Continuing on, here’s the fifth set of “Open Forum” questions and answers…
———-
Decker asked: I’m sure covering this year’s team was a tremendous experience for you, both personally and professionally. What are your top 2-3 experiences/memories from these past few months that you’ll carry with you forever (the good or the bad)? I’m sure there are tons, but I’d love to hear what the experience was like for you as an insider and as a journalist.
Answer: Wow, really good question, and I’m actually glad that you asked. Going through this whole playoff run was sort of a blur, so it’s good to take time to kind of go back through those memories. I don’t know if I could rank them necessarily, but I’ll throw out a few (perhaps chronologically). The first is just the fan reaction to the win. I think I posted this before, but throughout Game 6, there was a fan in the last row of Staples Center who, for nearly the entire game, stood with his hands on top of his bald head. I couldn’t tell you exactly what his emotions were, but he seemed to be so nervous/excited that he could barely contain himself. Then, at the final horn, he jumped up and down and hugged his friend/neighbor. I got to ride down on the elevator with Bob Miller and see him right after the win. I got to be on the ice and see all the families and friends enjoy the win. I got to go to the after-party and see Bob, Jim and Nick enjoy the Cup (I don’t know where Daryl was). I got to go to the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!’’ taping with some very tired/hungover players. The parade will always stand out. It was probably the most joyous, positive thing I’ve ever seen. So many happy people, all getting along and having a great time and celebrating. The noise was unreal. To be able to experience, and chronicle, all of those things was so memorable and enjoyable.
—–
BringbackButchGoring asked: Do you have any knowledge of whether the players read this blog at all, and if they do, do they mostly just laugh at how idiotic we are? Also curious if DL has ever taken even one suggestion from any of the experts on this board. I would ask if DS ever read this but I think we all know the answer to that question…
Answer: I believe I gave an answer earlier as to players reading the blog. As for Lombardi implementing any suggestions, I hate to burst anyone’s bubble but I seriously, seriously doubt it. From time to time, we will ask me about reaction to certain news/topics, but I highly doubt that an NHL general manager is ever being guided by a blog.
—–
Joey Drillings asked: You get a ring? Day with the cup? Is the NHL DVD different than the one the Kings put out? Who is closer Toffoli or Andreoff? Martin Jones ready?
Answer: No; no; yes; it’s close, and might depend on whether the Kings needed a second-line player (Toffoli) or third- or fourth-line player (Andreoff); and maybe, but only for a very limited backup role.
—–
Duncanz asked: • Is there a question or questions you wish you were ever asked, apart from, “Mr Hammond, this is ESPN here, would you be interested in …. ?, or “Have you room in your garage for this complimentary pristine Porshe?” ?
Answer: Maybe, “What time could we give you the keys to your complimentary beach-front house, in front of which you can park your complimentary pristine Porsche?’’
—–
Donald_S asked: You’ve mentioned that it is a real treat being with Bob and Jim on the road. Can you share a few anecdotes about what has made it so special?
Answer: They’re just great people to be around, as are Nick and Daryl. It’s hard to share specific anecdotes. It’s like when you try to tell a story to people, and they don’t really think it’s funny/interesting because they weren’t there. Those are four guys who have essentially known each other for 30 years, so I’m very grateful that they have accepted me and consider me part of the gang. One thing that people probably don’t know about Bob is that he has an amazing sense of comedic timing and delivery. Even after all these years, he will still occasionally fool me. He will start off with a quick, “One time, I was…’’ and then after about 10 seconds, you realize that he got you, and that he’s setting up a joke. Jim is a great debater and can carry on a knowledgeable, fun conversation about just about any topic.
—–
Bruce asked: What is the KHL contract status of Maxim Kitsyn? Any chance he could play in Manchester this coming season? Thanks and enjoy some time off Rich!
Answer: I believe he was one more season remaining on his KHL contract, so no, the chances of him going to the AHL aren’t very good.
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deepsea_drumz asked: How long is Darryl Sutter’s contract for?
Answer: Per Kings rules, the coach cannot have a contract that goes longer than the general manager’s contract, so both Dean Lombardi and Sutter are up after next season. There is, however, some type of protection involved in case there is a lockout. The particulars of this have not been fully explained to me, but I know it exists.
—–
KINGFANX18 asked: Don’t you think we can add a defensemen to this team? for example Mike Green that rejected the washington capitals? I think he would make a fine player and we need to bump up our defense.
