With the news that AEG and Tim Leiweke had reached a mutual agreement to part ways, the Los Angeles Kings lost a key figure in the construction of the team’s focus and constitution and one of its most ardent supporters. Leiweke, who had served as AEG’s president and CEO since 1996, had forged a relationship with Dustin Brown that the Kings’ captain spoke of following the morning skate on Thursday.
On his relationship with Tim Leiweke:
“I would say I knew him really well off the ice. We’ve been though a lot. Ever since I’ve been here, he was in the position he was in, so I remember meeting him my very first year. Obviously, I don’t know the whole situation. It is what it is, I guess.”
On Leiweke’s Kings passion, and whether it will be strange to not see him rinkside:
“I think it will be. I mean, AEG’s humongous, and he was very adamant and very passionate about the Kings and everything that was what this organization was about. Like I said, I’ve been here for 10 years, and he was here in the beginning when we weren’t very good, and he understands what that is like from his perspective. I think also from a players’ perspective we finally have gotten to a place as an organization where we’re a playoff team. We won the Cup. I think a lot of the last five, six years is a result of Tim, and obviously him bringing on Dean, and everything Dean’s all about.”
On what he remembers about Tim immediately after winning the Stanley Cup:
“I just remember giving him a big bear hug, really. That’s probably the one thing I remember with Tim. We’ve had conversations throughout my career. I think it kind of goes back – if you look at the team we had last year, that was the one guy from the start of it all, like that one team. If you go back 10 years, I’m the only guy…So I think he understood how special it was for me to do what we did as a team last year, and to go through the growing pains, and he was kind of there through all that. He understood why I kind of had to go through. Like I said, he’s always had my back.”
On whether he follows the Kings’ business and off-ice relationships:
“No. I mean, even with this whole thing – I know it came out today – but it’s safe to say it’s above our pay grade in this room.”
That said, Brown must retire a king, a one team guy, that is special and rare these days!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 14th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
@Mars, Brown & Kopi in my book. These guys are class, and I suppose if you strech that out to the guy that goes out and represents the Kings positively in the community its Brown that wins out with all his charity stuff. I think Luc has had a huge influence on Brown in that area and Brown is a huge producer in all levels here.
[Reply]
Any truth to the whispers that Jon Rosen may be in line to replace Leiweke?
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 14th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
@JackKentCooke, welcome back?
[Reply]
Also the realignment passed
Detroit and Colombus move east, Winnipeg west.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 14th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
@Mars, (sorry if its old news)
Need an edit zipper here
[Reply]
Have to say it was cool to see those two guys embrace after Game 6 last year on the ice! It was one of those “We did it” moments! Gotta love it.
[Reply]
Tim has taken a lot of heat through the years from the fans, but in the end he helped get us the Cup! He’ll be missed and I wish him well!
[Reply]
I think maybe Sutter is just trying to help Quick get his confidence back. Not going to yank him after every single subpar game. He knows we need Quicky to be in top form come playoff time. And confidence is going to be necessary. And having someone show faith in you can only boost your confidence.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
March 14th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
@Stoneknite, I agree and I like it. He’s doing the muzzin thing. If you make a mistake I’m not going to bench you. Just don’t get down on yourself and keep your confidence up. We need JQ to regain his form and be the clearcut #1 that he is. Am now is the time to start regaining that form.
[Reply]
So TL won’t travel to the white house with the team?
[Reply]
time to raise Brown’s pay grade. He probably only has 10 more years. I hope he sticks around after that.
[Reply]
TL good luck and take care all the best
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Looking forward to seeing 23, 11, and 32 numbers retired in about 20 years….hopefully with a few more cup banners…
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 14th, 2013 at 7:10 pm
@wobsse6, I believe Brown’s will go up first. He is older than the others, and being the banger that he is may not hold up as late in years as well, but who knows.
[Reply]