Penner talks about staying with Kings

Dustin Penner participated in a conference call this afternoon, shortly after he signed a one-year, $3.25-million contract to stay with the Kings…

Question: What was the process like for you? You had talked about wanting to return, but did you talk to other teams or were you confident this would get done?

PENNER: ”We had talked about it a while before the start of free agency occurred. We actually had talked yesterday and there was a deal in principle, so I never got to free agency. My mindset was, I wanted to be on a championship team. In the past, when I was in Anaheim, I kind of flew the coop early. I didn’t get to be part of a championship team the following year, which is something that delayed my signing of the offer sheet (with Edmonton), because I wanted to be part of that. It’s a great organization here with the Kings, great people and I have great teammates. The fans have been unbelievable, and I wanted to be a part of that for another year.’’

Question: Dean mentioned the other day that you might need a procedure done on your wrist. Is everything OK there?

PENNER: ”Yeah. It hasn’t affected my golf game that much, but it’s still something that affects hockey, and I’ll probably have to get something done in the near future.’’

Question: But it’s nothing that would impact you for training camp?

PENNER: ”No, barring a head-on collision, I think I’ll be OK.’’

Question: Someone in your situation could have received a multi-year deal on the open market. Was that something you weighed in your mind, or were you comfortable coming back and kind of having another ‘prove-it’ year?

PENNER: ”I knew there were probably other teams that would have offered me more than a year. Like I said, I had taken the blue pill last time. This time, I wanted to take the red pill, if you follow The Matrix trilogy at all. So, I wanted to see what it was like to be back on a team that I won a championship with. It’s a great opportunity for myself, personally, to have the year I’ve wanted to have as a King. Last year wasn’t anywhere near people’s expectations, and especially my own. I look forward to having that opportunity to redeem myself further.’’

Question: What did it mean to you to win the Stanley Cup for a second time?

PENNER: ‘’It meant a lot from a couple different angles. There was that part of redemption, from that season and from the last season, losing to San Jose. Being able to win a second Cup, not a lot of guys get a chance to win one and I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of two special teams. When you win that second Cup, you really get a better grasp and understanding of what it means. Sometimes you take that first one for granted, if you win it early. I didn’t know if I’d ever win a second one, and now that I’ve won a second one, I want a third one. That’s in my mind now.’’

Question: What was the experience like playing on that line with Richards and Carter?

PENNER: ”We started to develop some pretty good chemistry in the playoffs. I think we obviously have a few more levels to get to, to where we’re clicking on all cylinders and firing on all cylinders. With the talent all three of us have, and the drive to want to get better and be better players and a tougher line to play against, I think the goal and the realistic expectation is to become an even better line next year.’’

Question: What was it like to play for Darryl Sutter?

PENNER: ”Darryl was great. I don’t think you would find anybody who would say one bad word about him from our side. Everybody enjoyed his coaching, and more so his personality. He’s a great person, and that translated into a great coach. He came in there and he was honest with the players. He treated everybody fairly and with respect, and he got the most out of us. So, I had a great time. That was also another contributing factor to me coming back, as well as Dean (Lombardi).’’

122 Comments

  1. Belexes says:

    Welcome back ‘Big Man!

    [Reply]

    pitty Reply:

    @Belexes, I hope he was on the bike or treadmill during the interview and doesn’t get off till training camp. If he gets his cardio going he would be a real hard guy to play against game after game. Love his interviews though seems like a great guy.

    [Reply]

    Verno Reply:

    @Belexes,

    He’s saying all the right things. If he comes back and doesn’t slack it’s a great deal. Doan would have been excellent, but you can’t have everything.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Verno, our seond line is better than most teams firsts!

    [Reply]

    Royal Family L.A. Reply:

    @Stuart, 2nd that…

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Belexes, Great News! Congrats, Dustin I hope you have a monster year. I wonder how long its been since a team repeated with exactly the same players? I know Detroit won back to back, but I bet some player shuffling went on.

