The Stanley Cup’s road trip continues — imagine how many frequent-flyer miles that thing would get, not to mention Starwood or Marriott points — with a turn to the north. Willie Mitchell, Bill Ranford and Dwight King have each enjoyed their days with the Cup this week, and the Cup will be staying in Canada for the next few days as well, as the summer tour starts to wind down. For the latest on the Cup’s activities, NHL.com has some good details on its “Summer with Stanley” blog, which is available by http://www.nhl.com/ice/blog.htm?id=784#mce_temp_url#
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I hope we have a season????
[Reply]
neil Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 11:21 am
@King Cobra, seems less likely doenst it.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@King Cobra, My perception of Don Fehr has changed drastically from what I had before this process. He seems like someone with the best interest of the stability of the sport which guarantees stability for the players(his clients). My perception of Gary Bettman is the same suffers from little man’s disease which makes his in flexible and unable to see big picture, compromise, or admit to being even associated with a mistake.
[Reply]
Maybe I missed it, but has Drew, Carter and Richards had their day with the cup yet?
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 9:14 am
@A Cup B4 I Died!, Next thursday/friday. Here’s the calendar: http://kingsnewsdaily.com/calendar/
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 9:14 am
@A Cup B4 I Died!, drew had his day with it. He was at his lawyers office!
what, too soon?
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 9:21 am
@Lake Forest, too late! I almost forgot what you were talking about…
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Shotongoal Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 10:03 am
@Lake Forest, Not too soon, just not funny! Kind of falls under the category of “get a life!” sorry someone had to say what they were thinking.
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Lake Forest Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
@Shotongoal, oh, take a joke and calm down there buddy.
Shotongoal Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 3:12 pm
@Shotongoal,I’m about as calm as a “buddy” can be, if I was any calmer I’d be comatose. I just don’t agree with your “joke” and I think I have the right to voice that opinion……… Buddy.
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
@Lake Forest,
i was gonna say that there will be two chaperones on that day…
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 9:15 am
@A Cup B4 I Died!, and the story with more info: http://kingsnewsdaily.com/london-ontario-to-host-cup-parade-with-doughty-and-carter/
[Reply]
A Cup B4 I Died! Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 11:19 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Nice..thanks for the link. I’m sure the Leaf fans in Ontario will love to see Drew and Carter parade the cup around town.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
@A Cup B4 I Died!, Saw a leafs fan comment this morning saying he won’t go see the cup until toronto wins it. He’ll be waiting for a while.
John Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:24 am
@A Cup B4 I Died!,
Anyone know when Quick gets the cup?
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HE’S ALIVE!!!!!!!
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Stuart Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 9:22 am
@Lake Forest, @RH might have posted this posthumously… you never know!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 9:34 am
@Stuart, True dat! WordPress scheduling is great when it works.
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I saw this pic of Dwight King and his Uncle Norman (legit Native Chief) holding the cup.
http://twitter.com/keeperofthecup/status/235926878798610432/photo/1
Something just fascinating about ceremonial war bonnet, Kings sweater, cowboy hat and the Stanley Cup.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 9:44 am
@IceGuy, badass!
[Reply]
iansez Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 10:58 am
@IceGuy, That was great, thanks! So many fashion contrasts..;)
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variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
@IceGuy,
that was so odd looking, it’s cooler than you know what….(!)
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 7:59 pm
@IceGuy,
very cool! thanks!!!
[Reply]
stagger Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 10:20 pm
@IceGuy,
Great pic! Thanks
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:20 am
@IceGuy, Dwight King obviously gets his fasion sense from Daryl Sutter. cool pic!
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I wonder if Mike Richards is really going to take The Stanley Cup to Hollywood like he told Darren Pang in The Locker Room after The Cup Victory?
Tell ya what, if he does, I am going with him as he walks down Sunset and Hollywood Boulevard with that Silver Bad Boy over his head! That would totally Rule!
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 10:04 am
@puck73, Too cool right??!!
[Reply]
petemagoop Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 10:24 am
@puck73, he has it this Saturday in his hometown
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
@puck73,
I’m pretty sure they already took it there.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
@puck73, Cup party at the house of blues with the chili peppers, fishbone and wall of voodoo! How’d that be?
