Here’s the latest today from Dean Lombardi, who discussed the re-signing of Jarret Stoll and Colin Fraser, the possibility of bringing back Dustin Penner, the coaching-staff change and the probable re-hiring of Terry Murray by the Philadelphia Flyers organization…
LOMBARDI: “I think that was something we set out to do before July 1, and fortunately we were able to get it done. I think we certainly recognize what they meant to the team, and they were certainly reasonable and definitely showed their desire to stay together. So it was able to come together quick, unlike some of the other negotiations we’ve seen. Both sides wanted it to happen quickly. A big part of it was that both players wanted it done, and when you’ve got that, it’s not that hard.’’
Question: With Stoll, there was a drop-off in terms of scoring numbers, but he also did a lot of other things, and brings some intangibles. Is that what you looked at, when giving him a three-year deal?
LOMBARDI: “I think it’s two-fold. When we brought in Stoll and Greener back then, the term we used was `culture-changers.’ These were two guys who played the game the right way and were all about team. I think we were dead-on in that assessment. I do think the identity that we were trying to create really started to take hold when those two guys came on, and then we just kept adding to it. But when we traded for them, and we gave up a very good player at that time [Lubomir Visnovsky], a lot of their value was based on their intangibles. I think the assessment was correct, based on not only the way they play but the type of people they are. So, that clearly goes into his value.
“Secondly, I think you have to understand that if you look at all the cap space that is available this summer, you will see that for the first time — every year at this point, there have been five or six teams that are at or over the cap. What you see now is, nobody is over the cap, and even the worst team, in terms of cap space — I believe it’s Chicago — still has over five million (available). So when you’re doing a contract like this, you have to be careful of comparables. Because, first of all, how much money is available in the marketplace? I can safely say that it’s the most there has ever been. Secondly, now look at the free-agent market. If you look at what is there, and take out some obvious big names, there’s a lot (of money) out there and there’s not a lot of good players. Now, here’s a guy that everybody in the league respects, in his role. So you’ve got to be careful, just looking at numbers. Obviously we looked at that, and that’s one of the reasons he was willing to take some bit of a pay cut, but I don’t think his agent was totally wrong. He certainly wouldn’t have had to do that if he waited.
“So you have to be careful, just looking at stats. How much money is in the marketplace? The most ever. How big is that free-agent market? Well, go through it yourself and see where he would rank. Not to rip on anything, but just look at (Michal) Handzus last year. He didn’t have a great year, numbers-wise, he’s a lot older than Stolly and he gets $2.5 (million). So, here’s a guy who is still young and is coming off playing a key role on a Stanley Cup Final team. It’s the same thing with Zeus. If you did Zeus’ contract based on numbers, it’s not 2.5, but San Jose takes him because of his intangibles and because there’s nothing else out there. That’s why you have to be careful, just looking at numbers. Our issue is fitting him in under the cap, and getting (Jonathan) Quick in and everything else.’’
Question: To the extent you can talk about this publicly, what’s the latest on the possibility of bringing back Dustin Penner?
LOMBARDI: “He’s going to have to have some surgery on his wrist. I haven’t got the full report, but it looks like there’s going to need to be some work done on his wrist. It’s one of the things that was bothering him during the year, and he played through it. It looks like, at this stage, there’s going to need to be some work on that, and that could lay him up for a while. Darryl (Sutter) is coming back (to L.A.) on Monday, and we’re going to sit down and talk to him and see where he’s at. But I wanted to get that medical report confirmed. A big part of it is him getting in shape, or not falling back here. I did think that was pretty important, although with a wrist (injury), he should still be able to do the cardio, which for him is critical. So, we’ll be talking about that this week.’’
Question: You guys made the decision to not bring back Jamie Kompon. What went into that?
LOMBARDI: “I don’t think it’s any lack of respect, or reflection of the job he did. I’ve always believed, from day one, that a head coach should have the right to choose his guys. It certainly doesn’t mean that people aren’t qualified, or didn’t do a good job, but there’s always a comfort level with head coaches and the people they select. At the time we made the change, (Sutter) was more than willing to go with it, but I made it clear that, like any head coach, he has the right to choose which way he wants to go. It’s like a player. It’s not that you don’t think the guy is a good player or a good person. But so much of coaching is a comfort zone. Remember, Darryl came in here and didn’t know any of these guys from Adam. He relied on Jamie and John and Billy Ranford, and that’s not easy. I still think he’s building a rapport with John and the other guys, but I think this is something you see in all the sports, particularly with a guy with (previous) head-coaching experience. He has to have that right. It’s not a reflection on the work that (Kompon) did, by any stretch of the imagination.’’
Question: Do you know what Darryl wants to do with that job?
LOMBARDI: “No, I don’t. That’s something we will talk about this week.’’
Question: Apparently the Flyers have talked about bringing in Terry Murray was their AHL coach. Do you give the permission for them to talk to him?
LOMBARDI: “We did an agreement with Philly. That was done a couple weeks ago. Murph was working for us in the playoffs and stuff, but we had been in negotiations with Philly there, and that got done a couple weeks ago. … It’s easy for him, in a sense. It’s not far from home (in Maine). Mr. Anschutz actually called him, too, because he wants to give him a (Stanley Cup) ring. So that’s pretty nice.’’
unlike some people we know…..
