Are you serious? This is almost comical…. No veteran D for us next year.

Sounds like Markov is hoping for more offers from other teams before he commits to the Kings. A Michigan based blog said that the Russian club made a statement regarding Markov’s out-clause in the contract and that they expect to know where things stand by July 25th.

If Markov is fishing for more offers, we’ll find out how badly he wants back into the NHL when the Kings are the only offer he gets.

Since when do the Kings ask for physicals from players? Don’t we usually sign players w/ known injuries? At least Markov’s might be a surprise compared to McCauly, Handzus, Cloutier et al. Joking aside, Good2BKings, you make a valid point on fishing for offers. I wonder what else may be the reason iif there is one. Hmmm.

Geeze, can we please give DL just a little break??? The man just had by far the best draft out of all the teams in the NHL in one of the deepest drafts in years; analysts are saying that shortly (within 2-3 years) this group will be playing together on the ice and will dominate for years to come. He’s well stocked for next year as well. For the first time since I’ve been a Kings fan I honestly feel good about our future which has always been a year to year thing since the club began. The future is bright, very bright.

Personally I’m thrilled he didn’t pay the money that Finger, Ryder, Redden, et al received, focusing on resigning our core instead. This is getting ridiculous, don’t beat up the guy who has practically killed himself building a staff and a team from within. We all knew this was going to be painful, be patient. If we sign Markov, great but not for an over inflated price, not long term and not if he isn’t healthy. Why do you ask yourselves would Markov decline a physical if he was healthy?? Just curious. DL has stuck his neck out (McCauley) trying to better the club with bridge players where he shouldn’t have. He’s gotten burned before; now he has enough youth in place where the team can develop its talent from within. No, I don’t blame him for holding back and not spending money frivolously.

Thank you DL, for sticking with “the plan”. We’re a better hockey club because of your fortitude.

I might need to get my head examined.
But does Anthony make a little sense.
Yup.

I can’t imagine Markov leaving Russia, traveling around the globe to LA, only to return back to Russia in a year or so, when the prospects are ready. Kinda like Thanks, but No Thanks.

C’mon DL, you’re smarter than that.

@ Captain Material & nykingfan – can i buy you two a drink? you guys are spot on.

I’ve gotta say, I’m all for being critical and all when it needs to be, but dude Anthony, it’s July and somehow everything is our GM’s fault? what’s interesting is the number of people who are buying into his youth movement as judged by the backlash from those who would be upset if the Celtics ownership came and wanted short-term gains (which is a theory which hasn’t even been proven yet…i mean did you guys ever notice how bad the Celtics were 2yrs ago?)

At some point it becomes annoying to read that every move the Kings make is the end of the franchise. If they keep a young player it’s the end of the franchise. If they miss a veteran with a big contract it’s the end of the franchise… i mean c’mon.

I’m a big believer that we’re not as far away as people think we are. The one thing we really lacked last year was some grit (and a D and goaltending, i know i know…) people felt that they could just run us over…and at least we got some kids who can hit besides Brownie.

It’s interesting b/c the fact that we can even mention 5-6 guys off our minor league squad shows how much young depth we have right now. I’m not saying they’re all-stars but at least camp is going to be slugfest for jobs.

I do find it odd that Markov would refuse a physical. Either he’s insulted and very stubborn, or he has a nagging injury he doesn’t want revealed. I can’t really think of any other reason he would refuse one. Unless he didn’t refuse so much as ask to postpone and something got lost in the tranlsation.

Perhaps he’s on holiday and doesn’t want to be bother with it right now, which could explain why the initial article said he would decide in two weeks.

I don’t see how refusing a physical would be holding out for more offers. Unless of course he accepted an offer but is stalling now because he thinks he might get some more interest.

Whatever the reason, it’s perfectly reasonable for the Kings to demand a physical before they sign a contract and if this is the deciding factor between us getting and not getting a player like Markov, who I think would be a welcome and perfect addition to our budding blueline.

He would teach some grit, perseverance and in the mean time draw physical attention away from guys like Kopitar, Sully and Purcell, allowing them to further develop their offensive prowess. I hope it works out, he’s one of the better defensemen available in my opinion. Certainly will take him over Modry any day of the week.

