I’ll update this as the afternoon progresses, but the Kings have sent Simon Gagne to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a conditional draft pick at the 2013 NHL Draft. Dean Lombardi is expected to chat in roughly an hour and a half, and I’ll have more info on the blog at that point.
Gagne had five assists in 11 games for the Kings this season and had been scratched in four consecutive games.
Kings press release: Kings Acquire Conditional Pick In 2013 NHL Draft From Philadelphia In Exchange For Simon Gagne
UPDATE: 1:14 pm – The Flyers website reports the draft pick as a conditional fourth round pick.
UPDATE: 1:30 pm – According to multiple sources, the condition on the draft pick is that it becomes a third-round pick if the Flyers make the playoffs.
Philly is OVER the cap. How does this work?
[Reply]
george Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
@LBlocal, It must work somehow, but what i don’t get is Why??
[Reply]
Larry Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
@george, Why not?? I like Gags but he wasn’t playing like himself after the concussion. He wasn’t really playing a lot of minutes either.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
@george,
Gagne is a product of the East. 80% O, 20% D.
There was no room for his tentative play on defense and in the corners here in LA.
Maybe he’ll have a little resurgence in the East.
Sutter/Lombardi gifted him a Stanley Cup position.
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
@george,
I wonder how much this has to do with keeping a roster spot open for when Martinez becomes healthy. All three of Drewiske, Muzzin, and Campbell have to clear waivers. The Kings now don’t have to send anyone down now when Martinez comes off IR.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:36 pm
@FKA PakiFro, bingo
tornado12 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
@FKA PakiFro, that is the only way it makes sense to me….hope there is no injuries to our top six though…toffoli???
Wilmonde Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
@LBlocal, In the new CBA, Philly doesn’t have to follow cap rules. Read the fine print, people!!!
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:19 pm
@Wilmonde, reference point?
[Reply]
Wilmonde Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:39 pm
@LBlocal, It was sarcasm. Sorry, snarky comments don’t read very well.
LA_1968 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:21 pm
@LBlocal, I think it has to do with them having extra room because of players on long term IR. Pronger still? I’ll look it up later.
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
@LA_1968, http://www.capgeek.com/flyers answers it!
Today’s AAV $3,817,212
Deadline AAV $3,817,212
[Reply]
cup4kings Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
@LBlocal,
Pronger’s exception.
[Reply]
more like GONE? YAY!
[Reply]
WOW!
[Reply]
LomitaKingsFan Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:55 pm
@Subby, Seconding this. Feels like we came out on the losing end of this deal.
[Reply]
So who is going to come up from Manchester? Vey? Kozun? Toffoli?
we sure don’t need another d-man at this juncture.
[Reply]
Bradapiller Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:21 pm
@IceGuy, I think they just activate AMart and not worry about trying to make Campbell or anyone else try and clear waivers.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:25 pm
@Bradapiller,
Campbell came up and went down already.
Does he have to clear waivers on this trip back down to Manchester?
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:35 pm
@IceGuy,
Yes because its been longer than 30 days since he cleared waivers the first time, after training camp.
IceGuy Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
@IceGuy,
But didn’t he come up because of an injury (AMart)?
I rather have Gagne than Penner; so no I don’t like the trade, the wrong player was sent to the “Kings East”.
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:25 pm
@Seattle757, Which has more points over the last two games?
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:49 pm
@Subby, How do you score when you’been benched?
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:32 pm
@rogiesbackup, whoa, you just went zen there. what is the sounds of one hand clapping?
absoludicrous Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:41 pm
@rogiesbackup, How do you get benched when you play well?
InTheCrease Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
I wouldn’t.
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
@Seattle757,
I’d like to have Gagne of 5 years ago but he’s done. He may score some goals in the east where nobody cares about playing D and everybody on this site will be in an uproar.
[Reply]
Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:40 pm
@Seattle757, Penner is far more valuable. He is playing bigger lately. More willing to go into tough scoring areas. Retrieving the puck better than Gagne was doing. Between Penner & Gagne I’m afraid I have to say this is a no-brainer.
