Lombardi quotes
Here's the transcript of the conference call we had tonight with Dean Lombardi. I think it's pretty much self-explanatory, but if there are any questions I'll be happy to try to answer them.
For the record, as I said before I've been trying to contact Cammalleri's agent for a week and he never returned a call. Mike gave me a number last year but it has since been changed, so hopefully I'll get a chance to catch up with him sometime soon and get his feelings on the whole situation.
Oh, and there's a Tverdovsky question at the bottom, following reports that he might soon sign in Russia.
Thanks for your patience today everyone...
Q: (Lombardi's opening comments)
Lombardi: I guess it's safe to say we got an agreement. We got there the hard way but essentially that's what the process is for, to get an agreement, and that's what we have as of today.
Q: Considering what most people thought the award might be, this seems low. Is it safe to say this was a lot closer to your figure than his figure?
Lombardi: It was a pretty large spread. I think that's what was so troubling.
Q: Is it fair to say that it was significantly closer to your figure than his figure?
Lombardi: Yeah, that's fair to say. What I don't want to do here is... nobody wins at these things. I think it is safe to say that it came out closer to our end, but these situations aren't for winning and losing. The L.A. Kings and Cammalleri have got to be on the same team. So that's the danger of saying, `Well, it was closer to us,' is that you have to connotation of winning and losing, and that's not what this is all about.
Q: Have you talked to Mike at all?
Lombardi: Not since the ruling. After the (arbitration) hearing we spent time together and went out to eat and we started laying the groundwork for, `OK, whatever happens, happens, but we've got to go back and be a team.' So I think we've already discussed that, and that was before the ruling so I think it's more sincere than maybe waiting to find out first. Maybe that's not as sincere.
Q: Are you confident that Mike will be OK with this, given that negotiations were fairly difficult and that the award may not have been what he expected?
Lombardi: Yeah, I certainly hope so. You know, athletes are competitive people, or they don't get this far. That's unfortunately what can happen, and that's why I say that this process itself is dangerous, because you're looking for a resolution rather than turning it into a battle for a loose puck, where there's a winner and a loser. This was kind of new ground too, don't forget. The concept of young players getting so much now, so early, is fairly new. I don't think there (previously) would have been an issue like this, where the spread was based upon the formation of this new market for players with one or two years under their belt. Usually you're able to see a player for six years or seven years.
So I think part of this was a theoretical discussion about how the market is evolving under this new system, with free agency at such a young age, and its impact on young players getting a lot more money than they did in the past. So I think in a lot of respects, for the union and the league there was a bigger issue here than just Michael. Michael and the Kings couldn't get caught up in that. But to answer your question, if there's one thing we know about him, he's a competitor and he's driven. I do believe, as I've said before, I certainly prefer parts of the old system, where players had to pay more dues before they maybe got into this rent district.
But this is what we have to deal with, so the challenge for him, as well as the team, is to go to another level and take responsibility for winning. He had a good year last year, but it's one year. The team still has not had success. He has to take responsibility, especially when you start getting in this (salary) neighborhood. Obviously I'm not saying that not making the playoffs in the last two years in Mike Cammalleri's fault. Of course not. But there still is an element of, `As the team goes, the young player goes.' When he takes responsibility for winning, with that comes more dollars too. Steve Yzerman learned to win, and Joe Sakic. What those guys went through to become the great players that they were, part of their greatness was learning to win. That takes time and I think Michael, given the driven kid that he is, I don't think he's going to let this hinder him from anything. If anything, knowing him, he might use it for incentive. With other players, yes (it might be a problem), but I don't think that's the case with him. I really don't.
Q: When you say you are going to accept, that just means the formality of filing papers tomorrow?
Lombardi: Yeah, it's fairly simple. We won't be walking away from this, no.
Q: Do you get a sense of why this took so long, and why it came out so late in the day?
Lombardi: That's a good question. As it wore on we started to play those mind games. You watch those courtroom dramas, where the jury is still out and that means good or bad. What is it, if the jury is out too long that means he's probably innocent? When it started getting into the afternoon, you start thinking, `Jeez, is this good news or bad news?' I just think what it was is that we were the last hearing, so I think he had other cases on his docket. Secondly, with the weekend it probably took a little longer. And like I said, this wasn't the typical arbitration, where you go in and say, `OK, these are the 10 players,' and the other side comes in with five different ones and you're just looking at who is comparable. This had some bigger issues, as I said earlier, in terms of this shift in the marketplace.
