reason
Williams, he’s won a cup before and still hustles
King, Nolan, Lewis, Fraiser, Clifford, Martinez are all young and need to fight to stay in the line-up
Scudari, Greene, Mitchell are stand up guys and will not deal with crap
The only players in the line-up I can’t predict are Doughty, Richards, and Carte; but with Suter as coach, I beleive he can keep all the “Bulls” in line.
If Penner and Stoll stay, I can’t see them taking a paycut to just to float around.
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JOHN SHAW Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:30 pm
@socalkings, It’s not just only paycut to float around,it’s simple as that-we need the space for new comer and save some cap space…GKG…
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Maybe it’s just me, but after seeing the results this year, I think DL has earned some leeway in deciding on what to do with this team. He may make some moves or decisions that will be brought up for debate/discussion, but he put together a winner and I think he can put another one together.
In DL I trust. (Also, in DS I trust since I think he and DL are probably more on the same wavelength that TM and DL were.)
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Stoll and Penner are going to get offers from other teams. It’s really up to them if they want to cash in on it. At most, $2-3 mil to each of them if they want to stay. From a performace POV, they didn’t do much at all during the season. Playoffs, is another story since they did have a total of 3 game winning goals. It’s up to them to see how “loyal” they want to be and how much Deano offers them. We’ll find out in the next few weeks!…
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Michael J. Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
@mike,
I had no problem at all with Stoll’s game during the regular season. Yes, he had trouble scoring-but who didn’t? He did have two game winners in the first round
I the=ink the Kings need him back.
Penner is a tougher decision. If Gagne comes back, maybe Penner is expendable. His effort in the playoffs, including two game winners, led me to believe that he has cleared a huge personal hurdle and is ready to be a productive NHL player again. I will be happy with DL’s decision regarding Penner which ever way it goes.
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Kenny44 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
@Michael J., Penner also creates a lot of space in the O zone for his teammates to work their magic. When he’s physical he just demolishes guys. He can’t be moved in front of the net and he’s got some nifty hands.
The big question is what offers we have to compete with. Hopefully, nobody makes a McSorley offer for either of them.
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Gretzky to Kurri Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
@Kenny44,
I agree, Penner’s size cannot be taken for granted, especially if he’s finally got his swagger back. He had a tough year on and off the ice in the reg season, but that playoff run was pretty dang convincing. Not to mention Richards and Carter’s game picked up too once they all started clicking.
bbb7 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
@Kenny44, The key word is “WHEN”. I dont trust his regular season effort, so he has to be paid like a 3rd line guy or let him walk. Three million max per, 2 seasons max.
>>Secondly, what you’re asking, I’ve got to do some research. This is a new experience for me.<<
Wow, really surprised to hear this.
Looks like Deano will let the UFA's hit the market while he does his "research".
Strange fruit.
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TheDryer5 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
@Token,
Why on earth would you think that’s what he meant? Free agency is 2 weeks away. Research is currently being done and he’s probably already had initial discussions with the agents of the 3 UFAs. Just because timelines have been compressed doesn’t mean he’s not doing his job. If there’s a deal to be done, they will work it out by July 1st. If not, those three all contributed to bringing the Cup to LA and I wish them the best.
If they sign here, I predict Stoll 2 years at $2-2.5M/yr, Penner 1 year at $2.5M and Fraser 2 years @ $1M/yr. I think Stoll could get $3M/yr and 3 years if he hits the market and Penner could get someone like Toronto to pay in the $3.5/yr range for 3-4 years. But if Penner regains his form this year in LA moving between the 2nd and 3rd lines (depending on Gagne’s health) and gets back to around 25 goals, he could cash in even more next summer with a $4-5M/yr deal. He’ll only be 30 and they’ll be several teams that will give him a 4 year deal. Fraser would get about the same ($1M/yr) on the open market, so unless he wants to move closer to his home or thinks he could get a longer term, there’s a good chance he stays.
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FM3 Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 8:20 am
@TheDryer5, DS loves Fraser. I say DS convinces DL to re-sign him.
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bbb7 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
@Token, I think he meant it’s new territory having a Cup winner than can be kept intact within the cap limit without having to lose any pieces. He’s researching whether that’s happened before and how did the teams do. Did they get stale, did they lack drive, did they need something/someone from ‘outside’ to kick start them? That sort of research.
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wow. really didn’t give anything away there DL. would like to see the same 20 guys on opening day when they raise the BANNER.
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JOHN SHAW Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
@sparkypuc420, Never the same…GKG…
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Hey Rich,
Do you know when Columbus has to notify the Kings of what they are going to do with the first round pick? Is there a time deadline?