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 12:55 pm
@Kings Fan In Temecula,
Is that wrt to the the facility of the contract negotiations?
Yeah, that was a pretty solid backhander to the ear of “somebody”, wasn’t it?!!
[Reply]
Rich,
Have you slept yet? Awesome work every year but this year… BOOM! Thanks for your time and effort!
[Reply]
Wow, the OWNER called TM to give him a ring. All those people who bash Anschutz really need to look at themselves a bit. I would have thought Dean was the guy who would lobby for the ring for TM, Maybe Tim Liwickie, didn’t expect Papa Phil to do that. Classy, classy move.
I wasn’t very comfortable reading that Kompon explanation though, not that it’s easy to talk about I’m sure. Just makes it look like Sutter gets the heat for the Kompon move. It’s the right move and Jamie will be fine, but the explanation comes across that Darryl was not comfortable with Jamie. Whatever, right? Gotta do what’s right for the team. Just a thought.
That stuff being said, I REALLY enjoy and appreciate Dean’s transparency on all issues he gets approached with. A real credit to the type of professional (and now Stanley Cup Champion) GM he is. Thanks DL
[Reply]
Chrtistian T Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 12:51 pm
@Cynic, I don’t think Sutter gets heat for the move. We all knew this was coming didn’t we? It’s actually a positive that Sutter let him stay. Kompon can now add the Cup to his resume.
[Reply]
TradedForADraftPick Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:01 pm
@Cynic,
Anschutz may be a lot of things, but one thing for certain is the man is a professional. And filthy stinkin rich. That too.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:02 pm
@Cynic,
All he said was what was doubtless true.
I don’t think JK was Sutter’s type of guy and DS will not be bothered at “getting the heat” for it. I’m sure it will blow over quickly.
Helps that he’s out of town, of course. Ha ha.
Seriously, this is as effective a way of depicting it as any and it is complimentary to DS and reassuring to the whole organization that DL is stating he entrusts DS the latitude to make his own decisions on matters involving the team.
End of the day, no real problems with it.
[Reply]
mash-ola Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:32 pm
@Cynic, Very generous and classy offer by AEG. I’ve always liked Terry Murray and I wish the best for him. He really was instrumental in establishing this team as defense-oriented style of play, which was so important when this team stunk.
Kudos to TM and AEG.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@Cynic,
Helloooooo! I’m still waiting for Phil to call me about my ring too
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:33 pm
@DesertKing, I wonder if DL got s regular ring or asked for a pinky ring (mob style)
Ok maybe that was a dumb joke, but I chuckled.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:52 pm
@Cynic, Oh DS made the move all right, but the players lack of results on the PP had most to do with it. The players and Coupon are the ones taking the heat of this event coming to a head. DS just did what obviously needed to be done.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:52 pm
@Cynic,
+5…buddy…:)
[Reply]
hockey junkie Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:10 pm
@Cynic,
Someone at the parade or gm 6 was bashing Anshutz … i turned around and told him “REALLY! We just won the cup, stop complaining!!”
He has given DL and the team everything it took to get the Cup. Some people are never happy!!
I AM WE GOT THE CUP!!!
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 5:58 pm
@Cynic, It WAS a really classy move. I don’t think to much of TM as a overall good coach, but man does HE KNOW defense!!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 11:04 pm
@Cynic, If anything he is letting DS bask in the credit that will come down the blogosphere for firing Kompon. I would also be alarmed if the GM is meddling in the Coaching Staff especially after a Stanley Cup Winning Season.
[Reply]
OK…So in addition to playing in TM’s system and dealing with a divorcing gold digger, Dustin Penner played with a bad wrist, uh?
In my book, that exonerates him from the regular season sub-performance, specially after his monster contributions during the playoffs. Bring him back along with a healthy Gagne and we’ll go deep again.
GO KINGS!!
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:12 pm
@Gustavo,
I don’t really care if Penner is back or not! The wrist thing, my back thing, out of shape thing, it just goes on & on…
Lot people think Penner did great in the playoffs, I for one think if it wasn’t for Carter & Richards, Penner would of been sub-par! When King was on that line he scored big goals too! Why we even care about him! Carter was more of a star then him, in coming through when we needed those big goals and winning us 3 games in playoffs
Sorry all, I just don’t feel he’s a major loss, King has the size and strength like Penner! King has speed to drive to the net & get ready for whatever JC & MR need him to do!
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:39 pm
@Sammuch,
I disagree. I think there were nights when Penner carried that line. Carter was not on his game for the first two rounds of the playoffs, and if you look at when Penner’s points came, they were in big moments. Two of his goals were game winners (one of them a series winner in overtime). He set up Voynov’s goal in St. Louis that stopped the Blues’ momentum in Game One when they looked like they might run them right out of the building, and he set up Carter on a great play on his first goal in Carter’s hat trick game. He beat out a couple of icing calls in key moments in the Final, and he was more reliable in his own end on breakouts than Carter was (don’t know why, but Carter seems to have trouble receiving breakout passes cleanly).
