Forum answers I

Here’s the first set of the open forum questions and answers, with many more to come…

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Shakes asked: Given what we know about UFA signings, trades, and other player movements, how would you say the Kings are looking RELATIVE to the other teams in the Pacific. I think that as a fan we always think about our team in a vacuum (“we upgraded on wing” or “we’re better because we have more depth in the 3rd line”) but do you think we’re in a better position heading into this season than last season relative to our peers?

Answer: Yes, that’s a very good question, and well-put. It’s tough to predict in July, but just looking at the Pacific Division, I think I see a little more separation among the teams for this coming season. What I mean by that is, last season we had all five teams battling it out for a big chunk of the season. Based on what has happened so far this summer, the Kings are improved. I also like what Anaheim has done, and I don’t think they’ll dig themselves a hole at the start of the season, as they did last year. Selanne’s possible return is big for them. The Sharks? Wow, I just don’t know. I look at their roster the same way your dog looks at you when he’s trying to understand English. I cock my head to the side and stare. It could work great or it could be a disaster. They’re fascinating. Burns will help their defense a lot, but did they change too much up front? Regardless, you still have to consider the Sharks the favorites until someone topples them. Then there’s Phoenix and Dallas. On one hand, Phoenix made a lot of changes. On the other hand, it’s very, very unwise to underestimate Dave Tippett’s ability to keep that team together, as we’ve seen for the past couple years. Goaltending will be a big question for them. Dallas added a bunch of pieces to try to collectively replace Brad Richards, but I don’t know if it will work. Right now, I’d put the Sharks, Kings and Ducks in one tier, and the Stars and Coyotes in another.

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tkecanuck341 asked: But in all seriousness, which of the Kings have stuck around this summer to work together in the offseason? Which have gone out of town/country? Do the ones that do stick around generally work out together, or do most of them have their own routine that they do by themselves?

Answer: Well, the most accurate answer to all of your questions is really, “All of the above.” I don’t know of any players who stay exclusively in Southern California all summer. I’d be surprised if any of them do, given that none of them are natives and all have family elsewhere. But you raise a point that I think can be clarified here. I get the feeling that some people hear/read the phrase “summer workouts,” and hear about the players’ work with Tim Adams, and get the impression that it’s 25-30 guys hanging out in the locker room and the weight room, going through full-team practices on the ice, etc. If that’s the impression, it’s not accurate. Every player, at the start of the summer, is given a very specific program of workouts, drills, etc., to work on. Some of the players will spend time in Los Angeles, and work first-hand with the training staff, while others will do their work on their own. When players get on the ice in the summer, it’s not for formal workouts. In fact, if you’re ever at the rink when the pros are skating in the summer, you’ll sometimes see as many players from other teams — players who live in Southern California during the summer — on the ice as there are Kings players. My rough estimate would be that maybe half of the veterans spend some time in this area during the summer.

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puck73 asked: Hey Rich, I was wondering if you will be putting anything together for frozen fury, and I was also wondering how many Hammond suite event nights you will be doing this season ?

Answer: I really have no idea what might happen with Frozen Fury. The team is scheduled to leave for Europe immediately after that, and I have no idea what my travel schedule is going to be like, so that might be a long shot. As for the suites, Frank and I are going over options right now. We’d like to have one early in the season and then one later in the season. Frank is coming up with some great stuff, and we should have more on that real soon. We’re looking to have the best events yet, and also keep them affordable, and I think we’re going to succeed on both fronts.

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rontheking asked: Rich, do you personally think any other GM’s will tender an offer sheet to either Doughty or Stamkos…or would that just be considered too rude a behavior within the culture of the GMs? Would that violate some unspoken rule? Secondly, what are the possible outcomes to Tambellini’s seeming underhanded dealing with the Kings? Will the league step in and demand a different player, void the deal, or issue some sort of penalty or punishment to Tambellini? (forgive me if this has already been hashed out…I haven’t been paying much attention)

Answers: 1) No, I don’t think offer sheets will be given. It’s something that everyone gets excited about in June, then it almost never happens in July, then we forget about it for 10 months and then everyone gets excited about it again the following June. It’s not so much “rude behavior,” but more like…what did they call it in the 80s, “mutually assured destruction”? If you’re a GM, and you’re going to start throwing around offer sheets to other players, eventually it will come back to bite you with your own young player(s). So, it’s something that’s out there, and you do see them from time to time, but they get far more hype than exact usage. 2) I honestly don’t know what the possible outcomes are. To my knowledge, there is zero precedent for this sort of case. Essentially, the Kings don’t want the trade voided, but they want it altered so that they receive additional compensation, or that only part of the trade is voided. I’ve never seen that happen. From the Kings’ perspective, they would be thrilled if Fraser was simply returned to the Oilers. It’s not that they dislike him as a player, but the only reason they took him in the trade is because the Oilers wanted to dump some salary. The Kings would have been happy to simply take the draft pick for Smyth. The Kings are looking for some type of compensation, but it’s a very curious case because of the lack of precedent.