Answer: You can always upgrade any part of a team. To say the Kings “need to bump up’’ the defense? Wow. There are a lot of teams that would love to have the Kings’ group of defensemen. Perhaps 29 other teams, in fact. There will be a time, most likely, when the Kings need to make some moves on defense, in the coming years when players such as Willie Mitchell and Rob Scuderi eventually retire/move on. I can’t imagine the Kings would, or would want to, change any part of their defense right now.
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JohnD asked: Rich – When will you start dressing more professionally? Whenever I see you on camera, you look too casual.
Answer: Well, now I’ve heard everything.
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NMKingsFan asked: Rich– I have always wanted to know. In the past, has there been information you have been privy to or seen being so close to the team, that you couldn’t report to us fans. What I am refering to is like injuries or imminent trades or certain players not getting along. Any bones you can throw us now that time has passed?
Answer: Sorry I can’t help on this. Any information that was not publishable in January or February doesn’t automatically become publishable in July. If, at some point, players/coaches/etc. want to say things on the record that they previously didn’t want in public, then such things can come out. Beyond that, I’m never going to throw someone under the bus just because six months have passed.
——
Gary Livingston asked: I was wondering how many championship teams in any of the four major sports have come back fully intact without even one player leaving the line up during the offseason? I know Bernier may disrupt the Kings being one of those teams to do that but, I’m still curious how frequent this is.
Answer: Yes, this is a great question. I don’t know the answer, and I haven’t had time to do the research, but I’d love to know the answer. My best guess is that it is extremely rare in any sport in the era of free agency. Given the large size of rosters in football and (to a lesser extent) baseball, I’d have to think it hasn’t happen in either of those sports in several decades, at least. Basketball is possible, since teams only carry roughly 15 players, but even so, I don’t remember one in recent years. My guess is that if you went back to the 1960s, or maybe early 70s, you might find one. I’d be surprised if there has been one in the last 30 years. I’m not saying it’s impossible, just that I’d be surprised.
—–
paige asked: Hey Rich, You do amazing work. It floors me to think how much time and professionalism you put into this job. We readers appreciate it very much. Can you tell us something you know we don’t don’t know about the team or any players? And what about you? What is something that even those who know you don’t know about you (I triple dare you to answer that last one because I bet you instinctively run screaming from personal disclosure on this blog). And finally, none of us readers will ever get to be as close to a stanley cup run as you now have been. And it was a crazy season with the highest high and the lowest low. What was the best/worst/most memorable part of it for you? Thanks again for all your hard work in keeping the fans plugged in.
Answer: Those are some very kind words. Thank you. In terms of sharing things that people don’t know about players, wow, that’s tough, because there’s such a wide spectrum here. Some people know a lot about players and some people know very little. I’d be curious to know what percentage of people knew that Kevin Westgarth is married to Bill Cowher’s daughter. As for me, I don’t mind sharing things but the blog isn’t really about me. I’ll drop in some personal tidbits/opinions at time but for the most part, my life really isn’t all that exciting. Every season has it’s own ups and downs. To say that there is a “worst’’ part would be stupid on my part. Even when the job is tiring and frustrating at times, it’s still a great experience. The best part? Wow, that’s tough. The Stanley Cup Finals are stil kind of a blur that all runs together. One day, I’ll sort out the individual memories. Going to Europe was certainly a highlight, because I had never been overseas. I’ll carry the beauty of Stockholm with me for a long time.
STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!!!
I still can’t believe it..ahhhhh life is wonderful afterall!
[Reply]
Was there a specific moment during the playoffs where the energy shifting in the locker room? Where the Kings really felt like they were on to something. I know they came in wanting to go all the way, but when did they really start believing it?
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Mike Green appears “lazy and uninterested” at times playing defense…definitely don’t think he fits in the Kings game plan.
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pr0cess Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@Cruiznblue, Pancakes was just like this….
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Mik3ysfv Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:16 am
@Cruiznblue, yeah, I feel when I watch in play defense, it’s “beneath him to stick on his man from the endboards to the front of the net to attain inside position or lock up his man’s stick. Almost like “I’m an offensive guy, you know it, I know, and It’s not my job.” Like he’s saving himself for the offensive part of the game. IMHO.