Quite frankly, one of the things was the relevance of (Thomas) Vanek. So there was an issue there. That was an offer sheet, so (there was the question of) should that be applied in this setting? So like I said, there were larger policy issues here than in your normal arbitration hearings. I've had six of these and this, more than any other one, had more theoretical discussion than I guess practical discussion, where you're just arguing about which (comparable) player is more relevant. I think that probably might have had something to do with it.
Q: If this had gone a little different, as far as the salary award, would you have had to explore trade possibilities?
Lombardi: This is one of the things that you try to explain to your player. Cammy and I talked about this. I know this is hard sometimes for players and fans to understand, but when you're doing a contract, you're doing 20 of them. It might not just be the 20 in front of you. It might be 20 two years from now, or next year. It's not just the salary, per se. Obviously that's important, but it's how it fits into the grand scheme of, `OK, you've got to get this in order to win and you've got to get this guy signed eventually and the market has changed so you have to make sure you get this guy at X-amount...'
So that's the context that it has to be looked at in. If you're married to a certain number, what is the impact of that on the rest of your team, in terms of building? Again, that's a much broader issue that just looking at it and saying, `OK, he's worth that, and that's it.' It's one of the ramifications of the (salary) cap but arguably it was always there. I can remember thinking like that before the lockout, because you still had budgets, but it's really critical now because there's only so many dollars to go around.
So if it got to a certain number... You know, I can't deny that we looked and said, `Oh boy, if it goes to anywhere near this...' It wasn't so much, `He's not worth it,' but it's, `What are we going to do with this guy and this guy?' But we're happy that he will be there and he got a very good raise and he deserved it.
Q: So this (Cammalleri's) contract fits in OK with the whole scheme?
Lombardi: Yeah, we're fine. We did some planning before we went into free agency. I think I've talked to you guys before about the way we've done some things to allow ourselves some flexibility next year. We had a number and a range for (Cammalleri) when we were signing people on July 1. You can't do this in a vaccuum. So I guess it's safe to say that the range we had for him -- in order to improve the team now and 12 months from now -- this fits within what we projected.
Q: Is there anything going on with Tverdovsky? Is he still under your employment?
Lombardi: It's still too early to tell. If you ask me that next week, I might have some more concrete information about whether he's playing on this side of the ocean or not.
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J.P. Hoornstra writes about NHL and IHL hockey for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. He welcomes any and all dialogue on the finer points of hockey.
E-mail J.P. at jp.hoornstra@inlandnewspapers.com.
Jill Painter joined the Daily News in 2000 and during the last eight years she's covered the Dodgers, Cal State Northridge, UCLA, Kings, golf and everything in between. Even though she's from Colorado, she still freezes in the Staples Center press box but always manages to thaw her fingers in time to make deadline. E-mail Jill at jill.painter@dailynews
.com.
Vincent Bonsignore is a sports columnist for the Los Angeles Daily News. E-mail Vinny at vincent.bonsignore
@dailynews.com.
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No thank YOU Rich. On behalf of Kings fans everywhere you do an incredible job. If they try and put you on the Lakers we'll file for arbitration on your behalf and get Lombardi to represent our side.
Excellent work! It is so great having you cover the Kings. I hope you continue the good work.
great stuff rich what a way to end the day, with of your infamous one on one with Dean. keep it up!
Thanks for all of your hard work to keep us informed on the Kings. I can finally rest easy tonight knowing that Cammy will be with us for a bit longer.
Great read Rich. Thank You very much for all the hard work you put into the Kings and their fans.
Thank You also to Dean Lombardi for his willingness to share his point of view with Rich and the rest of us.
Thanks for all of your hard work to keep us informed on the Kings. I can finally rest easy tonight knowing that Cammy will be with us for a bit longer.
Thanks alot Rich. This is the best offseason for Kings info I can ever remember. And that would be great if Oleg would sign in Russia.
wonderful wonderful work richie.
Awesome. Anytime you scoop the Canadian press about a huge hockey story and yes the Cammi ruling is a huge impactful ruling, you should be considered awesome.
Outstanding job, Rich! You scooped 'em all! Go have a couple beers (or another beverage of your choice) and pat yourself on the back...you deserve it!
Great info and great work, and I really appreciate waiting to confirm the contract before posting it.
Thanks for all you do.
Graet job, Rich. I can't believe the access you have gained. I feel like I'm watching a legendary sportswriter in the making.
Rich,
When are you gonna let us get you drunk?
Hatter will even pay for your cab!