[Reply]
OCKingGirl Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:46 pm
@Pumpernicholl, +1
[Reply]
trytodethroneus Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
@Pumpernicholl,
DL and DS may have been waiting to see if Penner could consistently play
the way he needed to before they moved Gagne
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:25 pm
@trytodethroneus,
Agreed and the last three games he’s been a beast – well a beast for Penner that is.
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:51 pm
@Pumpernicholl, Keyword here is LATELY!!
[Reply]
I am OK with this move. The current Kings forward lineup with Gagne scratched has been the best one this season. I wish him the best. His role as a teammate and as a contributor to our championship season have earned my respect but Philly is almost certainly a better place for him right now.
[Reply]
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
@Pumpernicholl,
Agree with everything you wrote there.
[Reply]
Wait you know what thaaaat meannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnssssss
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
@Subby,
We’re going to get Simmonds back?
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
@Michael J., omg I wish, that would’ve been amazing
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
@Michael J.,
We wish!
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:39 pm
@Michael J.,
Well, Simmer did sign a long-term deal there so…
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
@FKA PakiFro, JJ signed a long term here
Carter and Richards signed long contracts there
FKA PakiFro Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:26 pm
@Subby,
Exactly…
vplaza Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
@Subby,
More pancakes?
[Reply]
King John Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 6:07 pm
@vplaza, with syrup…
[Reply]
Open up a spot to reactivate Martinez? Of course that could be done easily enough by sending Campbell down . . .
[Reply]
Bradapiller Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@KDinUT, I’m not positive but he might need to clear waivers if we send him back down again.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
February 28th, 2013 at 8:15 pm
@KDinUT, Positive feedback from Willie Mitchell?
[Reply]
Wasn’t cuttin the mustard in my humble opinion.
[Reply]
I’ll pass it along…
[Reply]
Kings just saved $3.5 million. This could help make room for a move at the trade deadline. I’m perfectly OK with this trade. Gagne is not needed on this team. Wish we could have gotten more, but I think this move allows for more room this season.
[Reply]
Trevor Lewis’s emergence as a capable linemate for Carter and Richards helped make this happen. Gagne is wasted on shutdown lines or energy lines.
[Reply]
Canuck75 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@Pumpernicholl, I wish Carter and Richards would get someone with a least an ounce of offensive skill. Kind of hard to reach full offensive potential with Trevor “Cinderblock Hands” Lewis on your line.
[Reply]
Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
@Canuck75, I have a vision of the future and it’s a guy currently on the Manchester Monarchs. His last name begins with “T” and ends with “I”
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:25 pm
@Pumpernicholl,
For some reason I’ve had a similar wish, but for that goal scorer to play with 11 & 23.
MickSorley Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:47 pm
@Pumpernicholl, and in the middle is.. “offol”.. See Bob Swerski’s superfans for the reference..
Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
@Canuck75, One more thing about Trevor Lewis. Nobody regards him as any kind of offensive phenom. But the balance on that line (Lewis as puck retriever, Richards as distributor, Carter as finisher) is really making it click. Plus the Kings need a better defensive forward on the second line, in the current system. Gagne was once a feistier forechecker but he is no longer that guy.
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
@Pumpernicholl, Carter is getting plenty of offense, even playing WITH TL. But since they are getting put up against the other team’s best line all the time, might as well have the best defensive forward on that line.
crashin'da net Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:35 pm
@Pumpernicholl, his offensive skills are developing but yes, he is all of those other tangibles you mentioned and more……..
BillAnthony Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 11:29 pm
@Pumpernicholl, Agree regarding your assessment. Makes sense with Lewis being an excellent on-the-puck forechecker capable of creating a lot of turnovers and loose pucks in the offensive zone, and allowing Richards and Carter to work their magic. If the recent 3rd period against the Ducks is any indication, opponents are going to spend significant time back on their heels scrambling to get a handle on the puck when that line is on the ice.
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
@Canuck75, Yeah, and Wayne “Hands of Stone” turned out okay. Patience, the finish will come.
[Reply]
Dean Lombardi, Nice. 3.5 million off the cap for us to do something.