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CAA Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:26 am
@Cruiznblue, Green is a defensive liability unlke Greene who is a tough, stay at home defenseman. One will escort you to the net (or fall down trying) while the other will push you in the solar-plexus as you try to skate by. Enough said…
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luc20rules Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:07 pm
@Cruiznblue, I won’t bag on Mike Greene haven’t seen him play 20+ games myself, but really I took offense at the fact that the Kings D was somehow average or needed signifigant improvement? The Kings D-corp is the best by far in Kings history and is arguably the best in the NHL right now. As Rich mentioned if Scuds or Mitchell retire/move on then there maybe a hole, but DL has young players that could step up. The senario I like is Martinez moving to a stay at home D-man and playing in the vacancy with one of Hickey, Desularies, or Muzzin stepping into the 6th D-man (Offensive type). I would say that losing both Mitchell and Scuds would likely leave us in a position to try and get a elite stay at home D-man. That said, the organization need is non-existant for more D-men right now, and the future need is more on the stay at home type Dman until Forbort develops. I like Drewiske, but honestly he is likely no more than a 12 minute a game type 5 or 6 Dman he will start for some NHL team, but the Kings are too deep at that position.
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@KINGFANX18 – This could be the best D-corps the Kings ever had!
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Sergei Prozacutov Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@2hitnik,
This is the best D-corps the Kings ever had!
ftfy
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Hipcheck Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
@Sergei Prozacutov, totally agreed and said as much before the puck dropped last season.
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luc20rules Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
@Hipcheck, Technically it wasn’t the Kings best D-Corps in Kings History until Voynov took over, after JJ was traded for Carter. I also must say team D includes the Forwards and the Goalie being committed and working together with the D-men.
CAA Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:27 am
@2hitnik, Sorry, I still miss JMFJ. He had a great slap shot and a nasty streak that is good when you’re a D-man.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:22 pm
@CAA, I don’t know that we’re talking about Stanley Cup Champions if JJ was still around. Not that he would’ve single-handedly prevernted it, but he would have assuredly had more mistakes, and more costly gaffe’s, then VV or AMart had (including VV’s own-goals). I like JJ too, but at some point it must be seen for what it was, a turnover prone Dman with good upside and a terrible career +/-. It would be interesting to see the alternative timeline where JJ and the Kings made their run in the PO’s. How many of our early one-goal wins would’ve turned out the opposite??? My guess is a bunch of them.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:18 pm
@Stuart, I am assuming in this senario we traded Voynov &/or extra picks/prospects for Carter, because without the added threat and offense Carter gave us not sure we make the Playoffs more or less become Champions. As I posted earlier VV made better decisions than JJ from what I have seen so far. JJ is just one of those guys will so much athletic ability that even if he makes mistakes you just have to play. Hoping upon hope that the light bulb goes on and he becomes as dominate as his ability. We waited what 4 years and the improvement was painfully slow. What made it harder was JJ was such a good guy and a team guy.
KC23 Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 5:18 pm
@2hitnik, Pardon me for correcting you, but this is without question the best defense the King’s have ever had. None even remotely close. Closest one … 1975.
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I wonder how many times Westy had to drop the gloves with Coach Cowher for his daughters hand in marriage? My money would be on the coach…Im sure Cowher pulled a John Scott on Westy and then felt so bad he gave in out of pity
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TheAcaciaStrain Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, awwwww come on now buddy
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
@TheAcaciaStrain, I know…little harsh but I was just joking around and having some fun. My money would be on Cowher though…all the guy would have to do is look me and i would throw in the towel. John Gruden is the same…those two have the look of death when pissed off.
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Mik3ysfv Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:26 am
@BrokeKingsFan, I’m a Steeler fan, and hated watching Cowher coach in the playoffs. Five minutes into the first quarter if he had a 3pt. lead, he would turtle up and play to protect that miniscule lead. Son of Schottenheimer. Drove me nutty. I say Westy layed a thrashing on him.
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DL doesn’t read the blog? yea, riiiiiiiiiighttttttt…….
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OK,
Can we get back to discussing Shane Doan now?
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DesertKing Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
@Gustavo,
Isn’t Jamie Kompon his best friend?
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xeropoint Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
@DesertKing, Who was ALSO BFF’s with Terry Murray,
who in turn was the great uncle of Randy Jones, who was
married to the twice removed, half-sister of Jaroslav Modry,
who once shared a slurpee with Craig Johnson, who very much
admired the graceful skating stance of Tim Waters, who was a
BIG fan of Kevin Bacon. Or so I’m told.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
@xeropoint,
Ahhhh, I see. But does this mean that there is now a connection between TM and the Robot from Lost in Space which indicates that TM wasn’t actually a person, but was actually a Man-A-Tron? And thus the connection between Cloutier and TM since he was so mechanical and prone to breakdowns that the resemblance is obvious, further indicating that this connection is much deeper, going all the way back to the 1930′s and a certain Tin Man. Man, the things you learn on this blog!