Also, listening to his interviews, I think he was one of the voices of experience in the locker room that helped them contain the emotion and momentum swings during the last two rounds. He’d been their before, and yet he consistently said that he knew that the best advice was to tell the guys that they have to remember to enjoy this moment and make it last for all it was worth. I think that goes a long way to keeping the more inexperienced guys from getting too caught up in the moment and letting the pressure overwhelm them.
Do I think he should get a ton of money? No. I just think he’s earned a little more consideration than you’re giving him.
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:48 pm
@KingMe20,
I agree to point! Penner played well, but he will go back to underperforming again!
Sutter is not that type of coach who does not know what you are getting in a 82 game season! Again, I don’t care if he stays or goes… I think King will be better in a 82 game season then Penner by faaaaaaar!
luc20rules Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 11:08 pm
@KingMe20, I agree, but would go with a 1 year contract and not more than 3.2 mil/yr that Stoll got.
Gustavo Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:05 pm
@Sammuch,
In addtion to closing out Phoenix in OT, look closer at a lot of goals made the 2nd line during the playoffs, Penner was instrumental in keeping his massive body in front of the goalie or a defender, which opened the space and angle for others to shoot and score.
If he under performs again once he is healthy, there is plenty of time and opportunity to replace him before the trading deadline.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:54 pm
@Sammuch, I’m not one for excuses either, but talented big bodies don’t come around all that often. Especially one’s that want to be part of the Kings. I hope it gets done.
[Reply]
Zuggyfan Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:05 pm
@KC23, I really hope so too. Penner was a huge piece of puzzle that finished the second line.
danny ingamells Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:28 pm
@Sammuch, hey, I hear that Rick Nash is still available…could you imagine him? I don’t know how in the world he would make it over here, and then there is Gagne- and I wonder if he is okay with his concussion and all.
Nonetheles, Pens was doing quite well and looked better in the playoffs than regular season. Bobby Ryan was not too chipper either.
Don’t hurt to dream, don’t it?
[Reply]
TIm James Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 6:58 pm
@danny ingamells, Rick Nash had the opportunity to come west at the trading deadline and was pretty emphatic that he did not want to be in LA. Now that we are defending Cup champs, why would we want to break up a significant portion of the team to accommodate him? Let someone else take on his contract and personality.
MmmmYummy Reply:
June 24th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
@Sammuch, Penner’s got a soft touch and King is just learning how to use ‘em…if he ever does. Penner is more power forward material too but King may catch up to Penner’s PF potential. King is more “energetic”
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:49 pm
@Gustavo, I wouldn’t say exonerates him, he earned his keep and respect in the SCP and SCF’s.
If you asked me 3 months ago if I would be saying keep him I might have slapped you, but now I am singing a different tune.
Fix him up, and get him a one year deal at a home town discount.
If he can play solid, keep him.
BUT more importantly, only if it doesn’t interfere with resigning Quick.
[Reply]
Seems A Good Fellow Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:12 pm
@Gustavo, like DL said regarding Stoll signing, its not about numbers. If Penner is brought back it will all depend on what he is looking for money wise. I don’t think Penner is going to take a significant pay cut to resign. That said, we have depth in the organization and we need his 4mil+ cap space to resign Quick which is obviously the bigger priority.
[Reply]
danny ingamells Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:31 pm
@Seems A Good Fellow, hey there hi there ho there! You are not going to replace the pancake man with anyone we have in the system, and I think only Gagne is the only solution if he can play without a headache or really- what does he look like now?
we cannot expect Gagne to play like he did before the injury…
[Reply]
Hackwoods Reply:
June 24th, 2012 at 12:02 am
@danny ingamells, Clifford can fill those skates easily. Production-wise, no problem, especially in the regular season. Skating, easy. Pluck recovery, simple. Checking, absolutely. Defense, with out a doubt. Front net presents, work in progress but doable. With Stoll’s signing, Cliffy and Richardson are battling for the 4th line if Gagne returns, and Cliffy is 1/4 the cost of Pens and 7 years younger. It is a no brainer.
Sammuch Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 6:26 pm
@Seems A Good Fellow,
I agree, how much do all of you think Pens worth!?? His his is about the cash $$$$$$$$$. He left the Ducks b/c of the cash!!!
If Penner wants to sign 1 year at 3mil Ok! More years say 2 years, 2.5 mil that’s it!
Signing QUICK is the real #1 issue… Do any of us want to lose Q b/c of Pens crappy year! To his Good playoff run he had!!!?????
[Reply]
I hope pumper gets the assistant job! I know Sutter would want him, but it’s really up to Pumper wanting to work full time or not!?
Come on Pumper we want to see the Pumper Nick again…
On the draft, they got a great Russian player was surprised he was still available! This guy will be a great 2-way player by 23 and he can fight, hit and knock your socks offf!
Tanner I’m on the feance still… If he goes back to juniors as overage, I wil not have faith he was a good pick! Sutter kid would have been better! But if Tanner goes to AHL & can put up over 50pts and play 2-way hockey he could be good! But that’s all he be just good! Stoll type player, might be a good replacement 3 years from now!
We shall see, if it was the correct pick or not, Sutter kid was the pick for me at 30!