    Lets defend the Championship.

    [Reply]

    Elac Reply:

    @Belexes, I think I’ll go to Denny’s and celebrate Pen’s signing with a Grand Slam breakfast. Good to have Pens back.

    [Reply]

  2. Gretzky to Kurri says:

    As always, a class act.

    Sounds ready to get going for next season already.

    Glad to have you back Pens!

    [Reply]

  3. Career year, coming up!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
    Bet you 3.25M … !
    8)

    [Reply]

    rontheking Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    I hope you’re right…could very well be. Last year’s slow start, I think, had to do with so many new players getting used to playing together, figuring out their roles and others’ tendencies….

    [Reply]

  4. StankBloat says:

    Congrats Pens ! Happy to have you back……….Have a monster 2012-13 year !

    [Reply]

  5. letswinthecup2012 says:

    Alright Penns!! Letswinthecup2013!!

    [Reply]

  6. letswinthecup2012 says:

    Hey Rich, can i change my name to letswinthecup2013?? it worked this year ;)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @letswinthecup2012,
    Howzabout, @letswinthecup2012-22
    I like that even better..

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @letswinthecup2012, I guess “@howboutthateffingdynasty!?” is out of the question….

    [Reply]

    McDonalds Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

    lol

    [Reply]

  7. Jon G says:

    Nice. I’m glad we brought him back but without a big commitment.

    [Reply]

  8. Paulhb says:

    I like that he’s hungry for a 3rd cup. He needs to bring that hunger to the rink every night. If he does I think that Penner-Richards-Carter line will lead the Kings in scoring next year. I’ll predict 25 goals & 70 points for Penner next year. He’s certainly got the talent to do it.

    [Reply]

    letswinthecup2012 Reply:

    @Paulhb, i like that

    [Reply]

    Kevin Reply:

    @Paulhb, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Yes, Penner had great chemistry with Carter and Richards during the playoffs, but in twenty games, he scored only three goals (and one was that long empty-netter against St. Louis).

    So really, two goals (although HUGE goals, to win Game 1 vs VAN and Game 5 vs PHX) in twenty games is only an 82-game pace of eight goals. 25 goals might be asking too much. I’ll be happy with 12-16 goals. Although if he improves on his conditioning, hopefully we can get him close to 25.

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Kevin,

    Yeah, 12 -16 goals alright, coupled with, a realistic, 40 to 50 assists. Every goal that MR and JC score will surly have Penner’s involvement in 2/3rds of them. I’ll take 50 to 70 points for that money.

    [Reply]

    Royal Family L.A. Reply:

    @Paulhb, That would ne worth every penny…

    [Reply]

  9. Ragoligist says:

    Congratulations Pens……you deserved a chance to show who you really are……….Look out league this guys on a mission……

    [Reply]

  10. SLIM says:

    Welcome back….There are no more pills to take….
    If you follow the Matrix trilogy at all….
    Can’t wait to see the Penner comments next year….
    Always entertaining…
    Hope he starts putting up the points….
    Got to love the “underdog”…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @SVELTE,
    First he took the blue pill …
    Then he took the red pill …
    So now everything from his mouth is purple …
    That’s the Black & White of it!

    [Reply]

    Shakes Reply:

    @Duncanz, Whoa I see what you did there

    [Reply]

  11. Sammuch says:

    I have to say, that was a great interview by Penner! He just made me a fan of him again, 1st the playoffs and now this!

    Congrats PENNER, now get us 25 pancake goals… :)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Spammuch,
    If I knew were that easy to please …
    8)

    [Reply]

  12. oregon mountain King says:

    So stoked to have you back flapjack!!!!:-D

    [Reply]

  13. Jeff_R says:

    According to Lisa Dillman the Kings believe they are still in the running for Parise.

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Jeff_R, Then he still wants to win the Cup ;)

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), He will have a great shot, possibly the best one, if he chooses us. :) .

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Jeff_R, Should’ve known you would’ve beat me to it. Lets hope he chooses the right pill.