Stuart Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:26 pm
@DK, biddy biddy biddy biddy…
luc20rules Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 6:07 pm
@DesertKing, Cloutier was a Crawford fetish? I don’t believe Cloutier maded out of Crawfords short Kings Coaching period.
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BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@Gustavo, Seriously. Anything else is just a waste of time…
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Gustavo Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
@BringbackButchGoring,
“seriously”..in this blog????
Get out of town, lol..:)
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Yeah, I was actually being facetious with the question of whether DL implemented any of our brilliant ideas. But just in case I would still trade Bernier, Hickey and Muzzin for O’Reilly or Landeskog
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 7:09 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Landeskog is awesome! But trust me, he’s not going anywhere.
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BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
@puck73, Probably not for that but trading Bernier and some defense to Colorado for either of those two is a win-win for both teams. Their goaltending and defense is pathetic and they have alot of offensive talent
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:27 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, I think you should post on the Colorado Avalanche Blog that they should trade Landeskog for Bernier, Hickey, & Muzzin. Hoping Greg Sherman reads and does what their bloggers ask for, because I don’t think DL is the one that would need to be convinced that its a good deal. Just think about it 3 guys that have struggled to get even a handful of NHL starts/games for the NHL Rookie of the Year.
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luc20rules Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:35 pm
@luc20rules, I think the very best we could hope to get for Bernier is Toronto’s first round draft pick the next year they have one. Which is possible Toronto game 2 #1s and a #2 for Kessel? And like Bettman, Burke keeps saying that it wasn’t a mistake, and he would make the same deal again even knowing what Tyler Seguin has done. Brian the best way to prove it is to do it again right trade another #1 pick.
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@luc20rules, Good point, originally I was just going for O’Reilly, which would be our 3rd line center but threw in Landeskog at the last moment. Plenty of guys that had fantastic rookie years have struggled in their sophomore seasons (Simmonds, Clifford as our own examples)as other teams make adjustments or concentrate defensively on them so I’m not totally convinced Landeskog will repeat his rookie year. You are right though that it is a good trade for the Kings. I can’t believe Colorado is not actively trying to strengthen its defense and goaltending. Both are garbage IMO. Ok throw in Scuderi, take out Hickey and Muzzin. When I watch O’Reilly, I am reminded of Kopi.
[Reply]
Go Kings Go!
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@Gail Web,
it is fun to say this at random times. i’ve used it at the end of completely un-related electronic communications.
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BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
@FKA PakiFro, It’s also fun to make that your entire thought or to just randomly respond to panhandlers or door to door salesmen…
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Those were words I never thought I would see in one sentence…”Mike Green: and “bump up the defense”. The Kings have a whole stable of FORWARDS who are better on defense than Mike Green.
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BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
@RagBone, And we have a whole stable of forwards who are worse on offense than Mike Green. Green really isn’t as bad defensively as you make him out. He is going to be in HOF one day I predict
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 4:13 am
@BringbackButchGoring, Mike Green HOF? Green’s has a grand total of 1 great season, 1 good season and two stinkers. He’ll definatley have to start a trend in the other direction for any HOF aspirations.
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:23 am
@KC23, Which season was only his good season; the one in which he averaged over a point a game and was a plus 24 or the season he averaged over a point a game and was a plus 39? What defenseman in the last five years was a point a game player? The other two years he was injured and played hurt for a good part of the seasons. You are probably right, though, I should have said he has the ability to perhaps be in the HOF some day. Anyway, my point primarily was we have plenty of forwards that don’t put up 70-80 points a season and his defensive shortcomings are primarily related to his aggressiveness offensively. He does play on their PK and does very well.
7MILforHickey Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 9:28 am
@KC23, you should probably marry him and the capitals since you love them so much
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 9:53 am
@7MilforHickey, That’s a very well thought out and intelligent response. Thank you for your incisive input. I should have known that the Kings have all of the good players and an NHL fan could not watch other teams and appreciate the abilities of other players. Are you twelve years old?
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:06 am
@BringBackButchGoring, Whoops sorry about the twelve year old comment Rich. I don’t want to visit the cornfield for that. It’s just my son was looking for a playmate Bahahahahahaha ok I will retract that as well. Dang I should just shut up….again my apologies to the board and 7MilforHickey. Won’t happen again.
