Lombardi ruffles feathers
There's a very interesting story on TSN (link) about the way that Dean Lombardi and the Kings structured the contract of Joe Piskula. Essentially, Lombardi gave Piskula a huge bonus simply for appearing in five games. That has upset some who believed it's a glorified signing bonus, because signing bonuses are limited to $85,000.
Whatever you think of what Lombardi did, the NHL entry-level situation is a mess. The intentions were good, but the way it's structured and counted against the cap causes huge headaches all around. The union and league would be wise to examine this during the summer, and not just because of Lombardi's actions.
The funniest part, to me, is the implication that teams such as the Kings have some sort of advantage because they have ``cash to throw around.'' Now there's a phrase I never thought would be attached to the Kings.
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About Rich Hammond
Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar. A native of Los Angeles, Rich has worked at the Daily News since 1999 and also serves as the paper's deputy sports editor. E-mail Rich at rich.hammond@dailynews.com.
Trying creative ways to get around the cap is smart. If this was Lou Lamarillo, he would be branded a genious! Way to go Deano!