[Reply]
James Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:09 pm
@Sammuch, Tanner can go to Barrie (OHL) and get more experience, as the Kings have lots of prospects.Kings core is locked up so he wont get NHL time for atleast 2 more seasons.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:51 pm
@Sammuch,
i just don’t think bernie wants it…i think he’s really comfortable in his role…plus, it’s gonna be ds who decides jk’s replacement…i’m sure sutter will ask and/or consider bernie, but i think he respectively turns him down….
[Reply]
broncokings Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 7:22 pm
@variable, Doubt this is possible but maybe Gretz? For pp coach
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 10:09 pm
@broncokings,
nah…
gtrez needs to settle his dispute with the coyotes before he gets back into hockey…and those issues seem like they’re taking longer than they should…
plus, i think he’s got his hands full with his texting daughter…:)
the interview shows how much DS and TM do talk about moves…..also a different take on TM…To me he held the team back..he made hockey boring for me(and I was spending money to be entertained)I know he taught the team defense but at the cost of almost having DL losing his job…If the team had gone any longer with TM as coach…TM and others would all be out of a job…a stubborn man who didnt want to change….TM’s coaching also cost us losing some good young talent(Purcell,Moulson,etc)cause they didnt play his style.The ending was great but another week of TM and it wouldve been a sad story…
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@neil,
I so agree!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:44 pm
@neil,
\/ Reply to you appears below \/
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:45 pm
@neil, You also said after game 5 that Lewis was the problem during our SC losses.
Defense won us this Stanley Cup
[Reply]
neil Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:15 pm
@Lake Forest, That was the OTHER neil…His has capital N. Maybe the insiders can be like actors…only one name allowed. I LIKE Lewis.If he could score just 10 to 15 goals per year i would be happy..as he is now…a very big piece of our team !!!!
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:57 pm
@neil, I apologize for the mix up. It’s why I changed mine to Lake Forest. Chris was too common
Edward Reply:
June 24th, 2012 at 8:15 am
@neil, I LOVE Lewie…..case in point, he was the one who forced the Hamhuis turnover at the blue line that led to Stollie’s OT and series winner in Vancouver. Goals are a bonus for Trevor, but I feel he had a monster Stanley Cup series. I look forward to seeing him keep up the great work in 2012-13.
KingMe20 Reply:
June 24th, 2012 at 8:43 am
@neil,
I too am a Neil. Far easier to go with a nickname.
goldielocks Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 4:37 pm
@Lake Forest,
Wasn’t it me???
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
June 24th, 2012 at 12:05 am
@neil, yep no question would have been a absolutle disaster if kept murray any longer easy to say after the fact but getting sutter was DL biggest and best move obviously getting carter was big as well but would not have mattered at all if murray was still coach. love ya lombardi love ya lol
[Reply]
Lombardi, I am pretty awesome with some intangibles.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 1:47 pm
@Less Returnest
The intangibles slightly outweigh the awesomeness.
I just can’t put my finger on any of them!
[Reply]
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… God love’m, but holy moly… Have the Cliff’s Notes version been released yet?
[Reply]
Itchy Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@mash-ola,
Paragraph by paragraph breakdown for ya amigo.
Stoll and Carter are team players, they wanted to stay and made it easy… DD only cares about loose women and the money he needs to attract them.
Stoll and Greene are glue guys and more valuable than just the numbers they put on box score.
Also, they picked the wrong year to be up for contract negotiations. Zues is the king (pun intended) of picking dry free agent years though.
Penner’s got a hurt wrist… probably from where is ex-wife slapped it in the divorce hearings. He’s also a tubby monkey and better not use his wrist as an excuse not to work out. They’ll talk about ellipticals and stationary bikes within a week.
Kompon was giving Sutter funny looks in the showers after games and snapped his towel a little too hard. Once the uh-oh feeling was out in the wild, it couldn’t be caged again.
We don’t know who’ll replace him.
Mr. AEG called Terry “Murph” Murray to tell him to come pick up his bro hug and champion ring. Everybody misses him and his defense first foundation. Also wished him luck as the flyer’s minor league coach.
And now you…
[Reply]
Personally, I’d like to see Penner brought back. Regardless of his regular season, his size and skill set proved quite valuable in our Cup run. To me, it’s more than the points. He is so big, he really creates a problem for other teams to match up with. They have to spend time and effort against him, and I really think that overall, it helps create more space for everyone else in the line up.
But how much realistically will it take to keep him? How much would you spend? Personally, I think there are plenty of desperate teams out there looking for the size and skill to compete with the Kings, that would take a chance on the big guy. So how much is enough, and how much is too much to keep him? Personally, I think it will have to be something between 2.5 to 3 million a year, realistically, for a one or 2 year deal, for him to stay. I’m sure he won’t get 4 mil from another team, but I’m sure someone may offer him at least 3. I’d do it for sure at 2.5, maybe even 2.75. What say you, realistically?
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:14 pm
@PP Anybody?,
I say there are a lot of teams with a lot of money to spend. and some of them have GMs under pressure to bring proven offense reinforcements (Gills, Burke, Howson to name a few)
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:02 pm
@PP Anybody?, I agree with 2.5 or even 3 million if it’s a 1 year deal. We won’t have any cap problems next year so it wouldn’t bother me at all to see him get 3 million, just as long as it’s a one year deal.