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SLIM Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:45 pm
@PaulCat,
By the time the 28th pick comes up…
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Token Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
@PaulCat, After pick #27 but before pick #28 of the first round at the draft.
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PaulCat Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
@Token,
Seems like such little time if Dean wants to include that pick in a potential trade.
Thanks guys.
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NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@PaulCat, I think it’s just two picks before LAs pick Columbus must notify.
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Is it a given that Gagne & Mitchell are coming back? Obviously I’d really like to see #33 out there for a long time, but if it were me I’d consider walking away before risking another serious “upper body” injury.
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trytodethroneus Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@Shuchuk,
Mitchell signed a 2 year contract before the season ended
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JIM Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
@Shuchuk,
Gagne is locked for next uear and Mitchell for the next 2
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CB14 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
@Shuchuk, I think WM will be back for sure. Rich always says he’s one of the first guys on the ice for practices, and even participates on optional skating days. He clearly loves the game and I can’t see him hanging it up until his play drops.
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historyguy Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
@Shuchuk, Besides just signing a 2 year deal that definitely says “I want to stay”, just look at who the first person to get the cup from Brownie was. Willie’s not going anywhere. I could see Gagne being traded at the draft if the right situation presented itself, but chances are probably less than 50-50.
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Choralone Reply:
June 20th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@historyguy, To be fair, the players passed the cup around based on number of NHL games played, iirc – that’s why Willie got it first.
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KFL Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:10 pm
@Shuchuk,
Mitchy isn’t going anywhere for a few years. Dude is a rinkrat and a total hockey junkie. His love for hockey is only going to increase after winning the Cup.
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Wow! I’m looking at capgeek http://capgeek.com/charts.php?Team=17 and wondering just how the Kings are going to sign all the FA’s over the next two years.
Assuming JQ signs for $6M per that leaves the Kings with $10M for Penner(?), Strollsy, & Fraser. OK, that’s not so bad, except the folowing year they have to ink Clifford, Lewis, Nolan, Richardson(?), Scuds, Voynov, Martinez, Whiskey(?). Just about everyone on that list will be due for a raise…
Yup, start the research Deano…
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LA_1968 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
@Michael J., That’s exactly the situation and how I’ve been trying to relate it to Parise. In order to keep all these big cap guys we will need some first contract guys like the ones you mention. Signing Parise without giving up one of the 5 $5M men will make things real tough. I lost my research but there is only one team with 6 $5M+ guys. If we sign Quick and Parise we’d have 6 of them. Detroit is pretty good right? They have 2 $5M+ guys.
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KFL Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
@Michael J.,
Clifford hasn’t accomplished anything and shouldn’t require more than, at max, $1.5M.
Lewis is a solid third-line checker. Again, $1.5 max.
Nolan hasn’t done much either besides be a good energy played. $1M max.
Richardson won’t re-sign as he’s the odd man out now.
Scuds, if he re-signs I can’t see him getting much more than he is making now. Remember, the Kings had to overpay for him when they got him because they were so bad.
Voynoy should command a nice-sized raise, along with Martinez.
Drewiske will probably go UFA at that point.
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LA_1968 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@KFL, Very good points but those are all raises that will add up to more than cap inflation. Also King was making 600k and gets a new deal right now. Gotta think that’s an extra million for him.
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Michael J. Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
@KFL,
I’m thinking very much the same as you about this. Nevertheless, Clifford & Lewis will eat up about $1.5 of the cap; Voynov maybe $1M, AMart another $750K. Lets assume $3M for Stoll and $1M for Fraser and we’ve spent $13M pretty fast.
Just like when I put $200.00 in my wallet on a Friday, the money seems to disappear pretty quickly.
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KFL Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
@Michael J.,
Absolutely agree. Although, I think it’s important to recognize that the cap number has been growing exponentially, which has provided a lot more flexibility. Although, the new CBA may have a say in this.
Another thing to know is that Gagne will be coming off the books next year too, which is a big deal considering he barely played this year. Essentially, we paid him and Penner a combined $8M or so to play one position. Also, Richardson’s $1M+ salary will come off the books too. He will be replaced in the press box by someone much cheaper.
Cav Pilot Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
@Michael J., I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we loose Dwight King because of a bloated offer sheet. There are lots of teams that can use a player like him. I’ll bet he get’s an offer that DL couldn’t justify matching.
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CB14 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
@Michael J., According to Capgeek we have a little under 40 million committed to 9 players in the 13-14 season. Leaving 30 million for 11 players.
