Arbitration case

Either way...I'm glad to see Ersberg return...

Oh no not another arbitration for a player we need right now!!!

There should be a rule that all Kings goalies should have a two way deal. I'm pretty sure if LaBarbera agreed to a 2 way deal 2 years ago he would have been a lot happier.

Technically, I think Ersberg is taking the Kings to arbitration. It is his choice. A small plus is that I also understand that a player that selects arbitration cannot receive an offer sheet from another team.

I find this interesting. You don't usually find arbitration cases revolving around contract clauses. For those who don't know, if he's on a 2 way deal, and he's sent to the minors, the Kings are only on the hook for a small percentage of his NHL salary (15% I think, but I'm not completely sure).

What's to stop Ersberg from palying in Europe if he doesn't win his case?

I can't think of a thing that would stop him from returning to Europe, other than he possibly wants to be in the NHL.

Europe is for those who can't hack it in the NHL (Ray Emery just signed in Russia).

Although I did not want Emery to join the Kings (I know, not ever an option) I do hope Emery does well over there and returns to the NHL next year with his act together. I never bought in to the whole Emery-as-cancer notion. I think a lot of the turmoil was created by the culture he was surrounded by (i.e. Ottawa.) The NHL could use more personalities like Emery.

Weak move by Lombardi. Give Ersberg the one-way deal. He sure seemed to me to have earned it. If he flops, sit him in the stands or send him down. Why worry about recalling him?

This is not like LaBamba circa 2006-2007. Instead of Brust and Fukafugi in the bullpen, we now have Bernier/Quick/Zatkoff/Taylor.

Why engender an "us vs. them" situation with the players when we're talking about a few measly dollars? I don't see how it affects the on-ice product much.

The message should NOT be "Play well, and we'll try to low ball you."

I would not be surprised if he loses his case, even though I can't remember any others that were arbitrated over this. based on his play last season he deserves to be in LA, but if the Kings sign a 'bridge' goalie like they want to, then there's a dilemma and I don't think carrying 3 goalies is their idea of a solution.

and as Mark pointed out, a 2-way deal can actually benefit the player as well, unless he wants to be stuck in Manchester the entire season ala Labs.

This maybe a potential reason why they want Ersberg on a 2-way deal. It's not a rumor per se but an idea on Hockeybuzz.com regarding Khabibulin and his 7m/this year contract.

Here's the link: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16165

It's an interesting discussion and somewhat lengthy about what the hell Lombardi is doing and that he'll either be 'A geinus' or 'Run out on a rail'. The cap numbers they talk of have us at $30 mil with 10 to fill, although I believe Rich's numbers were closer to the truth. The Wall's 7m would fill cap space and make him very tradeable to a contender for picks IF we don't make the playoffs.

Give it a read. Making Ersberg a 2-way guy gives room for Khabi to come here and fills cap space.

having to clear waivers is nobody's friend... it sure didn't help the Kings or Labs in the past, and didn't even help us in the case of Cloutier!

Ersberg had the option to take the Kings to arbitration but didn't. The team filed. Ersberg has always had the option to go back to Europe, so yes, that doesn't change. And the Kings still don't have interest in Khabibulin.

I'm in agreement with Pat.
By far, Ersberg was the best goalie last season.
He's earned the right to compete for the #1 job.
He's also earned the right to have a one way deal.

Lets not forget, this player is no rookie.
He was named the best goalie in Europe.
He has the tools and talent to be a dominant goalie in the league.
DL just doesn't want another player to interfere with the status and progress of his beloved Jonathan Bernier.
He just wants Ersberg to be a bridge until Bernier is ready. And that's stupid.

If he truly proves to be a great goalie, what's wrong with having Ersberg as our #1 goalie for the next 5-10 years. He's only 25.

Giving Ersberg a 2 way contract gives them options. They don't want Ersberg claimed off waivers coming or going, especially back up to NHL where Kings not only lose him but pay half his contract. Labs has paid his dues in the AHL. Ersberg has not - yet. And Bernier is an unkinown factor at moment who because he is a rookie doesn't have to clear waivers back and forth to Manchester. Throw in a "bridge" goalie and it turns interesting.

After burning through 7 goalies last year, DL wants flexibility. Ersberg wants to stay up at NHL, where he excelled with better play in front of him and players around him. The outcome should be interesting. I believe that Ersberg + the Kings have to abide by the arbitrators ruling unless they agree before arbitration. But do we have a clue whether Ersberg can decline the contract and go back to Sweden? Hmmmm. The plot thickens.

And forget the Bulin Wall. Ain't gonna happen.

PAINCORP - I believe the non-issue of the Kings getting to the cap floor was put to rest yesterday by myself, JDM and Rich's subsequent post outlining where the Kings are and and how they get to the floor and beyond. It's rather simple and doesn't need bad deals. Plus, Eklund is a tool and is not a legitimate source for anything. I would rather read 1000 Anthony rants than one Eklund "rumor."

Last add: of the 7 Kings goalies last year, Ersberg had the best GAA (2.48), save pct (0.927) and most shutouts (2).