Anthony, I echo the last few comments. Chill and don’t be so presumptious. It’s always good to have someone who points out the potential negative, and I enjoy a good rabble rouser. However jumping three steps ahead doesn’t really allow us to have any constructive (or entertaining) back and forth about the many positive and admittedly troubling possibities about the present and future of our beloved franchise.

I’m all with you Shakes, I feel we are quite close. Closer than we’ve ever been in fact. There never was a sense that we really would be contending in a season or two, except with the Allison, Palffy, Deadmarsh extremely short lived era. Now we really have the potential to put our 4 solid and defensively responsible forward lines. The defense is shaping up as is the goaltending.

The thing that impressed me most in fact at the prospects scrimmage game was how defensively minded it seemed everyone on the ice was. People made moves, but they were all very focused on reading the play and staying on the right side of the puck. I like this because it resembles Detroits depth lines of players like Samuellson, Franzen, Filpulla, Hudler and Cleary who I see as potentially being very much comparable to Moulson and Lewis/Cliche/Meckler, who are solid in their own end and have the talent to chip in offensively and step up in the right situations.

Captain Material, Shakes, JDM,

Sorry guys. Its this losing and constant statement that we’re still not a playoff team yet – that’s getting to me.
Another year of lottery might set me over.
Cheers.

anthony:

To the best of my knowledge, there is no such thing as re-negotiating a contract in the NHL. Once you sign it you abide by those terms unless there’s a buyout, and with the number of years left on Brown’s contract that is just not going to happen.

He is welcome to ask for a trade, but once again, he’ll be making the exact same wage he’d hypothetically be upset with, just for another team. Which does nothing in the end to rectify the problem you think he would have and forces his family to uproot and adapt to a whole new city.

I think its unfair to assume Lubo had anything to do with Stuart. As far as we all know, Stuart was considering coming back to the Kings, although the Red Wings were his first choice, which is understandable and has everything to do with the cup and nothing to do with DL. The Wings ended up giving Stuart a raise, which is what he wanted. The only the thing the Kings had going for them with Stuart was being able to offer more money as it seemed like Holland wanted him to take a discount. I think its just as reasonable to think that Stuart would have signed with the Kings if Holland hadn’t been willing to fork over the bucks like he ultimately did.

The fact that Stuart was at any point even considering or in any talks with the Kings is most likely purely because Stuart has a history and a relationship with DL. We know DL loves Stuart, Stuart knows DL loves Stuart. DL was the only reason Stuart came here in the first place. DL or Lubo most likely had nothing to do with Stuart resigning with the Wings. If he had signed with the Panthers or the Blues or some random other terrible team, then sure, go ahead and blame DL and his “treatment” of players, but you just can’t logically make that argument when its the perennial great team, the Stanley Cup champions Red Wings. Certainly not when considering that every past interaction between Stuart and DL suggests they have a good repoir.

The kings do have veteran leadership. Are we forgetting about Frolov, Brown, and Kopitar? These guys are going to be relied upon for veteran leadership. And I believe that they have it in them to lead this team. No question about it. Let’s not underestimate the makeup of this team. They are going to be tough to play against. Just look at the line up they have.

1st Line. Brown – Kopitar – O’sullivan
2nd Line. Frolov – Stoll – Purcell.
3rd Line. Moulson – Handzus – Boyle
4th Line. Ellis – Armstrong – Calder/Ivanans

These guys can match up against most teams in the league. So let’s not throw in the towel yet. I think they just may surprise us.

And if the team only needs one veteran defenseman to solidify the position. I think that’s doable. And it’s not that bad.

Goaltending I think is the best that I have seen in years. These guys know if they can’t perform, there is another waiting in the wings to take his spot.

I can’t believe that the team is as bad as we are led to believe. Management is playing it safe by not raising our expectations to much. And thats a safe hand to play. I think DL is an awesome poker player. He wants to show a weak hand. But I am not buying it.