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
@LA_1968, yep and a potential 4th rounder for a player they got as a UFA.
[Reply]
LomitaKingsFan Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@Shotongoal, Hadn’t thought of the trade in that light. We basically just purchased a 4th (possibly 3rd) round pick for 3.5 mil.
[Reply]
LB Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
@LA_1968, exactly! waste of cap space to pay a guy that much to be a healthy scratch. Might very well need that caproom at deadline time.
[Reply]
I was expecting a trade with Philly. But I was hoping Jon Bernier for Braden Schenn.:)
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
@NOW IMPRESSED,
That’s my dream deal… I ran it by two prominent people on Saturday and they said it’ll never happen.
[Reply]
WAKingsFan Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:36 pm
@Michael J., I can’t believe the brass said no to that deal, with how short we are at center…
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
@WAKingsFan,
Well, they weren’t King’s brass,, but they do seem to talk a lot,
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
@WAKingsFan, Kopi, BR, Carter, Stoll, Lewis, Frasier, Richarson. We just let Lokti go because there was no future here.
trytodethroneus Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:50 pm
@WAKingsFan,
Isn’t Kopitar over 6 feet tall?
Michael J. Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
@WAKingsFan, Jet, trytodethroneus,
So, by elimentating Lokti, then the Kings are getting taller at center.
Also, Nolan is a natural center.
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:37 pm
@WAKingsFan, Schenn is playing LW for Philly and that’s where the Kings should put him if…
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
@Michael J., yes, Sutter likes the big boys as he did in Cal. Richards is the only small forward who plays, and he plays anything but small.
[Reply]
Thank god. Waste of space both on the ice and in the cap. Good riddance.
[Reply]
WARNING!!!!!! MELTDOWN COMING!!!!!!!
Consider yourselves warned… Gagne will score a big goal in the next week and some people will get their panites in a bunch should the Kings score two or less goals within 3 days before or after Gagne’s tally.
Remember this: Gagne was Innefective with a capital “I” that rhymes with “why” did he play as much as he did with the Kings.
This is a great deal for the Kings- Draft pick (which is needed), plus roster space and cap space opened up for…
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:28 pm
@Michael J., what you just said here makes a lot of sense, almost makes up for the Schenn comment above, c’mon EVERYONE, neither Schenn nor Simmonds are ever coming back…..get over it!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
@Shotongoal,
Completely agree. But we can always wish……:-)
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
@Shotongoal,
The guys I asked were both wearing very large, very shiny new rings. They seemed to imply that Bernier stays until the end of the year.
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:47 pm
@Michael J., I hope he does, they need a good #2. Hey I Ioved Schenn, I even have his jersey, but the reality is that that trade was made for PHIL future and the Kings’ present and I will take it everyday, and I see no reason why PHIL would want to undo it either. As for Simmonds, well I think he had his chance to shine in ’10-11 and he didn’t, and in a colossal way he didn’t! But after what happened on 06-11-12 there is really no reason to mention them, or for that matter ANY former Kings player like so many here do. The past is the past and the present is pretty nice as a Kings’ fan!
Shiny Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
@Michael J., you nailed it. People are going to start screaming and crying and whining if Gagne suddenly becomes successful in Philly.
PLEASE PEOPLE, TRUST DEAN. I promise, he has thought this through and has a plan.
The fact that Gagne played very little and has been a healthy scratch shows what management and more importantly Darryl Sutter think of him and how he fits in with our system.
Did everyone suddenly forget how well the team has been clicking lately??
I wish him nothing but the best and utmost success in Philly. But he didn’t work out here. It happens
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:49 pm
@Shiny, I don’t I despise PHIL, sorry but I hope they lose every game….forever!
[Reply]
trytodethroneus Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
@Michael J.,
I would think we all would want him to score.
If phila makes the playoffs, isn’t the pick bumped up to a 3rd rounder?
[Reply]
Said it was conditional, whats the condition?
[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:40 pm
@Subby, shampoo….then condition
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:31 pm
@neil,
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:45 pm
@Subby, on whether or not Philadelphia makes the playoffs. If Flyers make the playoffs the 4th round pick turns into a 3rd round..
