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Word: I would give an offer sheet to a very select few players in the NHL.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 3:04:58 PM
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kingsforlife: It's too good to be true.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 3:04:48 PM
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kingsforlife: azking: I'm not so sure considering they wanted Kaberle (probably more value than JJ) and the #7 (probably more value than Moller, who was a 2nd round pick). I think DL would rather get rid of young talent on D rather than up front. I'd like to keep Moller but if they really want him for Kessel then so be it.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 3:04:18 PM
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azking: There is a lot of chatter going on about LA and BOS on boards out there. Sturm is a name bandied about but he is coming off an injury and even though he has Lombardi history, why help out Boston. Nobody is going to trade for Sturm in my opinion. I think Boston will hold out for awhile and if they have to move Kessel it will be at the 11th hour. This shit could play out all Summer or until they have to finalize the Cap #. Kessel in L.A. would be a perfect fit for us for scoring and longevity.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 3:02:47 PM
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azking: Vbing, I bet they would do JJ and Moller straight up for Kessel. That is a lot of value.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 3:01:05 PM
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azking: I doubt he does an offer sheet. That is just asking to be put in the shitbit for deals and then they come raiding you when they can.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:59:56 PM
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inder19: i say if you have a problem with offer sheets then lock up your players. Boston made a choice between Krejci and Kessel in my opinion he is fair game.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:57:13 PM
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kingsforlife: I also doubt DL would give an offer sheet. He covets picks too much and giving offer sheets "offends the code" and could put DL on the blacklist (although this may be unlikely as GMs enjoy trading with, and taking advantage of DL). :)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:55:16 PM
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vbing: azking, not sure that the Bruins do that deal. They need to make a run while Savard is still under contract and Thomas is still hot. Don't forget that Thomas is already 35. JJ could be a starting dman for them, but they are going to want a starting forward as well. I don't think that they would be that interested in trading for the future.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:54:53 PM
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inder19: $4.5mil max at a 1st and a 3rd and i think he adds enough scoring to get into the playoffs considering gautier is replaced with scuderi
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:54:51 PM
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Word: Wacey Rabbit
forecaster.canada.com
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:54:09 PM
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inder19: give Kessell a 4-4.5mil offer sheet, its a bit steep but won't be matched and then you can still give someone else a 1.5-3mil offer sheet or if you want or move JJ. Kessell would be considered an upgrade to Handzus after his contracts up and it won't hurt long term. He has potential to be a consistent 30+goal player
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:53:48 PM
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kingsforlife: This is probably all for nothing because I'm not sure DL has the stones to make such a big deal, sadly to say. I'm holding onto hope though. The Scuderi signing gives hope as it carries big implications (and is probably DL's best UFA signing yet, sadly to say).
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:52:50 PM
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kingsforlife: inder: Good point. It would be fairly cheap if Kessel is only seeking $5M as rumored. I think that's just a 1st, a 2nd, and a 3rd, right? That's a good value considering what the Kings would likely get out of those picks.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:50:04 PM
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Word: vbing:I have heard the name before give me a minute.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:49:11 PM
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azking: Kessel would only be in play for JJ and probably another guy. JJ is unproven, Kessel is coming off a 36 goal season and he is 21. He is the sniper they need to play with Kopitar. My guess is that they would want someone who can play now in JJ but we would probably have to take a salary dump as well because they need to sign JJ. I would assume that they would want a cheap prospect in terms of contract as well and I think it would be Moller. Sturm and Kessel for JJ and Moller and a 2nd rounder?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:48:17 PM
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inder19: i wouldn't even bother going the trade route, give him an offersheet
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:47:33 PM
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kingsforlife: They wanted Kaberle and the #7 for Kessel. The price may be high but I imagine it's lowering as we get closer and closer to the start of training camp. However, I imagine they'll be smart and try to unload lower-level contracts first, guys like Sturm, as vbing mentioned. JJ+Voynov and some picks?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:44:58 PM
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vbing: If Lucic has another good season, he is going to be looking at a big pay raise as an RFA.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:44:30 PM
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Word: azking:Boston according to reports has several young RFA that need to be signed. Some have thought that they would have to deal one to get under the cap for next season. Kessel name has been mentioned to be on the block because of it.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:43:44 PM
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vbing: Do the B's actually have a guy on their reserve list with the name, Wacey Rabbit? Sounds like their minor league coach may be Elmer Fudd ;-p
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:42:01 PM
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inder19: what would it take to get him though. D-man for sure... in an ideal world they pull a gainey and do Preissing and a 3rd for Kessell :D
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:40:57 PM
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vbing: Wow, according to NHLCaps, the Bruins only have 19 guys signed and are actually 100k OVER the cap, with Kessel as an unsigned RFA. DL, don't take Sturm off their hands to give them breathing room, force them to give up Kessel!
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:40:48 PM
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kingsforlife: Oops. Here they are:
www.nhlnumbers.com
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:39:39 PM
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kingsforlife: Here are Boston's cap numbers.