He wants to stay...and probably feels he deserves too. Can't blame him really.

Throughout the year last year, I was at the games for all the goalies.

Never. Not Once did Labs ever have a true super game.

Personally I thought Ersberg had several. I don't understand why there is any debate about whether or not he was the best goalie last year.

He was.

By Far.

Not only do I hope he wins, I hope we see him instead of Labs. I don't care about who deserves what cause they put in their time blah blah blah. Ers was the best. Period.

Anthony, you're wrong yet again. What a surprise. Dean wants him to have a 2-way so he won't have to go through waivers and be claimed by another team. Think Anthony, think.
Ersberg really hasn't proven anything. Yes he played well, but that was only for 10 games.

Ersberg started 13 games at the end of the season for a last place team and suddenly he has proven to have the tools to be a dominant goalie in this league? He has earned and deserves a one-way contract? Give me a break.

Ersberg showed great potential and will have every opportunity to win the #1 job this NHL, and really, what more can the guy ask for? If he proves himself then it won't be an issue. He'll never be sent down this season, and he'll soon be rewarded with a better contract. But to think he has earned in 13 games getting mop-up duty for a crap team?

FYI Anthony, he won the award for best goalie in the SEL, not all of Europe. Additionally, I don't think DL cares if his #1 is Bernier, Ersberg, or a one-armed, blind dude with a sub 2.00 GAA. He just wants the best player.

DANIEL- I don't have an opinion about what I posted, it's just an observation. It's a possibility, even though it is unlikely. I thought people would like to read it.

Explaining things as you did doesn't put anything to rest. It simply puts light on a grim situation that hasn't played out yet.

Now, if you are asking me if I want Habib? No. Not at all.

By the way, Eklund floats a lot of @#$%, but some of it is actually spot on. His site is a little less than 50% from what I have read and seen. I love reading people's comments saying he's a complete waste of time when he has more contacts in the hockey business than anyone we know. Have you seen the people who associate with his blog? Bill Clement, Andy Strickland, Howard Berger, Daniel Tolensky, Darren Pang, the list is a good one. Why would these legit journalists and commentators associate themselves with someone as dastardly as Eklund if he was as bad as many say he is?

I have always believed that people who don't like Eklund are people that have been disappointed by his predictions, which means they had faith (maybe too much as in hope) in him at one time. Sour grapes?

Just my 2 cents.

Proof Anthony has never played hockey, coached hockey, and sure as hell hasnt ever put on goalie pads for anything more than a gaff....

"He has the tools and talent to be a dominant goalie in the league. "

Oh what a SHOCK, Anthony blasts Kings GM after taking goalie(14 gms played) to arbitration.

also on that note...

The SEL as it stands is about the fourth best hockey league in the world right now, falling behind the NHL, AHL, and the Continental Hockey League. It's nice to dominate there, its a whole other thing to dominate here in the A, let alone the N, or go play in the new CHL.

This knee jerk bashing of Anthony is getting old.
Sorry guys, I like his comments.
But when I don't agree with him (most of the time), I just crack up.

Setve-O--Anthony's knee-jerk, moronic hatred of Lombardi is also quite tired. We fight it any way we can.

I have to agree with Matt George. Ersberg was our best golie by far last season. Did anybody notice that he won the bulk of his games played? LaBarbara is not qualified to be the winner we need and we all know that DL is waiting for Bernier. And if not Ers, who will back up Labs? I think, sign Ers and let the chips fall where they may. I am sure that he will have a better season than Labs and end the season as out #1.

I'll just say it: LaBarbara sucks.

Before I get started, I first want to say, I speak from an athletes point of view and not a business point of view. Don't know and don't pretend to know about arbitration, contracts, what it takes to be GM etc.....
But I am a little surprised to hear Ersberg isn't getting a little more support.(again I'm not talking about money) Yes I know he only played in a handful of games, but in those games, he played extremely well. Someone said he played in garbage time on a crap team. Yes he did, and that makes it even more impressive. Add the fact that Stuart and Modry were not there makes his case a little stronger. I'm not saying he's going to be a great, perennial all-star, but I'd say he represented himself and the woeful Kings very well. He was not only better than Labarb, he was a few steps or levels better than him. If you think about it, the numbers he put up, with the team that was ahead of him, was really outstanding. My own personal view, is that he should be ahead of Labarb in the pre-season rankings on positions. Not saying he should be given the position, just saying, he should be #1 going into camp. And it really doesn't matter what league he played in Europe, what matters is he played well for the Kings when given a opportunity.

How come everybody think that Ensbery is better than LaBarb when he been playing only a hand full of game in the NHL and He have play about 20 games in the AHL and his number in the AHL is not even compare to Labarb. Another thing that people forget is that at the end of the season the Kings defenseman play much better than at the begining of the season. What wrong with getting two way contract. if he think he is that good than take the two contract and play like one and you will be in the NHL and get pay like one.

Nobody disputes that Ersberg played very well last year. I think most people would say he was easily the team's best goalie.