[Reply]
Kings of the East!
I liked Gagne, but agree with DL.
[Reply]
Yes, this opens up a roster spot. I wonder who will fill it? Martinez coming back would send Campbell down, the Kings wouldn’t keep Campbell around if he’s going to be the second defensemen sitting. My bet is Ellerby sits. Which still leaves a roster spot open. Maybe Lewis drops down and Toffuli comes up and skates on the second line. For as much fun and as important as Nolan’s scrap was last night, he’s not playing very much. Fraser too could be scratched.
Wouldn’t that be something for a first year pro? Score a bundle in the American League, then come up and skate the number two line with Richards and Carter.
[Reply]
trytodethroneus Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:55 pm
@Hutch,
It opens up a seat in the press box if / when Martinez comes back.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 6:36 pm
@Hutch, …haha…..no……
[Reply]
Gagne you can thank Sutter and DL for letting you “have a Cup”
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
@Lake Forest,
He knows and did thank them.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:36 pm
@Kingsfanone, I was being sarcastic. Always liked Gagne.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
@Lake Forest,
What? You, sarcastic?
Lake Forest Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
@Kingsfanone, touché
The Kings are not exactly loaded with top end left wing talent. The fact that Gagne has been scratched for several games speaks volumes about what management thought about him. I am more than fine with this – but even more interested to see what comes next.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
@rick, LW has been our weakness, but Brown, Penner, King and Clifford makes for a good string on the heavy side. the funny thing is that defence has been our strength, it is now our challange.
[Reply]
Shiny Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:45 pm
@jet, I was listening to a podcast with mayor John Hoven and he was saying that LW is actually very deep right now but we’re having trouble with our RW.
I’m curious to see what comes about from this trade.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:51 pm
@Shiny, I was trying to say LW is good. RW is weak, but Bud is a dominate player on a dominate team who is only 24. If he and DL can put the team ahead of egos, then we will be okay.
Gann is reporting that Kings will get a 3rd if Flyers make playoffs, 4th if not
Frozen Royalty@frozenroyalty
#lakings have confirmed that @NHLFlyers will get 3rd round pick in 2013 draft if the Flyers make the playoffs this year. Otherwise, 4th rnd.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:37 pm
@Michael J.,
Well then … Go Flyers!
[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:40 pm
@IceGuy, you mean, go tampa
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@Michael J.,
Huh, the wording on that tweet seems a bit out of sorts…
[Reply]
Glad Gagne is going back to Philly our East Coast Ally. Now we just need to send Bernier over there and get Simmonds back here. Ya Boi!
[Reply]
Trade of the year!!!!
[Reply]
Cant say it wasnt a bad trade.
We can use the cap space.
We can always uses a draft (or three way trade)
I guess this kinda gives Pens a moment to breath too.
I just wish we could get simmers back.
[Reply]
4th round pick, becoming a 3rd if Philly makes the playoffs. Fair.
Good luck to Gagne. Gagne was a nice story, coming back to play in the Finals, last year…
[Reply]
Dean must have needed some cap space to let him go for a conditional 3rd round pick. Hopefully we get some future considerations, wouldn’t mind having Read the Schenn’s or Simmer back.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
@Bradapiller, The pick will come in between 75 and 100. this is right in Dean’s wheel house. also, Philly knows what his potential is, so it is doubtful that anyone else would give a 2nd even if it only costs less than a million dollars.
[Reply]
Now if we can just trade our other non-performing UFA-to-be Brad Richardson and his $1.175 million.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
@cup4kings, isnt that contract up this year? Him, Penner, Lewis?!?
[Reply]
Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:47 pm
@cup4kings, No need to trade Richardson. His salary is affordable. Every team can use a utility guy like that who rides the pine and is capable of jumping into the occasional game at any forward position when the need arises.
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
@Pumpernicholl, +1
[Reply]
Good deal. Wish Gagne luck, glad he got some hardware while he was with us.
[Reply]
Good trade.
