Spotlight on: Cammalleri
Just to tie up a loose end from yesterday, I'm not aware of any complications as far as Rob Blake's recovery from hip surgery. He had the surgery in early April and faced about three months of recovery, so I don't believe there will be any issues entering training camp. I haven't heard about any complications, so he should be fine. I saw Rob at the draft party in June and he didn't seem to be in any discomfort.
Now, on to Cammalleri. Oh, and just to tie up another loose end, Mike's agent never returned a call. I made a request, through Kings PR, to talk to Mike and it was respectfully declined. No surprise there, given the circumstances. He will certainly be one of the first players I talk to when training camp opens.
I think everyone is curious to see what type of season Cammalleri will have. I don't think anyone has to worry about Mike sulking and taking any frustrations from the arbitration process into the season. If anything, as Dean Lombardi said this month, Mike would probably use it as motivation, as he is one of the most fiery competitors on the team.
Cammalleri had a breakout season in 2006-07. He had 34 goals, eight more than his previous high, and 46 assists, 17 more than his previous high. Almost half of his goals (16) came on the power play and he managed a plus-5 rating on an awful team. By almost every measure, it was a successful season. The question is, can he do it again? And beyond that, can he get better?
Cammalleri turned 25 in June and should be entering his prime years. He went through some rough spots early in his career, when he frequently landed in the doghouse of former coach Andy Murray, who took Cammalleri to task for a perceived lack of toughness and consistency. Cammalleri seems to have overcome that, and based on his physical talents there's no reason why he can't be a consistently high scorer in the NHL going forward. An 80-point season is nothing to sneeze at, but Cammalleri can stamp himself as an top-level scorer if he improves.
The issue with Cammalleri, as raised by Lombardi and many readers here, is leadership. Can Cammalleri take that next step and become a team leader? It wasn't so much an issue in the past couple seasons, when guys such as Norstrom, Miller and Conroy were around. Now, it's time for some of the younger guys to step forward, and Cammalleri's name is at the top of that list. Lombardi said it himself, in so many words. Goals are nice, but a guy like Cammalleri also has to take responsibility for winning and losing, and now's the time for that.
Based on what I've seen, it's coming. Under Murray, Cammalleri was a bit bland in public, most likely because he was afraid to say the wrong thing. Last year he seemed to become a bit more confident and is always available in the dressing room to be a team spokesman. That's important, as far as team leadership. At the end of last season, Mike was very vocal about his optimism for the future and his belief in the young players. That's the kind of leadership the Kings will need from him, even if this turns out to be another challenging season.
Your thoughts?
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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.
I think he's got the leadership in him. In fact, I'd like to see him with an "A" next season [maybe also Army? Zeus?]. See how he does and who knows, could take the "C" when Blake splits [if we lock Mike up longer]? He's got the intelligence, sense of the game, fire in the belly, etc. He just needs the respect and consistency now.
As well, with all the talk of Blake mentoring JJ, Cammy would be a great model / mentor for Patty-O, if Patrick would take it. Besides putting his doghouse days behind him, he's learned how to use his body very effectively, even as small as he is- O'Sullivan would do well to emulate that.
I'm excited about Cammy taking the next step. He's an ambitious guy and I believe he's going to work to be the best he can.
Cammy is the man!
It kind of surprised me initially that Lombardi didn't avoid arbitration and simply ink Mike long-term, but knowing that he (or his agent) was asking for big money now makes it less of a surprise.
On the ice, there is no doubting that Mike is a close second to Kopitar in terms of highlight reel material. The question about stepping up and assuming a leadership role is a good one.
I for one think that he could potentially be the captain of this team, but I suppose it all depends on if the Kings can actually lock him up for 5 more years following this season.
I sure hope they do.
Mike is going to net 40 goals this year, and if the team can gel, he should see some post season action and I get the feeling that he will prove to be someone we can count on to produce in the playoffs.
I think Cammy is going to one of the leaders of a very surprising and exciting team this year. Everyone can whine about goaltending issues but that was last year. This year Mike will improve maybe not as much in his stats as his importance to a team that needs to turn around the depressing predictions of many long time King fans. Get ready Mike is going to be turning the heads of the NHL talking heads.
Wow. Watching those highlites almost makes me think that he IS worth 6mil per.
Is he captain material?? That's a question best answered after his contract is up. And I only say that because he just came out of arbitration, and he really needs to show that he can be consistent. Sure, a captain needs to show character and leadership, but he also needs to be consistent.
Rich, what are your thoughts about who should/will wear the "C" next?