KC23 Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@KC23, Actually, it’s worse than I thought. I completley missed checking the his first 3 seasons as a capital, but the two you mentioned where great.
Rich. I have said it before, but it needs to be said again.
Thanks for all the hard work, tremendous effort and great atmosphere here
This site is great! I can not thank you enough!
Keep up the FANtastic work!
[Reply]
KingsFan602 Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 5:00 pm
@Mars, +100 Thanx for everyday reading Rich!
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With the Kings winning the cup and all I totally forgot about the “pea in the whistle” incident!
[Reply]
LittleRhody Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
@Michael J., Thanks… that just made me laugh out loud for a few minutes.
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KC23 Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 4:16 am
@Michael J., Yeah, watched that Florida game re-run on the NHL network and had a good laugh over it.
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Stuart Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:31 pm
@KC23, I still don’t know how that game got voted to show again? Was it for the whistle thing or to see MR get rung? A lot of those games were wastes of time. Is it me, or did we see A LOT MORE Boston SC run repeats than we’ve seen Kings? maybe it’s just me.
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Only six hours and six minutes until the last month before training camp opens!
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Very nice article about the Captain’s day with the Cup.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8214405/los-angeles-kings-captain-dustin-brown-brings-stanley-cup-ithaca-new-york
[Reply]
I think the last Championship Team to have everyone back after winning a championship was the 1990-91 Chicago Bulls returned the same team in 1991-92, but had an expanded roster at times do to injuries. They also won the championship again as well as in 1992-93 with a few bench changes to their roster. Wouldn’t mind at all if the Kings ran off 3 championships in a row, although if Quick leaves to play baseball for 2 years I will not be happy. I’m surprised Hammond fan of Chicago didn’t know this. Although Rich did say it was likely in basketball and atleast 30 years ago and this was both those things.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
@luc20rules,
Didn’t the LA Lakers bring their entire roster back in ’88 after they won in ’87?
I remember Riley ‘shocking the world’ with his “And I promise, next year we will do it again”
And they did..
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luc20rules Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:41 pm
@Gustavo, You maybe right, but the Bulls were more recent by 4 years. I was going back 1 year at a time chronologically until I found one.
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Well, not quite 30 years, but a long time ago none the less.
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I cant believe I am going to say this, BUT, Matthew Barry hit it right on the screws about Shane Doan. The fact that some owners cant help themselves and want to pay 7.5 a season for this guy at age 36 is dumb.
I have complete faith in Dean Lombardi that he will not give in to Doan and his agent. And besides, there is no way that you pay this guy more then Quick, Kopitar, or Doughty, NOT A CHANCE! In fact, I would venture to say that Willie Mitchell makes a bigger impact on this club then Doan would at this point.
Would I like to see Doan sign here? Sure. But not at the prices that are being reported.
[Reply]
Cav Pilot Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 7:50 pm
@puck73, I totally agree. I think that Doan fits the mold of this team. However, the rumored numbers that are out there are completely absurd.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
@puck73,
I would like to see Doan in Winnipeg or with the Islanders.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:03 pm
@DesertKing,
You’re a cruel, cruel, cruel man, lol.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:30 pm
@Gustavo,
Haha, cruel would be wishing him to Chicago to play under Kompon.
Gustavo Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@puck73,
I agree with you that DL will probably not give Doan the 7.5 the Buffalo Sabres threw at him.
That’s what high lottery teams need to offer to attract top talent like Doan. And they rarely get it, anyways.
But comparing his current market value to Quick’s 10 yr deal, Kopi’s 2009 contract or even DD’s 2011 contract is comparing apples to oranges.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
@Gustavo,
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=638849&navid=DL|NHL|home
If not the LA Kings, go to Pittsburgh, Doan. And watch us beat the Rangers in the SCF from the comfort of your summer home in AZ …(hee hee hee)
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@Gustavo, Sounds like his kids like warm weather.
Osaka Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:16 pm
@Gustavo, We were writing basically the same thing this time
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:10 pm
@puck73, I agree, that 7.5 for 4 years is a little out of the range and I am confident that DL wouldn’t pull that trigger. If you change the terms however, would you do 7 a year for 2 years? I would rather have Doan than Semin and he just got 7 for a year. What about 6 mil for 3 years? 5.5 for 4 years?
Doan’s agent has denied that 7.5 for 4 was the asking price they have laid out, although that is the price Buffalo may have offered so he could get that contract if he wanted to go there. Since it is believed he doesn’t want to go there he is taking a home team discount (get less money to play for the team he wants to play for), problem is 16 teams have shown interest. How much will the discount be?