1. No output from Gagne.
2. Free up salary cap.
3. Two words: Tyler Toffoli
IN LOMARDI WE TRUST.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:56 pm
@Steve, Who is Lomardi? is that why we are trading away Gagne? What’s his Cap space? Why do you trust a Lomardi?
[Reply]
People still talking about moving bernier for some dream forward. Unbelievable. So who’s our back up at that point, a carboard cut out? I wonder when folks will realize that Lomardi doesn’t do impulse moves like some joker buying scratchers and phoney male enhancement pills at the front counter of a 7-11.
Anyway, Gagne was / is a good dude and a solid player. He just didn’t quite play up to what was expected of him within our system.
For those who say they would’ve rather have moved Penner, I disagree. Penner provides asymmetry to the Kings threat along with other guys like Stoll and King. This asset to the Kings style of play is what got us the cup. Teams don’t know where the next goal is coming from, and have a hard time assigning coverage.
I say yet another good chess move by DL on freeing up some cap.
[Reply]
Shiny Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:51 pm
@jess, preach it, Jess!
+3.5 million
[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@jess, This is complete crap. Those enhancement pills are great. I sleep better than ever. You probably don’t like there chilicheeseberger hotdogs either.
The hockey stuff is right on though
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
@jet,
Mmmmmm…..chili cheese burger……
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
@jess, right on! Some here think this is NHL13 instead of the real world.
[Reply]
Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:04 pm
@jess, Why in the world would we trade Bernier? The goaltender depth in this organization falls right off the charts after our top two. Meanwhile, I am confident in the Kings chances every night no matter which goaltender plays. Fans of most other teams I’m sure envy our position. I would rather keep both Quick and Bernier on the team as long as possible.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
@Pumpernicholl, preach’n to the choir.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
@jess,
+1
[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@jess, are you sure those are phoney??? Really? Oh bleep
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:21 pm
@jess,
Uhhhh, I went to Circle K, I’ll have you know!
[Reply]
According to Philly blogger, Gags was asked to fly out immediately so he can be ready for tomorrow’s game vs. Caps
[Reply]
Doesn’t matter who he was/is/could be. He was ineffective in our system. Good move to make room for somebody who can make an impact going both north AND south.
Best of luck to Gags. Hope he finds his former groove in Philly!
[Reply]
LA East will be happy with him. Good trade for the Kings, I really liked Gagne here but understand the predicament. No hard feelings either way but just happy he got some bling with us and now can show it off to the worst fans in sports! lol
[Reply]
Shiny Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:55 pm
@KOHO, sounds like Philly brokered this deal. Looks like they think he’ll be more effective in their system then hanging around a press box in ours. Good for him. I’m glad he got the Cup with the Kings. He earned it for sure.
[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:59 pm
@Shiny, Philly has a rep for never fearing roster moves. The Kings and Flyers are making trades with each like they’re connected at the hip.
[Reply]
Shiny Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:20 pm
@KOHO, you mean… they’re not?? And here I thought that’s why they were called Kings East
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
@KOHO, I can tell you have never been to a B’s game.
[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
@jet, Actually I have and still think Boston has a little more of a filter than Philly does..but it’s close!!
[Reply]
@Michael J. has a few thoughts about if/when the Kings will bring up TT, and who they might bring along with him…you can ask him to clarify.. I like his ideas, though I think it will only benefit the Kings if they can afford to keep him in Manch for this whole year.
But the real question remains: #whereswillie
[Reply]
MickSorley Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
@WAKingsFan, Willie is at home reveling in the quality of California’s organic produce. See twitter.
[Reply]
Shiny Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:22 pm
@MickSorley, maybe Cali organic produce has magical healing abilities that Canadian produce is just lacking
[Reply]
I love how this blog immediately exploded into chaos following Jon’s posting.
And who says LA doesn’t have hockey fans??
[Reply]
Not really understanding the hate towards Gagne from some folks here. The guy started out the year last year like gangbusters, getting 8 points in the first five games. The “injury”, which looks like it was really a growth that was resulting in the symptoms he had, limited him to 17 points in 34 games with the team in the regular season.