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @CB14, LOL. Yea hopefully he has seen the Matrix.

    [Reply]

    DEH Reply:

    @Jeff_R, I think Jersey is his top pick, as Phoenix is Doan’s first pick, but if those first picks don’t work out I expect they will have serious conversations with us.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Jeff_R, Cracks me up people still thinking we have a shot at Parise. Unbelievable.

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Jeff_R,

    You’re still holding on to that? I think the Quick deal prevented that from happening. I can’t see it without breaking up what was worked so hard on to build.

    [Reply]

  14. John Roy Morgan says:

    I think he needs to keep the beard….

    [Reply]

  15. Jeff_R says:

    Oh and I just want to say congrats to Pens and hope he has an awesome year next season.

    [Reply]

  16. HawKings says:

    Very good move for the Kings. Looking for that line to be even better next season.

    [Reply]

  17. Bama Kings says:

    What a humble guy. It’s this kind of stuff that contributes to my love of hockey vs. other sports. He didn’t perform and he obviously didn’t like how he handled the offer sheet when he was younger. He could have gotten more money, more time. But here’s a guy who wants to prove something, to something better than he did last time.

    I’ve heard people say the money was a bit too much, who cares. He took a cut after winning his second cup and he took a short deal. I think, barring injury, we’re going to see a very special year out of Penner. He deserves it.

    I also am so pumped to see the deals Crosby and Quick took. In an era where dynasty’s are obsolete due to the cap, here are guys who could have made more, but wanted to leave money to build winners. It’s amazing. Crosby, as much money as he is getting paid, isn’t a pay raise at all (cap hit).

    A few years ago we started to see obscene contracts by guys who didn’t deserve it and didn’t live up to it, but “they got theirs.” Then you see MVP’s and team leaders doing what Quick and Crosby did. It’s inspiring.

    Quick, he’s worth more M’s than he agreed to receive. This team is stacked for years to come. I’d love to see Brown renegotiate now and get him locked up too. :)

    The NHL is a special sport.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Bama Kings, You know what has me pumped up? I cant wait to hear your take on Doughty, who’s Ass is currently in a ringer over in Hermosa Beach.

    You have been lighting Doughty up for several seasons now, so I cant wait for the bomb you drop right on his dome!

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @puck73,
    Good memory and good point…
    Let’s hear his take on DD now…
    Curiosity killed the cat.

    [Reply]

    LuckyEleven Reply:

    @Bama Kings, +1

    [Reply]

    Bingram Reply:

    @Bama Kings,

    That’s why I’m a Hockey fan. More importantly a Kings fam from the beginning.

    Go Kings. go!!

    [Reply]

    Coach Mike Reply:

    @Bama Kings, Couldn’t agree more on all comments. Very good.

    [Reply]

  18. Spidey35 says:

    Glad he’s back with that mind set. I look forward to more great Penner quotes this year.

    Should be an interesting year.

    [Reply]

  19. CB14 says:

    The Kings still believe they’re in the hunt for Parise, according to Lisa Dillman. He’s going to think about his choices over night and make a decision tomorrow. Here’s to hoping his decision is different than Brad Richards’ was.

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @CB14, Yes I hope so. Also it looks like the final four teams are Pittsburgh, Philly, Detroit and the Kings. Looks like the decision will come down tomorrow unless something extraordinary happens. This according to Parise/Agent.

    [Reply]

    Bama Kings Reply:

    @Jeff_R, Mackienzie doesn’t have the Kings on that list. He has:

    PHI
    PIT
    DET
    MIN
    NJ

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @Bama Kings, I’m not sure if that was actually a list or if he was just naming teams that were in the rumors.

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @Bama Kings, Bu the Kings themselves have said they haven’t been told they are out of it.

    Bingram Reply:

    @Bama Kings,

    Parise shouldn’t be on the Kings list.

    Go Kings, go!!

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Bingram, Agreed!