I was always surprised that they never did make him at least an Alternate. Whenever I see him on T.V. talking to reporters or mike'd up, he comes across as somebody that seems to take charge and motivate the rest of the team. That's how it looks like to me anyways.
Let's hope that Cammy stays healthy and has another productive year. Contract negotiations aside, he certainly looks to be one of the leaders of the up & coming young Kings.
There's no better way to lead than by on-ice effort and performance. Dave Taylor's 17 year career with the Kings is a perfect example of this!
Cammy = 50+ goals this season. (my prediction)
Glad he's still on our team!
Cross ur fingers kings fans. I know we have said it over and over again, but this season is looking bright.
Great site, keep up the good work. Cammalleri has what it takes to lead this team, and he would make a great captain...in a couple of years.
This site is awesome! It's great to have access to such insightful, reliable and timely information about the Kings. It's like finding an oasis in the desert.
Did Cammy switch sticks last year? About half-way through the season his wrist shot seemed to get much harder and more accurate. He beat some good goalies upstairs with 30-40 foot wristers.
Cammy is really looking good. I think he will be with the Kings for a really long time. He is a very very big part of our team. Without Cammy we will not win a cup. Seems like he has that playoff drive just like kopitar does, even though we have never seen them in the playoffs. Im very optimistic about this comming season, im am going to goto every game vs the ducks guarenteed because all my friend's are ducks fans. I love going to wannabe staples center in the OC and watching those rat bastards loose to my team. Cant wait for the season any longer!!
Love his smarts and knowledge. Not to get all old school on y'all but Cammy will flourish if he has a nice enforcer standing behind him. He is small and can be knocked around. But if he has a McSorley-type rolling off the bench he may very well have the protection to become a top tire scorer on a winning team. How great does that sound?
I'm glad he is locked up for at least the next couple seasons. He makes LA a better team and is a threat to score every shift. Each season will be tougher for him to exceed his numbers from the season before and that is why his leadership abilities will be so important.
Cammy really turned up the heat this season. Is he captain material? He's going to have to give in a little bit when he's a UFA on the money side. Brodeur took a discount to stay in New Jersey, will Cammy do the same thing or go to the highest bidder? To me, until Cammy shows a little more loyalty to Los Angeles, he's not a captain. He asked for $6 million and he's only 5'6" - that's more than a million dollars a foot!
I'd rather seem some highlights of times he was on the ice when a goal was scored against the Kings. Iknow he can score. My issue w/ him is the play away from the puck and his coverage down low. Can he add a new facet to his game?
And how can he be "A" material let alone a "C" if he won't talk to Rich after arb? Not the sign of a leader.
Great stuff Rich I love the site!!!
As for Cammy lets wait and see if he will be a King in 2 years. If he is and is locked in for a long term contract... Then we can discuss "Cammy for Captin".
Even the Alternate Captin. We got Handzus, Armstrong, and Thornton "some could even argue Modry" who are more suitable in my opinion.
And you can only dress 2.
We all know "deep down inside" that Rob Blake is gonna be Captin of the Los Angeles Kings next year.
For anyone that thinks different is out of there minds :)
Does Cammy have the leadership ability's ?
That will be seen over the next 2 years. Also like KingsCast Hockey Podcast stated "until Cammy shows a little more loyalty to The Los Angeles Kings, he's not a captain." could not be more true.
I mean come on.... every King's fan know that Rich Hammond is GOD!!! The least Cammy could do is give a 5 min interview....its not like he wanted to write a autobiogrphy!!!
Come on Mike step it up a notch, and earn that 6 million a year contract that you were asking for.
80 points is an awesome accomplishment, I'm really proud of him. But doing it in a contract year while playing just okay in your own end & being sheilded from the PK is different from doing it in the first year of a multi & playing a complete game. This year is big for him
I would be very pleased with 40 this year from Cammo (my pet name... haha). As for the A, I'd still rather have Army and Thornton... at least until next year.
I love how Cammalleri is not defensively responsible while being one of 3 + players on an abysmal team. And he's greedy.
I also love how "loyal" and "not greedy" Blake is. If it wasn't for Brandy "Loyal Rob" would be playing anywhere that paid him. Wait, we paid him too? Hometown discount,baby! He must be worth 8 mill. Thanks Rob. Brandy for captain.
With good health, Cammy should be a cinch for 40+ goals and
around 95 points or so.
The dude works his butt off on the ice, and his play without the puck is still improving.
He is an offensive jewel any team would drool
to acquire.
I suspect he will be more forward with interviews & such when he is an established star, in about another year or 2.