Open forum?

Rich,

What are your thoughts on next year? Do you think the Kings will actually make the playoffs finally, or do you think there are still many holes to fill?

Thanks

Rich - during your sabbatical, I half jokingly said you should write a book about Luc. Many friends have mentioned an interest in reading such a book. Would you consider writing one if given the time (forced sabbaticals) and opportunity (Luc's cooperation)?

Have any of the players committed to staying in LA for part of the summer to workout together?

What is the record for number of comments on a topic and what was the topic?

From Ersberg's perspective, why did he re-sign so (seemingly) easily? He appears to be the odd-man out both short- and long-term .

With Frolov's groin issues, is he still playing for Russia this summer and why would management let him?

Rich, does a higher draft pick (in the top 8) something Dean keeps if it is the right player or leverage in a trade? What would you do?

Rich,

1) What do you think of Trevor Lewis' play? Do you think he might crack the lineup next season and stay with the team for the long run?

2) Do you think DL will either go for a big name free agent (Gaborik, Hossa, Havlat) or trade for one (Kovalchuk or Heatley)

3) What's your take on the whole Jack Johnson situation (do you think he'll get re-signed or...?)

thanks!

What doyou see the biggest needs to fill next season? Based on what you have heard will the Kings be a better draw in terms of Free Agents?

1) Obviously there is a lot that can happen between now and next season, but what do you think are realistic expectations for the Kings next year? 2) Do you think the Kings make any significant moves via trades/free agency or are they going to make low impact moves with the hope for continued development? 3) What are your odds on Frolov being signed vs. traded?

You do an awesome job Rich. Thanks.

Any chance the Kings are able to bring Jan Marek in next year? And at what point do the Kings no longer own his NHL rights?

1) What are your projected lines (realistic) for opening night? Please include any trade / free agent options.

2) What are the future plans of this blog? expanding?

keep up the good work rich!

Do you think Boyle's rights will be traded, or is his upside to much to risk coming back to bite us down the road? He has so much size and when he brings the forecheck he is an effective player, even if the puck doesn't go in the net. Would the Kings consider trying to turn him into a left wing, considering our depth down the middle?

Do you see Drewiske making the team next year out of camp, or do you think his spot is taken by a free agent such as Mattias Ohlund?

Do you think the Kings might have interest in trying to sign Erik Cole? With Justin Williams here maybe he could try and sell him on what is being built here.

Are the Kings intrigued enough with Gaborik to trade for his rights at the draft? Obviously Frolov was too high a price at the deadline but do you think he is a free agent we would look at? He has played some left wing since returning in Minnesota...

Down the middle we have Kopitar, Handzus, Stoll and an open spot for next year. Who do you think, within the organization, is the leading candidate for that spot if you had to choose today?

Thanks Rich!!!

Who do you think will be playing in the final for the cup this year? Who will win? What is the funniest thing you have witnessed in the kings locker room? Cubs = good or bad season?

1) Do you believe the team will attempt to re-sign Frolov? It appears TM hasn't been happy with Frolovs overall perfromance but he remains one of the top assets on this team and he's still fairly young...
2) Looking to free agency... which UFA (sniper type) will be available and which of them do you believe would want to play for LA if the offer was right?
3) Given your extensive knowledge of the team, who do you think the Kings would package together in a trade for a sniper type, top 6 forward?
Thanks for all you do. You make following this team so great with all of the insight you provide...

1) Other than approving salary changes and that type of thing, has AEG/Lieweke been pretty much 'hands off' as far as the hockey side of things?

2) As far as DL's job security is concerned, is making the playoffs next year a "must"?

3) Do many of the bloggers here and elsewhere read too much into TM's different line combos and who gets scratched on a certain night, and if there is a message there as far as future contract negotiations, ....specifically with Fro and JJ.

Rich...As always, the opportunity is greatly appreciated.

Has there been any talk about the prospect of resigning Army or Calder? While I have my opinion about looking ahead, and not carrying too much "dead weight" on the roster, it would be hard to see Army go after his excellent service to the Kings over the years. I feel he still adds "tremendous" (TM's favorite word) value to the team. Your thoughts?