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
@Osaka,
$6 mill X 4 years – $6 mill cap hit per year. NO Bonus, NO NMC, NO NTC of any kind. And he must kiss D. Brown ring at center ice just before the LAK home opener when the banner is raised..
Would that mollify the Shane Doan haters who hold a grudge because SD lost his cool during the WDF game 5?
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@Gustavo,
WCF*
DesertKing Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
@Osaka,
I reiterate -
Offer him the following:
1. Nachos
2. With jalapenos
3. The best chance to win a Cup
[Reply]
jess Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@puck73,
I would love to see Doan go to the Mighty Ducks, your favorite team
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@jess,
Bite your tongue (or typing fingers)!!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
@Gustavo,
Are you kidding? If he went to the Mighty Ducks, I would get to see him get beat like once a month, which would be awesome.
He belongs in a Ducks Sweater, not a Kings Sweater.
Gustavo Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:30 pm
@jess,
Yeah, right…very smart!
Just what we need. A headhunting, resentful Doan playing for a bottom dweller in our own division and taking cheap, injuring shots at our players when we light up the Quacks like a Xmas tree.
Rethink that one for a minute or two.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:46 pm
@Gustavo,
So you’re calling Doan a cheap-shot artist and you want him on the kings?
I’m not sure I’m the one who needs to do the rethinking here.
jess Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:57 pm
@Gustavo,
Bottom line, no overpaid whiney over the hill kooks in a kings sweater. We have plenty of talented kids in the pipe and a cup winning team as it stands.
He’s a Duck as far as I’m concerned, and I won’t welcome him as a fan to this club. Plus DL isn’t that stupid IMO. He’s worth 2.5M on the 4th line at best.
TeamJMFJ Reply:
July 30th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
@puck73, absolutely agree…as we always seem to…we had a great conversation today about this earlier today.
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KC23 Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 4:26 am
@puck73, Never discount the ability of agents and players to contrive mythical offers that magically filter into a hungry media’s lap. That is an absurd number being thrown about and I find it hard to believe any team would fall for this Doan dog and pony show.
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Gustavo Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:25 pm
@KC23,
Why are these numbers absurd?
There are a number of teams with plenty of cap space that could use a leader like Doan. Colorado, Buffalo, Carolina to name a few. Doan biggest advantage is the lack of competition. There are no better free agents left to choose from.
Besides, the owners can always go back and ask the players to roll back their salaries after a few years..or else they lock them out, right?
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KC23 Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 5:40 pm
@Gustavo, The numbers are absurd because of his age mostly.
I guess Will Ferrell was representing for the Kings at the Hockey HOF today.
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All these other issues are trivial.
Does anyone know how Simmonds or Purcell did last night??
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cortex949 Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 3:03 am
@Save, Hrudey!, combined 7 goals, 11 assists, 30/30 in the face off circle, .984 save %, 6 blocked shots, 187 rushing yards, 6 RBI’s, 6 for 6 from 3 point territory, and a 92 combined score on the uneven bars.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 9:04 am
@cortex949,
…. and a combined minus 13!
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Stuart Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:36 pm
@cortex949, so it was an off night?
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D needs to stay away we don’t need him we have
it without him
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Gustavo Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:31 pm
@Gailweb,
What we have is a team who struggled to get into the playoffs, but found it’s scoring touch at just about the right time. Do you want to have another mediocre regular season with injuries to players like Gagne & Richards, or worse and with a captain that doesn’t play like one until trading rumors put a firecracker up his butt?
I doubt you do, neither do I. That why I think Doan’s durability and hunger for the Cup will help the LAK. If we could guarantee the LAK will play all season like they did in the playoffs, I’d be the first to say “NO, we do not need anyone else here”. That’s just not the case.
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Anyone with an upate on the CBA?
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Michael J. Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:38 am
@DesertKing,
The Continental Basketball Association has been defunct since 2009. They had a god run since 1946, but never really were a match for the NBA.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 9:01 am
@Michael J.,
Is that the Nullification Bargaining Agreement?
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luc20rules Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:48 pm
@DesertKing, Ok, Egomaniac represents the NHL as comissioner demanding huge cut in players stake in revenues, longer rookie, more non-RFA years, elimination of RFA Mediation, and 5 year limits to contract length. Gives NHLPA 76,000 page revenue/cost report covering all NHL teams today, and tells media the NHLPA has received the demands of the NHL and revenue stucture in the league so there should be no reason for the NHL to start its season on time.
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