Andrei Loktionov is a New Jersey Devil. The Los Angeles Kings traded the center to New Jersey in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. This ends the Los Angeles career of a player selected in the fifth round of 2008, and who had requested a trade, according to several reports between September and January. Loktionov appeared in 59 games over parts of three seasons in L.A., recording 14 points (7-7=14). He auditioned for and was eventually passed over in a role to replace a concussed Kyle Clifford in the playoffs a season ago and appeared in two games against Vancouver in the first round without accumulating as many as 10 minutes of ice time between the two games. He will be assigned to AHL-Albany, per the Devils.
Loktionov has an appealing amount of skill that hasn’t yet translated consistently to the NHL level. Though he has the reputation of being a responsible forward, he’s not exactly a bottom six type, and with Anze Kopitar (signed through 2016) and Mike Richards (signed through 2020) manning the top two center spots, along with the off-season extensions of Jarret Stoll (through 2015) and Colin Fraser (through 2014), there simply wasn’t any place for Loktionov to earn a role.
His most promising campaign was his 20-year old season of 2010-11, when he recorded seven points in 19 games before an assignment to Manchester in which he injured his shoulder when it appeared he might be on the verge of a call-up. Since then, he hasn’t been able to stick in L.A.
Loktionov had a brief role on a line alongside Dustin Brown and Mike Richards in the first half of last season. “They’re good players. They can find me anywhere. I just have to leave my stick on the ice and open up,” he said at the time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite that easy.
Can’t say this was a surprise.
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Belexes Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
@vplaza,
No surprise at all. Move the players that don’t fit, and collect assets.
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vplaza Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
@Belexes,
He had practically zero chance of cracking the lineup, so hopefully, he makes it somewhere. Seems like he could be a decent player for someone.
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Good luck Lokti.
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Man, only a fifth rounder?? Thought he was worth at least a third. Oh we’ll, good luck and I wonder if I should pick him up in my keeper league?
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vplaza Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 3:41 pm
@Ryan oliver,
I’m curious why some would think that Lokti, a 5th rounder himself who has not been able to stick with the big league club, would be worth more than a 5th rounder. To me, this was a fair trade, maybe even better for the Kings since they could be fortunate enough to find a gem with this pick for the future, when they actually have a need they need to fill.
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Arron Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 3:49 pm
@vplaza,
I think it has something to do with fans looking at their player through rose colored glasses. I too was originally shocked that we only got a fifth rounder but the more I thought about it the more it made sense.
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Pasadena Hockey Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
@Arron, It is nickel and dime stuff, but most 5th round picks don’t make it up to the big club. Lokti was very very close. I too thought he was worth more.
It speaks well of the Kings that they moved him and he will get his shot elsewhere.
luc20rules Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
@vplaza, What I would have liked to have seen is a trade to Ottawa with Spezza out for 2 months, and make it a conditional pick at worst 6th if he scores 10G and sticks on the roster 4th, 2nd if he has 30pts and sticks on the roster.
Or something like that.
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WTF Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
@vplaza, It is because he only went low due to fears with the Russian transfer agreement that year. Otherwise he would have gone a lot higher.
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Osaka Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:03 pm
@Ryan oliver, A 5th round is a very good deal since Lokti’s contract is up this summer and he could back to Russia.
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Pesus Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:08 pm
@Osaka,
Good point
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LA_1968 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 8:16 pm
@Osaka, I tend to agree with you but at the same time Lokti wants to be an NHL’r. He’s proven that by sticking around this long. He’ll be RFA this year so not like he would walk so easily. If he is good enough then a 5th rounder isn’t enough. Dean Lombardi must have his doubts.
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We’ll miss you #12. Best of luck to you.
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Ones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
@Tyfighter77, You miss Simon Gagne?
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Michael J. Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
@Tyfighter77,
Did Gagne get traded?
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7MILforHickey Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
@Michael J., rofl
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Tyfighter77 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 8:41 pm
@Michael J.,
That was Loktionov’s number before Gagne came last year. He wore it for all his goals (I think), so for me, that was his # with the kings..
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 10:20 pm
@Tyfighter77,
Your forgetting about the goal that was scored last year when, unbeknownst to him, the puck ricocheted off his skate and into the net while he was standing in the slot looking the other way. Of course he reacted like he had just scored a game 7 winner.
What a D-Bag!!!
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 10:49 pm
@kissmybourgiestyles, Diss ess becoss ve rooshkies hev mor pashoon and cellebreshin moovs dan yoo booring vesterness.
A.Loktionov (Albany Devils) ~
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 11:35 pm
@Duncanzki,
And here I was, trying to recall the Dutch I learned while trolling the Red Light District of Amsterdam. But then I considered the source and started to read it.
Sad to see him go. Still don’t think he got a fair shake.
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vplaza Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
@CB14,
Funny thing is the reports say that he has a better chance of cracking the NJ lineup than he ever did with the Kings. The Yahoo! report said that he might get a chance on the 2nd or 3rd line as the center. No way he gets that in LA unless Kopi or Richards go down (and Carter could step in again if needed).
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CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:14 pm
@vplaza, I know, but i’m not happy about it. I wasn’t happy when we re-signed Stoll, and i’m not pleased that we traded Lokti. Stoll sucked last year, and hasn’t improved this year. He has 1 point, a goal, in 8 games. And he’s signed for another 2 years, whoppie!
Fraser has, to put it nicely, looked like crap. I know we don’t rely on him to put up points, but that 4th line has been ineffective ever since Cliffy was moved to the 2nd line. Even with Cliffy back on the 4th line, they’ve still played poorely.
Also, Mike Richards has only looked good on the Power Play, all 4 of his assists have come on the PP, and his only goal came last night immediately after a PP had ended. He wasn’t good last year, and has shown only flashes this season. He might be turning into a #3 Center. That’s the reason Philly traded MR in the first place, because they didn’t want to pay him #1 money to play on the 3rd line.
Suddenly you might have a need for a top 2 Center. Yes Carter can play Center, but his goal scoring ability works better with a Center who can set him up, Lokti was that type of player. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Lokti put up great numbers in jersey.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
@CB14,
Stoll is an annoyance on the ice and a bit of a cheap shot artist too which, if nothing else, keeps opponents preoccupied.
You can’t push Fraser around.
I can’t believe you actually made a case for Lokti vs Richards. Do you think Lokti would have squared up last night? Gordie Howe Hat Tricks are a valuable asset.