www.nhlnumbers.com
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:39:12 PM
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inder19: i guess think of scuderi like this, you cant win the cup without cup winners so its a step in the right direction. and at least he is not injury prone
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:39:02 PM
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kingsforlife: Boston is at about $53M without Kessel signed and only 5 d-men. They still need to sign RFA D Hunwick and probably one more d-man. They have 13 forwards signed right now, excluding Kessel so they probably need 1 one forward, whether it be Kessel or someone else. They also have to keep enough space to re-sign Wheeler and Lucic after next year, who are both RFA. Savard does come off the books after this year though. I wonder if they'd be wanting to deal Savard or Kessel right now. Not sure how bad they want to get rid of Kessel though considering they were willing to trade him for Kubina, who makes $5M.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:38:55 PM
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azking: I don't see how Boston can even sign Kessel. They seem to up against it as it is.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:33:18 PM
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kingsforlife: Scuderi almost sounds like an STD lol. "That dirty girl I met at the bar last night gave me Scuderi!" :)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:33:16 PM
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bcamnla: All I wanted for 4th of July was a LW, and look what I got. Scuderi. Is that like a rash or something?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:29:22 PM
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kingsforlife: vbing: See, I'm not a complete pessimist. I give credit and optimism where I see it's due. :)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:28:38 PM
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vbing: ...or what kfl said ;-)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:26:40 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: Whether DL will actually MAKE such a move is an entirely different thing, as is whether the move will be a good one.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:26:02 PM
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vbing: bcam, in the past, in trade talks, other teams would always be asking for roster players. Now we are looking at deals where the prospects are becoming an element in the deals, not just throw ins. That is the difference now. Regardless of what the fans think, there is a lot of interest in what DL is building and the value of the players among the GMs and scouts around the league.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:25:51 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: Perhaps but if DL can swing the assets for a quality YOUNG scorer it's a lot different than trading JJ for Mike Knuble, which would clearly be a quick fix. Fact of the matter is, we have a plethora of players/prospects on the blue line and only 6 spots. Legitimately, Doughty, Quincey, Greene, JJ, Scuderi, Harrold, Drewiske, Voynov, Hickey, and maybe another surprise guy like Martinez are all contenders for the blue line in three years. Some of these pieces need to be moved and it'd make no sense to keep Hickey and Voynov in Manchester past that time. DL loaded up on defensive players and that provides flexibility to maybe give up 2 to get 1 quality forward. It's a lot different than the DT days where there was no depth to step in if one of those young players was traded.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:25:35 PM
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bcamnla: Hell, there's nothing I can do about it anyway. And yes, I'd like to see improvement. But "the core" players numbers seem to be getting smaller and smaller, edging us ever closer to the Dave Taylor history of GM-manship. no?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:20:07 PM
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kingsforlife: Since Boston has made him available, in my mind, Kessel is the most realistic expectation that would adequately fill our needs.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:19:58 PM
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azking: I wonder if Heatley ends up with the Kings out of more necessity and opportunity because he can't go anywhere else now, right? We are on his list of teams. I never say never on a player because it can always be spun that he has turned it around. Do I want him? Not particularly because he is a dick.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:18:22 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: If the trade is done right, it's a wash in terms of hockey assets. It's certainly not like UFA where you get players for free but if DL acquires a more stable, durable, young scorer like Kessel, I'm more happy about that then if he acquired Gaborik or Havlat, even if it does cost us JJ.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:17:53 PM
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bcamnla: vbing: No actually. It would have given me and the rest of the Kings fans a metric with which to judge how the team was progressing/improving. We, the fans who pay, are thus part of the process. Rather than watching the smartest fish on the bottom of the river spin and spin.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:16:48 PM
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bcamnla: kfl: I understand the moving of pieces bit. I also understand that good players are only going to be traded to LA if the Kings sacrifice with MORE young talent leaving. And to me, that ends up being a net loss.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:14:47 PM
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kingsforlife: vbing: The Kings sure out-bid Dallas in a large way. Wonder what made DL think he had to go up THAT high.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:13:58 PM
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vbing: bcam, exactly what difference would it have made if DL had said that up front? Would that have just given you a couple of more years to gripe?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:13:50 PM
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kingsforlife: vbing: I know that commentators say good things about the team but I just meant that LA is generally not relevant in the hockey world. Hopefully that will change, it will take a lot more than "potential" to truly change that perception.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:13:28 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: And you're right about the Williams deal, the timing was awful and including the 2nd was awful.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:12:25 PM
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vbing: Actually, looking through the HF thread it looks like the Stars may have offered Scuderi $3.5M and he took $100k less to come to LA.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:12:19 PM
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bcamnla: two more year? hmmmm then The Carp's secret number has always been a 6 year rebuild. I guess I would have loved to have been told that back on The Carp's first day behind the desk.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:12:15 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: I TOTALLY feel your concern. I was pissed yesterday too because I felt like Gabby and Havlat were easily obtainable. However, the Scuderi deal gives me hope. DL acquired a d-man to play in the top 4 it appears. That suggests he is prepared to move one the guys already occupying that area, which means he still plans on acquiring a scorer. If he doesn't I'll be pissed. If he does so and gets a lemon, I'll be pissed. But if he makes the deal and gets a good player in return, all is well and a LOT of confidence will be restored in him. This deal bought him some more time until Judgment Day.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:12:00 PM
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Word: Malhotra, a decent third-liner who inadvertently wound up on the first line last season and now apparently wants to be paid like it.
www.bluejacketsxtra.com
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:11:35 PM
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bcamnla: from Eddie O this morning: "I know they've been in on some things, but it's not good enough. Get it done...Teams are overpaying to get guys, but if you want to send a message to your fan base, more importantly to the guys sitting in the room...to me, that's an area that I'd love to see the LA Kings make a move..."
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:10:10 PM
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vbing: kfl, the Stars offered more than the 2.1-2.5 M that Pittsburgh offered. Not sure if the Kings had to outbid Dallas, but I suspect that they did. That is why the price is a little high.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:08:08 PM
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vbing: actually bcam & kfl, most of the commentators around the league DO know about the Kings. Most of them give a lot of credit to DL for turning around the franchise and almost all of them are saying that they hope that the fans can be patient because they all believe that DL is doing it the right way. Even Eddie O, although he said today that DL needs to show that he is moving ahead, is still solidly behind the rebuild effort. His approximation was that the Kings were about 2 years behind the Hawks.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:07:03 PM
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bcamnla: kfl: I'm really concerned about The Carp's people skills. When he pulled the trigger on the Williams deal, he essentially told the team, "hey, we ain't making the playoffs." Nice message when you're 3 or 4 points out, eh? And yesterday, he told the team, "Nobody's out there that'll help this team, so if you guys don;t play better - you ain't making the playoffs." Nice support, and it's only July. Just imagine how good camp's gonna feel when the bottom feeder suits up some more cast off cheap slugs.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:05:18 PM
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kingsforlife: vbing: The Stars offered more to Scuderi, or who?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:05:11 PM