Players likely to be re-signed for 13-14 season and possible salaries:
Quick – 7 million
Back up goalie – 1 million
Clifford – 1 million
Lewis – 1 million
Nolan – 1 million
King – 1.5 million
Voynov – 1.5 million
Martinez – 1.5 million
That’s a combined total of 15.5 million for 8 more players. Leaving 13.5 million for 2 defensemen and 4 forwards.
Possible players and salaries:
Stoll – 3 million
Fraser – 1.25 million
Toffoli – 750 thousand
Clune – 525 thousand
Scuderi – 3 million
Hickey – 1 million
That’s another 9.525 million. That would leave about 4 million in cap space.
Just my guess as to what it might look like.
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Token Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
@Michael J., Why does everyone assume Quick will sign with the Kings?
His family in is in NY area.
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CB14 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
@Token, Oh no you didn’t.
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bmova Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
@Token, But his Stanley Cup was won in LA. The Rangers are set in goal, so that leaves the Islanders, who still have DiPietro under contract; enough said. Oh, and then there’s the Devils. Again, enough said.
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KFL Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@Token,
It could happen but I think/hope that what he’s helped create in LA and the bonds he’s forged with the core group, along with what they achieved this year, will lead to him re-signing long term.
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historyguy Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
@Token, Bwa, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
Seriously, though, can I have some of that stuff…it must be good!
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Gustavo Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
@Token,
Quick loves this effing team, lol…You all heard him say it, loud and clear.
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Secret Squirrel Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:10 am
@Gustavo, Quick knows where his bread is buttered.
With Coach Sutter, motivation will not be a problem. DL could keep it ALL together and still be in great shape. But there are still other players that could be better than certain players we got now.
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Actually I think it may be a bit of “keeping up with the Joneses ” for the Kings. Can the Kings really sit by & watch someone like Parise or Nash land in the Pacific? Let’s not forget that this team struggled mightily to score goals all year. I think the Kings have to take a swing at one of those guys. If you land one you adjust your team accordingly. If not then you hope you force other Pacific teams to look elsewhere.
I also wouldn’t be shocked to see the Rangers throw Gaborik on the market. They couldn’t have been happy with how he disappeared in the playoffs & Torts isn’t exactly the patient type.
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IndioKingFan Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 10:35 pm
@Paulhb, Gaborik had surgery and will miss the start of the season. I believe it was his shoulder.
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Anybody seen any sort of injury report for the Kings? When we don’t WIN THE CUP (!!!), we usually see it within a couple days.
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Token Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
@todd, Gagne with neck surgery. Nothing else.
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Anybody seen any sort of injury report for our guys? When we don’t WIN THE CUP (!!!), we usually see it within a couple days.
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You guys are ignoring the big hint that Rich dropped; “It doesn’t figure to be a high intensity summer”. Parise = intensity
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CB14 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
@ViperHockey, That could just be DL telling that to Rich to keep everyone’s expectations low. No one expected him to go after Brad Richards last year because they had just traded for Mike Richards.
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bmova Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
@CB14, If I’m not mistaken, everyone expected the Kings to go after Brad. When that failed, then they landed Mike.
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bmova Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:16 pm
@bmova, Never mind. We had Mike first. We got Gagne when the BR deal failed.
that’s the beauty…no reason to rush anyone into the system. We can sign everyone intact for a short term deal and see where we go. But some guys should go for a longer deal like Penner while he can. Stoll, Penner and Frazer, 2 rings with 2 teams..they just have to decide if they want to fit in on a mediocre team, or take shorter deals for a chance to redo it.
Also, Clifford and Richardson both can and should get some more ice next season. And Defense has some up and comers ready to step in. All in all this is the sweetest spot to be in ever.
Never loved the off-season like I love this off-season.
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I can’t see how the Kings can add Parise at $5.5 – $6M per year and re-sign Stoll. Is there anyone in the systen ready to move into the slot that would be vacated by Stoll? If not, do you “replace him with a FA at $2M, or is that “re-arranging the deck chairs”?
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bmova Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
@Michael J., How about inserting Lewis as the 3rd line center and finding someone to play wing?
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insider Reply:
June 20th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
@Michael J., Richards. Carter back to center, which he played in philly. Carter and Parise 2nd line. Richards and whomever 3rd line. Then 3 potent lines that can score. Unlike a Stoll 3rd line.
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observation…DL didnt talk much during the season(after DD signing) is talking now….
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Michael J. Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@neil,
I guess a Stanley Cup relieves the tension of it all…
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wasnt Moreau and Hunter free agents….they didnt last the season…..
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Couple things I just saw…
Eric Karlsson from Ottawa just signed a 7 year extension at 6.5M/year.