Lokti was too small to hang around the net, he was crap along the boards and we already have a Russian who can shoot from the point.
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:08 pm
Being an annoyance and/or being tough to push around doesn’t put points up on the board. This team has struggled for years to put goals in the net, and like it or not, Loktis style of play helps make that happen. MR is a much better player, but if he continues to regress offensively, there will be a need for a #2 Center which is a position Lokti could’ve filled.
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:21 pm
@CB14, couldn’t disagree more with most of this. Lokti got tons of chances to produce and never did. Yes he has skill but without size and strength it’s worthless. I doubt he even makes New Jersey’s team. You also cannot compare Stoll the way you are doing it — when he doesn’t score he’s checking the opposing center, winning faceoffs and doing a lot of things we as fans don’t notice but DS does — because they are important to the success of this team. Lokti plain and simple had better put up points to be an asset. He got chance after chance after chance to do that here and didn’t. I don’t know what so many people saw in him.
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:26 pm
@CB14,
To your first sentence, Yes it does.
Considering this teams legacy of goal scoring, what is happening now is totally out of character. However, Lokti’s style of play did nothing for us, which is why he was reassigned.
Do you remember the NHL 36 segment with Richards? Remember the Sushi restaurant scene? That’s when I knew Lokti was out of sorts with this team.
It’s one thing to be able, and it’s another to produce, but to get along, you have to go along. He was a distraction in the locker room and he was TM’s little pet, who’s ego was bigger than his ability.
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:48 pm
@HockeyNerd, He never got a chance at a top 6 forward while playing his natural position of Center. He was usually the #4 Center with Westy and Richardson on his wings. He got a few chances on Kopi’s left side, but we all know he’s not built to play LW.
@kissmyblarneystones, “Considering this teams legacy of goal scoring, what is happening now is totally out of character” Did you not watch this team play last season? We were the second worst goal scoring team in the league last season. “Lokti’s style of play did nothing for us, which is why he was reassigned.” He was reassigned because DS hates smaller players. He scored 3 goals in the last 6 games before he was reassigned to Manchester last season. 3 goals in 6 games is nothing for us? If you think that’s nothing i’d love for you to look at Jarrett Stolls numbers.
Kevco Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:27 pm
@CB14, Stoll is now in his correct role, a third line center who,plays on the pk very well and wins face offs. Could he be better, sure but his role is a third line center and he fills it well. Loki is not a third line center, he thinks in his mind his a top six guy, but he has not proven it and there is no space for him in our top six as a center and he’s not good on the wing. Maybe a change of teams lets him move up, but he was not going to do it in LA.
bmova Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:33 pm
@CB14, “Lokti is that kind of player…to set up Carter??? What are you basing that on? He had a chance to showcase his skills and couldn’t get the job done.
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:43 pm
@CB14,
Ive been watching this team for quite awhile now including last year. There is more to playing hockey than just scoring goals. Something lokti couldnt do even though it was is single attribute. You do DS a disservice by suggesting that his decision to send Lokti down was personal. What an insult. All I know is that when stoll is on the ice, I notice him.
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:10 pm
@Kevco, I agree he’s in his right role, but I disagree with you that he does it well.
@bmova, He’s never played with decent wingers, so how could you say he’s had a chance to showcase that skill?
@kissmyblarneystones, I notice him shooting wide too.
Real 7 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 11:02 pm
@CB14, that’s REALLY a far out post….what planet did you say you’re from….?
Lokti got exactly what he wanted and deserved…
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 11:28 pm
@Real Saturner, Phew, tough audience..
KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:29 am
@CB14, Pretty much agree on all points. Especially about Stoll. He is way over paid for what he brings to the table. Pretty much useless in the regular season. Finally woke up for last year’s playoffs, but that’s not good enough.
I also think Stoll is the dirtiest player on the King’s roster. I was hoping he wouldn’t get resigned, but Stoll is clearly part of the Canadian “good ole boys” club and is held to a different standard than others IMHO.
goldielocks Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
@CB14,
He’s a talented kid who doesn’t fit Kings’ system but he might with other systems. So this could be a better chance for him.
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Olivia Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:29 pm
@CB14, Agree.
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Deke'r Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 8:14 pm
@CB14, …….nyet…..too schmall….too veak….go to Russia….drink wodka….
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CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 8:58 pm
@Deke’r, VV ain’t much bigger than Lokti and he’s done a pretty damn fine job. Not to mention his position typically requires a larger frame to play it.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 9:58 pm
@CB14,
Apples and Oranges dude. Same game, Two different assignments. One guy has to power through guys bigger then him to get to the net, the other has to position himself between the net and the guy going to the net. Which guy do you think has to be bigger?
KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:33 am
@CB14, I think time will clearly seperate Voynov from most players. We’ve only got a small peak of just how good he is going to be IMHO. I thought it was funny watching JJ at the same time as his replacement Voynov. I doubt JMinusJ will never ever be as good as Voynov is already.
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 9:00 pm
@Deke’r, Now that I think about it, Richards isn’t much bigger either. He’s just had time to fill out his frame, Lokti hasn’t had time yet, he’s only 22. I’m going out on a limb and saying Lokti will be a 15-35-50 guy within 2.5 years.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 9:59 pm
@CB14,
In the KHL maybe.
JD Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 12:08 am
@CB14, I liked lokti, it’s too bad he didn’t fit in here, but in NO way is he even close to Richards
Deke'r Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
@CB14, ….ummmm possibly…..stranger things have happened….maybe if he channeled Ricky’s attitude…..just can’t see him standing up for a teammate in a fight…..
Good luck Lokti, hope he can stay with the big club.
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This can either turn out like O’Sullivan (right time to cut bait) or like Purcell and Moulson (turned into top 6 forwards for another team). Bottom line is that like those other players his time was up in LA. I do hope he finds success in NJ !
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HOSO Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
He will be a bather then Purcell and Moulson
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JD Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 12:26 am
@HOSO, ya right
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Real 7 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 12:34 am
@HOSO, HUH??
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Duncanz Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 1:19 am
@Real 7 Seas, Easy on, he’s in Europe.
LAK1ngs Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 3:58 pm
@HOSO, You hear him, he will bathe Purcell and Moulson. He’s a bather.
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KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:35 am
@LB, I think Purcell is a Gomez type of player. Put him with average forwards and his scoring would disappear.