Roger

If people think that DL is building this team?.. You’re sadly mistaken, this team is in big trouble and it’s because of management being tightasses about paying the talent they have now.. they say the future is with these kids,but where is the future by signing these kids to only an one year contract?..And they tell us to be patient,one year is NOT being patient… And when you say that you’re not going after a big name which every team has and needs.. No one will NOT want to come to L.A.–DL had every opportunity to sign good young free agents, the key word was ‘YOUNG’ free agents..Now there is not much to go after.. And to all you guys that tell other Kings fans to be patient,just know your role and shut your hole!!!!!!!Can’t you see how much trouble this team is in?… This team could be a good team,if they would sign the players they need to and get rid of dead weight…They should of off Stuart 4 to 5 mil,shold of traded Cammy,Army and Calder for Marleau and Cheechoo.. The next few years are going to be bad for those young players.. They will have no guideness, cause management sure doesn’t have it….Kopitar,Brown,Frolov,Sully,Johnson,Boyle,Moulson,Ersberg,Harold,Doughty,Teubert,Purcell,Parse,Bernier,Greene.. The future is there,the talent is there..But they need help and management that would stand by them and stand up to their word..Go ahead and sign Markov DL..Do something instead being a tightwat…

Last time I checked DL doesn’t decide how much money he can spend, only how to spend what’s allowed.

We are all highly aware of the Kings history of unwillingness to fork over the big bucks. We are all hoping that doesn’t continue and that AEG will let Dean pay the young guys when the time comes. That is one of the key things the optimistic fans and the cynics share. Hopefully Dean can convince them, but in the meantime blaming DL for AEG’s tight pockets is “sadly mistaken.” I firmly think DL is a good GM. AEG sucks the big one.

It doesn’t matter at this point whether or not DL is the GM of this team. He’s made his moves and what happens from here is up to the players. It’s becoming apparent that DL will not be here in the future with his lack of current success. However, the pieces he’s putting in place will eventually make the team better either by playing for the Kings or being a piece in a future trade. I’ll remeber what DL did when the team is winning. Maybe then some free agents will sign with this team.

Yeah Anthony, sorry for being so harsh too. I get caught in the momment ripping on other Kings fans for similar reasons. Roll back the clock 5-8 years and you would not have found a bigger nay-sayer on the organization than me.

My optomism of the DT regime faded when it rapidly became obvious the goal was not to win but to tread water. But this time, we actually are doing better at building. DT should get credit for some of the re-building with the farm system, but this time re-building is the only iron in the fire. I don’t see the push to be “just good enough” or to wait for a new CBA or any other distraction from developing young talent. That means not focusing on the standings for a couple years.

I have to think with Markov and the physical thing he might be waiting for other offers, because unless I’m mistaken pretty much any contract signning is contingent on passing a physical these days. Pretty sure we’ve seen one or two offers get voided the past couple years when guys didn’t pass physicals.

I wish DL would have gone after Markov more vigorously back instead of signning Preissing and had addressed the lack of physicality earlier. Markov was looking for more than $2.5M per then and we gave Preissing $2.75M. With all the puck movers here, I think the money would have been better spent on a physical guy.

I don’t buy Stuart not coming here having anything to do with anything other than the chance to play for one of the most storied and well run teams in modern history. Can’t blame a guy for taking the oppertunity to play in Detroit and can’t knock the teams that he passed over.

I don’t think the bridge thing is much an issue either. It’s not like a savy GM could fool veterans into coming here thinking they are going to be on a winner. It’s obvious where we are, and unless you want players to come here for the weather, they are going to have to understand what they are getting into and accept that. That does mean not many vets of high calibre being interested unless they are serious about being teachers first and winners second (or third).

Umberger basically has two more years of decent performances to go with his up year over O’Sullivan. I think Sully will probably get less, but it will likely be over a shorter term to give him two years to prove he deserves more than what RJU got. CLB is also pretty desperate. Even being in the gutter, I hope we don’t get desperate in the way we hand out contracts (and I’m a very pro-player pro-union guy even). Stoll is bit tougher because he does have a solid track record.

Captain Material & NYKingsfan

I’m beginning to fall for this youth movement.
I’m also pretty excited about the future of this team.
I’m also excited about the depth we have in all three positions.