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vbing: Apparently the Stars offered more than the Pittsburgh deal, although I am not sure what that amount was. From the Penguins board, it appears as though they have confirmed that the Kings have made an offer to Kovalev, but he doesn't want to leave the East Coast.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:04:06 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: Hossa didn't want to come because the Kings aren't a legitimate contender. He was probably only considering 3-4 teams seriously, if that. Gaborik and Havlat WERE interested in LA by all reports. DL just wouldn't sack up and get it done. I think he was wrong but I'm waiting to see what he does with JJ via the trade market before I totally crucify him.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 2:01:01 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: There's no need to rush any of the kids on defense. Hickey and Voynov need another year. And if you read my posts below, I agree that the blue line is crowded now. That's why myself and others think DL will trade JJ or Quincey to acquire a scoring forward. How well he does that is yet to be seen. And you're right, the league doesn't give a shit about the Kings. That can only be fixed by turning the team into a more respectable hockey team, which is happening, slowly. Again, you're right about the Williams deal, I hate it as well, particularly the gift of the 2nd round pick. Although, I'm withholding total judgment on Williams until the Fall.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:59:36 PM
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pucknfuss: I'd have a bit of a 'tude too if I was missing my left hacky sack
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:58:42 PM
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bcamnla: sorry - top three guys on UFA day.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:58:39 PM
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bcamnla: kfl: Yes, I'd prefer OD as a part time player to mentor a new kid on the defense. But now we have Scuderi on the roster, so where does the kid fit in? I said it last year - play the kids. There's no hope of getting quality players in LA via UFA or trade. This franchise is a joke. Any surprise about the Montreal call on DD last season? Hell, it's the Kings, who cares if we screw 'em? The Williams deal leaks and suddenly EDM wants a second round pick because Williams is sooooo special a straight player trade is unfair. The Carp freaks and gives the pick away. Draft day. We pick #5. Does the player or The Carp get some air time after the pick. Nope. Who cares? It's only the Kings. And the top three guys in the draft? All sang the same tune - thanks, but I'd rather not actually PLAY for the Kings. The Franchise is a joke, and at every level in the NHL it is treated accordingly. Now how do you suppose The Carp intends to fix that?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:56:23 PM
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kingsforlife: vbing: It will certainly be interesting to watch that saga unfold. FWIW, Gainey only contemplated giving Kovalev a few days to rest and clear his head, not take the rest of the season off. :)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:51:23 PM
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vbing: Big discussion this morning on XM. There is some really bad blood going on now directly between Melnyk and Heatley and his agent. It would be incredibly stupid to keep this feud going on, but if the Sens are trying to sort things out, they may get drastic ... after all, Gainey told Kovalev to go home in the middle of the season last year.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:46:55 PM
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vbing: btw, the other thing about overpaying for a dman is that it is much easier to unload an overpriced contract for a dman than a forward at the trade deadline, especially for a shutdown guy. Teams going into the playoffs love guys like Scuderi. Hopefully, that will be the Kings soon. ;-)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:45:22 PM
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kingsforlife: vbing: Heatley will play this year. There's no way they'd pay him that much to sit out. I still think he'll be moved eventually.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:45:16 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: You're complaining that he isn't durable yet the idea of the the Kings using him for 50 games isn't acceptable. What would you prefer? OD's salary is practically nothing and he's been a great influence on the kids. He was great for at least the first 30 games last year. Even if he did the same this year then he sat out the rest of the year it'd be practically worth it IMO.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:44:25 PM
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vbing: Scribe, I think that they must be still trying to get long term disability, but it appeared that Preissing wouldn't do it. The first option is to go that way, but then they will probably buy him out. I wonder what happens when you are under contract and not invited to training camp? Preissing and Heatley may find out this year.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:43:34 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: Nobody suggested that Boston's guys "fixed" Kessel. It's possible he was never that bad to begin with or that he was just pissed off he had testicular cancer, which is understandable. Even if Boston's guys did help turn Kessel around, who's to say he would revert to any negative attitude? And if he did, Kings character guys could keep him in line like Boston's did. After all, they were able to go pretty far with him. But, it's pointless to debate all this right now. I doubt DL could pull that move off. If he could get rid of JJ in a package to get Kessel and not lose another top 6 player, I really like this team next year.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:43:04 PM
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bcamnla: kfl: so OD as a PT DM makes the Kings better? Ok.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:41:16 PM
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bcamnla: So the Boston "Character Guys" found the answer to Kessel. Does that info come in the trade packet? Honestly, I'd rather have players focused on playing rather than babysitting. But at $3.4 Mil a year, I guess I can expect some extra off ice effort. Couldn't we just hire Dr. Phil? His salary wouldn't count against the Cap - right?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:39:17 PM
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kingsforlife: Let's all sit around and wait for the other shoe to drop (i.e., a d-man to be traded).
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:35:03 PM
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Scribe: They'll buy out Preissing, I'm sure.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:34:53 PM
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kingsforlife: vbing: They'll probably stash Preissing in Manchester I imagine, right?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:34:34 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: Also, I expect OD will get a lot more breaks this year and will split time with Drewiske and/or Harrold.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:34:04 PM
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kingsforlife: bcam: As azking mentioned, it was reported that Kessel wasn't really a negative issue last year as he previously had been labeled so I don't know you can say the guys in Bostom "keep Kessel focused and in line."
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:33:28 PM
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vbing: bcam, Kessel was an issue before this season. Can't remember what the B's locker room was in past seasons, but it was pretty rock solid this year.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:33:23 PM
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vbing: I have to wonder if Preissing will either be bought out or take the long term injury out. Adding Scuderi, I can't see ANY spot for him.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:32:28 PM
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vbing: Looking through the stats, it appears that Scuderi is pretty much a horse - no major injuries. He ain't flashy, but he will show up to play every night, and should play almost every game of the season. Again, solidifying the defence is never bad and is a conservative way to go vs. spending money on a flashy goal scorer who may miss considerable time due to injuries.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:31:19 PM
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bcamnla: vbing: OD was lucky to get a contract for THIS year. His legs gave out in January, and I expect this year they'll be gone before Christmas.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:30:52 PM
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bcamnla: kfl: If the "character guys" in the room in Boston couldn't keep Kessel focused and in line, what specifically do you see in our "character guys" that will improve the situation??
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:29:47 PM
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bcamnla: AZ: um, I hate to burst your bubbler (and NOTHING against Scuderi personally) but for playoff experience to mean a damn thing - you have to actually GET to the playoffs. This team ain't gonna make it in 2009-10. Period. Waste of money.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:27:33 PM
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kingsforlife: azking: Exactly what I was saying earlier about the future of the blue line going forward. It's scary and makes it pretty apparent what DL is thinking. FWIW, Voynov is supposed to be more NHL-ready than Hickey. And I think JJ for Kessel would be a great deal. All the "character" guys in the locker room should keep Kessel in line and it's obvious the B's can keep him. It sounds like a good match.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:27:31 PM
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vbing: Not a bad move. The point is that even adding a big time scorer, you still need to stop goals in your own end of the ice, and Scuderi is a shut down guy that you can put out at the end of a game and have a pretty good feeling that the other team is going to have to pay if they want to even up the game. Odie will be lucky to have another year in him, so Scuderi is his replacement. If you can't get a deal done for a scorer, might as do as much as you can to tighten up the defence.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:26:03 PM
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kingsforlife: Apparently the Blue Jackets and Nash are FAR off in contract talks. Not sure this means anything because I imagine they'll do what it takes to get him locked up and satisfy the fans, but it would be nice to see DL put together a HUGE package to get Nash if it looks like things aren't going to work out for him in the next week, as Nash discussed.