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Mix in some X the grandad days of LA punk!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 1:39 pm
@Shotongoal, Thrown in Black Flag and the Circle Jerks and we’d have ourselves a Punk Cup Night.
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
@Shotongoal,
blue spark…
Stuart Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
@V, do blue sparks grow up to be blue flames?
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
@Stu-eee….
fo’ sure…
kabob, anyone…?
Shotongoal Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
@Shotongoal, Oh wouldn’t that be sweet!
Looks like Dwight King has stepped up his game on Sutter in the country boy contest. Right on! Best pic with the cup ever.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?clk_loc=9#!/LAKings
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 11:03 am
@jess, I wonder what car those hub caps and seats are from? LOL. That pic in full, plus the pic above, plus another pic and a good account of his day here. http://bit.ly/OZtG99
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 11:13 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), so awesome!!! good for Kinger!
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In case you missed it, GREAT interview with Dean Lombardi from a couple days ago. During one segment at around the 10min. mark he says, ‘you just have to block out all the blogs.’ Hmmm, I wonder what ‘blogs’ he’s talking about?
http://bit.ly/Ssu7JQ
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Hi Dean!
[Reply]
If there’s a lockout, can the Kings get another 5 days each since they will own the rights till some other team takes it away from them?
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), I second this motion. But first, it has to go back to Toronto to get the names engraved. Then it can come back.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
@Dominick (defrim65),
see my solution below…
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Drove three and a half hours this morning and skipped out on work to take in Stolls Cup parade in Yorkton Saskatchewan. Should start any minute. I’ll try and post a vid.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
@KingEleven, Are you going to get a photo with the Cup for $10?
[Reply]
KingEleven Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Ya I thinks so. There’s also a cabaret later on tonight that sold out the first day it was announced but I actually grew up, played hockey and went to school with Stoll so hopefully he can get me in.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
@KingEleven, That’s great man. Hope you get in. If you do, send me some pics and I’ll post ‘em! BTW, are you the one who taught Stolly how to handle faceoffs?
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:36 pm
@KingEleven,
awesome…look forward to yr vids/pics…(!)
[Reply]
Mike Richards gets the Cup on Sat. Sounds like a full day. The morning arrival to a 2 hour public fest on the water via a luxury yacht, the Grace Anne II:
http://www.kenoraonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2841&Itemid=4
from that article:
“Richards will be arriving at the docks at noon, where his entrance to the pavilion will be accompanied by a 15-piece bagpipe band”
From an article about him being at a Tom Cochrane concert:
“On Friday night, Mike Richards of the Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings came out to the Tom Cochrane show — after all, Kenora is his hometown. After the last song, Richards gave the boy from Lynn Lake an L.A. Kings jersey. Cochrane pulled it on and ran back onstage for his encore”.
“Was this item about him and the sunset dinner cruise he’s planned for family and friends:
SPEAKING OF MIKE RICHARDS: On Aug. 18, hockey player Mike Richards will have the Stanley Cup in his possession for a day and he’s invited 120 people to a private party on the M.S. Kenora touring boat.”
For anybody who hasn’t seen this, awesome (My current screen saver is a closer shot of this) photo of Willie Mitchell with the cup raising the cup atop a Mountain
http://nbcprohockeytalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/mountbenedictmitchell.jpg
[Reply]
The photos from Stolly’s day are really staring to flow now… http://bit.ly/NsKUQy
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
if only the cup had eyes and/or a dvr….
can you imagine the amount of historic video we would have archived….?!
maybe that’s what they should start doing – put a spycam somewhere in the body of the cup….
oh, wait…maybe not….there might be some felonies taking place with it…don’t want to land anyone in the poke….(!)
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@variable, Or at least put some google goggles on the keeper! Record all that guy sees.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
that would work, too…(!)
although its not listed, the Cup comes to Ayr on Wednesday next week.