But I also firmly believe that in order to be a Cup contending team, we need a good mix of veterans (AND I DON’T MEAN BLAKE!) to go along with the wonderful youth we have on this team.
Just look at the ducks 2 seasons ago. They had the Getzlafs, Penners and the Perrys to go along with the Neidermyers, Sellanes, Pahlsons, and Prongers.
A GM also needs to be good at trades and free agent signings. Not just good at drafts.

Right now, our team is mostly comprised of 23 and 24 years olds. Players hit their prime at around 27 or 28. Does this mean that we’re gonna look forward to 4-5 more years of lottery.

Now DL is awesome when it comes down to drafts (except for Hickey). I’ll give him that. But he sucks at free agent signings. And he’s below average in trades.

And with that I’m gonna be cautious.
I hate to use Columbus as an example. But I like what their GM is doing.
Filatov – Draft
Commodore – Free agent
Husselius – Free agent
Michael Peca (2007) Free agent
Fedor Tyuin – Trade
Christain Backman – Trade
Rafi Tores – Trade
RJ Umberger – Trade

THey may not be a cup contender for a long time. But at least they’ll be competing around March and April.
I don’t see them being desparate either.
They’re doing the same thing that Philadephia, Tampa Bay, and Chicago are doing.
Desecent Trade
Good Signings
Smart Drafting.

Re Anonymous’s line-up:

“1st Line. Brown – Kopitar – O’sullivan
2nd Line. Frolov – Stoll – Purcell.
3rd Line. Moulson – Handzus – Boyle
4th Line. Ellis – Armstrong – Calder/Ivanans”

I think/hope Handzus is the 2nd line center. Stoll would then be 3rd line center. Boyle is 4th line center. Boyle won’t be playing wing. I think it’s likely Boyle and Moulson (having chemistry from Manchester) will be tried together. Maybe with Richardson or Ellis on the other wing? And then — what — Calder with Stoll and someone.

One variation I am hoping for is one of Parse, Lewis or maybe Cliche making the team. Then you might see something like:

Brown – Kopitar – O’Sullivan
Parse/Lewis/Cliche – Handzus – Frolov
Purcell – Stoll – Calder/Richardson
Moulson – Boyle – Ellis
(Armstrong and Ivanans as #13 and 14)

Of course, in my fantasy in which one of Parse, Lewis or Cliche makes the team (in addition to Moulson, Boyle and Purcell), then there wouldn’t be room for all of Calder, Richardson and Armstrong on the big squad. Someone would have to be moved or sent down.

I do think that there is a group of prospects (the three I mentioned, and Tukonen, among others) who are physically more mature than Simmonds and Moller and who have to be looking over their shoulders and thinking if they don’t make it this year it’s only going to get tougher in years to come.

shold of traded Cammy,Army and Calder for Marleau and Cheechoo..

I heard the kings could have gotten the Easter Bunny, Santa Clause and Big Foot too.

As far a “bridge” players are concerned, I think we need to also look at the advantages to a player. If a player has a bad “contract” year, forget getting a lucrative deal. However, if you can sign onto a developing team as a “bridge” player, get the minutes to prove yourself, put up some good numbers, than that will translate into a better future contract. Stuart is a good example of that, he had a bad contract year, came to the Kings & then DET, played well, and now he’s got a good deal in place.

Markov is a 5 or 6 defenceman on another team, in LA he’s a 2 or 3, that is an advantage for him.

As it pertains to the cap, it looks like DL is playing a slow hand on this one, very risky, but we’ll probably get the chance to see our players in camp and make decisions from there, whereas there are a few teams that need to dump salary and will be ready to negotiate during training camp.

If it backfires, I’m available to sit on the bench all season for 3.2 million or whatever the cap difference is.

Well, reading through these comments (I admit, I stopped after about 10), there are some who get it, and some who don’t.

Rebuilding, REALLY rebuilding in the NHL, unless you are lucky enough to grab a top star of a Sydney Crosbyesque type, takes a LONG TIME.