tsn.ca
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:25:35 PM
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azking: Scuderi is obviously the Veteran Defenseman Lombardi was referring to.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:25:22 PM
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azking: This move is obviously a prelude to another move with JJ. It is just so apparent. This team is going to have too many guys on the blueline because Voinov and Hickey are close to coming up. Scuderi is on a 4-year deal. When those two come up, we have Doughty, Greene, Quincey, Scuderi, Drewiske and Harrold. I am leaving out Odie because he will be done in 1-2 years and Voinov won't be up for 2. JJ can be moved and we have the spot covered. I think we may end up being disappointed in JJ because between the ears, he is weird and seems to play when he wants to. Better to move him now and get that scorer. You guys laugh but Kessel for JJ is not far-fetched and I think the comments on his attitude are overblown. He was said to be more stable last year and was not a distraction. The guy has 40 goal talent. JJ would work well in the Top 4 with Chara, Ferrence and Wideman and I think he is better than Stuart.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:24:03 PM
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tstring26: Just reading comments from disparaged Penns fans about losing Scuderi and you could almost hear it coming out of DL's mouth. "Character guy...tough as nails...hard worker...why don't we just re-name the kings to the LA Construction Workers Hockey Club...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:22:40 PM
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kingsforlife: I'll understand if DL wanted to get Scuderi, pass on Havlat and Gabby, then use JJ or other assets to acquire a proven, durable goal scorer. I don't care so much HOW he makes the team better but I do care that the team gets better. And, on paper, this teams needs outside help. This is an upgrade over last season in terms of personnel. However, we still have a hole at the top 6 winger spot AND unless a d-man is moved this year, there are negative salary cap implications going forward that will hamstring our ability to acquire a scorer.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:20:21 PM
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bcamnla: And someone has got to ask The Carp how Scuderi is "the guy". And not in vague hockey cliches. I want a $13 million dollar answer. Short, declarative statements. Why is this man "the guy" and how does he improve the Kings? Even the bottom feeder should be able to do that, don't you think?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:19:44 PM
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bcamnla: NL: You make the exact point. A bit more salary and time for Havlat, and we don't need to trade and thus lose assets. Even God knows we need goal scorer, and The Carp gets another D man? Oh yes, the Carp is wise in the way of the hockey world.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:17:18 PM
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kingsforlife: kc: I like Scuderi. I just don't think him and his salary fit with our current group going forward. Also, it makes DL seem like a hypocrite IMO. He made a big deal about not overpaying when Gabby and Havlat were right at or, arguably, under market value. Then he goes and overpays by about 15-20% for Scuderi. Again, he's a good player and a good pick-up but this will impact the salary cap in a negative way going forward unless a current d-man is moved.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:15:52 PM
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azking: He is the guy you put out at the end of the game when it is crunch time. Price isn't that bad when you look what is out there. A guy like Quick is thanking the Kings for this move because you won't have shitheads sitting in front of the crease waiting for rebounds. He does nothing flashy but just is excellent from a positional standpoint and never makes mistakes. He is much better than Odie ever was even at Odie's peak. He makes JJ expendable and I am 99% sure that we will see him moved for a scorer.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:15:37 PM
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schroeder2: Interesting. The Kings' website is saying that Scuderi has verbally agreed to this deal...Maybe, if we're lucky, he'll back out. As all of the counselors here will tell you, a verbal agreement for this kind of $$ doesn't mean diddly (not Bo Didley).
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:12:45 PM
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azking: Scuderi is a very nice stay-at-home defenseman and is only 30 which for a guy like that is not old because they usually don't even get in the NHL until 25. I am pleased with this. It does nothing for our scoring issues but he is a good player.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:12:32 PM
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tstring26: Some very nice responses on TSN.ca "It's your call," regarding the acquisition of Scuderi. Seems he was a big part of the reason Pitt went all the way. Encouraging.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:12:02 PM
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kingscast: I'm not sure why everyone's so down on the Scuderi move. This makes our defense better by adding a guy with serious playoff experience who can shut opponents down. $3.4 is about fair for that (though we may have overpaid a bit). He's not a flashy pickup like a Hossa but we were all bitching that Deano didn't overpay yesterday. If he overpaid today, it was probably by $400k. I certainly understand the trepidation given Deano's history with d-man UFA's (ie, Dalman & Preissing) but I think we're going to be okay with Scuds.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:11:19 PM
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kingfletch: I like Scuderi but price was a bit high, but free agents are always overpriced. Now the kings have plenty of depth on D or bait for trades for a forward. I think its a good move overall.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:08:41 PM
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kingsforlife: azking and esaki should like this one.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 1:07:44 PM
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schroeder2: Come on, Dean. Get somebody in here who can play LW. We've got one LW'er on the freakin' roster, and you're gonna let him walk at the end of the year...or likely ship him off at the trade deadline. Tanguay's looking for work.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:57:43 PM
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kingsforlife: s2: Agreed. DL made it seem like Drewiske earned a roster spot, or at least a solid look. This pretty much precludes that idea, absent a trade.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:56:00 PM
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schroeder2: Drewiske looked to me like much the same player as Scuderi, though younger and less experienced. Still, with about a $2.75M per year price difference, and considering the slew of young d-men pounding at the door, this signing seems steeped in desperation to do something, anything...kind of like Dave Taylor's trade deadline deals...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:55:13 PM
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kingsforlife: inder: If DL got Gagne and JVR, that'd be nice, assuming he didn't give up JJ AND another roster player (read: Frolov).
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:50:26 PM
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inder19: DL sure makes it hard to be optimistic as a kings fan lol
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:49:24 PM
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inder19: Maybe JJ deal is not working at all and DL is trying to sure up the defense rather than having to move JJ and have to fill a hole on defense and still have a need for a scoring winger. Now he can move JJ and the first next year for Gagne and VanRymsdyk (I have seen JVR highlights and if he cant get around you he will go through you to get to the net)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:48:16 PM
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kingsforlife: The only way this move really makes any sense is if another d-man is moved and I hope DL has something in mind or partially in place for such a move before he committed to this deal.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:46:37 PM
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kingsforlife: inder: I know. I didn't intend to come off like I was arguing you or anything. Just venting about the situation DL has (temporarily?) put the team in.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:44:05 PM
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naturallawyer: kfl: yep, add $1.6m and two years and you have Havlat, who addresses a much more urgent need for the team.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:43:16 PM
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inder19: i preferred hossa because he doesn't get hurt but gaborik is a game breaker. He gets goals at opportune times and when the team needs it and he can beat any defender one on one. people would come to see Gaborik
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:42:41 PM
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kingscast: More on Rob Scuderi
kingscast.net
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:41:26 PM
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naturallawyer: There are some pretty bad contracts across the league for defensemen. That was the one position where we were pretty set. DL is an enigma.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:40:03 PM
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inder19: kingsforlife and NL: I was saying what DL would say :P I would take Gaborik and Preissing lol
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:39:48 PM
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inder19: its posted on many reputable sites
www.tsn.ca
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:38:51 PM
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naturallawyer: inder19: take your pick: Gabby and Drewiske on the ice, or Scuderi and [Tanguay?]. I take the former myself, especially considering the rest of this team.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:38:49 PM
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kingsforlife: inder: Scuderi hamstrings the future by himself and practically forces DL to move Quincey or JJ. If not, in two to three years, Doughty will be making $5-6M, JJ at anywhere between $2.5M and $5.5M, Scuderi at $3.4M, Greene at $3.2M or whatever he is at, and Quincey at $2M - $4M.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:37:38 PM
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naturallawyer: Nevermind, Hammond reports 3.4m...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:37:31 PM
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inder19: ohlund was known to have said he would prefer to stay on the west coast I bet DL didn't even have talks with him. I am sure he would have signed for not much more than Scuderi if it was in LA maybe with one more year and he can pass and has a very good shot
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:37:18 PM
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naturallawyer: kfl: yeah, that's a pretty bad contract for Scuderi. But I haven't seen confirmation of the terms yet, so I'll reserve judgment for a few more minutes...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:35:51 PM
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inder19: NL: but we will be filling two needs instead of just one with two non injury prone players. Sure gaborik is the sexy signing but that would hamstring the future (thinking of what DL would say)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:35:21 PM
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kingsforlife: nl: Hell, Scuderi is only $1.6M off of Havlat's salary and nearly the same term.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:34:21 PM
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naturallawyer: If DL ends up signing Tanguay or some other filler on the wing, the total salary between the two will probably be about what Gabby or Havlat will make.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:32:43 PM
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inder19: scuderi reminds of of preissing....oooh 3rd pairing
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:32:12 PM
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htxt: It seems like Lombardi wants to gear up on playoff-type guys but not on the guys who actually get you to the playoffs (hint: goalscoring left-wings).