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My goodbye and one last shot about the cup thing…
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/so-long-champ/
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pr0cess Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), you leaving?
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
@pr0cess, My goodbye to Lokti
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mask0425x Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:23 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Then who’s is going to chaperone him? Was hoping you’d say hi to Parse as well while there.
ZING!!!
Plus, like the Devils, Loktionov didn’t get his name on the Stanley Cup this summer because the Kings are too deep, so he and his teammates will have that to complain about.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/kings-trade-andrei-loktionov-devils-where-might-able-232647505–nhl.html;_ylt=Ao2Lrft9YS8nh8thtVgdORh7vLYF;_ylu=X3oDMTRpaWRlbWxiBG1pdANMSVNUUyBNaXhlZCBMaXN0IE5ITCBCbG9ncwRwa2cDZDA3OWVkY2YtYWQwMS0zZjkwLTkxMzctOWNkZGIwZDQ5NTMwBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNNZWRpYUJMaXN0TWl4ZWRMUENBVGVtcAR2ZXIDMTNmM2VhNDAtNzBiNS0xMWUyLWJmMzQtZDRjMGMxZTQzYmZk;_ylg=X3oDMTFoYWo1YzR1BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANuaGwEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnM-;_ylv=3
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Dumb trade. PERIOD
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Purple Reign Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
@Scott, you know nothing about hockey. Period.
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Scott Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 9:44 pm
@Purple Reign — Dislike
The dude is worth more. Since LA didn’t know how to use him you might think I “know nothing about hockey” but I’ll take this time to remind you of Matt Moulson and Ted Purcell.
Next time please put a little more thought in your post before bashing a fan who is voicing his opinion.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:07 pm
@Scott, Please don’t tell me we’re going to lose you to the Devils as well, @Scott?
We still have a decent player or two left here, you know!
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linny Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:07 pm
@Scott, I agree…this is what drives me crazy about Dl. Just because he was a fifth round pick doesn’t mean that’s all he’s worth as someone else above suggests. Anybody can c he’s got enough talent to crack someone’s lineup n he never got a shot with the kings. Why not at least package him n get something we could use now…like a D-MAN?
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Shotongoal Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:20 pm
@linny, and if he played FOR another team and was traded to the Kings what would you have wanted to give up to get him? IF he had enough talent then he’d still be with the Kings. He did get a chance, played 59 NHL games and didn’t really make an impact and couldn’t stay healthy. AND he hasn’t “cracked” NJ’s lineup yet so that is still an unknown. Why exactly do you think the Kings need to trade for defense, who is in the lineup now that isn’t producing, and why would any team trade a known commodity (especially a D-man) for a player who hasn’t been a commodity?
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Lake Forest Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:05 pm
@Shotongoal, +1
michael j Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:06 pm
@Shotongoal,
Word.
luc20rules Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:33 pm
@Shotongoal, Yes, I agree, but why fans are so crazy on this is Moulson, Purcell, Boyle, etc. Granted I still feel that all the above were not suited to the Kings style or not really personally ready until a organization gave up on them and fueled some reserve modivation. All the above also got 50+ games to show their NHL readiness with the Kings and failed. Loki probably will find some success eventually with NJ system I have my doubts, but if he went to TB, Pitt, Mont, Ottawa more likely. I just don’t see enough D in his game to make NJ happy. DL probably should have pitched Loki to Ottawa who will be missing Spezza for 2 months.
Shotongoal Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:44 pm
@Shotongoal, @luc20rules, yeah I get what some here are saying, but any other past moves that Lombardi has made or didn’t make with this team has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with this trade and pointing out past moves to try to make a point on this being a good trade or not is ridiculous. Each move has to be judged on its own merits, and the fact is Loktionov was not going to be a factor to the Kings and why anyone would no that another team would hold him in a other esteem than the Kings did when they drafted him in the 5th round is not reasonable. Again, all I will ask of anyone here who would like to answer, is if the Loktionov was on the other foot what would we have thought was reasonable for the Kings to give up for him? That seems to be a hard question for the complainers to answer!
Kevco Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
@linny, the definition of worth is what someone is willing to pay . I’m pretty sure DL got the best offer that was available , I doubt he just walked into his office this morning, called Lou and said “hey you want this center we have, he’s going to be great someday and I need an extra pick in round five” please give DL I bit more credit. He did build a team that just won the cup!
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bmova Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:36 pm
@linny, Because no team in its mind will trade a minute-logging defensemen for a player who only has potential.
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Shotongoal Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:32 pm
@Scott, soooo ummm what would have made it a smart trade?
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michael j Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
@Scott,
The guy had his shot and didn’t make a case for himself. His contract is up at the end of the year, so he was going to walk anyway.
Glad Dean got something.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:37 pm
@Scott, Right. DL should have held out for Brodeur, Kovalchuk and a first AT LEAST. After all a forward who does nothing but score but doesn’t score is worth SO much to somebody.
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bmova Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
@HockeyNerd, LOL.
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crashin'da net Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 9:06 pm
@Scott, Good trade. Lokti was too small. Seems NJ likes those Gionta type flyweights. They got rid of him too. All the best Lokti. You gave it your best try and it wasn’t working out.
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The fact that people are STILL giving their terrible armchair GM advice after we win the CUP is laughable.
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linny Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:11 pm
@Purple Reign, why is it laughable? Have u looked at some of DL’s picks the last few years n seen who was still available? Just because we won the cup doesn’t mean DL gets a pass on everything he does from now on
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
@linny,
Yes it does. After 45 years, DL can do what he wants!
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michael j Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:13 pm
@kissmyblarneystones,
Yup.
Duncanz Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 12:04 am
@kissmyblarneystones, In fairness to DL, I trust he has a 180 deg opposite attitude going forward.
Osaka Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:10 pm
@linny, Actually it shows he was right and you were wrong on all the past moves or picks you refer to.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:40 pm
@Osaka,
He enters with a backhand!!!
UpTheIrons! Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:12 pm
@Purple Reign, +1
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JD Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:22 pm
@Purple Reign, just as bad, are the backseat coaches ….. Bla bla bla bench Richards, bench stoll bla, bla, bla shoot from the point, get the puck low, cycle the puck… Fake a shoot the skate around the d, then hit the open corner… Bla, bla, bla… Doughty’s terrible…. It’s not really quicks fault, look at what he did last year….. Bla, bla bla
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
@Purple Reign, +1
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DLB Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 9:35 am
@Purple Reign, Winning a cup doesn’t make a GM mistake proof. Lombardi would be the first to tell you that.