Lombardi is treating this team as if it’s an expansion team, and starting everything over from scratch. Does it suck to sit through this? Of course it does…will the payoff be there? Nobody knows for sure. BUT, is this the ONLY way PROVEN to ensure longterm succuss? YES, it is.

Signed…Detroit, New Jersey, Colorado, Dallas, San Jose. Not all of these teams won cups (San Jose), but what do all of these teams have in common? They build through the draft (did for many years), went through YEARS of losing, and losing badly, stuck to a plan, and are now perrenial contendars.

Why?

1. Goaltending…they have the best in the pros, and they have the best in the minors.

2. Defense…they have depth, experience, and can plug in new kids whenever someone goes down injured. How does this happen? Well, it doesn’t happen overnight. They develop a system throughout their entire organization from the NHL, to the AHL, to the ECHL, and teach their new kids whenever they get their hands on them. They draft specific character kids, not kids based on who the “experts” say they should draft (see Hickey over Alzner). If there is a hole that can’t be filled by a kid, you plug it with a FA and/or a trade. This can only be done once you have reached the status of a desirable location…something the Kings are nowhere near.

3. Offense…the last piece, and the one piece that honestly, doesn’t really matter. Drive for show, putt for dough. Defense and goaltending wins championships…offense brings Anthony to the games.

That’s the blueprint ladies and gentlemen. The game may have changed, but the blueprint has been the same since 1900, and won’t ever change. You can come at me with Syd the Kid and Malkin all day long…I’ll take Detroit’s defense any day against that. Defense and goaltending will win the day, and if you look at what Lombardi has done over the last 2 years, the Kings are on their way to building a friggin’ juggernot.

Lord Stanley said:

“…cautiously optimistic…”

You just summed up my 15 years as a Kings fan in those two words. I have the highest of hopes for the Kings as nothing would give me a fuzzier feeling than true success, but ALWAYS with the disaster defense waiting in the wings to save me from having my heart broken again and again and again and….

Please DL, make it happen. I see it, I smell it, let me taste it. AEG… go away.

I remember when the Kings used to be very strong defensively back in the early 1970′s and they decided to throw defense to the wind and go with offense, so instead of losing games, 3,2, we were now losing games 6-4. They traded draft picks for over-the-hill veterans for a quick fix and it didn’t work. They tried to go with kids and it didn’t work. Poor scouting, poor trades, maybe the Lombardi regime will prove to be different, but we won’t see the fruits of his decisions on a teamwide scale for two or three more years.

Anyone who thinks that the Kings have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs is sorely deluding themselves. When Tom Preissing, with four years of NHL experience, is your mentor for a bunch of raw kids, you’re in deep do-do (and I don’t mean this as a slight against Preissing personally). Mentors are people who can teach the youngsters how to be a professional both on and off the ice. Jaroslav Modry might be able to fit that bill if he wants to come back. He’s not the greatest defenseman ever to wear the jersey, but he worked hard to get to the point where he eventually became an all-star for Dallas. He knows how hard you have to work to get to the point where you can be trusted by your teammates.

I fear this team is going to take its share of hard knocks this season, but they should be in the running to get John Tavares. Hopefully they won’t blow it again this season…

The kings do have veteran leadership. Are we forgetting about Frolov, Brown, and Kopitar? These guys are going to be relied upon for veteran leadership. And I believe that they have it in them to lead this team. No question about it. Let’s not underestimate the makeup of this team. They are going to be tough to play against. Just look at the line up they have.

1st Line. Brown – Kopitar – O’sullivan
2nd Line. Frolov – Stoll – Purcell.
3rd Line. Moulson – Handzus – Boyle
4th Line. Ellis – Armstrong – Calder/Ivanans

These guys can match up against most teams in the league. So let’s not throw in the towel yet. I think they just may surprise us.

And if the team only needs one veteran defenseman to solidify the position. I think that’s doable. And it’s not that bad.

Goaltending I think is the best that I have seen in years. These guys know if they can’t perform, there is another waiting in the wings to take his spot.

I can’t believe that the team is as bad as we are led to believe. Management is playing it safe by not raising our expectations to much. And thats a safe hand to play. I think DL is an awesome poker player. He wants to show a weak hand. But I am not buying it.

Roger

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