  20. plywood says:

    Dustin, can’t tell you how happy your re-signing makes me. Here’s to a huge season for you next5 year.

    [Reply]

  21. CaliforniaKing says:

    Love it!!

    [Reply]

  22. WTF says:

    Really looking forward to what that line can do. Been a long time coming, but we have the talent up from to match the talent on D. We’re are up there with the big boys!

    [Reply]

    Deke'r Reply:

    @WTF, ….we ARE the big boys….

    [Reply]

  23. Jeff Duarte says:

    WELCOME BACK HOME BIG PENNS! NOW PENNER SMASH!!!!!!!

    [Reply]

  24. cup4kings says:

    Welcome back Pancakes!!

    [Reply]

  25. Jeff_R says:

    Detroit signs Mikael Sammuelsson for 2 years and they also sign Jordan Tootoo.

    [Reply]

  26. PP Anybody? says:

    I’m also guessing that with having no Kompon around, we might actually see some better numbers out of Penner this year, too.

    [Reply]

  27. Shotongoal says:

    I’m okay with the Penner signing although the jury is still out on him in my opinion. But, he’s worth it on the one year contract he signed for. Especially when you see what COL gave Parenteau! I’ll take a player like Penner with his playoff experience over someone who has put up numbers with a bottom rung team every day of the week! Whether Parise is still a viable option, who knows but I like where the Kings are right now. This gives Lombardi a lot of room to do things now, during camp, or during the season and at the deadline if necessary.

    [Reply]

  28. George says:

    Welcome back Dustin! I have to admit, being a BIG Colten Teubert fan, that i was pissed when DL traded Colten for you. But after the regular seaon I saw a different Dustin in the playoffs and after reading your conference call it is obvious that you look at things differently than before.

    Plus it is hard to stay mad at a fellow pancake lover!

    Good luck in the upcoming season and go get your 3rd cup!

    [Reply]

  29. plywood says:

    From ALL the Kings comments it truly seems like Sutter is the second coming (at least to hockey)

    [Reply]

    Bingram Reply:

    @plywood,

    So?

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @plywood, Yeah, I noticed that too. We sure got bad information from Calgary fans. This guy is da bomb!

    [Reply]

    Bill M. Reply:

    @KC23, Actually a lot of Calgary fans thought he was a good coach, just a bad GM, which is pretty hard to refute.

    [Reply]

  30. variable says:

    cool for penner…exactly what i thought in terms of term of deal… alil’ more money than i wanted to spend..but i can live with it…

    [Reply]

    iansez Reply:

    @variable, especially since its not your coin, right? )

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @iansez,

    yeppers…you got that right…:)

    [Reply]

  31. Newf says:

    PANCAKES PANCAKES PANCAKES!!!

    yes im drunk. it’s canada day, im allowed. and i’m still celebrating the cup win :D

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Newf,

    It’s never too early for flapjacks!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhEwkNIcHUg

    Please enjoy responsibly :)

    [Reply]

    m.r.morris Reply:

    @Kenny44, Thats one of my favorite movie lines.

    [Reply]

  32. variable says:

    re: parise….

    he’s asking for $24million in salary up front during the next calendar year….

    whhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa……???!!!!

    no way dl goes for something like that….

    i seriously think the kings are kidding themselves if they are gonna sign parise….i can’ iimagine them paying all that money upfront, guaranteed….

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @variable, That is the rumor. However we don’t know exactly what they are asking for. However the fact that they didn’t sign today shows that this is more then just money. He would of signed already if it was all about money. As for whether DL would give a contract like that to Zach? I don’t know. There aren’t many players in the world as talented as Zach so I could see a very select few DL giving a contract like that out.

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @Jeff_R,

    i can’t see dl jeopardizing future payroll considerations…even if the salary is spread out over the term….

    i can’t reiterate enough – the kings could be possibly carrying 6-7 players with salaries well over $5mil+ per year…

    with brown’s deal about to expire soon, you would have to think there’s not as much wiggle room as our cap space suggests…

    it’s gonna be a long week….

