Hello and, officially, welcome to the 2012-13 NHL Season!
We wanted to let LAKingsInsider.com readers know that the club is working diligently to hire a full-time writer for the blog. When we posted the job, we received an incredible amount of applicants and the interview process so far has been, we feel, very thorough. Once we make our final decision, we will introduce that person to LAKingsInsider.com immediately.
At this time, with training camp underway, we will be compiling and posting news, notes and quotes from the team following club practices, so we encourage you to check back often for the latest Kings news.
We also would like to take this opportunity to thank Jim Fox, Bob Miller, Daryl Evans and Nick Nickson for the time they have taken these last few weeks as they provided content to this platform.
Go Kings Go!
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Forward lines this morning
Penner Williams Carter
Gagne Richards Brown
King Stoll Lewis
Clifford Fraser Nolan
Toffoli Richardson
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Pesus Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 10:35 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Williams at center?
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 10:41 am
@Pesus, Looks like it although they haven’t run strict lines yet
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Duncanz Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 10:35 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsDillyDally.com),
Good stuff.
Any coincidence, you posting high up on this thread?
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usha#17 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:15 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Interesting, I would have liked to see the King-Nolan combination continue.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:19 am
@usha#17,
Nolan has not been very good this season, from what I hear…
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Duncanz Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:29 am
@usha#17, They did fine together last season. Good chemistry and contribution for rookies.
But they’re on different trajectories.
This season conceivably, Jordy will be playing primarily a checking role, while the 3rd line (with King) will be expected to chip in significantly with scoring going forward.
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mask0425x Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
@usha#17,
Now add Anthony Stewart to that mix. UFA next summer, should be interesting to see him challenge for a spot. Former first found pick, could have some upside even at 28 with the right coach.
Anyone wants to see Stewart vs Stewart?
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Donald_S Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:25 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
They did bring up Toffoli to give him a quick look. Glad to see that.
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THEY ARE BACKKKKK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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King$ Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
@Neil,
Westgarth traded! Brutal. Guy was such a stud in the locker room and would drop the gloves with anyone. Too bad.
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:02 pm
@King$, who’d we get for him?
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@Kings Fan In Temecula,
Stewart, a 4th and a 6th
Whoever it will be has some mighty big shoes to fill but at least he/she jumps right in with the season right around the corner. I suggest the new person continue the tradition of the “Morning In …” shot out of the hotel window as it was always like the ‘breakfast’ of the game day information menu for me.
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Shakes Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:20 am
@bbb7,
I agree. Gotta keep some traditions
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Cant wait for some real hockey
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to cb14..I believe its two picks for Westy also Hickey on waivers….
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CB14 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 10:58 am
@Neil, I know, I was trying to say that even 1 draft pick would’ve still been a steal of a trade. So glad Westy’s gone.
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Hey guys,
Any idea when the Fox Sports West Kings broadcast schedule will be out? I have to assume that they will be broadcasting all the games that NBC doesn’t. It’s really going to suck to have NBC broadcast the first game with their homer announcers (remember last year playoffs??) At least we will get national coverage…
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:02 am
@Rookie,
Traditionally Fox dumps some games, recently picked up by a local station.
Sometimes the Calgary-Edmonton trips are not covered…
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tornado12 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:09 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I would hope fox would commit a bit more financially to cover those Canadian trips for the sc champs!
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:17 am
@tornado12,
They might very well do that…
KC23 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:41 pm
@Rookie, Remember, the Lakers are no longer on Fox. That opens up a ton of time to fill which should make covering the World Champion LA Kings a no brainer. I would be shocked if any games are not covered. Especially, since 11 King games are nationally covered.
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yee-haw
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Kings must have taken on some salary to get those extra two picks..Stewart had 9 goals last year so way more potential to chip a little offense. Glad Westy is gone…waste of a rooster spot.
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CB14 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:02 am
@Cry Baby, Stewart makes 900,000 compared to Westys 725,000. But Westy had another year on his contract while Stewart is a free agent after this season.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
@CB14, Think I read his hit this year is 1M. Still, since he’s a UFA as soon as we win the Cup in June there’s no risk here.
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CB14 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@Duncanz, Agreed
King$ Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
@Cry Baby,
serious? Guy was such a stud in the locker room and would drop the gloves with anyone. Those intangibles mean everything to team chemistry. It’s not always about points on the score sheet…as anyone who has played the game would know…
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Duckbasher Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
@King$,
I thought Westgarth was a great guy. A great cheerleader… but I kind of got tired of seeing him using his face to block punches. plus, he only got involved in those “staged” fights (at faceoff). I don’t think I ever saw him get into an actual scrum in the heat of the battle. So although I wish him well… I’m also very glad to see him gone.