Also, looking ahead at next season, do you think the Kings will have more or less games televised? I'm really unhappy about the home stretch not being televised.

thanks again!

What's the expected recovery time for Quincey? Will he be 100% by the start of camp?

Rich,
Is AEG/Lieweke willing to spend money in this economy? I've heard from many kings fans that if they dont spend money this offseason they'll completely stop going to the games.

Rich,

Thanks for the opportunity to ask you a couple of questions. Also, thanks for everything you do for the blog. I can't tell you how much I love it.

Ok, now that I kissed a little tail...

First, in you opinion who will be the Kings top 3 free agents to go after, and two will the blog be around next year (because of cut backs and what not), three, do you play hockey or have you ever in the past, four, who is the easiest king to talk to and who gives you the most grief (positive and negative)?

Thanks!!!

Rich, I would like to know if any of the players have any interesting summer plans. Are any of our guys or prospects going to play in the World Championships?

1. Do you know if the Kings made an attempt to sign Tyler Bozak? It kills me the Leafs grabbed him.

2. Why do you think it is that Boyle again is playing well when it doesn't count? Is it just because he's finally given a shot on the second line?

3. Can you please explain to me why Harrold was on the second line and not Moller? Did he aggravate that shoulder? Would you be willing to ask TM this question and enlighten all of us scratching our heads?

Thanks Rich your the man.

Rich,
In basketball if you subtract 2 inches off what they say the height of the individual is that is most likely their real height. Kevin Love is a great example - he maybe 6'8" not 6'10 as they list him.
Is this the same in hockey or are guys acutally what they list them as. Is say Sean O'Donnell 6'4"?
What grade would you give the Kings assitant coaching staff for their work with PP, PK and forecheck.
TIA

Rich...

This blog rocks my hockey world! With that in mind, what do us users have to do to ensure you stay on line and receive fair compensation to boot. Personally, I WOULD subscribe at a $5.00-10.00/month level to keep you in business (many others may disagree).

Can you keep us informed of your status, so that you don't simply fall between the cracks if the Daily News sinks like a stone?

Thanks again.

Hi Rich, thanks for doing this, and as always, you're the best.

1) Do the Kings plan on helping the Monarchs in their post season push. They have struggled lately and could really use the likes of Purcell, Boyle, and Drewiske.

2) Will we see Patrick Mullen with the Kings/affiliates before the season's end, or is he finishing up school first?

3) How has Corey Elkins looked in practice, and do you foresee him getting into any games?

4) It is likely that this is the last draft where we will be picking in the top 10 for years to come. Wouldn't it be more prudent to hold onto that pick, and deal next years away?

I would ask that my lack of intelligence be an excuse for this question BUT, what is the difference between Top Defensive Player and Top Defenseman? Am I missing something here?

Rich,

Can you cover the ECHL Ontario Reign as long as they are in the playoffs? As you know I am a Bakersfield Condors season ticket holder and thus the 'enemy', but I would appreciate any coverage of the Reign you could provide.

Does Dean like it shaken or stirred?

Should Terry Murray continue to coach the Kings? I know the emphasis has been on defense this year, but come on! Eleven times we've been shut out. You get the feeling that TM is elated when a game ends zero to zero and heads to a shootout. Is any other team worse than the Kings in five on five scoring this year?

Was this season a success?

Through the first 50 games or so I thought the answer was a resounding "yes", but now I'm not so sure. It was definitely encouraging, but I don't know if a team can finish 25th out of 30 and call it a success.

Rich, do you think that the teams philosophy (or personality if you prefer) is consistent with the types of players that they have on the roster. To me it's not clear if they are trying to develop a hard hitting feisty team (past Flyer references) or a more free skating creative team (Kopitar, Doughty, Moller). Curious to get your thoughts.

Hey do you know if the Kings have any intention of switching from the current crown jersey to the new alternate jersey? The new ones are so much mo' slicker and badass

A little game-

Rules:
Lose 1 top six player, 2 bottom six players, 1 defenseman.