[Reply]
@neil,
Then again, if I were paying just to be entertained, I would be a Flyers fan.
So it’s an interesting move on their part to bring TM back into the organization.
They clearly recognize that hell-for-leather hockey is not the way of the present, nor the way to the future.
Certainly, after 29 games this season the Kings were spinning their wheels, but if one ignores the foundation and structure that TM was instrumental in building one ignores the facts.
Now, after Philly West has come to fruition, things come full circle and Holmgren starts to (re)assemble a Kings East, apparently.
Good move?
If they can find the perfect medium the Kings found, they could eventually become the preeminent force in the East.
I’m not doubting TM’s ability to help being them along for a moment!
[Reply]
this might have been the shortest length of answers dl has ever given RICH….
i must admit, i had to re-read the “stoll drop-off” question a couple of times because of dl’s ability to use the terms “firstly” and “secondly” in almost every answer…this time he used secondly twice and my head spun a little bit….
the penner situation is so interesting to me…
- they know he’s gonna need wrist surgery….
- they know that there’s a probability that his fitness level during this time might drop off due to the surgery…so they need (dl and ds) to discuss whether or not they believe he will put the effort in to improve his cardio during that time….
- the jk explanation is a valid one….but i’m not so sure that dl’s reasoning was solely the reason why he was let go…
- i knew tm would get a ring…i just knew that anschutz would do the classy, right thing…i’m starting to gain a tremendous amount of respect towards him…even though he’s quiet, (and in my opinion, that’s exactly how an owner should be – in the background…not a george steinbrenner), he’s effective… and as a fan, that’s all you should care about when it comes to ownership – their commitment to winning and how they represent the organization…and in my book i agree with CYNIC’S take on pa…
- i don’t think pumper wants the job,,,i think he;s really happy in the role he’s in…i compare his role to the one nelson emerson had a few seasons back…plus, the way he was involved this year worked out perfectly for the team…it’s not that i don’t think bernie’s incapable, i just think he enjoys what he;s doing right now so much that he doesn’t want to make that leap yet…and i also believe ds will bring in his own man…dl is completely right on that point…
- and as far as letting tm go back to flyers – good for him…who knows…? if lavy comes out of the gate biting the bit, he might just get the call up…philly west/la east will always be alive…
[Reply]
Interesting feature article in new Sports Illustrated about Kings winning the cup but mainly about Doughty. The guy mentioned the contract negotiations and speculated that the wounds from that may never heal. Of course, he’s no expert, but that would be a pity if it were the case. I think several years gives that time to heal hopefully.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@number 6,
Perhaps, but you see what Deano said above?
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:28 pm
@number 6,
6…
glad to see you back on here…:
re: doughty and the wounds/contract talks…
he has to get over it…it was he very first time he’s experienced the business side of the league…it happens to the best of them…hall of fame players, too….
if you really want to see a player get their feeling hurt, just witness what goes on during a salary arbitration hearing…that’s when it gets really, really UGLY…
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:38 pm
@number 6, Remember the last guy who did that to Lombardi in a similar situation lost Lombardi his job. Lombardi got the Cup this time, so I think time will heal this one.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:25 pm
@number 6, Winning cures a lot things. DD continues to prove he is worth the 7 mil/year and DL should feel a whole lot better about things. Should be real interesting to see how DD does next year. DD has a gold medal and cup, my guess he’s thinking about getting that Norris.
[Reply]
Itchy Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 4:05 pm
@KC23,
He needs to change conferences then… Hey Duncz, oh no he didn’t!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 24th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
@Stitchy,
I agree!
Western Conference players have no chance of winning this award due to the fact that the vast majority of the voters (Professional Hockey Writers Assn) are East Coast biassed, go to bed early, and don’t watch West Coast hockey even at the best of time (pretty much like all the GMs)!
I have learned these truisms from religiously reading the irreverent posts of some of our more fraternicidal bretheren!
DD would respond a lot better at say New York Rangers where Tortazilla would command his respect by ensuring he never watches TV during 1st period intermissions again!
It is clear DS has absolutely no influence over this kid whatsoever!
Itchy Reply:
June 25th, 2012 at 10:02 am
@Duncz,
Good to see you wising up, coming around and going with the flow.
We all know the real reason the games in the final round were all at 5PM… can’t expect anybody from the east to stay up late and watch hockey, even if it is for The Cup. (still joshing ya) Haha
OK, I hope we keep Penner, lets say two year deal on a discount.
Still gotta see what is happening with King and Parse too.
Then we have training camp tryouts, might get a few invites, we shall see.
Next year (Maybe this too) is my worry,
Quick… UFA 1.8m Obviously getting a bump in pay. Cap is my worry
Bernier (RFA 1.25m)
Scuds (UFA 3.4m)
Richardson (UFA 1.1m)
Gagne (UFA) 3.5)
Drewski (UFA 616k)
Cliffy (RFA 870k)
Lewis (RFA 725k)
Nolan (RFA 531k)
Voynov (RFA 816k)
Martinez (RFA 737k)
The Kings Flyers connections keep getting depper, glad TM is getting a ring, he did a lot to get us where we are. I dont mind Kompon leaving, He has a cup on his resume and will do fine. I hope we get some Kings Alumni replacement
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:49 pm
@Mars,
i guess i’m playing offense in regards to the penner situation today – all apologies….
one year at $2.5ish is acceptable to me…sorry for my redundancy today…:)
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:19 pm
@variable, That sounds reasonable. max 3 STRONG MAX. One or two year deal. I only say two in case he does well, that way we are not trying to resign him on the Quick year. Along with the others I mentioned. Penner is replaceable on the visable side, not sure what he brings to the locker room and morale. Cause if its one, Penner vs Quick, Scuds, Gagne, and the others, I would take the others. Penner does need to fight for his spot.