Those 17 points equaled Penner’s total, who played 65 games. More points than other forwards who played more games: Clifford, Fraser, Richardson, Loktionov, Lewis, and Hunter.
Again, not sure why so many folks hate on the guy, but he’s certainly not worthless.
[Reply]
Shiny Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
@vplaza, no hate for Gags, at least not from me. I just don’t think he fit in with our system. We have a very heavy, physical system from all 20 guys playing on the ice and so far in the short season, he didn’t appear to be able to keep up in the system. He might be best in the East where it’s less grind and wear and more pure skill as a goal scorer.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
@Shiny, bingo
[Reply]
MickSorley Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
@jet, is your name-o.
vplaza Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
@Shiny,
I also bear him no ill will. I think that he’s a quality player and person, but because of injury and other reasons, did not live up to potential. It happens.
Maybe he flourishes again in the East where the game is a bit more wide open and quality goaltending is harder to come by.
But hearing some of the comments here just made it look like some folks opinion of his time here was a complete waste and that he contributed nothing to the Kings.
[Reply]
Shiny Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
@vplaza, he was definitely a factor in the post season but that was a totally different set of circumstances. So far, I don’t think he’s contributed as much as he’s capable of. When they’re on the ice, I think (this is just my personal opinion) that every guy contributes to the team effort. That said, I don’t think he was playing to his full potential/talent as a 40 goal scorer. So I hope he finds his abilities in Philly.
Deke'r Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 6:49 pm
@Shiny, ….that would be difficult as Gags only scored 40 or more two out of his fourteen years in the NHL….
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
@vplaza,
I’m not so sure what you mean by hate. Clowe, Burrows, Kessler, Doan, Smith – yes these guys are hated. I think most of us are glad for the roster spot and cap space – much like after the Ryan Smtth deal.
[Reply]
This one isn’t quite a painful as when Schenn and Simmonds left, but it it certainly less painful than the day we lost Bordson.
Interestingly enough, the Marcel for Laidlaw & Carpenter deal was the most heart-breaking deal of all Kings’ trades. Though the day is brightened because my son was born that day.
[Reply]
WAKingsFan Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:59 pm
@Michael J., a good day indeed!
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 6:51 pm
@Michael J., ….the Nicholls trade is right up there….
[Reply]
Good. Now we can get Lucic.
Imagine the Kings then. It would be like a monster truck rally.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
@LA_1968, overrated, you will see when we play them
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
@jet, In the Final?
[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
@LA_1968, yes, 4 games
Hmm not sure we made out on this one…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:08 pm
@pr0cess,
Signed Gagne as a free agent. He becomes a UFA at the end of the season. basically, DL got a draft pick out of nothing. Gagne was done in the very physical Western Conference. His new game as a finesse player will fit in well with Philly, plus I have a feeling he will retire at the end of the season and his best years were with Philly so he can go out as a Flyer. At least he got a Cup.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
@DesertKing,
Add to this that Gagne’s contributions on the ice this year have been limited and he wasn’t going to be getting enough ice time to turn it around unless Penner fell flat. But I think Penner is coming around and so DL probably found someone who would give him something for, as DesertKing described, basically nothing.
[Reply]
MmmmYummy Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:53 pm
@DesertKing,
+1
Great trade – somethin’ fo’ nuttin’
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@pr0cess,
Plus we just freed up about $3 mil in cap space.
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:25 pm
Ya all good points, i just dont like giving up something for nothing. I know it will be for an ok pick…
[Reply]
Good luck to Gagne….he has un-finished business in Philly.
[Reply]
When Gagne starts scoring for the Flyers, please don’t be surprised, comparing the quality and styles of the Kings/Flyers, East/West.
[Reply]
Shiny Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:24 pm
@LA_1968, why noooottttt? They’re the same, right? OMG, panic mode!! Ahhhh!