Wonderful stuff. You have a lot of say in the Kings success and growth in L.A. We need you. Don't go to the Lakers. This is where you are making your name. Thank Dean. Thank Cammy. And maybe this will bring about an extension next year. I see a "C' for mike.
Rich, you are by far the BEST hockey reporter in the United States. You make being a King fan that much more enjoyable. PLEASE keep up the good work. You are terrific.
I don't want to beat a dead horse with all these thank you's, but THANK YOU!
I hope the powers that be at TDN have a little more sense than most newspaper suits and keep you where you're needed.....HERE.
This site is a must read every day. If I see you in the GRC this season I am buying you the finest (over priced) cigar and a glass of your favorite beverage.
With coverage like this in the off-season, I can only imagine what it will be like in Oct.
Thanks so much for your hard work, Rich.
This question is completely off topic - but since you're talking to Dean - did he have anything to say to DT when he left? Thanks? Good luck? We'll miss you? Dave Taylor day when we play the Stars?
Just wondering...
Awesome job Rich, you rock!
Thanks Rich, great work again. You are the inside source for us all and we appreciate it.
I think this was a fair deal for Cammi and good for the league as well. This kind of helps flatten out the payroll spike of what Lowe had done with Penner and the offer sheet to Buffalo.
I look forward to more update on the organization on your blog.
Wow!
Awesome Coverage...thank you! This "soap opera" of an arbitration had me checking this site every 15 minutes at work! (hope the boss doesn't find out) Rich, this finale was a lot better than the "Age of Love" Finale...we had a lot more suspense (Will Lombardi choose the attractive 25-year old Cammy, or the graying unknown 40-year old first line centerman that would replace him? Tune in tomorrow for the surprising ending...oh! Wait!...Never mind, wait untill the weekend's over, it'll keep the hits on lakings.com and insidesocal.com/kings multiplying!) Haha...just kidding. We love you Rich. Lakers will suck this year anyways! Stick with us (hopefully we won't suck as much as the Lakers will)
By the way, with Oleg's salary off our chest, does this mean spending elsewhere?
Great work, Rich.
You have filled what used to be a huge SoCal/Kings vacuum of information & interfacing.
You have stepped into the breach, and become a California Hockey Hero!
BRAVO!!
More thanks coming from this end. Your work really shows the kind of passion you have not only for hockey, but Kings Hockey.
Great work! I cant even imagine how wonderful this blog will be once the season starts.
Thanks rich,'you the man,
Rich, I've been around hockey a long, long, time and I've met a couple of people along the way that really would do things for a few people who loved the game. But I want you to know, that just like everyone else here is saying, we thank you very much for being the kind of reporter and fan of the game that you are and there are not very many like you out there. Thank you and Rich ... "Game ON"
I keep looking for the Cammi news elsewhere and it just isnt out there yet.... it's like almost 11pm and tsn.ca STILL does'nt have anything on their website!
Thanks Rich!
Okay, i'll go along and willingly beat a deadhorse because i think it's very important to the community of Kings fans around the globe:
THANKS A TON, RICH !!!
And please stay were you are.
There is more than enough Lakers coverage already and next to none (especially in this quality and reliability) for the Kings except for your Website.
Great news and great reporting. In the last few months, I've bookmarked your site and check it often. Keep up the good work.
Rich,
Your blog is the closest thing to instant gratification. Thank You.
2 questions.
First, Originally, was DL planning on signing Cammy to a longer term contract than 2 years? If so, will this award be a starting point for a new set of negotiations? Not looking forward to another Cammy arbitration in 2 years.
Second, How much notice does a team get should the salary cap be lowered? Is there a limit to how much the cap can drop?
Thanks, Ed
Rich thank you! I stumbled upon this blog about a month ago and can't thank you enough for your hard work. I've been a lifeling Kings fan ( I remember going to the forum club when the winning team would come in for drinks after the game to mingle with fans) and have never seen or heard of the raw info that you provide. Bob Miller and Foxy you are heroes (and can not be replaced), but Rich the info you provide everyday is amazing (thanks for the Lubo article from Slovakia)! You deserve much praise and props for all of your hard work! Keep it up and THANKS!
Rich... you are an icon! Thank you!
We're so lucky to get this kind of insight from our team's GM. I cannot name a fanbase that gets the kind of info we get and it's all because of Rich's efforts. Rich, amazing job as always.
Fantastic work as usual Rich.
Thank you for keeping us informed.
Thanks for your hard work on this story Rich. You're doing a great job.