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CB14 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@King$, Yeah, he was great in the playoffs.
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KC23 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
@Cry Baby, I’m glad Westgarth is going somewhere he might get to play. He had no shot on this team. Not sure Stewart will play much, don’t know a thing about him. Getting 2 draft picks and a player that had 9 goals last year on a weak hockey team? DL does it again.
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Oh baby hockey”s back!
Not surprised about the Westy trade…any recon on Stewart?
I’m still shocked Lokti didn’t get an invite to camp.
Any word on the kings injury front..especially Mitchell?
Glad we’re all back my friends.
Go Kings!
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Cav Pilot Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:41 am
@Nykingfan, I’m not all that surprised about Lokti. Dude has skills, but never really seed to fit in with the current King’s style and system.
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Nykingfan Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
@Cav Pilot,
I guess shocked that they gave up on him so quick, but his play never lived up to its hype
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KC23 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:47 pm
@Nykingfan, I’m also surprised that Loktionov is not getting a try. I wonder if he wouldn’t be a better fit for a team like Detroit.
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Pick well, Kings…
The void from Rich’s departure is gargantuan.
Season will not be completely started without our Blogger-In-Chief.
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Duckbasher Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:55 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
I couldn’t agree more. Rich did a lot for this organization and for us fans. Man I miss him already.
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Yes, I intervied.
Yes, the first question was “Your name please?”
Yes, I amswered “Desert King”
Yes, their reply was “Well, thank you for applying, there are some nice nachos in the lobby. Bye bye”
No, I didn’t get the job.
Yes, I am applying for a starship captain’s position next week.
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P1 LA Kings Fan Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:10 am
@DesertKing, +1
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bbb7 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:37 am
@DesertKing, Engage!
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Pesus Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
@DesertKing,
Maybe the spelling of answered was your down fall. I can’t spell worth a crap either so I didn’t apply.
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We all miss Rich, so he will be hard to replace, and it will be hard not to compare the new person…
Awesome job Jim Fox, Bob Miller, Daryl Evans and Nick Nickson!
I’m looking forward to “insider” info – such as quotes from Anze, Willie, and Darryl. And reports like Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com)’s above (thanks Paul!!!).
Any intrigue on Kevin (player’s rep) being traded? I wouldn’t think so. I will miss seeing his commercials!
GKG!
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Thanks for the update LAKI.
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Heh heh. I think the org’s ears have been itching ….
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No comments on Hickey being waived ???? Couldnt even get a draft pick for him??? 2 picks for Westy but none for Hickey???
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tornado12 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:13 am
@Neil, Where was that reported?
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Neil Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:47 am
@tornado12, from “john’s mayormanor” on facebook…
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CoffeyIsForClosers Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 11:58 am
@Neil,
That’s a golden application right there. Hoven does an excellent job. *Ahem*
Nykingfan Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:19 am
@Neil,
Didn’t realize that…would like to know the reason why
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Duncanz Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:19 am
@Neil, The GM must not’ve been impressed on his blitzkrieg visits to Manchester this season.
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Michael J. Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:20 am
@Neil,
I don’t think he’s been waived like a guy is in football. It’s more procedural to allow him to stay in Manc…. I think…
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KC23 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:50 pm
@Neil, Man, I can’t believe we couldn’t get something for Hickey. What a waste if we lose him in the waiver. I will be shocked if no one picks him up. If I was Edmonton, Philly, Pens or Chicago I would pick Hickey up in a heart beat.
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We all have to remember that LAKingsInsider will be different this year. For better or worse, it’s up to the new writer hired to fill Rich Hammond’s shoes. Let’s all show the same long view patience demonstrated by Dean Lombardi.
And, as a gesture to welcome the brave soul who dares accept the position on head Insider, allow me to make the following suggestion:
Work with the Kings to get an Insider Suite Night (or two!) ready to go ASAP. Three good reasons why.
One: Head Insider v 2.0 needs to know just how crazy, rabid and knowledgable we all are – face to face.
Two: Tim doesn’t need to buy us a Beer or give us a free Hotdog. We’ll take another Cup, thank you.
Three: Following the Kings Management and Players example, take half of whatever you charge us for Suite Night and donate the funds to LA Charities.
And finally, being of course in Hollywood, let Bette Davis offer the best advice possible to our New and Future Head Insider:
“Fasten your seat belt. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
But, I’ll wager, the best ride of your life!
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Looks like March and April will be jammed packed with hockey games. I may just overdose after my long withdrawl. GKG!