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at first I was a bit shocked by only getting a fifth rounder, but like many have said, if Lokti where to make the Kings that would have only ment we were moving away from the kind of tough and mostly big but always gritty (two way) forwards that got us the cup, you don’t check and grind down teams in the playoffs with Lokti, I’m sure some day he will have decent NHL numbers but not on the cup
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Good riddance. that’s my opinion. Now i don’t have to hear about Lokti this Lokti that. The point is, he had his chances and he is and plays too small at center. Also we all know he can’t play the wing (weak on the boards), so I think we are lucky to get a 5th round out of someone who has never proved anything in the NHL. Heck he also has injury problems.
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hbjohn Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:12 pm
@hbjohn, Oh yeah and he asked for the trade.. Don’t want him here if he doesn’t want to be here. Don’t let the manchester door hit you in the a** Lokti!
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absoludicrous Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
@hbjohn, I’m so sick of the love affair with Lokti. He hasn’t proved anything here and has definitely had his chances to do so. I wish him all the best in NJ but best of all I’m glad we don’t have to hear his name around here anymore.
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CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
@absoludicrous, Lokti is 22 years old, the same age Dwight King was when he made his Kings debut 2 years ago and stunk up the joint. Then a year later he comes back to the Kings and plays great helping the Kings win the Cup. Don’t write Lokti off yet.
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Datacloud Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:36 pm
@CB14, Not arguing your point, but King is back to stinking up the joint.
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:52 pm
@Datacloud, Actually you’re proving my point. Young players struggle with their consistency. Especially guys who are forced to play with Westy and Richardson, or at their unnatural position of LW.
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
@hbjohn, He’s 22 years old. You do realize that some players take time to come into their own and put on enough muscle to take the beating of an NHL season don’t you? Most players don’t sniff the NHL at that age.
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bmova Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:43 pm
@CB14, Let’s say you’re right with everything you say. Where was he going to play?
I think we can agree that he’s not a bottom 6 forward. So unless you plan to either bench or move Kopi or Richards to LW, there was no place for him on this team.
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CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:15 pm
@bmova, I think there’s a distinct possibility that Stoll gets moved and Richards moves down to the 3rd line. Opening up a spot for Lokti.
hbjohn Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:40 pm
@CB14, LMAO.. Richards moving down and Lokti to the second line.. WOW
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KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:42 am
@hbjohn, I agree.
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I’m surprised a team like Columbus wasn’t willing to give up more than a fifth-rounder for Loktionov. For the right team I think he can be a pretty effective player.
He wasn’t going to get that chance with us, so I’m glad for his sake that he is moving on.
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I have to say, I never liked him, but felt he was worth more than a 5th. I despise mouthy athletes and he said something regarding his perceived notion that he was a goal scorer last season. He was in the wrong conference for starters and he is too small unless he was a Domi type. He’ll be playing in Europe in a year or two. This trade all but guarantees it.
I would’ve been good adding him to a larger trade for some D.
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tim chaney Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, i agree
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HOSO Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
You never liked him? I hope you watching hockey not soccer
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
@HOSO,
Don’t get it.
[Reply]
HOSO Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:16 pm
my point was, he’s a heck of a player, how you cant like him?
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:36 pm
@@HOSO,
I got it. No, I heard Bob refer to a conversation he had with Lokti and it is what I go to whenever I hear Lokti’s name. Obviously I don’t know him personally, but a persons humility, a trait I am extremely deficient in, goes a long way with me. There is nothing Humble about Lokti and it annoys me. Just like all the Ocho Cinco’s in the NFL.
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Trade @kissmyblowmyhorns!
JD Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:32 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, how about mouthy bloggers??
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
@JD,
Leave @Duncanz out of it!
[Reply]
According to ESPN.com, Dwight King plays for the New York Yankees. http://espn.go.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/4752/dwight-king
[Reply]
Bonvivant Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:37 pm
@CB14, Good catch. Hockey gets very little respect.
[Reply]
Arron Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
@CB14,
He hasn’t aged very well either.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
@Arron, Hank! Thanks for checking in!
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:34 pm
@CB14,
That explain’s Lombardi’s fascination with the kid. Probably called King up just to ask him to autograph his baseball.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:44 pm
@Kingy74, He’ll be playing with Lokti & Penns in the El Cid league before they all know what hit them!
[Reply]
seems our system is suited for skilled grinders and muckrakers. that being said, you cant argue with success.
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With injuries a sure thing, ho about veteran organizational depth? Only a fifth rounder, huh?
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if you ever play roto(fantasy) sports…every now and then when you make a trade …you give up more then you should…..Now other owners will want to deal with you……There is more to trading then trading….a 6 time Roto winner in Baseball!!!!
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Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:47 pm
@neiling, This aint … something or other..
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Neiling…….. Moulson…Purcell…..Lotki…..This GM is clueless…….. JOKING!!!!!
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Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:48 pm
@neil, Roto rooter.
[Reply]
We’re stacked down the middle, He has NO power game off the wings…
He was Oscar Moller 2.0. Good kid, good skill, no room.
He had a few chances and never really blossomed here or seized the opportunities. Besides, now with Toffoli coming on strong, who would you give the roster spot between the two?
This was an obvious choice and Toffoli’s performance lately made this choice MUCH easier.
Good Luck Lokti!
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:21 pm
@Cynic,
Exactly my thoughts. He was not going to be replacing Kopitar or Richards, and he’s not suited for the grind of the third or fourth lines. He was at best uncomfortable on the wings, and even when given a shot at center, he just couldn’t produce much. I think he could play one day in the NHL, but there’s just no place for him on this team. I also see him as a player who could be happier playing at home in the KHL, as his game might be better suited to the wider rinks used in that league.
I will say that I wish Dean Lombardi had been able to pick up a defenseman in this deal, but there probably just wasn’t a deal out there to be had. I give Lombardi the benefit of the doubt because we don’t have access to the information he does (unless you’re Eklund, in which case you report that Nashville was willing to part with Shea Weber for Loktionov).
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 11:13 pm
@KingMe20,
I look at it this way.
5th round 2013, Lombardi finds some lanky kid who turns into Luc V2.0.
Now this trade won’t look so bad. Thinking Positive!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 12:28 am
@IceGuy, I’ll hold you to that!
KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:43 am
@Cynic, I’d take Oscar Moller over Loktionov any day.
[Reply]
Instead of answering specifically about what we should have gotten for lokti, I would just llike to point out a few draft pi KS and issues thatdo not support those that think DL is a genius. 2006: picks Lewis (yes he’s decent maybe more n I like him) Hughes could have had Claude Giroux, then takes Joe Ryan n could have had Milan Lucifer. 2007: picks Hi key (for whom we got NOTHING) when he could have had Logan Couture, Max Paciiretty or PK Subban. 2008: picks Teubert (,,,packaged with 1st n 2nd round pick for Penner), could ha e had Del Ditto or Jordan Eberle. I’ll stop here because it only gets worse
[Reply]
linny Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:58 pm
@linny, just to clarify my typo “Hughes”… when he could have picked, etc…
[Reply]
linny Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 4:59 pm
@linny, LOL Milan Lucic (not Lucifer)
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:02 pm
@linny,
The Dude won the Stanley Cup! He can’t improve on that!
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neil Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:03 pm
@linny, DL drafting hasnt been the greatest..in reality Taylor helped the team the most…Quick..Brown….
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:10 pm
@neil, Kopi too
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California Royalty Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:07 pm
@linny, You raise some good points there no question.
To Lombardi’s credit, he has drafted some of the best players this team has seen in a long time, and he’s built a Stanley Cup winning team through Free Agency, Trades and yes, the Draft.
Still tough to see some of those ‘could have been’ players though.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
@California Royalty, Only ‘best player’ he has drafted is Doughty. JC and MR were trades. JQ, AK, and DB were Dave Taylor. VV has a chance, but he’s not there yet.
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:37 pm
@CB14, He also drafted;Martinez
Bernier – Which was a great pick at the time, and the Kings will get something or someone good in return.
- Wayne Simmonds, who’s a beast.
- Braden Schenn
- Tyler Toffoli
- Maxim Kitsyn
- Derek Forbort
I know the last 3 are unproven, but I see them on the team and making an impact in the near future.
He’s definitely passed up some great talent, I’m not saying he hasn’t.
But look at it this way, if he drafted some of those guys, the Kings wouldn’t be able to sign the core group that they have locked in for the next 4-10 years. The same core that won them the Stanley Cup.
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 8:00 pm
@Cal Roy, Correct and well argued.
As impossible and unfair as it will ever be to compare DT and DL, one certainly cannot do so without DL’s guys having had a chance to fully develop just like your Quicks, Browns and Kopis have.
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 8:18 pm
@California Royalty, I’m not saying he hasn’t done a good job, he has, just that DD is the only one that I would classify as one of the “best players this team has seen in a long time”. Those listed all have the talent to get there, but none of them are at that level yet.
I’m not one of those trying to nit pick on what could’ve been, just that DT should get ALOT more credit than he has. He was responsible for 3 of the 4 best players on this team in last years playoffs, and the talent that he left the Kings with led to Jeff Carter.
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 10:21 pm
@BC14, DT should get and has got some of the credit (esp when TL invited him back for post-Cup cocktail activities) but as stated above with rationalizations, you can’t objectively compare one to the other. It’s not a level skating rink.
Shotongoal Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:13 pm
@linny, but you’re the one who brought up the trade of Loktionov! What you’re talking about now has what to do with the trade? If you dislike Lombardi as a GM so be it, but what does ANY of this have to do with this trade? I think you’re trying to toss up a smoke screen after unreasonably jumping on him for the trade of Lokitionov, and you have no other argument but to bring up his drafting history. Say what you will, and obviously you have, but I don’t agree, I’ll keep this GM and his staff after they brought this team their FIRST STANLEY CUP IN FRANCHISE HISTORY!
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:30 pm
@linny, Not only is there no reason whatsoever to be bringing this up, you’re being ridiculous. Name me one GM IN ANY SPORT who never let talent walk for less than he should have gotten or never drafted a player ahead of one who turned out to be better. I’ll even help you: the closest to perfection you’re ever gonna get is Jerry West and even he let Nick Van Excel walk and could have drafted Kobe WITHOUT having to give up Divac. You’re being absurd, and there’s no purpose in it. Did you forget we win a cup with some of these draft picks?
[Reply]
Choralone Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:24 pm
@linny, As HockeyNerd said, you could do this exercise with any GM in any sport and you’d have the same outcome. I still read posts from other fans lamenting that their GM didn’t pick Kopitar when they could have. Besides, drafting is a reflection of the scouting staff as much as – or even more than – it is of the GM. Whereas the GM is 100% responsible for trades, contracts, and managing cap room. I think Dean has done a stellar job with the latter, and the team has done a very good job of turning mid-round picks into players.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 10:14 pm
@Choralone, That said, the GM_hires_that scouting staff so there’s responsibility there too…
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 2:32 am
@linny, Only Milan has won the cup. Who can draft all the best players in the world, but if you don’t win did you do your job in building a champion team. You can draft Voynov, Lewis, Nolan, and Martinez and win the cup. Who did their job? Does Philly have a better GM? Do you get what the objective of the game is? Names don’t win cups, players win cups.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 3:37 am
@0 sake,
How about this one?
‘Chemistry’ wins cups!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:45 am
@linny, Shrugs … we won the cup. I give DL and pass up until the end of this season unless we win another cup … at which time I’ll add another year on the pass.
[Reply]
Couldn’t cut it in a defensive system in the West. Going to the most defensive team in the league, in the East? I bet he’s in the KHL within 2 years.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:44 pm
@California Royalty,
Yup!
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I knew it! Just kidding…
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Yah, Lotki had skill but there simply wasn’t any slot for this stanley cup team. I respect Lotki, and I saw flashes of brilliance, but Devils are less gritty now with him on the line-up.
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this is a good trade Lokti will never stick with any team in this league, he is toooooo small, period.
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JD Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:49 pm
@harty, maybe he’s not big enough, or gritty enough for DS, but size isn’t everything, Clifford’s big, and gritty, but as we’ve seen, he’s settling back to the bottom
[Reply]
just looking over the line up, DS/DL should assemble these lines and leave them for 5 games…….
-Brown, Kopi, Williams
-Gagne, Richards, Carter
-Penner, Stoll, Lewis
-Clifford, Richardson, King
*leave Nolan, Fraser out for awhile……..
*tell the players this is the way its going to be so just play, don’t worry about error go out and play the game and get on with it.