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:32:00 PM
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kingsforlife: That doesn't say much, especially at this price. :)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:31:21 PM
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htxt: Regardless, Scuderi is way, way better than having to see Denis Gauthier out there.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:30:57 PM
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kingsforlife: nl: Seriously, DL continues to boggle the mind. Out-bidding PIT by nearly double yet and committing to do so for four years yet too gun-shy to pay market value, or even less, for Havlat, or pay about market value for Gaborik.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:30:19 PM
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kingsforlife: I really like Quincey's simple style too. He makes good passes, takes the body, and throws the puck at the net. It's exactly what TM wants from a d-man.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:29:18 PM
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inder19: i liked Quincey's play a lot I think he is also a perfect fit on the team, I would try and move JJ for a larger return but thats all pending his contract
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:28:06 PM
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naturallawyer: Scuderi is now our highest-paid defenseman (or else a hair behind Doughty because of his bonuses). Wow.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:27:17 PM
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kingsforlife: I was content to have Doughty, JJ, Quincey, Greene, Drewiske/Harrold and OD, or perhaps Hickey or Voynov if they proved themselves. I'm torn between JJ and Quincey as to who should go. Both present a fair risk of flight once they go UFA. I think JJ's contract demands will determine who, if anyone, gets moved.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:27:13 PM
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naturallawyer: Scuderi is also a left-shot. Drewiske, Quincey and/or JJ could now be trade-bait. If DL thinks he can get JJ under wraps for a while, you trade Quincey. If the negotiations are going to go like Cammy and Sully, you seize the day...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:25:00 PM
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inder19: htxt: scuderi is a smart defender and thats why he was out against those guys. plus the pens didnt have much else to play against them. Letang and Gonchar play so much PP that making them play against the top line a lot didn't make sense. Scuderi was Pittsburgh's 5th dman
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:21:51 PM
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naturallawyer: The thing with JJ is that he hasn't signed a contract yet. If you can sign him to a good deal, then you wait until mid-season to trade him. If he is demanding the moon and won't budge, you ship him out now before the story gets out that he's a serious contract problem. The contract number has a lot to do with a player's trade value, and that's a question mark right now (which might be a good thing).
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:21:12 PM
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schroeder2: I think Shero was offering about $2M per year...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:19:16 PM
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kingsforlife: htxt: I'm not necessarily saying that's his optimal placement. However, someone has to play on the third pairing. I doubt it will be Doughty, JJ (if he is here), Greene, or Quincey. That leaves Scuderi to play with OD. It doesn't make sense for Doughty to play there for obvious reasons. Same for JJ, he's too good of a puck mover to play with scrubs. Same for Quincey. Greene is a decent option but again, you'd be paying a guy over $3M to be a third line d-man. It's not economical, especially given DL's hard-on about being conservative.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:19:06 PM
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inder19: $3.4m is a waste of money for scuderi. He is at best a below average D on a very good team. Fleury made his whole defense look amazing during the playoffs and other than two great plays by scuderi in game 6 he brings nothing to the kings that they need at $3.4. If you are spending that much I would rather have spent the extra $1mil and signed Ohlund or go after Beauchemin atleast they can skate shoot pass and hit. Much more complete players.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:17:10 PM
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htxt: I still don't see how Scuderi is a 3rd-pairing defenseman. He was out there against the top guys like Ovechkin and Staal.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:16:42 PM
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kingsforlife: s2: Me too about JJ. His value is so uncertain at this point when you compare his performance in a Kings uni and his performance at the Worlds. So, unless DL gets great value and a great return, moving JJ could be very risky and, ultimately, foolish.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:14:33 PM
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naturallawyer: kfl: I agree. I'd see who has higher trade value between JJ and Quincey and balance that against JJ's contract demand to see who gets traded, but like you said, it better be a good return.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:13:36 PM
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schroeder2: kfl: Agreed.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:09:50 PM
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schroeder2: I'd rather wait to trade JJ until halfway through the season, when he's had a chance to show his stuff. Was the world championships enough to elevate his value?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:08:58 PM
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kingsforlife: s2: This does put DL in a tough spot. He's not almost obligated to move JJ or Quincey or else this deal looks foolish. And if he does move them, he better make sure it's for a guy that can fill the scoring winger hole here for at least a few years or else this is REALLY foolish.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:08:22 PM
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schroeder2: I guess we'll be watching Jack Johnson become a power play beast in another uniform. That will hurt a little.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:06:35 PM
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kingsforlife: Again though, if he moves JJ and gets a good return, this move makes a lot more sense even though I'm not sure how well Scuderi can move the puck.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:03:38 PM
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htxt: I do agree that this probably means Lombardi's gearing up for a trade, since he can't move all his D to play on the forward lines like Harrold. Or will he?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:03:21 PM
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ericd: off to work... yay... so lets see what other treasure day 2 of free agency brings us...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:03:04 PM
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kingsforlife: htxt: If DL is SO concerned about the cap moving forward and realizes he STILL needs to acquire a proven scorer, spending $3M+ on a third pairing defenseman is ridiculous.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:02:41 PM
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kingsforlife: ericd: No kidding. He blows his wad on a third pairing d-man, over-paying to fill that hole by at least $2M per year. Then balks at reasonable market value for Gaborik and Havlat.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:01:54 PM
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ericd: scuderi plus a proven (youg-ish) scorer = good, scuderi by himself = steaming pile of cat shit (like the one thats just been curved in the tray behind me...)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:01:06 PM
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htxt: kfl: I'm fine with Greene on the 3rd pair - that's where he's better suited anyway (that and the PK)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 12:00:16 PM
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ericd: I want to say so much, and yet I am lost for words... following all this yesterday at work (where I cannot post from...) and then DL's comments... with all respect to scuderi, but overall this blows... funny though, he pays top dollar for #4/#5 D and yet wont pay it for the scorer we so desperately need... please excuse this but thats so toally fucked up its not funny... OK if he puts 8mil and 5 years on the table for gabby and gabby says no then fine... but to not try is the crime... especially when plan A does not happen... Oh and FWIW I too would be offering JJ to Boston for Kessell... at this point I might even consider Heatly (thats an indication of how twisted I feel...)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:59:19 AM
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kingsforlife: htxt: Unless JJ gets moved, this appears to be a senseless move IMO. If you pair Scuderi with DD, one of Quincey, Greene or JJ plays on the third line. That seems a little wasteful to me but whatever.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:58:01 AM
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htxt: I like the Scuderi move. He eclipsed Orpik on Pittsburgh's go-to shutdown pairing. He'll be a better option to play with Doughty than OD, who wore down as the season went on last year. That leaves OD to play with JJ or Hickey / Voynov. Class is in session.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:55:37 AM
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ericd: so vbing... what kind of cocktails are we having?... ;-)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:52:14 AM
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nobska: Confirmation that Gaborik signed with a limited movement clause.