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Check out NHLN starting right now thru 3:30 or get it DVRed.
Mucho Kings!
Then at 4pm, NHL Tonight debuts for -/’13.
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I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that we won’t lose a single game during the 2012 portion of the 2012-2013 season.
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Real 7 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 11:53 am
@Jon G, you’re going to wake up on the ground, beneath a broken limb…LOL
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Must be because I was telling foxy and miller to keep the insider going
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Duncanz Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
@Long Suckest,
Good job, @Lake. You are the Jack Abramoff of Insider lobbyists.
Beware of the fringe benefits..
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 12:31 pm
@Duncanz, you say lobbyist, I say problem solver.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
@Fake Largesse, You say problem solver, I say overpaid, overfed, overselfmedicated duplicitous poltical hack.
Any other rumors floatin’ around? Free agents and such?
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Go Kings Go!
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KingsManiac602 Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 9:02 am
@KingsManiac602, moderation
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Anyone know who the players were from Manchester who gought called up for this weeks prcatices????
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Does anyone have any information on the scrimmage the team is supposed to have tomorrow night? Time, place, etc.?
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Noah Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
@ExtreMegz10, its an open practice at 7pm at Staples Center. Tickets available to the general public I believe after 2:00pm today, STH have to act on their tickets before the sale to the general public.
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Noah Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
@Noah, tickets are free, not for sale….
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ExtreMegz10 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
@Noah, where do I get the tickets from? Ticketmaster?
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:40 pm
@Noah, Which still *may* mean you have to get them from ticketmaster.
Noah Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 5:06 pm
@Noah, yep! check out lakings.com and click on the link
Here’s a little info on Stewart from a Carolina blogger…seems like he has potential. Perhaps Sutter is the guy to motivate him!
http://www.canescountry.com/2011/8/24/2381440/carolina-newcomers-a-closer-look-at-anthony-stewart
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KC23 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
@Cry Baby, Another big giant foward who finishes his checks. Kings are not going to be fun to play against.
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two sites for the mayor…
http://mayorsmanor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
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Hey, in the “Latest News” section on the right, there’s a link for “Get To Know…..Kevin Westgarth”
Looking forward to seeing what that’s all about.
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the trade story…
http://www.canescountry.com/2013/1/13/3872792/carolina-hurricanes-trades-brian-boucher-anthony-stewart-kevin-westgarth
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Why would any G.M. trade two picks(esp 4th and 6th) for a enforcer with real limited skills??? I wonder who aproached who with that trade??? I think Dean wouldve done that trade for just the player. westy had no value as a King….
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Token Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
@Neil, Westy been skating with the Canes all lockout long. His wife is from there and they live in Raleigh.
Btw, Westy is a much better hockey player than he was allowed to be in the Kings system. Two years ago when Kopi got injured he rocked in the playoffs. Great passer and good vision on the ice.
He played down to the role he was asked to fill.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
@Neil, How about they might’ve been looking for a deterrent-type figure to ward people off of Alexander Semin and the Staal brothers?
Not quite partners, a la McSorley/Gretzky, but something imposing to skate around and take numbers since they don’t have quite the gritty, overbearing wingers in Carolina that we do. Expect his penalty minutes to be way up over there.
Also he comes a 1/4M cheaper than Stewart who as far as they’re concerned hasn’t been making any headway anyway, plus Hurricanes get rid of a couple of annoying draft picks that were just lying around.
Apart from the facetious part, there are good reasons to be made for them looking to acquire Westy.
Like with Simmonds/Schenn, I hope he does well over in the East.
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CB14 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:51 pm
@Duncanz, Why would they need someone to protect Semin? He can slap with the best of them.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 2:20 pm
@BC14, Semin fires blanks.
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
@Neil,
Quite possible Westy asked for the trade. Finished business in LA. Writing on the wall w/DS at the helm, lives in Carolina/close to home, hanging out with the team all lockout
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Osaka Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, Could he have been targeted because he was active for the NHLPA?
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KC23 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:58 pm
@Neil, Definately a head scratcher. If we got just that 4th rounder I wouldn’t of minded, but another draft choice and a player who scored 9 goals that is 6’3″ 230 pounds?
Okay, we’ll do that.
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holy heck Russell Wilson did it
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CB14 Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:11 pm
@McDonalds, So did Matt Ryan. What a game.
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McDonalds Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:19 pm
@CB14,
lol yea i jumped the gun apparently
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Duckbasher Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
@McDonalds,
Pete Caroll lost that game. Too busy rubbing tushes on the sidelines and forgot to call a couple chip shot field goals (in the red-zone). I’d fire him for being such a bonehead.
