Lombardi comments
OK, here we go... I'll transcribe the stuff in a bit, but I figured you would want to know the highlights ASAP...
-- There aren't any quotes on this subject, because I threw it in at the end, but a deal for Khabibulin is very, very, very, very -- I'd keep going, but I think you get the point -- unlikely. There's just not interest there right now, and I doubt that will change. The rumor had legs because it SEEMED to fit the loose parameters of what the Kings needed, but there's really nothing to it right now.
-- The Kings were right there on Brad Stuart, and apparently didn't have a problem with either the term or the money, but Stuart decided that he wanted to play for the Red Wings. To this, Lombardi basically tipped his hat and said, ``I can't blame him for that.''
-- Lombardi still has his eye on a defenseman who, in his words, fits with both the present and the future. He's not at liberty to name names, obviously, but I don't think it's hard to do some reading between the lines, right?
-- Rob Blake is still there as a strong possibility, and discussions are ongoing.
-- There are ongoing talks with Patrick O'Sullivan, and Lombardi isn't particularly concerned that the run of big contracts for young players will negatively impact his ability to sign O'Sullivan. Sounds as though it's something that won't get done tonight or tomorrow, but that it's not a huge roadblock.
-- There's no concern about the $40-million ``floor.'' There are still players to be signed and, as Lombardi pointed out, there are also bonuses that must be included. Jack Johnson has significant bonus money, as will Drew Doughty, when he signs. So while it might seem as though there's a big gap there, it will be filled quickly.
-- Lombardi spoke extensively about the Visnovsky situation and gave his side of the story, which included calling Visnovsky's agent immediately after the trade and attempting to call Visnovsky three times on Monday morning, and finally leaving a message on the third call. (It was pre-dawn in Slovakia when the trade went down here Sunday night.) As for the ``six-teams list,'' Lombardi said he told Visnovsky that he would do his best to accommodate his wishes but made no promises.
So those are the highlights. I'll get to work on the quotes, for those who want to burn the midnight oil with me. And thanks much for all the support and kind words. They keep me going on these long days. Much appreciated...
29 Comments
Leave a comment
About the bloggers
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.
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.
Should I go out on a limb and say...Brooks Orpik anyone?
Thanks, Rich. The blog has been a nice thing to have today when other sites are blocking folks out who don't want to pay an admission fee.
On point # 3, are talking a deal/offer sheet with some Southeast team? Or am I not reading between the lines enough?
this is awesome! you are awesome! thanks so much for keeping us all so well informed.
Thanks Rich for all that hard work.. You do an AMAZING job.
Do you need any help transcribing some of the things said? I'm a pretty fast typist.
Email me if so.
I would have guessed Modry until he said it fit the future...outside on Orpik I cant think of anyone else.
Jay Boumeester
it seems most of the deals are in the Eastern Conference. Very little action in the Western Conference. Even fewer transactions involving Pacific Division.
Hi Rich, I can't tell you what this blog means to me. I was on it all day long. As usual, you are the ONLY voice worth listening to and the fans owe you a lot. The blog is so nicely presented now, and the contributors fun to read. Hopefully, tomorrow the Kings will succeed in free agent signing per DL conversation. Thanks again, Rich. See you tomorrow. Or, later tonight? Bart
Thanks to you & Dean Lombardi for the info!!! It is much appreciated!
SIR,
You are like a fly on the wall in Dean's office. Great job
Too bad the Kings are taking the cheapest road possible. They are soo cheap I dont believe they are rebuilding. I sat with Dean and watched him cringe anytime someone mentioned spending $ to get quality players. Hex and Dean said nobody wants to come to L.A.
With all the Summer time Hockey visitors I know they are lying. The beaches are full of players in the summer. The Management doesnt do what is necessary to keep some of them, start winning and have the rest want to come here. Owner and Management are part of the problem. They looked me in the eye and said getting free agents (to fill holes and help win) and developing our young guys at the same time cant work.
seriuosly?
Rich, Tommy Lasorda decided years ago to nickname Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser "bulldog" because of his determined focus and tenacity. (Hope I spelled tenacity right.) Your dedicated ability to "burn the midnight oil", get the quotes and interviews no one else gets, and work hard to cover every corner...should land you the sports journalism moniker of "bulldog" too - a title meant as complimentary.
So, here's to Rich "Bulldog" Hammond. I like it. Hope it sticks. :-) Bulldog, you are one class act.
Thanks Rich ! After today you still took the time and energy to write up notes on your conversation with Dean Lombardi.
Rich, you are the man..You deserve a pay raise.
I hope the defenseman they have in mind is Orpik. But I do wish they add a 2nd Line winger, I am not ready to give Purcell that job just quite yet.
I would have to say Orpik, as well. Great job today, Rich!