Yeah, up close and personal………big day planned for the entire community
this will be exciting, BBQ’s, parade, private functions and community showing and viewing, last time stanley cup was in Ayr is our other connections to the Kings when Jay Wells won the cup in NY with the Rangers and Jiggs MacDonald who lives here also was present. I would think Kyle, Jay and Jiggs will celebrate this time around.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
@harty, congrats brother! Enjoy your time with Stanley!!!
[Reply]
harty Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
@Stuart, thanks Stuart, we will have fun that’s for sure…..
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:43 pm
@harty,
have a great time…enjoy the moments…(!)
[Reply]
harty Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:51 pm
@variable, thanks variable…..we sure will
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
@harty, Thanks. I was wondering about that hole in the schedule. Also this Sunday…
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
@harty, Here’s a story on it harty… http://bit.ly/R5qHiP
[Reply]
harty Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:51 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), thanks Paul I will show the publication to Kyle……
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if there’s a lockout, the insiders should have a party with it…
i hope the nhl has insurance, because that piece of history might end up as scrap metal after we get done with it…
the nhl can create a new stanley cup…and we would have the cool distinction of winning the last cup before the end of hockey and civilization….well, at least until the lockout ends…
anybody volunteering to be the phil pritchard of the group…???
[Reply]
Maybe I missed it, but will there be more opportunities for the fans in LA to see the Cup and photo ops soon? With the likelihood of a season becoming more bleak, I fear the league will lock our KINGS’ trophy away and there will be no fan moments.
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In my book Mitchell wins the coolest day with the cup. Rowing into town in a small row boat with the cup and then doing a tribel dance with the locals. Awesome stuff.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
@KC23,
i thought that was pretty cool myself….
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
@KC23, Sutter’s 2 or 3 days was spectacular too. But yeah, Willie really made the most of it. That helicopter was a great idea. The other thing too is that most guys don’t have his kind of scenery. BC is beautiful.
[Reply]
If I had the Cup for a day, I would take it to Disneyland so I coumd get on the rides faster and skip the lines.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@DesertKing, I wonder if you show them the cup in person, if they would waive the now $90.00 Entrance fee? what a bunch of greedy, corporate scumbags! They dont have any problem reaming the general public, or underpaying employess and making sure alot of them dont work 40 hours, but they magically have enough for $50,000 a night for fireworks.
Hey Disney, you suck.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
@puck73,
Didnt they used to own the Ducks? Ah ha!
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
@puck73, You got that right, puck!! Sadly people don’t protest and continue to pay the hefty entrance fee. I haven’t been there in years; feels good at least I know they’re not taking my money.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@DesertKing, No question I’d have a huge beach party and take that thing surfing. A picture of me riding with it on my board would be beyond epic.
[Reply]
Crown city simtom Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
@DesertKing, Or universal Orlando to Harry Potters wizarding world!
[Reply]
Flyers sign Simmonds to a 6 year extension at a $3.979 cap hit. The guy had a career high 49 points last year! We will have a lockout and Philly keeps throwing money around, makes sense.
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
@Osaka,
So you’re saying Simmonds will be traded right before that contract kicks in?
On a serious note, this drives up Dustin Brown’s asking price (he deserves a serious raise)
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
@FKA PakiFro, re DB, it would be great if the next CBA had something in it about a 2/3 clause on salaries for homegrown talent counting towards the cap… once you sign a player you drafted to a contract after their ELC, only 2/3 of the cap hit should actually count towards the cap… I like that idea (I’ve heard it talked about it) because it gives incentives for drafting and growing your own talent rather than plucking other teams as well as making it more prfitable for teams to not get plucked because it’s in their benefit to lock up that player long-term… just thinking out loud here…
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 11:25 am
@Stuart,
Actually, that would also give incentive for players to stick with the team, because they could sign a fatter deal with the team that drafted them and have a smaller impact. Good call.
Osaka Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
@FKA PakiFro, That’s right, the kiss of death from Philly.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
@Osaka, lets sign Doan and trade him for Simmonds !
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
@puck73, Hahaha good one!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
@puck73,
Maybe they could throw in Schemn too since Doan os guaramteed to win the Cup for whatever team he plays for
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 5:52 pm
@Osaka, It does seem high but I think Wayne is worth it in the long run. He’s clearly getting better and better. Imagine how he’d do under Sutter!