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @variable, The only negative, I see to signing Parise short or long term is that it likely means Brown will be moved back to RW at least for 1 year. I don’t think Parise at 6 mil/yr would be too much of a problem. Penner unless he just tears it up would likely not be back in that scenario. It would likely be a decision between resigning Penner and/or Scuderi next year. As it is we are about to loose Brown is under contract for 2 more years. I believe he will get an extension at around 5 mil/yr until he is 40(If the next CBA allows it). I think Brown knows that if he takes a haircut on his contract he has a job for life with the Kings. All he has to do is look at Rogie & Luc, which should be what he is looking for as I think he will live in LA even after retiring. Even with a no trade clause do you think there would be any problem moving Parise after winning a additional championship or 2 in 2 years?

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Jeff_R, NJ has money problems I don’t think they could offer that much, and definately a 10 million signing bonus is out of the question.

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @luc20rules,

    that’s what’s making it very tricky for them -true….

  33. Gustavo says:

    Welcome back Penner!!!

    Great relief to learn his wrist does not need major work done. Keep it wrapped and iced, nevertheless.

    THIS TEAM IS EFFING SICK AND SCAREY!!!!!!

    [Reply]

  34. John Coktostone says:

    Glad Penner is back. 11 points in the Cup run is enough to show he was worth keeping and I am glad to see he was willing to make a sacrifice personally to stay with the Kings. My brother has interacted with Penns a bunch of times and from that and Penn’s own interview comments, this is a guy you want in the room and on the ice. Congrats Dustin Penner!

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @John Coktostone, There is no character issues with Penner a class guy all the way. I think in the regular season he is just too nice a guy and doesn’t go full force fearing he may hurt people. It may not even be a conscious thought, but in the playoffs the competitive desire just overtakes the unconscious desire to not hurt anyone.

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @John Coktostone,

    I didn’t know Penner was Scotch-Romamian! ;)

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @John Coktostone,

    always forget to tell you how i love yr handle…and now i have…:)

    [Reply]

  35. cromartee says:

    I like it. Smart to keep the team intact after what they just ALL did. Wow!

    [Reply]

  36. variable says:

    and i wouldn’t surprised if we make a legitimate run for nash….

    in fact, it’s starting to make much more sense cap-wise and long-term wise….

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @variable, Variable “i can’t see dl jeopardizing future payroll considerations…even if the salary is spread out over the term….

    i can’t reiterate enough – the kings could be possibly carrying 6-7 players with salaries well over $5mil+ per year…”

    Didn’t you just type this 1 minute earlier?

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @luc20rules, Nash has a 9 mil/yr cap hit.

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @luc20rules,

    i didn’t forget that…and obviously, there would be high-priced players going in return….

    just a scenario that i didn’t want to overlook….

    thank you for yr reasonable logic in questioning me on this – very valid….

    but things can happen when you decide o move a combination of assets if you really want someone….

    personally, as of today…I absolutely love where we are at now…

    the kings are the healthiest team in the nhl – and it’s not even close….

    my thought re: nash is really making a statement about how powerful of a position we are in….

    ….but in reality, i go back to my original statement…”i can’t reiterate enough – the kings could be possibly carrying 6-7 players with salaries well over $5mil+ per year…”

    i stand by that statement…

    and if the kings were really, really considering going after parise, nash wouldn’t be out of the realm of “reaches’….

    [Reply]

  37. Duncanz says:

    Barring any “head-on collisions”, Penn’s “golf game should not be affected that much” by surgery or sugary contracts.
    Rumor on Twitter has it he stayed with the Kings mainly to get an invite to the ‘Kopi Charity Classic’ in Slovenia next summer.
    I’m good with this as long as it helps us win another “tin Cup”, as well!