Just kidding.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:30 pm
@Shiny,
[Reply]
I think there might have been something else to this deal. I get the feeling Simon requested a trade because he wasn’t getting playing time here. I doubt he or Dean would ever admit it if he did request it, but it just makes sense. Alot of people have mentioned the reason why this trade was made was because Simon wasn’t playing, and it freed up cap space, but the Kings had plenty of cap room even with Gagne. His contract was up this off-season, so his cap hit doesn’t figure into the decision to trade him at all.
I would’ve much rather kept Gagne here as an insurance policy because of our lack of consistancy from our left wingers. But if Gagne wasn’t happy about not playing, then I understand the trade. And Dean did a nice job of getting a likely 3rd round pick, while sending Gagne somewhere he was comfortable with.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
@CB14,
Like I said in an earlier post, I think Gagne and Philly are doing this so Simon can retire as a Flyer at the end of the year. That is the cool thing about hockey and how they help players at the end of their careers.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 3:14 pm
@DesertKing, But what do the Kings get out of this deal? I’d rather have Gagne than a 3rd round pick if the LW’s struggle.
[Reply]
Edward Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 9:02 am
@CB14, You never know what a 3rd Round pick can result in! Remember Luc Robitaille????? I believe he was a 7th Round pick.
Some of you do not know business. The Kings just unloaded a $3.5 million player who was sitting in the stands night after night. Gags just didn’t fit into the picture! We unloaded $3.5, which gives us room to trade at deadline.
To those who want Simmonds back, it will not happen so save your breath! Simmonds is a throwback to the Broad Street Bully days and Philly will never let him go. I believe he leads the league in Gordie Howe Hat Tricks.
Speaking of which, some are still whining over the Simmonds-Schenn for Richards deal. Wake up people!!!! I personally believe that if the deal was never made, YOU will not be enjoying the fruits of victory in hockey, the STANLEY CUP……I felt it was a great trade because Richie gave the room a leadership quality that Simmonds and Schenn didn’t provide. Yeah, I know, Schenn was in the minors at the time but from my viewing in 10-11, Simmonds had way too many off nights. I rather have a guy like Nolan and Fraser who always gets their noses dirty. Always getting into player’s faces. You need that nastiness! Nolan’s fight against Souray and whipping the bigger foe gave the Kings a ton of momentum that Anaheim could not get back.
I wish Gags so much success in Philly and thank him for his contributions to the Kings winning the Stanley Cup. To those that are not too sure about Deano by now, we can always dig up George Maguire from the grave……remember the 1981 trade with Buffalo where we traded a #1 for Don Luce and Rick Martin? “Rico” came off the plane and couldn’t even walk. Four games later, he retired. What else did Maguire do for the Kings? Nothing….What has Dean Lombardi done for the Kings????? Orchestrated a Stanley Cup team.
My two cents!
CB14 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 1:36 pm
@Edward, The Kings had plenty of room at the deadline even with Gagne on the roster, Dean said as much. Luc was a one in a million draft pick, so please don’t try and claim that the player selected with this pick will amount to anything even close to what Luc did. The fact is that a player selected in the 4th round has less than a 10% chance to make it to the NHL.
no surprise…however, i really wanted simone to succeed out here…but he’s just not even close to the dynamic player he was pre-concussion…
in la east, he will be a depth forward and play about 10-12 minutes a game and maybe see some pp2 time…unless, he discovers the fountain of his yoot, i don’t expect him to be an impact player again…
more credence to the fact that the nhl is going to have the same problems that the nfl has with concussions…tough stuff and tough choices lie ahead…
[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 3:04 pm
@variable, tough decisions for everyone. I love hockey, lax, football, rugby, but with the overwhelming evidence, I find myself directing the youngens toward soccer, track, and waterpolo.