Most players on the 3rd and especially the 4th line are too afraid to just play cause if they make an error they won’t see the ice or sit the next game, they are playing on egg shells……….let them play.
DS has to get back to playing 4 lines more regularly, the first two lines get tired quick with 10+ minutes after two periods.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:25 pm
@harty, You are Neiling..(Duncanz nick name for me wrt line changes) I keep bringing it up …i agree with you..the 4th line isnt rolling yet…and that was a MAJOR part of our team last season under DS..
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:31 pm
@neil, Get off your neis, kneel!
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 1:14 am
@harty, I pretty much agree with your lines there except I would change a couple for the purpose of having grittier and tougher bottom six. Nolan replaces Lewis; Fraser replaces Richardson.
[Reply]
Canuck75 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 11:57 am
@harty, Completely agree with you. Nolan and Fraser do nothing for me. Nolan can only occasionally hit and usually ruins any type of cycle down low. A fourth line cycle is huge in today’s game. I have never seen Fraser really contribute. He is serviceable but I have yet to see a shift where has either a big hit or puck steal.
I want to see Clifford and Richardson buzzing down low, causing turnovers, and King banging in the corners, being a presence in front of the net. Need more energy!
The tough part with Penner is you have to ride his lazy, pancake eating ways until he gets in decent game shape and contributes. He always teases with ability to be a game changer. Sadly, it won’t come until later in the season, if at all.
[Reply]
Just a 5th rounder for lot LOKTI? I don’t know about that, he is worth more than that in my opinion
good luck LOKTI
GO KINGS GO
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JD Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 5:51 pm
@Gmo, at least we didn’t just give him away…….. Hickey
[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:11 pm
@JD,
So true
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Nykingfan Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:30 pm
@Gmo,
If he was a Devil and was traded to the Kings..based on what he’s shown, what round pick would u give up for him?
The Devils thought so much of his game, they sent him to Albany…
I’m not saying he won’t turn out to be more, but he was drafted in the 5th round..there was a reason for this.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:48 am
@Nykingfan, Bingo.
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:52 am
@Gmo, sure you don’t wanna change your handle?
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To answer those who are lashing out with vitriol about my opinion on DL n this trade I would like to point out that I do not have access to the info n staff that DL has so I can’t say what we should have gotten or could have gotten for lokti. I’m simply pointing out that IMO DL has made some poor decisions n I think we could have gotten a little better pick. As to who got us the cup, as others have pointed out, (and whiich DL n others have stated), Dave Taylor drafted some of our best players including Quick (MVP) and DL did a great job in adding to it to get the cup (for which he should get the credit and accolades) and for which I will b eternally grateful. It just seems that there r alot of people who think it MUST b a great trade because DL did it. Why r u so angry about my opinion, which some others here agree with?
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:10 pm
@linny, I’m not angry, because you can have any opinion you want, but when you complain just to complain and don’t have an idea on what or how it could have been better than yes, I’m going to call you out! Your complaint about this trade is still empty, AND you STILL haven’t explained how this trade could be better. But in reality, this trade is a non-factor now and probably will be continue to be in the future, reason being, is that Loktionov will probably never amount to anything in the NHL and the 5th pick will more than likely not make an impact either. With that said though, that unknown 5th pick has as much chance of cracking the Kings’ lineup and making an impact as Loktionov would have. THAT’S why it was a good trade for the Kings, and that’s why you don’t have an argument to back up your empty complaint.
[Reply]
linny Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:27 pm
@Shotongoal, my argument would b that since the 2011-12 hockey prospectus has him ranked 10th out of top 100 we could have gotten a little better pick, IMO, which also includes some of his minor league stats n what I saw as a decent skill set. IMO he never got a true shot. Now u can have the last word because its simply my opinion n we can only wait n c what he does with the rest of his career
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:34 pm
@linny, but you keep saying the same thing. At least I’m actually responding to what you say. You’re NOT giving me that same courtesy. All I asked is if he played for another team what would you have hoped the Kings would have given up to get him. Also you said that you would have packaged him for a needed D-man, which I assume you meant a top 6 D-man, and my question was why would someone give up a known commodity for a player who has been a non-commodity in the NHL, and you didn’t answer that. So again, say whatever you want but don’t get all hurt when someone asks you what you would do better, or what your opinion would be that the team could have done better. If you’re going to throw things out here expect responses and have the common courtesy to back up and respond to those who respond to your posts.
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:41 pm
@linny, You aren’t an NHL GM and you don’t know what DL “could have gotten”. You simultaneously say he should have gotten more for Lokti and you don’t know what information DL had. YOU DON’T KNOW. I am coming down hard on you BECAUSE you are “calling DL out” PARTICULARLY WHEN HE JUST WON A STANLEY CUP with absolutely zero, nada, nil, no basis. On top of that you are putting words in OUR mouth: nobody said it was a great deal, we said it was the best DL could do. It is one thing to say you are disappointed and wish we could have gotten more. It is another thing to “invent” a story that we all think DL is the greatest GM that ever walked the face of the earth, then disprove the story YOU invented by holding him “accountable” for “mistakes” every GM of every sport has made. But that STILL wasn’t enough apparently: we call you out on all this and you say we are being vitriolic for telling you the truth! If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. If you post it here it WILL be subject to review, dissection, and analysis. Get it?
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:28 pm
@Shotongoal, +1.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:28 pm
@Shotongoal, Yes DS and DL won the cup…..but with help(Taylor’s draft and TM’s defense)Also how soon we forget that DL was thisclose to losing his job….With that said they are given more time but just like DS has benched players already…the GM must continue to do a good job…
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
@neil, please where here have I said I don’t expect this team to remain where they are or get better? This whole response on my part has been to ask questions of those who are complaining about this trade….that’s IT! Anything else that you or anyone else says here about this team or Lombardi is totally off the subject that I have responded to.
neil Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
@neil, to shotongoal….Iwasnt responding to you…..just the feeling I get from fans that everyone gets a free pass cause we won…. WRT trades we will never know till years from now…its fun to discuss but until we see how Lotki does and our pick does….we have no idea in reality. Iam from the thought…..do many trades and hope you bat over 500 …no one bats a thousand….
Shotongoal Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:05 pm
@neil, fair enough
California Royalty Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:41 pm
@linny, Bottom line, how can you (statistically speaking – won’t even get in to Lokti’s passive play) justify getting anything higher than a 5th round pick? What upside does he have to warrant giving up anything better?