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), True, and this is the problem with today’s NHL. Too many young players are paid for potential to save money in the long run in the cap era. Wayne hasn’t earned $3.9 yet but should be well worth it in the future. What percentage of Wayne Simmonds realize their potential? If they do reach it how many continue to play at that level? Scott Gomez reached a high level, how far did he drop? The average NHL career is 5.62 years and Wayne has already played how many years?
[Reply]
BringbackbutchGoring Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 8:20 pm
@Osaka, Paul, I can’t believe you don’t think Simmonds is worth 4 million a year locked up for six years. The Dude scored 28 goals last year, more than Kopi and approximate to what Kopi had when he signed for 7 million. Yeah yeah he plays in Philly they don’t play defense in the East blah blah blah. Simmonds was second on the team in goals, tied with some guy named Claude…The average career is 5.62 years is misleading because a lot of scrubs come up for 3 games and never make it back. The average career for a guy that scores 28 goals I guarantee you is longer than 5 years.
Osaka Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 8:44 pm
@Butch ,Hahahaha I can tell your a Kings fan, not used to seeing goals scored huh. 28 goals and 49 points, career high 49 points. Since when is 28 goals a huge deal? Stamkos had 60 and Malkin had 50….. why are you excited about 28 goals on a team that scorers a lot of goals? There were 35 players who scored more goals last year. And that’s one time, let’s see him do it 2-3 years before you crown him. Of course it matters he plays in Philly, did he score 28 in LA? Would he? Numbers don’t tell the whole story, not yet anyways.
BringbackbutchGoring Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 8:56 pm
@Osaka, Yeah only 35 players or about one per team. Is 4 million usually the second highest salary for forwards per team? I wonder how many of those 34 players that scored more are locked up at only 4 million per year. It’s funny how you are okay with paying Penner 3 million plus when he scored 9 goals but it’s not worth that extra million to bag another 19? I’ll tell you what. I’ll give you Richards, Penner, Carter, Williams, and Gagne, all making roughly equivilent or more than Simmonds. You pick any one of those and I’ll bet you Simmonds scores more goals next year.
BringbackbutchGoring Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@Osaka, Oh yeah one other thing, Simmonds played 14 minutes on a crappy defensive oriented third line with ZERO pp time and still scored 16 goals. Certainly think he could have put in 10 more playing on the first line and PP. Don’t you?
BringbackbutchGoring Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@Osaka, Bahahahahhahahahahahahaha Penner only scored 7. My bad. Just imagine how much you would be willing to pay the guy if he scored 4 times as much. 12 million? Yeah, really silly of Holmgren to lock up a 23 year old FAN FAVORITE that came off a 28 goal season for 4 million a year. He’s a silly little dunce.
Osaka Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 10:53 pm
@Osaka, It is not only the amount he is paid, it is the term of 6 years. I am sure he will be worth the money in a couple years, in my book he is still unproven. You would rather have Simmonds than Richards? Really? Philly got Simmonds and Schene and we made out. You don’t like our group of forwards but we have the cup. Philly and Simmonds were knocked out in the second round. This isn’t fantasy league, stats aren’t that important. I’ll give you Penner and Gagne though.
I like how Holmgren locked up the fan fav Bryz for 9 years, that was a good one too.
BringBackButchGoring Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 7:17 am
@Osaka,
1. Most people think a 23 year old that just came off a 28 goal season will get better in the next six years not worse, therefore locking up a 23 year old for six years is smart, not dumb. I’d be surprised if you weren’t one of those cheering when we locked up DD for seven years.
2. Was Kopi still unproven when we paid 7 million per year to lock him down long term when he had similar stats? I’m not saying Simmonds is Kopi so don’t distort; I’m saying it was probably riskier giving 7 million to Kopi than 4 to Simmonds.
3. I’m not trying to prove that Simmonds is better than Richards who makes 6 million plus. I’m saying that Simmonds is worth 4 million now and will be a steal at 4 million in year 3-6.
4. Stats are important if that stat is how many goals you put in the net. That is the purpose of the game, no?
5. You can’t argue that players aren’t worth their money because their team got knocked out of the playoffs. That means nobody was worth their money this year except the Kings? Not Malkin? Not Stamkos?