I am more worried about keeping King than Penner though, I dont know what to say about Parse though, missing a year and all, not sure what he is worth.
All that said, we are getting deep, training camp will show us whats up. It should be the best camp we have seen ever. HUGE competition. I hope we get a couple of invites like we did last year with Gagne. Make em all really fight for it.
[Reply]
Cav Pilot Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 5:57 pm
@Mars, As I’ve stated before, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if some other team hands King an offer sheet that DL just can’t compete with. That’s totally within the realm of reality.
CheezyPoofs Reply:
June 25th, 2012 at 7:50 am
@Mars, Parse is gone. There is no reason why the Kings should keep a guy that has shown very little over the past few years in LA. I understand that he was injured for the majority of that time, but there are much better players in the system right now than Parse. Let him go.
Gagne is one bump away from not playing anymore, and other teams know this. He’s got one year left on the contract with LA, and if his noggin gets hurt one bit he won’t play professionally any more.
Richardson is on the fringe. If he can bring his speed and pot a few goals, he’s def worth being on the 3rd/4th line. He’s not going to get much higher than what he is now. If he asks for a payday (not talkin candy bars here), let him walk.
Wiskey is replacable. 7th d-man is a tough spot to be in. He’s really usefull, but unfortunately he’s better than the A at this point but not good enough to crack the Show. Muzzin could fill his skates easily.
Scuds and King are the only two what warrant more thought than the sentences above. Quick’s contract will determine who stays and who goes.
Personally, I think that keeping Penner for one more year and having him mentor King would be optimal. I know people will think I’m nuts for this, but they’re similar players with similar natural skillsets. Letting King simmer a bit on the 3rd line to fill Penner’s skates on the 2nd line in 13-14 is what I envision for the future.
Voynov and A-Mart will go to arbitration next year. Hopefully the Kings will have one or two puck moving d-men to fill the voids if/when they leave or are shipped out two years later, because we all know this is what happens when a player goes to arbitration with DL.
Cliffy and Nolan are good 3rd/4th liners, but they’re replacable as well.
Lewis is the only RFA that I’m worried about. I hope he signs a 3-4 year deal and doesn’t go to arbitration.
So for those who don’t understan cheezypoof-ese, Quick is obviously the priority this year and doesn’t really need any explanation of why. King and Scuds are hard to replace and should be signed. Voynov, A-mart and Lewis are really tough pieces to lose as well. Hope things work out contract wise.
[Reply]
A bit of Penner history. He always shines in playoffs. The higher his team goes, the better he seems to do. Then comes the regular season, a financially fat rewarding contract along with attached higher expectations. Edmonton bribed him away from Anaheim after 2007, and Dustin disappointed Oil Country in every aspect. He was called out in the press by a frustrated Coach MacTavish. Eventually he was traded away…
Here Penner again raised hackles through substandard performance…until the playoffs came around. Gratefully, we all know what happened again when Dustin sensed there would be champagne bubbles foaming inside the Cup. Again in Southern CA, but a different locker room. Another “first-win” team.
This guy has a great attitude about everything negative in his life. As a Duck bad things beaded up & rolled off his back like water; as a King he rose up higher & proved sticks, stones, pucks & bad names wouldn’t hurt him. So what should the Kings front office do with a guy like him? A big presence on ice, positive in locker room…offer him a pay cut on the next contract but include incentives–and make sure somebody keeps him conditioned so he’s useful to the team during the regular season. Not just the playoffs.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:41 pm
@Marty4Ever, That take is pretty consistent with my view as well.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:47 pm
@Marty4Ever,
if pens can accept a one year, $2.5ish mil deal, then fine, re0sign him….
however, the wrist injury now becomes a factor and his off-season conditioning is still a concern of both dl and ds….
so i’m glad ds and dl will sit down and talk about their feelings towards pens and be perfectly honest with one another whether or not we are the right place for him…and whether or not he can fit in to our long-term plans or just becomes a stop gap, as we wait for prospects to rise to the nhl-level…
[Reply]
The King I want to see locked in a 3-yr deal is Dwight King.
[Reply]
src Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:32 pm
@Marty4Ever,
YEP!!!!! King has pushed Cliffy to the bench or 4th line depending upon Penner outcome. King showed loads of top 6 potential.
[Reply]
Bonvivant Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 8:10 pm
@src, King is not ready for a top 6 role. I don’t think he’s that dynamic a play maker to play against teams top 4. He’s fit in just right on the 3rd line.