From Pierre LeBrun at ESPN, regarding Stoll…
As I mentioned last week, the Stanley Cup champion Kings wanted to quickly jump on the Jarret Stoll contract talks, and they have. The versatile No. 3 center, who was terrific in the playoffs, turns UFA July 1. But contract talks have progressed over the past week, and there could be an agreement within a week’s time.
The Kings are also talking to fourth-line center Colin Fraser. Still to be determined is the fate of winger Dustin Penner, also UFA July 1.
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SLG1013 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
@SLG1013, Also… Brad Stuart signed a 3 year, 11M contract with the Sharks…
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Eric Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@SLG1013, …and San Jose overpaid for Stuart
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bmova Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:20 pm
@Eric, I wouldn’t say they overpaid. Stuart was excellent on the PK with the Wings. And the Sharks were near dead last in that category.
bmova Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
@SLG1013, That was expected. For him to sign anyways.
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Hope we don’t lose Pancakes. He was a beast in the playoffs and he is so much fun!!!
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Secret Squirrel Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:07 am
@zulov, Penner will continue to be a dominant force for a few years to come. He is a must keep.
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Kovalchuk who? Ever since 06/11/12, I have a hard time remembering anything before that date.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:26 pm
@DesertKing,
I gotta agree! : D
I am watching game 6 replay on NHL Network!
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I doubt they will resign Stoll he will cost to much. I see Lewis or Lotki moving into the 3rd line center spot and a new guy into the third line right wing spot. I can also see Fasier signing with a candian team so that will open another spot and the only way Penner comes back is if he take close to a 50 percent paycut. Quick has to be the number one priority and ever else second.
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Craig Swanson Reply:
June 20th, 2012 at 8:24 pm
@scott+77, I agree with everything except the Lotki part. The guy hasn’t shown he can make it in this league. So many better replacements out there than him. Plus the guy must weigh 135lbs.
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Does anyone know if Simmonds or Moulson scored a goal last night?
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CB14 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:52 pm
@Save, Hrudey!, No, they didn’t. But Boyle did!
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Save, Hrudey! Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
@CB14,
Dang it! Fire DL for letting Boyle get away then.
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historyguy Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:02 pm
@Save, Hrudey!, Yeah, sure. Fire him for letting Boyle, Purcell, and Moulson go. Sure. You can give the Cup back, too.
I just can’t stand looking at Boyle. He’s got the size, but he’s such a wuss!
The more I think about it, the more I think it is possible for the Kings to use Lokti as their 3rd line center if Stoll leaves. Stoll’s line wasn’t used as the shutdown line last season, Richards’ was. I doubt that would change next year. That would leave open the option of bringing back Penner, or going after Parise. If they get one of those 2, or a different top 6 forward, they could essentially have 3 scoring lines.
Brown Kopi Williams
Gagne Richards Carter
King Lokti (Free agent)
Clifford Lewis Nolan
Extras: Richardson and Westy.
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vinny Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
@CB14, id keep king and lewis together in that situation..richardson or cliche could be a 4th line center
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Deke'r Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
@CB14, …..really??….little Lokti is no where near the physical force Stoll is…
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CB14 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@Deke’r, Never said he was. Like I said you don’t really need that line to be a big physical shutdown type line because Richards’ line already does that.
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bmova Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
@CB14, Lokti should be trade bait. He’s not playing in the top-6, and won’t anytime soon; and he’s not big enough to center the third line.
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Craig Swanson Reply:
June 20th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@CB14, Three scoring lines are what I feel has to be the focus this off-season, aside from Quick contract. Everyone forgets Carter can play center too. And Lokti will never make the NHL as a flyweight. He is as invisible as Schenn was for the Flyers most of this past year. But at least Schenn has upside. Lokti is too easy to defend against and knock off the puck.
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Every discussion about the cap and who we can sign for how much depends on the new CBA. Its all speculative now.
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really hoping drew didnt step on it… http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/06/la-kings-drew-doughty-investigated-for-alleged-sexual-assault.html
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Deke'r Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
@tim chaney, …..easy target for the get rich quick groupies….can’t believe he’s that dense….
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bmova Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@tim chaney, If DD wants to get some, he can easily pay for it. He doesn’t need to hit anyone.
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tim chaney Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@bmova, i know man… i actually like the kid. he will be an icon in this city for a long time, but he’s got to be smart…
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historyguy Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:05 pm
@tim chaney, From the sound of the article, it looks doubtful if best. If there were any evidence at all, the press would be all over this. Drew’s just got to learn to be more careful who he hangs with.
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The only way penner remains a Kings is if he really wants it, and would have to take a reasonable paycut. Stoll is a guy i don’t want to see leave but i would only offer him a 1 yr deal. I dont think any of the UFA’s are going to be back.
