Forum answers, Part 2

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``the big concern for the kings this year has been the lack of big, "defensive" defensmen. it seems like someone in that mold might be called up sooner or later; is it most likely to be piskula or petiot that gets the call? or is deano looking at a trade for that type of guy during the offseason?''

I'm not sure how well Piskula fits that category. I don't really think Petiot does. I agree, that's a major hole on the team and needs badly to be addressed this summer, either through free agency or trades. It doesn't really matter who's minding the net if he doesn't have some strong defenders in front of him. I would have to think this is Lombardi's primary area of concern this summer.

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``The Kings have tons of picks early on in. What in terms of draft picks do you think it would cost to turn the dallas pick into a top 10 pick or top 15 pick?''

Hard to say. Maybe a couple picks and a prospect? Depends entirely on what team you're talking about and what draft position. I'm sure, if the Kings end up with the No. 1 pick, they'd love to take Stamkos and also have the ability to take one of the top defensemen in the draft. I would expect Lombardi to be very aggressive leading up to the draft.

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``What are the team's plans for Cloutier next season?''

Nobody has told me yet. If I'm wagering on it, I would bet on a buyout.

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``Not sure if this would be a question for Lombardi and/or Crawford, but given that Handzus hasn't worked out as a number two center this year, would there be any consideration to trying Frolov at center? He certainly has the size and defensive awareness to be an effective center, but would have to learn faceoffs.''

That's not something I've ever heard mentioned. I guess stranger things have happened, right? But with Kopitar and Handzus, and guys like O'Sullivan and Cammalleri who have the potential to play center, plus Brian Boyle and Trevor Lewis, I'd say it's pretty doubtful that they would undertake a project such as turning Frolov into a center.

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``I'm just curious how your picks for L.A. Kings Madness is going. Now that Krusher is out of the mix, do you have a player you're leaning towards?''

I'm now boycotting it. Although I'm unofficially endorsing Jim Fox, since he's a blog contributor and he enjoys trail mix.

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``Question about the Kings defense. Has Lombardi made any indication of what "mold" of defenseman he'll be going after this summer? Personally, I'd love to see the Kings pick up a guy like Mike Commodore, or even bring Matty Norstrom back. This team desperately needs a defensive core that's tougher to play against. I know the new rules focus on offense, but I hate seeing the kings goaltenders having to make 40+ saves every game.''

This is along the same lines of the earlier question. And yes, I would expect to see more ``tough to play against'' (as Andy Murray would say) defensemen in the fold. I certainly wouldn't be stunned to see Norstrom come back.

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``Is there any truth to the rumors I have been hearing about the NHL selling naming rights to the Stanley Cup ala golf's FedEx Cup and Nascar's Sprint Cup?''

Yes. AEG will buy the naming rights, because it can't figure out any other way to get the Cup.

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``First I think Lubo has been down right horrible on D this year. In all honesty he scares me when he has the puck outside of the offensive zone. I always thought of Lubo as mediocre defensively but I think he's really taken a drop this year. Also I think he's not shooting the puck nearly enough and his meager 7 goals are a direct result. I'm curious as to what you and/or DL thinks of Lubo's play this year and does he plan on bringing in some quality defensive D men for next year instead of seven offensive D men. I think there's a big hole on D right now.

Secondly about the play of Jack Johnson. He definately hasn't lived up to the hype of JMFJ. I haven't seen him hit with any kind of intensity or do much with the puck in the offensive zone. I was wondering if that is the result of the coaches telling him to simplify his game or is he just slacking off for some reason or whatever...

Lastly, seeing Cloutier play a series of good games since being recalled, does DL think he's the answer again or what's the plan for next year? Are we going with three or four goalies battling for spots next year again? Are they content with what we have or looking around the league?''

1) Visnovsky took a big drop this season, and nobody is really sure why. The working theory is that the big contract messed with his head, as did the pressure of being considered the team's best defenseman. It's also fair to wonder whether he responds to Crawford's style the way he did to Andy Murray's style. The hole on defense is quite obvious to all of us, and to Lombardi I'm sure.

2) Jack Johnson was a 20-year-old rookie this season. I'd recommend holding off on the idea of running him out of town with pitchforks and torches. See who he's paired with next season and if he improves.

3) I can't imagine Lombardi thinking Cloutier is the answer next season. They've been burned twice in this situation -- not that it's Cloutier's fault he got hurt, of course -- and I can't see them sitting around this summer thinking they can count on him in '08-09. I would certainly expect Cloutier to get a look from another team and I wouldn't be stunned if he played well next season. You can expect Lombardi to sniff around the trade and free-agent markets, in terms of goalies, but don't expect that he absolutely MUST make some type of deal/trade. If things stay as they are, the Kings should go into camp with a wide-open goalie situation. Ersberg, LaBarbera and Bernier would be the top three in the mix (in no particular order).