[Reply]
linny Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 11:15 pm
@California Royalty, who can say what his (or anyone’s ) upside is with complete certainty. Obviously, NJ appears to think he has some. As to statistics, no, i cant say he warrants much…..but using that criteria, what does Bernier warrant. statistically speaking, at 20-17-5 OTL with a 2.5 gaa and .91 save % ?
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:34 am
@California Royalty, Goalies are harder to come by in the league. They’re more in demand than a 5’11″ 180 pound Russian who can barely speak English and avoid body contact at all cost.
Bernier has won a Gold Medal at the WJHC
Loktionov has won the Memorial Cup
Game. Set. Match.
[Reply]
He joins the growing and concerning list of players that had promise to be a player in this league that eventually were given away for nothing. They include:
Teddy Purcell
Brian Boyle
Thomas Hickey
Jeff Zatkoff
Colton Teubert
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:44 pm
@Brad, Teubert was not “given away for nothing”.
[Reply]
bmova Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:45 pm
@Brad, And which one of those players have won cups with their new teams?
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Brad Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:54 pm
@bmova, So it’s okay to give away players as long as they don’t win a cup with a different team? Hope you’re right this year.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 6:57 pm
@Brad,
It was the right thing to do LAST year, and LAST year we won the Cup. That’s all that matters. Kinda like that kid that keeps arguing Lebron is a better passer and shotter that Jordan when Jordan has 6 rings to Lebron’s 1 single one.
Brad Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
@bmova, not sure how we got into basketball? So you’re saying the Kings are Lebron cause they each have one title? And let’s say the Wings are Jordan cause they have 4 in the last 15 years…. Can’t remember the Wing giving away to many of their players. So I guess you’re right.
[Reply]
Nykingfan Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:35 pm
@Brad,
Other than Purcell, which of those players is anything more then a 3rd or 4th line player in the NHL?
Edm has a porous defense and still Teubert couldn’t crack that lineup.
I watch Boyle here in NY..he’s terrible.
I’m friends with a lot of NYR fans and they can’t stand Boyle cuz he doesn’t use his size and he’s not a goal scorer.
He is at best a 4th line center..not much more.
[Reply]
JD Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 12:32 am
@Nykingfan, I can see how you’d forget about Moulson, it’s not like he’s a perennial 30 goal scorer
[Reply]
nykingsfan Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:33 am
@JD,
he didn’t include him on the list.
How come you didn’t mention O’Sullivan?
California Royalty Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:44 pm
@Brad, Purcell is the only one of that list that is even worth talking about and that’s because he plays on the same line as Lecavalier and the same PP line as Stamkos.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:51 am
@California Royalty, Exactly, how many other average wingers would look awesome playing along that kind of talent. Penner is exactly the same kind of player. Put him with top players and he fits right in. Put him with average players and he disappears.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 8:41 pm
@Brad, How many cups do those players have?
[Reply]
@CB14,
So according to your analysis DL should dump Richards, Stoll and Frazer, uh?
Thank God DL got a contract extension, not you!
Best wishes to Lokti. As a King, he could not cut it. In the east, he may have a shot.
But let’s be honest here. If you’re taking the puck down the ice, who would you rather be hit by? Stoll, Richards, Frazer…or Lokti?…(Yea, me too!)
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:28 pm
@Gustavo, When did I say that? The only move I have disagreed with DL on was resigning Stoll.
What I did say was that 3 out of our 4 Centers have underperformed this year. 2 of those 3 underperformed last year as well. Thus you might need to replace one or more of them in the not so distant future and getting rid of someone who would be able to fill one of those positions doesn’t seem like the smartest thing to do IMO. Especially when what you’re getting in return won’t help you for atleast 3 years.
Not that it matters, but i’d rather be hit by Lokti, obviously.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 10:02 pm
BC14, HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 1:29 am
@CB14, Did you feel this way about stoll during the 5th game of the play-off against the Canucks?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 7:53 am
@Gustavo, Awesome post even though I don’t agree with all of it (really dislike Stoll), but point well taken. Good stuff.
[Reply]
@shotongoal…here’s one answer to ur question about known commodities etc… For the same reason that DL took Penner (known commodity) for unknown (Teubert) n high picks (which IMO is another example of a poor DL)…..but at least it answers ur question
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
@linny, ok I’m done with this because you ABSOLUTELY DID NOT answer to my response. Amazing!!!
[Reply]
I have a CPA type reason for wishing DL had gotten a higher pick for Lokti. But I’m not going to lose any sleep over it. When it comes to checks and balances, Lokti was chosen as a 5th rounder and never became enough of an impact player to crack the big club. He is now traded for a fifth round pick.
So all the time, effort and money spent by the organization cultivating Lokti’s natural talents has been thrown out the window. But this happens often with low rounders. No big deal. Better to let Lokti go knowing we did something to help him in his career than try to penny pinch for a 4th round pick and negate or delay his opportunity to play for an NHL chance.
Kudos to DL for the classy gesture.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 10:38 pm
@Gustavo,
Unless they are Lamborghini’s, cars devalue over time. Just like Crap hockey players. Lokti is no Lamborghini.
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For a center, I think Kings shoulda picked up Slava Medvedenko. Just my two cents.
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Didn’t we get more for Westgarth than we did for Lokti? Say what?
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Duncanz Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 12:50 am
@rick, Funny!
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Another answer: im only offering this up because some people want to know SPECIFICALLY, what i would suggest. Winnipeg looks like they could use a goalie so I’d offer Bernier n lokti for ron hainsey n picks. If they wanted more then tweak it
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 10:36 pm
@linny,
Well I think that since DS stated that he intends on starting Quick every game this year, Bernier must be kind of ready to depart. If Quick sharpens up here in the next 5 games, I would look for Bernier to be on the block, along with Stewart and a 5th rounder in the 2013 Draft. We’re going to need a Senior D man this year if we are going to have a deep run in the playoffs. Especially if Mitchell is going to second guess the doctors clearance.
[Reply]
linny Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 10:53 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, I would like to thank u for stating, very clearly and concisely, what I was trying to get at regarding the lokti issue.The Mitchell situation doesn’t look good n with Greene out indefinitely, I too think we need a solid, experienced D-man. So I thought they could have used lokti as part of it.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 11:24 pm
@linny,
It’s better to offer a fifth instead of Lokti, because with a Lokti, you know what you are getting(crap), but with a fifth, you could end up getting a Mikka Kiprusoff, 5th round vezina winner or Ryan Miller, another fifth round vezina winner.