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Rich, am I allowed to post a link to a story about Drew regarding a criminal investigation? Not sure if you want that discussed on here.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@CB14,
I’ll take the heat.
http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/los_angeles_kings_defenseman_drew_doughty_runs_into_some_serious_legal_trou/
KuklasKorner is reputable, enough…
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SLIM Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:27 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
TMZ says he’s off the hook..
http://www.tmz.com/2012/06/19/drew-doughty-los-angeles-kings-rape-sexual-assault-investigation/
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Here’s hoping our guys stay
Go Kings Go!
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I could see how chemistry might change a little since they’ve now finally won it but on the other hand keeping the same team relatively intact is probably a good thing. #1 They’ve won the whole thing so there’s the belief that since they’ve done it before they can do it again. #2 They’re already familiar with one another so the comfort level’s there. #3 Even though they’ve won it and there’s concern that they might not be hungry next season, if the team plays for pride then the hunger will be there. It’s like playing king of the mountain. It’s always good to be the guy not to be be knocked off.
I think the most important thing to do is to keep the squad mentally positive. They seemed to do it well this season but if things start going south next season and some fingers start to point it could disrupt the squad but I think they’re better than that unless someone really just isn’t pulling their weight.
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I can’t help but remember that saying that we have in surgery, “The enemy of ‘good’ is ‘better’”.
The thought of tinkering with this 20-man unit makes me nervous. By word of the players themselves, this group is a pretty tight group. And every member of this group brought/brings something to the table. Sometimes the contributions show up in the numbers/on the scoresheet, sometimes they don’t show. It’s convenient to look at the numbers and render judgement on a player’s value to the team.
I remember ’74-75. 105 points, incredible season that came to shocking, quick end in a first round 3-game series with Toronto. The heart and soul of that team was Terry Harper and Dan Maloney. I’m sure that neither had great offensive numbers. When these two left the team (don’t remember how), the team took a real downturn as I recall. I could never figure out why the Kings didn’t keep them.
Beware the urge to change unless you’re damn sure that the change will improve the team while not damaging “the room”.
Scotty Bowman used to say that he constantly sought “the right mix”. Right now, we’ve got a Stanley Cup-winning mix (I love writing that).
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Real 7 Reply:
June 20th, 2012 at 7:55 am
@Robert R, June 23, 1975….the Kings went from a defensive team to an offensive team….
yes, I loved Terry and Dan….thought it ripped the heart right out of our gritty team…
as a season ticket holder, I didn’t miss a home game in ’74-’75, even though it meant a lengthy drive each time…
“..their early round playoff upset by Toronto (where the Kings scored only 6 goals in 3 games) prompted them to make one of the biggest trades in club history. High scoring superstar Marcel Dionne was in a contract dispute with the Detroit Red Wings and was available to a team that would meet his salary demands. So to bolster the offense, they Kings traded veteran defenseman and team captain Terry Harper and tough guy forward Dan Maloney along with draft picks to the Detroit Red Wings for future hall of famer Dionne and defenseman Bart Crashley. They then gave Dionne one of the richest contracts in NHL history up to that point at $300,000 per year.”
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i think there will be some changes made…
come july 1, once dl gets a better understanding of what quick and his agents demands are, the process of moving pieces accordingly to accommodate the terms is bound to happen….
you also have to keep in mind that the kings could possibly have over 6 players getting paid more than $5 million annually – and i don’t care who you are in this league, that’s very tough to manage….
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I think it’s pretty risky to make any changes even with Bernier….who knows what kind of season/playoffs next season will Quick have. Might be good idea to have Bernier play a few more games then this year to get him ready.
Maybe this is why Detroit is so good for so long, they had those young stars that became superstars THEN players that have been in the organization for awhile didn’t get their break until several years so they “matured” into the lineup giving the team added experience and poised to be yet another stanley cup contender.
I say keep team intact and wait to see how the season goes before committing on trades and free agency.
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Secret Squirrel Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:59 am
@rogiesbackup, highly agree
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So assuming we don’t re-sign any of our UFAs or pick up any spare parts on the free agent market, this is what we have right now… not too shabby and we have room to improve.
Brown – Kopitar – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Carter
King – Loktionov – Lewis
Clifford – Richardson – Nolan
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Sorry but the shabby part is Loktionov…
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I don’t think enough people give credit to Jack Ferrira, if you look at what he did with the Ducks and Sharks then to cap it off the Kings. You know you have a very smart player evaluator in management to compliment Dean.
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Praise is not coming to LA. That is a fact!
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You have to keep Penner to have a chance to repeat. Just saying.
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