[Reply]
also….
this was the first time in awhile that dl discussed the quick situation…and that’s really the most important issue to resolve or at least know something will be done…i can’t see dl go after any major free agents before he knows what quick wants…
i think you can forget about obtaining parise for a lot of reasons…the first one to me is that louie doesn’t want to let him go…and whatever detroit or philly offers him, louie will find a way to keep him…he’s not gonna let him walk away…
the other reason is simply the amount of players the kings could carry making over $5mil annually….i don’t care who you are but having 5-7 $5+ million players on the roster makes things dicey come there ufa year…and you don’t want to have two or three of those guys going ufa on the same season…the only team who could afford so many expensive players is the yamkees…and as we all know, this ain’t baseball…
i think ray whitney will get a call from deano once the quick contract extension is understood….
in regards to the draft picks: pearson is the guy i’d be looking at….the other picks – who knows…?….they all have a certain degree of upside…but whether or not that translates to the nhl-level and whether or not they can handle the speed of the game is always an issue…
and bravo to dl for not selecting a goalie…:)
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:27 pm
@variable, I agree on Praise, We dont have the space with Quick’s contract coming up, plus next tear we have a lot to resign too. The only way I could see us getting anyone else big is if we get them cheaper than they should be just to be on a cup contender team. And I dont see many if any guys doing that. (see my next year comment above)
I havent been on the Praise wagon, I have believed we had most of what we needed all along, the two I wanted to see let go were. (Moreau and Hunter) I was not a Penner fan but MARTY4EVER above put his situation best. I would like to keep him, but it needs to be lower.
I am happy we kept Stoll, I was hoping for less, but after hearing DL’s second thought on it, it was a great call and money well spent. We dont see any of that (HEY NHL do a 24/7 on the Kings) goes on behind the scenes.
If I were a player, and a good one, to a Caliber of Brown, Kopi, MR, JC, the ones everyone wanted like Richardson, Praise, Kovalchuk etc. I would take less to be on a cup contender big time. And I think that was my peeve with DD’s price, I mean look at DB, that is how it should be, if you want to be on a team to compete hard year after year.
As for this years selection, I am glad they didnt get a goalie too, I was hoping to see more offensive pic vs defense, but I am not shocked either.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:41 pm
@Mars,
it’s hard taking less for any player due to a few reasons…:
- the nhlpa doesn’t like that at all…they feel it empowers the owners instead of the players, whom are the products….
- the best of the nhl players only get a few times to be a ufa…and that’s being liberal when i say “a couple of times”…agents also get in the way…it’s a very similar situation to the housing crisis we are experiencing…
when a bank sends the appraiser to estimate the value of the house, they are always are gonna go higher than the last house that was sold with the same model…and before you know it, in six months, the same house you bought at $300K has already been inflated to $500K…and then the market ends up out-pricing themselves, limiting peeps who can actual afford the investment…
now luckily, in the nhl, there are no freddie mac or fannie mae’s or short/long arms to deal with…
but…the hardest thing for all owners in professional sports is to police themselves…it’s almost inevitable that these worlds collide during any cba discussions….estimated worth vs. estimated incoming revenue and the players share of such, when it’s discussed between the parties, usually goes over like a world war during the preliminary talks…
when they actually sit down and talk, two things will definitely be changed and they will only effect the players…:
- no way the players are getting 57% of revenue sharing this time around…
- and there’s very little chance of team’s ever utilizing the “long-term contract” salary cap loop hole that has been so popular since the last cba talks….
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:21 pm
@variable, oh I agree. The % will change.
I am wondering how the cap will be affected too.
It is going to be an interesting summer.
Personally I cant wait for training camp.
KC23 Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:29 pm
@variable, Pairse did not impress me in the finals one bit. Not worth what he’ll be asking imho.
[Reply]
Mr. Anshutz is a class act. Kompon is a great guy but they need someone that can better their power play as well as be more creative with the offensive system. There is no better Defense in the league… Penner should sign for considerably less and have a performance bonus…3 years 2.5 million and a bonus for 15 goals, 20 goals, 30 goals…if that doesnt motivate him then you go out and get a big body to bang for that kind of $$.
[Reply]
ESPN NHL – Flyers trade LW James van Riemsdyk to Maple Leafs for D Luke Schenn.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 2:44 pm
@Subby, All the time Leafs fans dreamed of both Schenns on their team, and they both end up in Philly!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:30 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I think both Schenn’s are over rated. Especially Luke.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:00 pm
@Subby,
now that’s an interesting deal…
i thought murray was in love with schenn…
i guess that romance is ov-a…(!)
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:13 pm
@Subby, Those two teams had been talking about that trade since the trade deadline. Wonder what happened to finally make the trade happen?
[Reply]
tbjohnson24 Reply:
June 24th, 2012 at 9:23 am
@Subby, JvR seems over rated. Watched him play at UNH, he was always short shifting and did lots of gliding. The few games I have seen him play on TV haven’t done much to change my opinion.
[Reply]
I have no problem with the reasons Kompon is being replaced,The ability to choose your own coaches is pretty much standard in all sports. Just like when Lombardi took over and brought in his own guys he knew and trusted.
[Reply]
In my my 43 years of following the Kings I have never felt so confident of having a long-term winning team as I do now. I must thank Mr. Anschutz for his patience and strong leadership. He’s let his executives do their jobs without interfering. Dean Lombardi has built, and continues to nurture an enduring, winning organization.