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 11:59 pm
@linny, It’s all well and good to wish that Lokti, either by himself or in a package would fetch an NHL caliber defenseman. What you just do not seem to understand through post after post after post of people trying to explain it to you is there is the only offer you are going to get for a player is WHAT SOME OTHER GM IS ****WILLING**** to give you. DL and every Kings fan have known for weeks, if not months that Lokti had no future here and wanted to be traded. Do you think DL just started talking to teams today and gave in to the first offer he had? DL knows what we need and I PROMISE YOU if he had felt he could have packaged Lokti and some other assets to get it he would have. Take off your rise-colored glasses and realize Lokti is not all that. Players like him HAVE to put up points to be worth anything and Lokti didn’t, and yes he WAS given the chance to do that here. MANY chances in fact. We traded a player who definitely wouldn’t have had a future here and got someone who MIGHT down the road. That isn’t a great trade but it was the best DL could do under the circumstances. Give it a rest already.
Tough crowd! DL has made iffy trades or draft picks. How do you guys keep score? He built the Stanley Cup winner! He could have drafted Giroux….. How many cups has Claude won? This is not fantasy hockey, it is about building a champion. Every team in the league missed out on Voynov.
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Real 7 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 11:04 pm
@Osaka, +1
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First Westgarth, now Loktionov. So much for protecting the core.
gKg!
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Real 7 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 11:05 pm
@LBlocal, HA-HA! next it’ll be the stick boy…
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Duncanz Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 1:08 am
@Real 7, I really think we’d be fine with a chihuahua as our mascot..
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Real 7 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 1:18 am
@Duncanz, hate those little yipper nippers…Bailey is bad enough..LOL!
KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 8:00 am
@LBlocal, We definatley have different ideas on what defines “core”. As I understand the phrase “core” it represents players from within the organization that play on either the top 3 forward lines or top 2 defensive parings. As opposed to two players that couldn’t crack the line up consistantly for years.
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Real 7 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 8:17 am
@KC23, I think he was be facetious…
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really a 5th round pick??? should have just left him in manchester and let him develop. if he couldn’t get his name on the cup last year with us, he sure won’t get it on there now. good luck to lokti.
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KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 8:01 am
@11 or 3, Pretty sure Loktionov was getting ready to bail for the KHL at the end of his contract this year. We’re lucky to get anything for Loktionov imho.
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Two consecutive picks at the end of the fifth round. I like it
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Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 9:54 pm
@Kings x, Potentially it’s no. 121 in the draft.
You don’t know where the Kings are going to finish this year yet!
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Real 7 Reply:
February 6th, 2013 at 11:08 pm
@pills4Duncanz, I think they’ll finish at the end…
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Duncanz Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 3:47 am
@Capt. Real Obvious, Well, thanks.
obviously, this had to be done…not only because of lokti’s trade demand…but because he really doesn’t fit into our future plans…i’m not really sold on lokti’s ability to stay healthy…he doesn’t play a physical game and, regardless of how tough the kid might be, he lacks the size needed to compete defensively versus larger centers…
lokti is a finesse player…and there’s nothing wrong with that…but unless he’s playing in a situation/on a line that proffers to his skill-set, he won’t be in this league for that much longer…he’s a prototypical khl player, imo…and i think that’s where he will eventually land…
and, yes, he should of had his name on the cup…(!)
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Duncanz Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 1:13 am
@variable, Sorry, there wasn’t room. The first lady took his spot … n.a. ….
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Duncanz Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 3:42 am
…. In actual fact, you might say that AEG made AL N/A !
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rogiesbackup Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 1:50 am
@variable, Yes this team if you look down the roster; all the players seem to have a sense of grittiness to them including Kopitar, Carter, and Williams who normally aren’t labeled as “tough and gritty.” Lotkionov was working hard last I saw him, but he just didn’t have that grit/toughness. Voynov is the same, but he’s becoming a reall good all around defense man as of late.
Strange, another team I forgot traded somebody for a 5th rounder as well. There might be a player in the draft that some GM including DL are eyeing that they know will go in the 5th round. I’m sure DL and all GMS of any sport think 3 steps ahead and therefor strategically prefer to draft “down,” rather then drafting high. My 2cents!!
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Duncanz Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 3:44 am
@rogiesbackbrace, And worth every penny, to be sure!
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rogiesbackup Reply:
February 8th, 2013 at 2:06 am
@Duncanz, Haha thanks Dunc!!! Don’t you ever go to sleep!!!???
Because we won the Cup last year many of you have Lombardi and Sutter walking on water. As I posted here in preseason, at the end of the regular season last year Lombardi’s job was in jeopardy. The team had sputtered, dropped to 8th in the standings and dropped from 101 to 98 to 95 points over the past three seasons. Then the miracle happened. Over a 17 game span we went 15-2, setting us up for the Cup, even though we last two of the last three. During that stretch everything went right. We executed perfectly; we had no significant injuries; Sutter did not have to make any line adjustments. Kudos to him. But 17 games is hardly a test for the quality of an organization or the competence of its management. The test is when you run into rough water. To have given Lombardi and Sutter 4-year extensions seems totally unjustified. In the coming weeks, now that we have problems facing us (particularly the depleted defensive corps), we should begin to see how good management really is. In addition to the defense, I have worries about a team that depends almost completely on the forecheck to score goals. Skilled offensive players just don’t seem to thrive under the system here. That’s fine, as long as the forecheck can sustain at the level it did in the playoffs. But to depend on getting the other team to make mistakes and cough up the puck in order for us to score “ugly” goals, seems to make a team vulnerable. I may be alone, but the regular season speaks a lot for the greatness of a team. Like everyone else, I was elated during our Playoff run. But I saw it as a hot streak and really wanted us to follow up with a great regular season before we made another Cup run. Only then did I feel we could claim we had a great team, not just one that had a fortunate hot streak at just the right time. I’m not sure Lombardi and Sutter have the skills and insight to make that happen.
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linny Reply:
February 7th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
@Russ Dynda, well said
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Thank you Lokti!! All good to You to Jersey and hopefully You can play in NHL
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not Lamoriello! feels like we are getting a raw deal
Lokti is better than a 5th
hope this doesnt bite us in the butt
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