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    i’m more worried about crosby’s next head-on collision….pittsburgh must have put a zillion clauses in that deal…but that was as bold as a move as here is….

    as long as penner doesn’t slip on syrup while putting and gets a groin pull, i’m all for it if he can maintain his fitness…if he can, he could be a 25-30 goal force…:)

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @variable,

    “there is…”

    [Reply]

  38. Bingram says:

    Welcome back, big man. ”No, barring a head-on collision, I think I’ll be OK.’’ if its a head on collison, what happen to the other guy?

    Penns, is perhaps the best ‘Free agent signing’ the Kings could hope for. The young LA kings stay in tack after winning the cup. It doesn’t get any better than that. And based on the current cap there is still room to manover.

    Its time for a SCC repeat.

    Go Kings, go.

    [Reply]

    vinny Reply:

    @Bingram, mike richards beat him up!

    [Reply]

  39. gr81scores says:

    With the team from last season in place, I don’t see a serious need for Parise especially with the money he’ll be asking. I sure as heck don’t want Doan anywhere near our locker room screwing up all our positive vibe.

    [Reply]

    forum to staples fan Reply:

    @gr81scores, +1

    [Reply]

  40. Jack says:

    I am a super happy camper with Pennzoil coming back! I know he will contribute all year round, as long as Carter and Richards don’t do disappearing acts. After having a great year, he could sign a 2 year extension.

    I think I will get a Penner jersey…! ;-)

    [Reply]

  41. SavebyQuick says:

    …and a Matrix fan to boot. Now I’m REALLY sold on this guy. But please, he’s gotta lay off the pancakes a little bit this season.

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @SavebyQuick, If he has that Matrix brain jack on the back of his head. We can upload all the Fight and Hockey Skill programs and he should have 20+ Gordie Howe Hat Tricks next year.

    [Reply]

  42. tellmeY says:

    Signing Penner is a very good move. He is a completely different player since Lombardi and Sutter got a hold of him. He now believes in himself and he feels like he’s home. He is VERY talented. And I think he is going to work very hard the next few months to stay in shape for the back to back!!

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @tellmeY, Actually he didn’t start playing better until he hired a lawyer to remove a Succubus that was draining all his mojo.

    [Reply]

  43. Lake Forest says:

    Again I hope the personal stuff going on was his reason for the poor season (not play offs), hoping for him and us that he does turn it around and plays like he did in the play offs.

    GO KINGS GO!

    [Reply]

  44. KC23 says:

    Should be interesting to see Penner without a divorce and TM in his head.

    That whole second line has something to prove production wise. Richards, Carter and Penner all had an off year scoring wise. What would the King’s be like if they all just had an average year, let alone a good one?

    [Reply]

    Ron Reynolds Reply:

    @KC23,

    I was thinking much the same thing. Richards really struggled after having suffered the concussion, and although Carter’s mere presence appeared to open things up offensively, it took him a while to find his game. Penner, of course, was a head case for most of the regular season. If these guys stay healthy and develop chemistry, look out!

    Congratulations, Pens. You’re a King. You’re a champion. And we love you.

    [Reply]

  45. Hockeydad77 says:

    Pens had a Great Play Off, If he can return to his 30 Goal Plus Big Bodu domination he will have a great season and another great play off run. Welcom bcak Pens!!!

    [Reply]

  46. Mel Powell says:

    I posted my note in another thread about our Rotary Club’s food drive today, kidding that I needed help from Valley Kings fans because I would be away from internet access all day and I needed to get news of signings.

    It worked. :-) THANK YOU to a reader whose name begins with S who stopped by the Sherman Oaks Gelson’s today…found me…and immediately told me she had read the note on this blog and wanted to let me know that the Kings had signed Penner. (And she made a kind donation of food.)

    The Kings rock, and Kings fans rock. (So does Rotary, I’m just saying.) THANK YOU!

    [Reply]

  47. responsible D says:

    Penner is a very likeable guy. He had a tough year between the disappointing performance on ice and apparently difficult personal issues, so it was nice to see some pucks bounce his way in the Cup run and it’s hard not to pull for the guy going into next season.