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pat asked: Rich, first off love reading your post everyday. I am wondering if there is any way to add a “like” type button on comments? I know I see lots of great comments that I agree with but I am also a person that sometimes has to read 25 people agree with a comment to get to the next point. Just wondering, also even a thumbs up or down would be cool too. Thanks for reading my idea.

Answer: Funny you should mention that. I’m actually in discussions with the Kings’ web staff about revamping the entire commenting system. In fact, it will happen at some point. I’ll be soliciting feedback from readers about the best type of system and features. So stay tuned for that.

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jet asked: and rich, have a great, relaxing, peaceful vacation.

Answer: Thank you! And thanks to everyone who expresses a similar sentiment. Much appreciated.

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Eric asked: To the best of your knowledge, are the Kings planning on acquiring a tough player to fill in for the loss of Simmonds? If my memory is correct, I don’t think the Kings have another Clifford or Simmonds thats going to battle for a spot this year…

Answer: I’m not really sure how to answer the question. Given that the Kings still have some cap space open, it wouldn’t stun me if they made a move (signing/trade) for a third-line winger, but if you’re asking if they’re specifically going to look for a “tough player,” I don’t think so. They would look for players whose overall games they appreciate and believe would fit well within the system.

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BobsYourUncle asked: Any word on the status of Kopitar’s progress in regards to his recovery? Also, any chance Jim Fox will do a open forum this summer? Thanks for all you do for us fans.

Answer: 1) Kopitar is doing quite well, actually. He got his walking boot removed before he returned to Slovenia last month, and he’s been able to do a wide range of exercises. I even had a post on here, a few weeks ago, with him playing in a charity golf tournament. So he’s doing fine, and barring any setbacks, should be good to go for the start of training camp. 2) Jim is actually enjoying himself a very nice vacation in Europe right now. You can follow him vicariously through Twitter and Facebook. So he’s a bit occupied with food, wine and culture at the moment, but I’d love for him to share his thoughts on his summer when he returns. Seems like he’s having a great time.

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therope asked: How do they determine which players get to go to development camp? Or why do some Monarchs go and some not?

Answer: There’s no hard-and-fast formula, but typically the camp is made up of players from the three previous draft classes. Obviously, there’s some wiggle room there. For the most part, it’s intended for young players who haven’t had significant pro experience yet. So that’s why you’re not going to see a guy like Bud Holloway, a three-year AHL pro, at a development camp. This is more about the skill side of things, instruction for 18- to 21-year-old players (again, with a handful of exceptions).

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Aaron asked: How did you manage to get vacation time approved? Jk. Saw you mentioned Gagne will be in town. Has Mike Richards come out to LA since the trade? Any idea if the Kings will do a press conference with the new acquisitions? Some of the other teams have done that in the last few days and seems like it would be a nice touch. I know there were media conference calls for Richards and Gagne.

Answer: I’m escaping in the pre-dawn cloak of Carmageddon! I believe Richards has been around briefly, but I couldn’t testify to it. At this point, I don’t think there will be any press conferences. For one, the two guys involved are East Coasters, so it’s a little more complicated to get them out here just for a press event. Second, as you noted, the Kings do a nice job — and I’m not singling them out, as I’m sure other teams do as well — of organizing those conference calls. To be frank, after the conference-call access, I’m not sure what we would ask at a press conference a couple days later. Press conferences are more about photo ops, but I’m sure the Kings will take care of that side of it before training camp starts.

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RoastBeef Sandwich asked: What do you think the future holds for Oscar Moller? Who impressed you the most at prospect camp? (Muzzin Excluded) Do you think the Kings add another outside player or let a rookie compete for the last forward spot? Where does Chicken Parm rank among your favorite foods?

Answers: 1) Could go either way. At this point, playing in Europe is probably a good thing for him. That league is strong enough to where, if he can play regularly, he can compete against older pros, play a lot and prove himself. Will we see him back in the NHL? I wouldn’t bet against it, because Moller is a quality guy, a hard worker and he has skill, but he’s not a slam dunk. 2) Picking one from each position, I would pick Jones, Deslauriers and Kozun. 3) I wouldn’t be shocked if they added a complementary player, but I don’t think they feel like they absolutely must. 4) Not particularly high. Sort of a take-it-or-leave-it food, something safe I’ll order if nothing else on the menu really catches my attention.

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Kenny b asked: Will they ever do a 24/7 type show for the kings? Instead of just interview type bits, i would love to see that thru the season on kingsvision.

Answer: Well, to answer your question directly, I rather doubt it. And not because it wouldn’t be popular, because the whole “24/7” thing is great, but you have to remember a couple things. One, that series is produced by a massive national network (HBO) with a ton of resources, and HBO is in the business of making TV programs. You can’t show up with two handy-cams and an editor and produce something like that. That’s a massive undertaking. Second, those shows only cover a very limited amount of time. In the NFL, it’s training camp. In the NHL, it’s the three weeks before Jan. 1. Doing that for a whole season, I don’t think there’s a single player or coach who would want that. It’s too much. Fans would love it, but it’s the players’ lives, and it’s a rather significant intrusion. I think you’ll see some good stuff from Europe, however, so that’s something to look forward to.