6. I love our forwards. That means I can’t also express my opinion that Simmer is worth 4 million per year? You don’t think a 23 year old that stands up for his teammates, hustles like he does, is a fan favorite and just knocked in 28 goals would have gotten a 6 year 24 million dollar contract if he was a free-agent this year instead of next? Can you imagine what Holmgren would be paying next year if Simmonds knocks in another 28 this year? Plus, would you really want to be Holmgren and trade away Richards and then lose Simmonds after just two seasons?
7. What Holmgren did with Bryz is totally irrelevant to this conversation. I don’t have any love for Holmgren but this particular deal with Simmonds would be applauded by you if Simmonds was a King and not a Flyer.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
@BringbackbutchGoring,
Just noticed my name up there before you guys went back and forth. Lots of good points above and without getting into all of them I’ll just say I do think he’s worth it but for some reason, I’m still stuck on him being a rookie trying to prove himself so I lean toward the ‘wow’ factor now that he’s cashing in. At the end of the day though, I have no problem with any player getting all they can so long as they give 100% to the team. (See Doughty contract)
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 11:03 pm
@Osaka,
any contract over 4 years to me is a gamble….
i wish that they are able to bring max term down not only from 10 to 7, but 10 to 6…
simmer is a player that give you both tangibles and intangibles on a second/third line level…
so it’s a measured gamble by holmgren, in the sense that he’s trying to establish term max on his team for the future….at least, i hope that had some weight in him offering simmer a 6-year deal….
i can see simmer with a couple of 30+ goal seasons….like a 30 and a 32…during the term, especially if he gets more pp1 time….
again, the gm’s set the bars…and also use them to climb….
[Reply]
This has to be the best idea I’ve read for a new CBA.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/magazine/2012/08/16/fixing_nhl_crisis_in_five_easy_steps/
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
@Osaka, Very interesting. And that guy isn’t even a hockey nut. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 6:22 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Interesting that contracts can’t be insured for injury over 7 years.
The average length of an NHL career is 5.62 years so 5 years should be the max in contract length IMO.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 7:39 pm
@Osaka,
i just got done with a whole lengthy explanation as to why i agree with a lot of what this guy is saying…and then delving into the real problems…but it got completely lost via computer error….
very frustrating….
anyway…
it is a great idea – brilliant really, if his numbers are correct…but highly unlikely….
the ultimate problem with any cba agreement is that the GM’S CAN’T POLICE THEMSELVES….(!!!)
many of our current gm’s are either former players and.or coaches….and they harken back to the days of when luxury was a sack of corn nuts and a bottle of cherry wine, sitting in the back of the bus next to the equipment on yr way to manitoba…
so, there’s this transformation that happens to gm’s made of this ilk…they start to lose the “player” in them as they go through the “gm grooming” process, learning about how the corporate world works by the outgoing gm…
no matter what the constraints are, a gm or a lawyer or even an arbiter, find a loophole to overpay on dollars and term…even if they don’t use a loophole, if a team is willing to give a third or fourth line player first or second line money, then the whole module gets out of whack anyway…
it’s a never-ending cycle that doesn’t seem to make gm’s weary of the deja vu….
the bigger issue is this which was greatly discussed in the article is that you have to find an equitable way of compensating the lower earning teams and their players…
so, if you think about it, the nhlpa/fehr are irrelevant at this point…the arguing and financing is between the larger and smaller market owners/teams…
the truth is that the league would be better off with 26/28 teams and a 70 to 74 game season…bettman’s crime, if you will, was to keep poorer markets alive despite all the signals that contraction needed to be done…and, once again, this wouldn’t have happened if the leverage wasn’t handed over to the larger market teams…
of course, bettman is an alpha commissioner and it would probably take the greek gods of Ares and Athena for him to deliver any type of mea culpa or admit that it was a major mistake to keep teams like phoenix and florida alive…
and he probably has taken too long in his attempts to make things better for the islanders and charles wang, a scenario that should have been settled years ago and, instead, has complicates things even more…and we haven’t even got to new jersey’s problems yet, either….