Hockey lives.
My productivity dies.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
@JackKentConrad,
Too big to fail.
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goldielocks Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@JackKentCooke,
Having the same symptoms. Thinking about to see the therapist.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
@JackKentCooke, You’ve written some awesome posts and letters. I think what you mean us your productivity for what you get PAID to do?
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Will miss you Westy thanks for all that you did!
Slava looked very good today, and so did Green the big man on campus now.
Go Kings Go!
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Can’t wait to see the banner on Saturday!
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Bring Rich back!
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Jon G Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 2:20 pm
@Alberto, I’m hoping Rich starts a Kings blog at the OC Register.
If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad then Muhammad must go to the mountain.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:37 pm
@Alberto, That isn’t going to happen. Remember, Rich CHOSE to leave. There were principals involved wherein he had an understanding of what he could and couldn’t do and the idiots who run this league, who the Kings MUST answer to decided these mythical “negotiations” (that they weren’t even having!) were more important.
None of that has changed.
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Alberto Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 7:44 am
@HockeyNerd, Rich did not CHOSE to leave. You are wrong. He was asked to leave. Kings and NHL did not want independent voice particularly during negotiation. I put some comments to this effect and they were deleted. Rich insisted that all comments would go through. Now this is different.
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Osaka Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 6:21 pm
@Alberto, First Rich and now Westy, all parties from the infamous interview no longer work for the Kings.
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I’m glad our team has progressed to the point where we can no longer afford to keep a one-dimensional player like Westgarth. Still, he filled a role that was needed at the time and he did it much better than his predecessor. I wish him well with the Canes.
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I lost the little graphic that’s attached to my account here.
I can’t remember what they’re called.
I can’t remember where I set it up.
Having a hard time remembering it’s Sunday , due in part to cold/flu.
Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
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Thanks to Westy for being a stand-up guy, a team player, and really good to us fans. The guys in the locker room clearly valued what he brought to the room, and to the negotiating table. Hope the ‘Canes can use him well. Best of Luck.
Now, GKG!
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DesertKing Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:28 pm
@Forum to Staples Fan,
When Smyth left, Westy picked up on his habit of making sure he threw some pucks over the glass to the kids after warm-ups. I am glad he is going to get a chance to play since he was never going to break into the Kings line-up with our depth.
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Michael J. Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
@DesertKing,
My daughter was the recepient of such a gift from Westy about a year ago.
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With Westgarth gone, who from the Kings is likely to do the MetroLink ad?
Penner is my guess. He could emphasize the opportunities of meeting new, ah, people.
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To use a really old cliche the business part of me is happy to see Westgarth go but the personal side is not. A good guy who brought character to the locker room and stood up for his teammates. And you need that. But when you’re trying to repeat as Stanley Cup champs you need it from somebody you can trust to play 10 minutes a game and skate on a 4th line. Someone eventually had to be let go, we’re one forward over (or will be) and he was the logical pick.
Glad to see Toffoli will at least get a look.
A little surprised that with Kopitar hurt Lokti is not even being considered. Looks like he’s not in the organization’s plans. But if everyone was healthy what would you do with him? He isn’t someone you put on a “checking” or “energy” line.
What are we doing with Mitchell out? And how long is that expected?
And finally, glad to see the organization taking some extra time and going through the RIGHT process to select our new “blog leader”. He has big shoes to fill.
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 4:50 pm
@HockeyNerd, lll miss his after-fight claps.
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hire eliott friedman i am sure he would love to leave the cold !!!
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For those wondering about Hickey, et. al. being placed on waivers…those four players had to be placed on waivers by the Kings, and they have to clear waivers, so they can officially be assigned to Manchester, now that the NHL is back in business with a new CBA. It wasn’t for any other reason than that.
Presumably, Jake Muzzin, who is with the Kings right now (have you noticed that the Kings have not had to announce that they recalled Muzzin, Bodnarchuk and Toffoli?), with have to clear waivers before returning to Manchester after Mitchell returns.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 5:35 pm
@Gann Matsuda,
Thanks for clearing that up! Appreciated!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
@Gann Matsuda, Toffoli clear waivers?
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Gann Matsuda Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Toffoli is/was not subject to waivers.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 3:00 pm
@Gann Matsuda, That’s what I thought. Perhaps Bodnarchuck too?
I would rather have Anthony’s brother Chris Stewart, but the draft picks for Westy were a good pick up.
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http://mayorsmanor.com/
Search over!
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Thank you! The blog has been officially addressed.
Go Kings Go!
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