I'm very happy that the Kings got this issue squared away and can now move on to other issues, like fixing the goaltending. ;)
I can't imagine that members of the Kings organization don't come to this site often. For any reading this post, making yourself available for interviews and comments will only do one thing; increase visibility and popularity of this franchise. I can't tell you how many people I've told about this site and who now go to it for the information only available here. Word of mouth is building a larger fan base because people feel like they are a part of what's happening.
In previous years I showed up for the opener looking in the program to see who was still on the team and who we added. Thanks to Rich, those days are gone.
Dittos, Fourtuanto. Also, to anyone from the Kings ... If the Daily News moves Rich to the Lakers, please hire Rich Hammond (at what he is worth +++) and move this blog to the Kings site. He would be well worth having in your public relations department. Thanks, DL for giving Rich access. And, thanks Rich, from a long time Kings fan from Oklahoma City.
Fantastic job once again Rich. It's incredible to get the such information from the GM soon after the news came out. Very interesting how they look at things. Great stuff Rich
RIP Hal Fishman, you'll be missed.
What a nice birthday present to wake up to!
Rich, you're doing a fantastic job, are a credit to your newspaper and profession, and may be doing more singlehandedly to cover the Kings than all previous reporters combined. Tell your editors to "just say no" to the Lakers. Thanks again!
Rich - Thanks! ... again
Dean - Wow! ... again
Mike - You are a HUGE part of this team and organization. I hope you remain a King for a long time.
Kings' fans - We will win the Stanley Cup one day.
NHL - Get used to the Pacific time zone.
Rich,
The professional rapport you've devloped with Lombardi and the King's organization is tremendous. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to covering the Kings.
Thanks for your hard work Rich. Do you know if the pre-arbitration offer (apparently there was one) was for more money than was awarded?
I would not like Rich Hammond to be on the King’s payroll or on kings.nhl.com because, IMO, then he would be edited by the Kings and we would not get an unbiased opinion.
But they should be paying him for keeping L.A. Kings fans happy and content with HUGE coverage of their team.
Thank you Rich Hammond. 1000 times Thank you.
Thank you Rich!
Rich, you are the awesomeness. I had to invent a new phrase just to express my gratitude.
Cammo is a future leader on this team... if we get him that extension, the kings will be SCARY good in 2010. until then, we can just sneak in as a 7 seed and take down the wings!
keep up the incredible work!
To the Editors of The Daily News - in my humble opinion it would be most unwise to move Rich to the Lakers' beat. He is the best in the area at what he does by covering the Kings and has attracted a loyal following to your site and newspaper. I have subscribed to The Daily News solely because of Rich's fine coverage of the Kings and I am sure that I am not alone. It is not broke, please do not try to fix it.
Rich - do you know why Tim Leiweke continues to act as the Kings' governor and represent the team at the Board of Governors' meetings when his hockey acumen is, to be polite, quite limited? Wouldn't Luc be a better choice since he actually knows the game?
Just curious; thanks again for all that you do on our behalf!
Great website. I will really think Cammy is probably a little upset by this though.
A few solid points were brought up though, Cammy is leading scorer on a bad Kings team that has not made the playoffs.
On the flip side, he would've gotten 5-6 million on the open market.
Lombardi is gonna have his hands full when Cammy comes up for UFA and Kopitar, Johnson are RFA. Hopefully, we can afford to keep them all along with Frolov and the existing Visnovsky contract.
Rich, is it correct that the kings can start negotiating and extension with Camalleri July 1st of next year?
Dear Daily News Editor, It is rare that a reporter in the LA area takes the initiative taken by Rich Hammond with his outstanding Kings coverage. The last reporter to do so was Alan Malamud of the Herald Examiner, whose work is sorely missed. Further, Rich's work has revealed a deeply interested Kings fan base, which has been starved for information for too long. Frankly, the other newspaper in Los Angeles does not have a REAL sports page. By keeping Rich on the job, your newspaper services the sports community properly, and has the opportunity to provide for this growing Kings community exclusively. Please keep Rich on the Kings beat!
Great Job Rich. One question for you> Do you think the Kings are tough enough (physically) to compete againest not only the Ducks but the rest of the league. Alot of the teams now are getting alot bigger and theKings are not that physical or big. Thanks again for your fine work.
Great Job Rich,
Cammy make us proud.Looking forward to seeing Cammy as a king once again, now throw a letter on that jersey.
Rich, Many thanks for keeping hockey alive for all of us during the looooong days of summer.
No matter how we do this coming season (GO KINGS), thank God for Oct. I can't take another day of baseball...
p.s. welcome back Cammi~