so, finding a system where bettman doesn’t have to contract or relocate is really what this cba is becoming about….it’s bettman’s pride that gets in his way…he will never bend on any of his illiterations and proclamations – that’s his weakness…
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
@variable, I know the system would never be used because it makes too much sense, the CBA talks are too much like politics so common sense would never prevail. I like the idea of getting rid of a hard cap and using the luxury tax system. Teams paying a tax over a certain amount and going as high as 300% at $75 mil is a way to control spending, generate revenue sharing, but allow the few rich clubs more freedom. The more the rich clubs spend the more the poor clubs receive so there is no injustice.
The problem with GM’s policing themselves is not every GM is in the same situation. They only think what helps their team or what is good for their situation. Philly makes a ton of money so it is in their best interest to overpay for players. They can overpay for Bryz or give a huge offer sheet to Weber. Nashville, Phoenix, or the rest of the league don’t have the same interest as Philly, but in order to be competitive must agree to the same terms that Philly decides on. Also, if Doan is worth $5 mil a year and you think he is the missing piece to put you over the top, make you a legitimate cup contender, is it wrong to pay an extra 1-2 mil? Isn’t the cup worth 1-2 mil extra? You will make a lot more than that back right? GM’s will never be able to police themselves and I don’t know if they should. It is the leagues job to put the rules in place to help avoid cap circumvention the best they can.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 10:52 pm
@Osaka,
if you have a hard cap, the league will ultimately go back to a flex-cap….they talk a big game at the negotiations, but when a gm finds their team 6 points out of a playoff spot with 4 games to go, you know he will be pissed he wasn’t able to do what you just said the league should limit – go after a need and overpay….
and then it starts happening year after year – a team hurt by a hard cap…and then they go back to what we have now….
and just as you say the gm’s maybe shouldn’t police themselves, remember, bettman is hired by the gm’s…so the gm’s really run the league and bettman is just their top lawyer for the job….
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 10:01 am
@V
Bettman is hired by the owners, not the GMs.
variable Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
@Paul….
yeah, i know that….
thanks for the correction…i was planing to say gm/owners….but of course, bettman is hired by the gm’s….
i think i was a lil’ fatigued because i spent about 45 minutes on the first draft which got lost in cyberville….
thanks….:)
variable Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@Paul….
oy…. did it again…..
“but of course, bettman is hired by the OWNERS…”
don’t woryy, i’m heading to the chalkboard…..:)
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 10:01 am
@variable, “when luxury was a sack of corn nuts and a bottle of cherry wine, sitting in the back of the bus next to the equipment on yr way to manitoba”
Great line.
[Reply]
Go Kings Go!
Well only bright side is refunds on our money spend already if there is a lockout, and even better no money due for those season tiks.
Go Kings Go!
We Want Hockey!
Please dont be like the other sports who started late please your Fans that are left thanks!
[Reply]
neil Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 6:36 pm
@Gail Web, reality is setting in…late start to the season…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
@Gail Web,
Completely agree! If the NHL doesn’t want my money (which I have already given them for next season), then I wll be happy to give it to the NFL, NBA, MLB and AHL. I would rather be at Staples watching the Kings defend the Cup, but I am only a paying fan so why should any of them care about what I want?
[Reply]
Gailweb Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 10:57 pm
@DesertKing, Thanks yes it’s not up to us fans
we just have to wait and see but does not look
so good for us fans
[Reply]
well if the season never happens, we will be the defending cup champions for two whole years
[Reply]
Cruiznblue Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
@408kingsfan,
Crap that means i have to buy all the 2012-13 la kings Stanley cup champs gear.
[Reply]
In the most boring off season that i can remember…at least w get to follow our players and the cup. I feel sorry for the other teams though.
[Reply]
Gailweb Reply:
August 16th, 2012 at 11:11 pm
@Cruiznblue, Yep totally agree so boring really miss the
Hockey and nothing much going on this summer
either so yes good thing for that big shining cup
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:13 am
@Cruiznblue,
I don’t feel sorry for them. They didn’t feel sorry for us for the last 45 years.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:51 am
@Cruiznblue, This is the best and most exciting off-season ever. Period!