njmg.typepad.com
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:47:38 AM
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vbing: azking, just reading through the posts this morning, the truth is that I spent so much time on here yesterday, I am trying to catch up on real work. I admit that I am disappointed, but the truth is that I still believe in "the plan". In the long term, the only way that this team gets better is if the core improves no matter which FA you bring in. Bringing in a FA can provide a boost, or it can be a detriment. People here keep talking about having to strike when the players are available, and yet every year, new names crop up. Would I have liked to see Gaborik? Sure, but I can see the hesitation due to the contract length and agree with it somewhat. Havlat may been good, but in his last contract, he only performed in his contract year. I still hold out hope that DL may try be able to bring in a scorer to help out this year, but I am not going to go crazy about how the team is built until I actually see them on the ice and see how the team is progressing.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:45:16 AM
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kingsforlife: Christ. $3.4M to Scuderi for 4 years. Seems a bit much for a guy that made under $1M last year. This guy is a third pairing d-man. Seems like another Matt Greene. This seems like it would suggest JJ may be moved because there's no way Scuderi plays more then Doughty, JJ, Quincey and Greene and paying that much for a third line d-man is absurd.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:44:29 AM
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kingscast: Here's the link
www.postgazette.com
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:41:48 AM
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kingsforlife: I can see it now ... lots of talk about him being a great character player, a winner and proven champion ... and a good "fit."
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:40:30 AM
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kingsforlife: Let's wait for the optimists to come out of the woodworks and resurrect DL based upon the blockbuster signing of Rob Scuderi. I just hope the contract is reasonable. :)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:39:09 AM
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kingsforlife: Good signing. Addresses a minor need so he doesn't have to rush the kids and keeps Harrold off the blue line. Doughty, Quincey, Greene, JJ, Scuderi and OD is pretty good.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:38:21 AM
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kingscast: Scuderi has signed with Los Angeles. Confirmed via text message to several. Good, solid pickup for LA. By no means a blockbuster
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:36:08 AM
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naturallawyer: Frolov has a favorable cap number. I'm ok with getting rid of him to upgrade to Gagne (Philly might jump at Frolov+ to get under the cap), and then signing a second-tier guy for the left side. If we don't do anything, Frolov is as good as gone anyway. Not that my speculation amounts to anything...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:18:54 AM
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knight of the realm: Scuderi would be a very good pick up but that mean we are going to play a defense first, be damned with scoring, system all year long?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 11:10:24 AM
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kingfletch: I love all the bs rumors on the internet from eklund out, kings are after, kings are close to signing...not sure why i even bother reading them. The only things they get right is after they are signed lol.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:55:11 AM
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kingsforlife: Scuderi would be a decent blue line pickup. Makes JJ all the more expendable.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:50:18 AM
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kingfletch: I like Tanguay but he is another pass first type. Kings need a shoot first player. I would like Tanguay still all the same. I would take Heatley as well if we didnt have to give to much for him, but i think since Murray's are brothers that wont happen.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:47:08 AM
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kingscast: Apparently the KIngs are after Scuderi via Puck Daddy. *yawn*
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:38:17 AM
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naturallawyer: Another problem is that Philly has only one right-handed defenseman. Maybe JJ isn't that great of a fit for them. Still, he's cheaper than Gagne and could probably contribute more to the offense than several of their current D (potentially, of course).
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:35:34 AM
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kingsforlife: Coburn is pretty good. Timmonen is solid and Carle is very serviceable. Parent has been trying to break onto that blue line for a while and may just do so this year. Though, with losing Sbisa, I'm sure they'd like to get another defensive prospect.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:28:01 AM
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kingsforlife: azking: I think you're right on the Bernier thing. Quick needs to prove for at least another year that he can be the guy in order to make Bernier expendable.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:26:25 AM
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naturallawyer: Looking at Philly's roster, they don't have much on D other than Pronger. I offer them JJ and maybe a young winger/prospect.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:22:38 AM
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Word: Doughty was one of 46 players (and 16 d) selected to participate in Canada's 2010 Olympic men's hockey team orientation camp, which will take place Aug. 24-27 at the Saddledome in Cgy. One notable omission from the camp was Stamkos.
www.insidesocal.com
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:21:29 AM
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naturallawyer: *other Kings scouts
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:16:16 AM
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naturallawyer: kfl: DL and other should have a pretty good idea which of our goalies has it "between the ears" to be a franchise guy. Bernier hasn't always shown the right stuff, but if they still think he is absolutely the guy over Quick, then you're right. If I'm Philly, it takes something sweet (and affordable) to pry away Gagne.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:14:36 AM
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azking: KFL problem(good one I guess) is that Quick could be a franchise goalie too but I think we honestly need 1 more year before moving Bernier. We need to see prove it over a year otherwise we screw ourselves. I don't see them moving Bernier at this point unless it is a smokin' deal.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:12:55 AM
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kingsforlife: I'd have a hard time giving up Bernier (a potential franchise goalie) for Gagne, whose head could fall off at any time, especially since Quick's only proven he can play well for half of a season with no pressure on him.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:06:59 AM
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naturallawyer: kfl: Unless there is another stupid Gainey out there, Philly ain't moving that Briere contract.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:05:29 AM
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naturallawyer: azking: I agree. I'd give up a package including Bernier for the #26 overall scorer from last year (who has two 40-goal seasons since the lockout). Philly needs some goaltending in the pipeline.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 10:03:30 AM
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kingsforlife: I prefer to wait and see which goalie pans out, if any, before getting rid of any of them. DL's primary bargaining chips should be d-men and draft picks.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:59:32 AM
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kingsforlife: It looks like Philly has 21 players under contract, and 2 goalies, and they sit at around $58M. The most obvious piece they want to move is Briere, or perhaps Rathje. I doubt they really want to move Gagne as it looks like they are really trying to go for it this year. They aren't that desperate to move Gagne IMO.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:58:50 AM
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azking: NL, we would have to eventually give up one of our goalies if Bernier and Quick both are good. Othewise, we would have the situation Buffalo had years ago when they had 2-3 #1 quality guys and couldn't get them enough PT. A good goalie with that ability needs to play.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:58:29 AM
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naturallawyer: I'd love to make JJ go up against his buddy several times a year in a rivalry game. :-)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:56:05 AM
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schroeder2: Skrastins to the Stars.
twitter.com
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:54:56 AM
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schroeder2: NL: Kidding aside, I guess I'd go get Tanguay and play him on a line with a center who likes to shoot...maybe Moller?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:53:41 AM
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naturallawyer: What is Gagne's contract situation in Philly? Now that you guys mention it, he seems like a good fit. There's a Philly fan at my pickup hockey night (last night) who said he thinks Philly is currently over the cap. Maybe they have a weaker bargaining position (IF DL can take advantage of that). But like kotr said, we'd have to give up someone that we hate to see go (like a Bernier).