    I’ll say this about him – there were moments in the later rounds of the playoffs where he showed some really impressive speed, legs flying and that big body barreling down the ice in pursuit of the play. Frankly I had to do a double take because I’m so accustomed to recognizing him by his heavy-legged strides. So Dustin, if you’re reading, here’s one fan’s opinion – make that speed part of your every-day game, and you will do great things in this league. Welcome back to the family, now go out there and make us proud!

    [Reply]

  48. g smith86 says:

    9 days to find out Doan will be still a Yote…61 mill cap…unless trades are made, …no way Doan is signed…and for that matter…no one else of significance will be signed…this is the team that won LA its first cup! And it looks like it will be pretty much intact for next season…and i am OK with that!…Penner was a bust for most of his tenure with the Kings, but played like a man when it counted the most…I won’t call his contract a pay cut…but after what he showed this playoff year, he could have tested the market and probably signed a better deal…I think this one year deal is a win for everyone…he still has to prove himself now…that can only benefit the Kingsand its fans

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  49. Minnesota Kings Fan says:

    Nice to read so many positive comments after a season of vitriol toward Penner. The playoffs really are a time of renewal/redemption. Glad he’s coming back!

    GO KINGS! 2012 Stanley Cup Champions! (I love writing that!)

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  50. IceGuy says:

    IHOP should do the Kings Stack Special.

    Every time Penns gets 3 points in a game, you get a discount for a short stack the next morning.

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    BringbackButchGoring Reply:

    @IceGuy, Uh, has he ever had 3 points in a game for the Kings?

    [Reply]

    IceGuy Reply:

    @BringbackButchGoring,
    Now you see how beneficial this promotion will be for IHOP!

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  51. zulov says:

    LOVE PANCAKES! He is awesome. Our team is awesome. Gonna be an exciting year to watch!

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  52. Oldkingsfan says:

    As many of us were, I was so down on Penner for most of the season. However, during the playoffs, his tenacity and abilities rose to the level of where he CAN play, and needs to on a permanent basis. That he signed for one year tells me he has accepted the fact that he needs to prove and improve himself. Such an athlete is rare, and to see his large countenance planted in front of the opposing goalie brings hope to my heart that Pens, Carts and Richie will be a top NHL productive line.

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  53. DrJoel14 says:

    Good to have you back Big Pen!

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  54. bbb7 says:

    I was against giving Penner a longer contract and am even skeptical towards a one-year deal cause I dont trust his effort.At least if he doesnt perform, that’s it.

    I also think the people who are happy about his return will likely be swearing at him during next season. I would have liked someone with a big frame who actually used it and I dont foresee Penner playing that way consistently next yeart. Hope I’m wrong.

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  55. Sergei Prozacutov says:

    I hope he gets that wrist surgery soon.

    :)

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  56. Real 7 says:

    apparently he’s not as good as I thought, but not bad….

    Dustin Penner ‏@Dustinpenner25

    @Rafcheech21 you are the winner. @ScottieUpshall with an 82 wins the low score but team @Dustinpenner25 @JLupul win the match

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  57. Real 7 says:

    Penner “in recovery” mode at Magic Mountain with escort…..

    https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/2364916019/k94x6p1fbzqocwb0oeuf.jpeg

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  58. jps316 says:

    It’s crazy isn’t it – how many games did we all go to where you were just screaming Penner’s name for bad play – lazy play – just didn’t seem to have it anymore – then you hear he’s going thru personal issues – that Lombardi and then Sutter really embraced him – supported him – and then he turned it around – and suddenly, you’re looking forward to how he’s going to play next – and we’re screaming his name with joy – I know he’s a bit of a clown – but he seems to enjoy being on this team – he seems to now appreciate the opportunity – and I think this next year will be a great one for him – this is why I love sports – goes way beyond the ice, the field or the court – it takes a lot of work and support to get to the level these guys are at – and he seems willing to do it – maybe he just needed a Sutter to believe in him and give him a push – glad he’s back -

    [Reply]

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