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Dwight King takes The Cup for a Wild West ride….
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c0.168.752.359.49703440095/p843x403/208380_343688005715231_146474625_n.jpg
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:39 am
@Real 7, http://kingsnewsdaily.com/giddyup-stanley-cup/
[Reply]
Hey NHL, I just checked and I can still get tickets for other sporting events. Just waiting for you to refund my money, you idiots. I really appreciate you fools putting a damper on our summer with the Cup. I also fully expect you to name Ryan Clowe as the league’s new Commissioner of Rule Following. Thank goodness for DL as someone with some vision and ability to plan into the future.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:50 am
@DesertKing, Don’t let fools and idiots damper your joy DK!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:57 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
You are right. Grabbing a plane to Montreal tomorrow, hitting the HHOF on Tuesday then a couple of Angels games in Boston. Screw Bettman!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 10:29 am
@DesertKing, Sounds like a great trip dude. Have a blast. Maybe even go see the Cup on tour? Sault Ste. Marie? Amherstburg? Ayr?
jess Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:56 am
@DesertKing,
Just watching this nonsensical process unfold, leaves me wondering if Bettman has the NHL operating like a smaller version of the EU? Get this weasel out of our sport already. What’s next? Toxic hockey derivatives and credit default swaps?
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
@jess,
You mean puck default swaps, right? And the notorious expansion bubble coupled with the Bank of South Teams bailout!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
YES!
With 1 week to go, here is an update on LA Kings Night, Friday August 24th, 7:10 PM at Dodger Stadium.
Currently, there are 20 insiders, and 20 family and friends for a total of 40 people.
The list of celebreties is as follows…@IceGuy, @LuckyEleven, @Variable, @Dominick, @DuncanZ, @Gustavo, @Jeff_R, @plywood, @Penguin76, @KC23, @MichaelJ, @Luc20Rules, @Neil, Paul Armbruster(Kings Dailey), @OnTheFly, @ta, @TeamJFMJ, @vplaza, @puck73, and #1faninvegas.
Again, we will be meeting outside The 3rd Base Loge Level Entrance at 6:30 PM. There has been a great response to this, and thank you to all the insiders who have shown interest.
I will update next friday on event day. See you out there, Lets Go Kings !
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:40 am
@puck73, I thought I was always waves to you.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 10:06 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), the honeymoon is over.
[Reply]
rumpa #19 Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
@puck73, Still no Poorman ? Anthony? Troll?
[Reply]
TeamJMFJ Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
@puck73, Bart Scott “Cant Wait!”
[Reply]
Here’s my final report on Stoll’s day yesterday. Articles, video and a cup full of photos… Enjoy! http://kingsnewsdaily.com/remembering-his-roots/
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:45 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I didn’t see Paulina in a single photo. Either the party is over or Yorkton just isn’t cosmopolitan enough to spend time there.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:49 am
@DesertKing, Someone’s gotta hold down the fort in Hermosa, right?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:58 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Lets see, Paulina and DD in the same geographical area……
OT – but maybe someone who lives near Pahrumph should go and knock on @D-z’s trailer door… make sure he didn’t choke on his own PBR-induced vomit! or pass out with Tex atop of him! I haven’t seen him around these parts in awhile… don’t get me wrong, it’s kinda nice, but still…
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
@Stuart, Last I heard he was a stowaway on a fishing trolly headed for New Zealand and they ran out of bait, giving new meaning to the word Duncanz.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), LOL!!! a three hour tour…a three hour tour…
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I think I’ll have to change the response names to @Gilliganz, from now on!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:55 pm
@GingersNewsDay, @Stuey Ann,
CBA-l warming is melting all the ice!
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 3:37 pm
@Stuart, Gilliganz is classic! Although he’s more like the Professorz.