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:53:13 AM
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azking: The silence from Scribe and Vbing is telling. Makes me think they are annoyed as well but they are just classier than I am in this case so why I kick over cans and punch people, they have some cocktails and wait to say it in a logical way.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:49:28 AM
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schroeder2: NL: TO answer your question about what I'd do next, I guess I'd teach Purcell how to shoot left...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:46:39 AM
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kingsforlife: Anyone like Kovalev that DL signs now should ONLY be for a 1-2 year deal so the Kings are free to pursue quality UFA's in the near future, and, of course, to provide flexibility to re-sign Purcell.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:40:51 AM
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naturallawyer: Olczyk did mention Kovalev's name as a possibility for the Kings. At least that would be someone who can still light the lamp.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:34:58 AM
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kingsforlife: Eddie O hit the nail on the head. ALL teams, except the Wings, generally have to overpay at some point to get a player. That's the world you operate in DL, accept it and work with it.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:33:04 AM
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kingsforlife: There's a difference between taking a risk with Marian Gaborik than Alyn McAuley.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:32:10 AM
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naturallawyer: Daddy-O is a genius. I hope he makes a phone call to DL this afternoon. :-)
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:31:45 AM
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naturallawyer: Olczyk: "I know they've been in on some things, but it's not good enough. Get it done...Teams are overpaying to get guys, but if you want to send a message to your fan base, more importantly to the guys sitting in the room...to me, that's an area that I'd love to see the LA Kings make a move..."
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:30:44 AM
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naturallawyer: Olczyk: "the Kings NEED to get a goal scorer."
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:28:35 AM
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naturallawyer: k7: you take risks on skilled players who have proven themselves in the last one or two years. You don't take risks on third-line scrubs and has-been goalies. Some people play the Lotto, and some people know how to play blackjack well. The odds of winning the latter are a whole lot better.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:28:01 AM
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naturallawyer: With the aura of excitement created last off-season around the Blackhawks, imagine how good it feels to be a hockey fan in Chicago today. Wonder what that's like...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:25:43 AM
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kings#7: all you guys are saying DL needs to take risks, what happened with every other risk he took?? Everyone was calling for his head... It's a lose-lose right now in LA, so lets just ride this out.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:24:58 AM
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kingsforlife: s2: Exactly. DL has backed himself into that corner for a guy that's a double cancer. Nice work DL. I imagine, if DL does make a move, we will all be very disappointed.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:20:13 AM
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azking: Schroeder2, Williams=Locker Room Love but sucks. I am just wondering who that "guy" is the Lombardi keeps referring to that will be a great player, locker room guy, young so not a bridge guy and ultimately affordable within their self-mandated salary cap? I mean, can we have a smaller box to operate in? Also, what team is looking to give up that player if it has him on the team? That is even more of a question.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:19:48 AM
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azking: The telling fact is that we are competing against all those other teams for 1 of 2 playoff spots because none of the Top 6 are at risk for falling out. You want to really talk about stress? That is stress.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:17:49 AM
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naturallawyer: s2: if you're DL, what's your next move?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:16:40 AM
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schroeder2: Kessel = locker room cancer (not to mention testicular cancer). Pass.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:14:04 AM
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kingsforlife: IMO, the absolute best DL can hope for right now is Kessel. I would be working the phones to get that done. The price may be high but the kid is young and puts the puck in the net.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:01:22 AM
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naturallawyer: You know, Tampa Bay still needs defense (in my opinion). JJ for Martin St. Louis? He's past his prime but he can put the puck in the net, and I'd take him over Tanguay.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 9:00:03 AM
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naturallawyer: I've asked this question before, and I'll ask it again: name the BEST player who has ever been traded purely to get under the cap. Who are the guys that GMs have cast off? You've got an under-producing Scott Gomez, who was obviously a salary cap casualty. Anybody else?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:58:25 AM
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kingsforlife: accu: You're right. Maybe some other teams didn't improve drastically but most of them didn't need to. The Kings needed to in order to creep out of the cellar and get into the playoffs. They failed to do so. Are you going to suggest they are a better team, or a playoff team next year? I believe that's the standard that the fans have set for the team and DL has set himself. We are NO closer to that goal, and, arguably, farther from it IMO.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:55:01 AM
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kingsforlife: accu: It's not dramatic. It's a fact. Did LA get better yesterday? No. Did just about every other NHL team? Yes, particularly those in the West. Anaheim lost Pronger yet gained Lupul, Sbisa and draft picks. SJ took on Huskins, a competent d-man (regardless, they didn't need much help, at least in the regular season). I believe Garon is an improvement over the backup in CBJ. I imagine Aucoin means nothing as well. Sure, he's not the player he used to be but still. Point out the actions of the other teams all you want, the Kings did NOTHING to gain any ground yesterday. They are the same bottom-feeder team they were last year. They can duel it out with Colorado next year for that title.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:53:13 AM
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accustat: in reality, only about 6 teams geniunely improved their roster yesterday. hawks, wild, rangers, washington and the habs are the standouts
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:52:19 AM
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accustat: and vancouver didnt really improve. they just resigned the creepy twins.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:51:20 AM
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accustat: bob gainey threw evverything but the kitchen sink out for an offer yesterday. im surprised they didnt sign your mama to five year deal schoeder
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:50:24 AM
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schroeder2: I am glad, however, that Bob Gainey is not the Kings' GM. It should be entertaining in Montreal next season watching the multigabillion $$ midget line next season (Gomez, Gionta and Cammy).
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:49:00 AM
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accustat: kfl, obviously havlat wanted to play somewhere else. face facts right?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:48:34 AM
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accustat: "Lets face facts EVERY western team got better yesterday except LA kings."
little dramatic dont you think??
how did anaheim get better? they lost pronger. how did san jose get better? the flames lost cammy. added JBo. Oh columbus signed matty garon. youre rightm they got better. the stars and avalanche signed who????? who did detroit sign? phoenix signed labarbara and vernon fiddler. thats a whole lot of amazing right there. teh sharks didnt sign a god damn soul and has a shit load of UFAs and RAs. see for your self.