Dear Rich,
Thank you very much. You are awesome. Keep up the good work. You will forever be a legend amongst Kings fans.
What a comment to make to Brad Stuart.
He can't blame him for not wanting to play for the Kings.
I could read between those lines.
What a ______________!!!!
Ugh!
There are always two sides to a story. DL maybe somewhat goofy at times, repeats himself incesently and talks with a slur, but I never thought him to be an unclassy or unprofessional....so far.
Thanx Rich....You and the blog out did yourselves (again).....Many, many kudos for keeping hockey in LA going throughout the summer....I was glued all day even tho there was little to report out west. Thank you again for all you do for hockey, the fans and the Kings. You're our inside source and I sincerely doubt there is a better team reporter in the league or a better source for information.
Common guys,
We had enough bad contracts last year:
Nagy, Handzus, Cluts (2 years a go).
Can we get Frolov a line mate Please, how bout
Demitra (get puck up the ice), Frolov (pass to Frolov so he could attempt a wraparound), Boyle (there to put in the rebound when frolov misses the wraparound, or the breakaway).
Detroit will win the cup next year only if they trade for a LA kings defensemen at the deadline.
Why you ask?
We traded Schnider for Avery and the they won!
We traded Stuart for Ellis, and they won!
Hell Robitaille went there and they won (might have been the same year as Robitaille)
What is detroit's secret ingredient,
the best defenseman we have.
Rich...You're the man!!
Quick comment+question. Maybe I should save this for an open forum, but I'll give Kings fans a crack at solving the riddle that is DL.
I'm a little confused regarding DL's philosophy on the type of players he picks for his defense. Since he's been at the helm, he's been preaching to anyone that will listen about the 'new NHL' and his love for mobile/puck moving d-men...players like Lubo (contract extension), Dalman, Preissing, and drafting Hickey (instead of Alzner). Like many of my fellow Kings' fans, I was a little concerned by our lack of defensive d-men in front of our fragile goalies.
Fast forward to this season, and he's done a complete '180'. Trading for Greene and Gauthier. Trading away Lubo. Drafting Tuebert.
Why the change of philosophy over the past year? I'm totally for getting tougher on the blueline, but I don't understand why we didn't do this last year. Why now?
Well let's see Anthony. One team is a favorite to win the Cup pretty much every season. The other team is projected to be a Cup favorite 5-7 years down the road. Wow, which team would you decide to sign with?
I like Deans honesty. He just won a freaking STANLEY CUP with Det. Can you blame the guy for not wanting to leave? Can anyone?
Hey Anthony! Nice work ruining the momentum of a positive thread!! You Rock Dude!!!!!
Bulldog Hammond...I like it Crash. It's got a nice ring to it. I'm in.
Thanks for all your hard work Rich!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cup B4I Die, I think possibly it's as simple as it didn't work. I'm not being a smart ass here either. I think the plan failed so badly, adjustments had to be made. I personally preach this all the time, the "The New NHL" is a true assessment, but you can't eliminate the old style of hockey entirely. There has to be a physical part of the game. Thats true for all sports not just hockey.
Maybe we should ask Rich first, but I like Bulldog Hammond.
Rich "Bulldog" Hammond you are the rebel in KingNation. You are our CAPTAIN and leader. And all us fans solute you and your efforts.
Cup B4 I Die---
I think the answer is simple. he's already loaded up on puck movers. Now its time to offset that with Tough guys, It makes perfect sense to me, kinda smart actually. Puckmovers are harder to get, so he got that out of the way first.
Yes Jake...seriously.
Jonny and Duckhunter...I appreciate your feedback, and maybe it is as simple as it just didn't work. I'd like to hear DL admit that.
He's been around the league a long time, and should have realized that you do need a good mix of offensive and defensive players. I just wish he didn't have to sign Preissing and Lubo to 4 and 5 year contracts before figuring that out.
Buy hey, I'm all for getting tougher this year, and I'm glad that this might lead to seeing Jack Johnson on the PP next season. It's time to un-leash Jack.
Rich, I can't thank you enough for all the information you provide. Your blog has now replaced LGK in my favorites since you aren't charging admission to get breaking news about our favorite team.
But what is DL waiting for? Other GM's are making there teams better,DL is waiting for a player to say, 'ooh pick me,pick me!!..Wrong!!And why are just offering only a 5 percent raise to these kids when yoiu said you wanted to keep these kids?..Possibilities, Cheechoo-Marleau,Naslund// Kopitar-Sully-Brown// Stoll-Frolov-(?)//Boyle-Moulson-Richardson or ZUES-Calder-(?)..Doughty-Harold-Gauthier,Preissing-Greene.. Perhaps Montador?.. Trade for Coburn,or Ehrhoff,Eriksson,or Gresbechkov?.....
..