I remember cringing when Jack Kent Cooke allowed other NHL clubs to pick his pockets, emptying them of first round draft picks and filling JKC’s pockets with over-the-hill vets.
A powerful confidence, a strong will to win, and impeccable team work has been infused in our Kings by Coach Sutter and his staff. Long live our Los Angeles Kings!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 5:59 pm
@ForumBluenGold, Very well stated. Succinct, and right to the point.
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 6:16 pm
@ForumBluenGold, I agree, confidence with fans are strong as far as longevity with having good teams, but I can honestly say the Kings held their own during the early times when the playing field was less then equal.
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
June 24th, 2012 at 1:48 am
@ForumBluenGold, JKC had his pockets picked because he trusted an idiot, who was our first GM….still can’t bring myself to mention his name….
[Reply]
Wow nice comments finally remember back
when fans DL wanted him gone what a few
months and a cup will do
It took a while but I think LA is finally on the
Map for hockey!
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Say what youn want about Penner’s season, but with Penner it’s NOT about season it’s about the play-offs. He doesn’t use his size in the usual manner, but he does utilize it when he has the puck. He can barrel “to the paint” and force his way to the center because he’s so big.
It’s all about INTANGIBLES in the Stanley Cup. At this level most teams eventually even out so intangible is the X factor that eventually gives you the cup.Yay for Stoll and Fraser; intagibles.
Bobrovsky trade: Interesting what the Flyers intent is in goaltending? Is Bernier going there as I type this? I still think keep bernier. You don’t know, maybe Quick might have a sub – par performance later in the season, maybe get injured, but a team can’t take forgranted having TWO good quality goalie.
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 6:12 pm
@rogiesbackup, I’d rather have a good problem with a pair of goalies versus a back up like a La Barbera. We NEED TWO goalies but ONE starter.
[Reply]
Kompon gone, YES!!!! Kings PP gonna be real good now.
[Reply]
Rich,
Is there any way to find out what Lombardi’s thoughts are on where some of the draftees will play? It seems like the theme for this draft was overagers, so guys like Tanner Pearson or Colin Miller will more than likely play for Manchester, right?
The one guy that interests me is Nikolay Prokhorkin. I know he doesn’t have a KHL contract, so he’s eligible to be in the CHL import draft. It kinda sucks you weren’t able to ask Lombardi about where Prokhorkin would wind up or whether he could go straight to the AHL (a la Slava Voynov 2 years ago).
Thanks
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 11:13 pm
@AK47, With you on Tanner Pearson, but don’t think Colin Miller goes to the Monarchs. He may start with Ontario he would definatly get more minutes there. Monarch D has Hickey, Muzzin, Campbell, Desularies, Mullen, … I just don’t see minutes for Miller that will need playing time to improve.
[Reply]
Forget about Penner. Let’s not waste money on him, instead let’s go after Parise!
[Reply]
Scott Reply:
June 24th, 2012 at 10:56 am
@Kingsfan11, You’re right on Penner. I doubt LA will be able to sign him. Although he did have a few important Playoff goals, it’s tough to forget how miserable he was during the season. I’m sure some dumb team like the Rangers will look at those few playoffs moments and offer him the 4-5 million he’ll be looking for. LA will probably offer him 2mil/year for 3 or 4 years, which is more than what he’s worth.
Also, why pick up Penner for 2-3 million a year when an AHL All-Star is available. LA should offer Brett Sterling a 2 year $2mil deal to play in his hometown and on the 2nd line (assuming LA can’t land Parise — there are like 6 teams after him). Sterling scored 30-32-62 in 73 games last year on two AHL teams. In his first year in the AHL he put up 55-42-97 in 77 games. Why not take a risk on a snipper like that who can play with two playmakers like Richards and Carter?
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
June 24th, 2012 at 11:35 am
@Scott, Has Brett Sterling said he is going to test free agency. St Louis has until July 1st to sign him. Penner if signed by the Kings likely will be a 1 or 2 year contract at about what Stoll signed. I doubt it gets done though as I agree some other team will drastically over pay him. DL is using the wrist injury to delay negotiations, but really after July 1st I don’t think we will be in the same ballpark with Penner’s expectations. I also think some team will overpay for Sterling(not that young 28) the cap went up like 6 million from last year leaving lots of teams with money and not a lot of players to spend it on. Also AHL is the AHL Penner’s best year in the AHL was with Anahiem’s Portland Bt Pirates 57 games 39 G 49 A 87 Pts. It is also hard to figure out how so many teams have given up on/traded this Sterling with that much success at the AHL level for 6 years and why hasn’t he stayed in the NHL at 5-7 175lbs doesn’t really fit our forechecking style.
[Reply]
TM deserves that ring. He earned it. No way the Kings win the cup without the defensive system instilled by TM. Might be unlikely but it would be amazing to get him back with the club as an AC, but I would imagine a head coaching job is still high on his priorities..
[Reply]
Penner played nasty in the playoffs, he had an edge and he got 9n peoples faces. HIS ROLE changed, no more pressure to net goals, he got oof his ass and hoofed it. He can do the job, the question is will he. 2 year deal mazx at the numbers Stoll got and i say we come back with everyonme and win number two.
[Reply]