But, was he so outstanding in a small sample size while playing for a team that probably didn't bring out the best in its opponents that he should be handed the #1 job going into training camp? Even with a first-rounder in the mix, whom every hockey expert says could be something special?

Nobody disputes Ersberg played well and earned himself a long hard look. But he hasn't earned the #1 job in 13 games, so it's not unreasonable to give him a two-way contract so we don't lose him. If he plays well, he'll never have to worry about the two-way aspect of his contract.

> What's to stop Ersberg from palying in Europe if he doesn't win his case?

Nothing.

> The message should NOT be "Play well, and we'll try to low ball you."

But it's starting to sound that way, isn't it?

> and as Mark pointed out, a 2-way deal can actually benefit the player as well, unless he wants to be stuck in Manchester the entire season ala Labs.

It would be interesting to ask Labarbera that exact question. Would you give up $700,000 for a title at your job?

> And the Kings still don't have interest in Khabibulin.

But they might if Ersberg goes back to Europe.

> The SEL as it stands is about the fourth best hockey league in the world right now

Pretty soon Russia will be better than it too.

> I'll just say it: LaBarbara sucks.

If you mean, as a starter, Labarbera sucks, I think you are being a little bit harsh. But if you are implying that he's not NHL-worthy, I think you need to take a long look at the backups in this league. He is clearly better than most of them.

Is he good enough to be the starter? This is his year to prove it.

Is he good enough to be a quality NHL backup? He's that already.

"But I am a little surprised to hear Ersberg isn't getting a little more support.(again I'm not talking about money) Yes I know he only played in a handful of games, but in those games, he played extremely well. "

maybe you weren't really around the end of last season, but time allowing you really should go back and check the archives of this blog from that time. it was all about nonstop Ersberg love, everyone annointing him and going crazy that he wasn't being promised a contract for this season. yes some of that was deserved. now he is being offered one, but the Kings want it on their terms - and we can't exactly blame them. they have to do what's best for this team and anything (good OR bad) could happen with Ersberg. with 14 games is pretty hard to tell what's next.

If you think about it, a two-way term makes the most sense for Ersberg.

If one of the prospects makes the team out of camp, Ersberg is most likely the odd man out and will be sent to the AHL for another year. (I wouldn't expect any team to pick him up off of waivers before the season begins, barring any special cases) If the need to call up a goalie arises (injuries, poor performance, etc.) then he'll be stuck in the same situation as LaBarbera was two years ago.

(Correct me if I'm wrong) but it has nothing to do with money. He'll still be making NHL money, regardless of where he plays.

Then again, this whole argument may become moot if Ersberg dominates at camp and takes hold of that #1 position. If one of the prospects does instead, then you can be sure that LaBarbera will be given the backup role thanks to his NHL experience.

Ya Brianguy just found this site this year leading up to the draft. So I wasn't around at the end of last year. Good to hear he has some support.

king and king, I honestly think if Labarb went to a defensively sound team, he would play like an all-star. He's a good goalie, (if he can control the rebound) but not a guy who can carry a team. In the right situation on the right team, I think Labarb would do well. I just don't think that team is the no-defense Kings

I do like the fact though, if he doesn't win the starting job, he can't be claimed off waivers,if he has a two way deal. That makes a lot of sense. I really do think he's a better fit for the Kings at this point of the game.

I know it's about the money as well. How much is he worth?? I don't know. I just know, what I saw physically last year, from Ersberg, got me exited again.

"> The SEL as it stands is about the fourth best hockey league in the world right now

Pretty soon Russia will be better than it too"

CHL = Continental Hockey League = Russia, which as I explained, is probably still #3 behind the NHL and then the AHL.

the RSL was neck and neck with the SEL, as the Continental League, it's over the top now, depending on which other UFAs they can attract, may eventually overtake the A.

CHL is definitely going to be vastly superior to the Russian Super League it replaced. it has raised a lot of eyebrows, but still a long way to go to supplant the NHL as the top pro league. sorry Jagr + Emery just doesn't vault you to the best league in the world overnight. you're right they can now seriously challenge the AHL for the distinction as #2 though. maybe in the whole UFA frenzy they can even take Selanne (heh heh). bound to outbid the Finnish elite teams if there is enough serious interest from both.

Voice of Reason....Uh, yea....He's a good kid but for those of you who want to give him the No.1 job after only 13 games??? Shoot, even ol Clouts had more good games under his belt than that. Guys, gals, think about what you're saying. Last season took it's toll on everyone, the last thing we need are goalie uncertainies, again. Ersberg is very good but if he gets hurt or slumps LA will be on the hook with no way to send him down. No, it's got to be a two-way contract......

Matt George is right (in his post way up there ^^^^^): Ersberg was the best goalie to play here last year, by FAR.

Not even close. JLB struggled throughout the season - he never showed the ability we all "knew" he had when he backed up Garon. He was given the #1 spot last season and failed. Was the defense bad - yes, but JLB played poorly too.

Ersberg should be brought back here on either a 1 way or 2 way contract. TALENT should start, period.

Can Ersberg play well for an entire season? Who knows - but we already know that JLB can't.