sports.yahoo.com
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:47:51 AM
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schroeder2: Exactly what NL said.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:45:40 AM
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knight of the realm: LA has pieces to move..it's not the end of the world. September is still aways away. I'm not happy about coming close to signing Gaborik and Havlat and losing them solely due to budget no matter what DL says differently. I'd like DL but the guy needs to take a little risk now and again. I don't see any help being available for trade but DL has surprised me before. I won't doom the Kings to non-playoff exsistance just yet. Never-the-less, the Dark Side is growing stronger within me. DL needs to do something because I'll will be calling for his head if we are not competitive next year.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:45:09 AM
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naturallawyer: Newsflash: if you trade with a cap-stressed team, they are going to trade away an OVERPAID PLAYER. So, instead of overpaying Gabby, we will overpay whoever we get via trade, AND give up some of the farm. Or else we will probably suck and not score again this year. We might even set another record for shutouts (against) this year. Overpaying a player is inevitable under DL's "plan". You either overpay through free agency, overpay through trade, and/or overpay to keep your players. If every other team is "overpaying", it's beginning to look like everyone else is paying market and the Kings are UNDER-paying...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:44:22 AM
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kingsforlife: accu: It's not signing a deal for signing a deal's sake. Gaborik and/or Havlat make this team better. That's the point. Havlat's contract was pretty reasonable. Gaborik's wasn't awful but a little more in the grey area. Again though, the end result isn't nearly as disappointing as DL's thought process about free agency as a whole. That's scary and downright disheartening.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:41:12 AM
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kingsforlife: Let's face facts, EVERY Western team got better yesterday except the LA Kings. So even if the team plays at maximum potential next year, they may likely miss the playoffs still.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:39:49 AM
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kingsforlife: There's no reason CBJ shouldn't make it again as well. Same could be said for Minny, especially if they are adding Koivu and Havlat. Edmonton may be able to get in also if they get Heatley and Bulin plays well.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:39:16 AM
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accustat: i agree they are barely a playoff team if the existing roster plays better. i also understand not signing a deal for signing a deal's sake to keep us happy. the team does need help, but you know, if the deal isnt there, it isnt there.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:38:13 AM
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kingsforlife: s2: STL will be in the playoffs next year. They played VERY injured all year. They will be getting Kariya and Erik Johnson back plus another year of seasoning for Backes, Oshie and Berglund. They will make it unless Mason falls apart completely.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:36:36 AM
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kingsforlife: accu: You're right. They can play better but even if everyone plays at their best, this team is BARELY a playoff team, maybe. Is that what we want? A team squeaking into the playoffs and getting swept? I didn't see any UFAs clamoring to go to Columbus.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:35:30 AM
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knight of the realm: If I'm trading say Gagne, I'm asking for Bernier.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:34:20 AM
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accustat: throw ersberg in a deal with purcell and a couple of picks......we could be looking at something
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:34:03 AM
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accustat: knight, ersberg alone, you are right as a part of a package, he is a quality back up
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:33:05 AM
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accustat: id rather dean offer the big money to a true stud like hossa or kovi rather than a longer term, lower dollar deal for havlat or gaborik. so you know, im not entierly bummed that we didnt do a 30mil deal with gaborik
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:32:31 AM
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schroeder2: As things sit today, and looking at the Western Conference, I think six teams, Detroit, Chicago, Vancouver, Calgary, SJ and Anaheim are dead locks for the playoffs next year. The only team clearly worse than the Kings is Colorado. That leaves two slots for LA, St. Louis, Columbus, Nashville, Minnesota, Edmonton and Phoenix. Looking like another lottery pick, eh?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:31:28 AM
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knight of the realm: Ersberg has no real value, not top flight left winger value.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:31:04 AM
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azking: They just drafted Moore too who looks to have some upside. Oh yeah, they made the playoffs as well, unlike the Kings and they have the Calder winner in Mason. What's not to like in Columbus right now for future and why would Nash leave for the Kings who are two steps behind?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:30:57 AM
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accustat: i disagree kfl. i think kopi, brown and frolov as well as jmfj could have played better last season.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:30:39 AM
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htxt: k#7: Maybe I should amend that to say that if he's going to walk away from the table he better have plan B lined up. I agree with the principle of what he did - he doesn't have a team that needs to win now or risk being disbanded. Still, it would've been nice to take a risk instead of playing it so safe.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:30:19 AM
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knight of the realm: accustat: Yes it does. It also means that that left wing help Kopi and Brown asked for, that DL and Hextall acknowledged as a critical need, wont be coming any time soon unless DL ships out some of those highly touted prospects we are tryin to save cap room for in the future.
Gaborik and Havlat were both close to signing with LA but DL would not budge on his budget. Whether he was right to do so or not wont really be know for some time.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:30:09 AM
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accustat: one reason other than the obvious would be to begin shadowing bernier. if deano moves ersberg or quick as a part of a deal for forward biron makes sense as we could potentially see bernier behind the bench this season
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:30:04 AM
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kingsforlife: The team IS better than within first. They really can't do THAT much more without some outside help besides sit back, suck, hit the draft a few more times. Even then, you're still waiting for players to develop while other players hit UFA then leave because the team sucks and the owners are cheapskates. You have to invest in a solid UFA to make the team better and more attractive.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:30:02 AM
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accustat: schroeder do you really need an answer as to why deano would want to sign a mediocre player from philly?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:28:58 AM
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azking: If you look at the Blue Jackets roster, without Nash, they have nothing. Nobody to mentor Filatov and Voracek. They have some good players coming up in Brassard, Goloubef
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:26:24 AM
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schroeder2: I bet all of the Kings' men were excited about Lombardi's failures yesterday...they probably are chomping at the bit to get to training camp...
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:26:06 AM
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schroeder2: Yeah. WTF do we need a mediocre re-tread Philly goalie for?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:24:26 AM
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accustat: whats interesting is that all the moaning and groaning about how awful LA is and no one wants to come and play here.....no one goood anyway, doesnt that kind of reinforce dean's assessment that this teams needs to be better from within first? we know why some of these big names may not want to come to LA....so isnt that more of an impetus on kopi, brown, fro etc. ? seems you guys are sorta reinforcing deans ethos
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:24:01 AM
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accustat: any more on that Biron bit?
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:22:03 AM
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knight of the realm: Nash and Kovalchuk are like carrots dangling in front of LAs cart of futility. Keep hanging in there and maybe we Kings fans will reach them one year.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:21:52 AM
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azking: One other thing, what does this tell his team when the front office refuses to help them get any better? Why would Frolov re-sign? He is at the point where he could go anywhere and probably get a 5 year deal and at least have a chance at a Cup. He would probably take less money. It's obvious from comments that the perception of the Kings is pretty bad around the league when it comes to the players. It obviously is as rosy as the pundits who say we are on course paint it out to be.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:21:28 AM
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kingsforlife: Azking's right. Nash goes nowhere.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:19:42 AM
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azking: What until Frolov asks for $6 million or so and a team offers it while Dean looks at his chart because he doesn't want to risk not re-signing Purcell. This is really kind of collapsing inward on him and he is so stupid, he doesn't even see it or, he is an ostrich and has his head buried thinking that he is still in year 1, not going on year 4 of his tenure here.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:19:22 AM
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azking: Nash is already apparently mulling over a big contract extension. They will never let him leave. If they do, the franchise goes dark. That is never happening.
Thursday Jul 02, 2009 - 8:17:23 AM
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ian22: I think DL's idea of reality and reality are two different things. He's apparently balking at the going rate for the players he wants. He might not like the price but the value of something is always what people will pay for it. You might |