I spoke with a high school football referee last month and he believes that high school football will be eliminated within 5 years due to lack of available insurance for the cif and schools.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 2:21 am
@jet,
your concerns are valid and prognosis for aspiring high school football players…i believe…is on-point…
it’s a huge issue going forward…and unless the league develops some kind of major equipment upgrade, the propensity of player concussions will continue…the nhl developing better equipment is not a panacea, but a step in the right direction to add towards the betterment of player safety…and the long-term health ramifications to all future aspiring nhl players…
college has the full-catchers maskl…i’m not sure players would like that…but…i don’t understand how we can develop vehicle equipment that can withstand crushing contact, but can’t seem to create the same type of progress with head gear and protective padding…
i’m not sure why the same substance that is used for children’s playgrounds – low-impact, shock absorbent, soft asphalt – isn’t a good alternative…if the nhl and the nfl can improve the dynamics of protection for their respective equipment, we will be sacrificed any further curtailing of the sport’s physical traditions…
however, as we all know, the role of the enforcer is becoming less and less significant with each passing year…
[Reply]
Giz Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:13 am
@variable, I think the problem is that helmets do not help with concussions, nor do mouthpieces apparently. These are injuries that result from speed, power and velocity, and today’s players are better conditioned, stronger and faster than ever before, and that trend continues on.
I’ve always thought that the modern NHL enforcer role was ridiculous. At present a fight can be used to interrupt the flow of the game, but that’s about it. “Energy players” who consider their role to be “hit first” however, are definitely a factor, and I think we’ll see more and more guys like that, and of course some of those guys will be good at dropping the gloves, but they’ll also have legitimate hockey skills.
Damn you all and the Kings! I’m attempting to work but your witty comments keep me coming back!
[Reply]
Best of luck Gagne, will miss you!
[Reply]
one move closer to Yellow Horn time.
[Reply]
If the conditions reported are true, then it’s a great trade. I’m pretty sure that Philly will make the playoffs & so a 3rd rounder for a guy who can’t make the lineup is a steal. It’s even a good deal if it ends up a 4th rounder. I’ve always liked Gagne & I hoped it would work out here but unfortunately it didn’t. At least he got a Stanley Cup out of the deal.
[Reply]
I’m happy
Good trade
In DEAN we trust !!!
[Reply]
I don’t like the trade but I understand it.
I thought that Gagne looked better than he has in years in some of the games he played this year. The surgery to remove the mass from his neck could very well have added 2-3 years onto his career, and I think those who believe he will retire at the end of the year are mistaken.
The speed was there, and he was flying around in the offensive zone, showing good puck possession and anticipation, and setting people up for a lot of shots when he was out there. If anything he was focused on play making at a time when the Kings were having a lot of trouble putting the puck in the net. He was not the cause of their rough start, nor was he a detriment to turning things around.
Gagne’s play didn’t translate to points, but then he was getting bounced from 1st to 4th line on nearly a shift by shift basis, and certainly a game by game basis.
People who think that Gagne is soft defensively don’t know what they are talking about. Gagne is a player like Selane, who has incredible speed and soft hands. I’ve seen him routinely forecheck behind the goal line and still breakup a zone entry attempt. He’s smart, and rarely makes the types of mistakes that result in goals against. What he isn’t and is never going to be at this juncture, is a check-first winger.
All this says to me is that Daryl Sutter didn’t like his style and wanted to reward Clifford for his effort, even though he’s probably going to regress to his mean, and probably already has. Putting a dump and chase guy with skill guys can work for a while, but eventually lack of scoring, not to mention “chemistry” comes into play.
The Kopitar line is one of the best and most balanced in the NHL, and with Brown starting to find the touch, Sutter can roll 3 defensive lines with a bunch of grit players, and wear people down, so long as we continue to have MVP level goaltending. But if that line starts to struggle, or Carter cools off, we could very well have another scoring drought. Furthermore, it’s pretty clear that the main difference between this year and last is that we had once of the most balanced defensive groups in the league last year, and this year we don’t.
With that said, for better or worse, this is Sutter’s team and he’s going to run it the way he wants, even if that includes putting all the eggs in one basket.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
@Giz, Nicely thought out and articulated.
Only, is it simply DS’s team or does DL share the reigns along with?
Also, are all the eggs really in one basket? Because the present still looks pretty good (even accounting for the presumably/hopefully temporary injuries to Dmen) and the future is ever evolving.
As displayed over the last couple of weeks, there’s enough talent mixed in with the physical nature for the team not to be exactly considered one dimensional.
[Reply]