No puck, no goals, no zambonis,
Not a bit of hockey,
Like Duncanz Crusoe,
As bored as can be.
variable Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
@Stuart,
all i can say is that several of us who know him have tried to get in contact with him for 2 weeks now….
i hope he is well….but he’s ignoring all of his insider friend’s attempts to speak/reach out to hm…
so i’m just as concerned and befuddled as to what’s going on…
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
@variable, He responded 2 comments up.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), maybe @Skipperz’s (not to be confused with @Schipperke) just in the cyberian cornfield?
variable Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
i saw that late…it was rather small and a blur as i scrolled down…
btw…
this is not a call-out on DUNCANZ whatsoever…
just a call of concern…
DesertKing Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 7:45 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
But is it the real “Duncanz”? Poorman disappears, hmmmmmm. Duncanz disappears, hmmmmmmmmmm.. You know, I love Rich Hammond. Yep, he’s my favorite journalist and blog operator. Yep, hez the best
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I heard he has a bit of a drinkng problem….
When will Martinez get the cup??
[Reply]
Does anyone know Brad Richardson’s schedule for his day with the Cup on the 25th? I have heard he is having a couple public showings but haven’t seen where or when.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
@RYC, Go here: http://kingsnewsdaily.com/calendar/ and look up his name in my search feature at the bottom of the site too.
[Reply]
RYC Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Thanks Paul.
[Reply]
is Penner playing alone? or -
it’s not a Winkler wedge shot
https://p.twimg.com/A0hhooCCUAAPjQs.jpg
Paul, did you put this up? or is this an exclusive..?
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 12:56 pm
@Real 7, oh, it’s Lord Stanley’s Cup, so he’s NOT playing alone…
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
@Real 7,
Here’s my thread for today’s events…
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/cup-day-follow-along-as-dustin-penner-visits-winkler-manitoba/
There’s very little coming out of Manitoba right now but the public event isn’t until 3:30 their time.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Apparently Dustin is on a “Stanley Cup diet” today. LOL.
[Reply]
“Meanwhile, the Flyers also continue to kick the tires on a number of defensemen to make up for the fact that most of the ones they have under contract are either not very good or injured; or, in Andreas Lilja’s case, both.”
Ryan Lambert Yahoo.com.
Can’t say I disagree to strongly he is a #6 Dman, but talk about kicking a guy while he is down.
[Reply]
@Rich, If you get the chance, I would love to read about Westgarth’s experience at the negotiating table and the mood at the negotiations.
3.97 mil/yr for 6 years are #s for Wayne Simmonds 28G & 33A. Good for him he deserves it. Wayne is a gym rat and works way harder on and off the ice than most players. Losing players like him is tough, but have never seemed to bring myself to question DLs decisions as he has built the Kings quickly and won the Cup last year.
[Reply]
I enjoying a tasty beer. I am wearing a Kings championship hat while doing so.
That’s all I’ve got for now.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
@Cav Pilot, that’s plenty. enjoy.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@Cav Pilot,
We need to send Bettman to your house.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 18th, 2012 at 5:12 am
@Cav Pilot, Eating some matsuzaka beef, drinking California wine, and watching game 6 of the SCF tonight.
[Reply]
So uh…the Kings twitter had a little battle with the Red Wings twitter yesterday… anyone else think the Kings twitter people go just a little bit too far?
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 18th, 2012 at 5:07 am
@TeamJMFJ, Only if you use Twitter.
[Reply]
Does anyone remember the NHL before Bettman? Is John Ziegler the guy you wished we still had? I am not a Bettman fan, but you do realize he is just the frontman for the owners right. The billionaires make all the decisions, not the puppet. You don’t like the way the CBA negotiations are going blame Anschultz and his buds.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 18th, 2012 at 10:10 am
@Osaka,
Ha Ha!!! Ziegler and Bill Wirtz! Remember that dynamic duo? Wirtz managed his team and influenced the NHL with a 1930′s mentality thouth the 1980′s. Yes, Bettman is frustrating but not compared to Ziegler.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 18th, 2012 at 7:36 pm
@Michael J., What about Alan Eagleson as head of the NHLPA?!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 19th, 2012 at 10:09 am
@Osaka,
Yes! The tri-fecta of ineptitude.
BTW, wasn’t Eagleson in Ziegler’s pocket?
Osaka Reply:
August 19th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
@Osaka, That is why there weren’t any lockouts.