Replace with a players traded for, FA's, or a minor leaguers. Add up to 2 million to the self imposed cap.

Who do you lose and who do you get. Playoffs are the goal.

Rich,

What do you think is fair market value for Frolov and Johnson? And although he's not a king no longer, how about Cammy?

The players obviously are happier with Murray at the helm but don't you think that even MC could have had similar success (I'm being generous here) with the additional personnel on the blueline? We had no one that could clear the front of the net last year (maybe Blake) and this year we've had Greene, OD, Gauthier, stronger Johnson and even Quincey.

rich...

thanks again for being our swami...!

1. after a game at home, do the kings pick only certain players that the media is allowed to talk to? are reporters picked to ask questions or is anybody and everybody w/press credentials allowed to ask whom they want to?

2. we all know that players/management are usually not aware or don't pay attention to the articles and blogs from assorted media outlets...but most are sports fans themselves. are there members on the team....players or management...that actually are aware of this blog and partake in reading? where do they like to get their sports related info/news?

3. who do you see on the current kings roster this season making the biggest improvement next season? what kings non-roster prospect do you see making the team and having the biggest impact?

4. what is the funniest/quirkiest story involving you and yr coverage of the team over the years that you can/are allowed to share with us?

5. assuming they are allowed to have a free night once in awhile...is there a team hot spot the players go after a home game?

6. will you be attending draft day with the team?

7. do you have a favorite retired kings player? current player? favorite jersey? non-kings jersey?

thanks for yr time and for listening...

as always, you are the best...!

Rich

Have you heard any whispers whether the Kings are going to be involved in the Matt Gilroy sweepstakes? He's the BU captain/Defenseman who's a college free agent. I understand he's supposed to be the best college free agent available.

First, as stated by many others, thanks for everything. What happens to the hats & other paraphernalia that are thrown on the ice after a hat trick? Does the player keep and wash the items as a memento? Does the Team LA Store wash and resell?

Would you be able to get a fan Q&A with Lieweke like you did with Jim Fox? There are a lot of questions I'd like answered from him and I think that his willingness to answer them would go along way to show his and AEG's commitment to the Kings.

just one more thing...(my apologies to peter falk/colombo)

i asked you on a previous thread, but this is the more appropriate thread...

any chance of you writing an op. ed column/blog on a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly basis next season?

What is your guy feeling DL and company do this offseason? Mine is draft Brayden Schenn, trade our 2nd rounder from Philly's '10 pick to get a 2nd rounder this year and sign Gaborik? What are your thoughts?

Rich,

1.) Are the Kings hosting a draft party this year at the Nokia theater? I didn't go last June and I'm curious if there is a cover charge or ticket fee if I go this time around.

2.) If the Kings would have been in the playoff hunt we all know a lot of fans would have been angry at the inability to watch 3 of these last 4 games. Are there any plans you're aware of by FSW or the Kings organization to ensure that this doesn't happen again?

Thank you.

Rich, a primary off season currency is cap space and draft picks. Can you remind us:
- What are cap space is estimated to be ?
- What our draft pick situation is over the next two years ?

Thanks for the good work

Hey Rich!
So....
What's the best way to get a date with an ice girl? :)

The Kings last game is this Saturday. Do you know if they will show up at the Toyota Sports Center on Sunday? Will there be a team meeting or does everyone get a time for an exit meeting? I would think the team would like to meet & say goodbye's & stuff.

Thanks for your time.

Do you think Terry will be fired?

thank you rich for all your work for us longsuffering fans,
1) Any inside perspective on DB's struggles as of late? nagging injury? His sons health? I hope he turns it around by next season...the Kings dont succeed without him producing offensively IMO.
2) I know the general feeling is Frolov will get traded, but I cant figure out why for the life of me..I know there has been mention of his inconsistent play, but to me every player has hot and cold streaks...he is responsible defensively, is a monster on the puck (but could shoot a bit more) and a great distibutor (just needs a finisher). I dont get it...what am I missing? If RH was GM, would YOU keep him?
3) Do you see Bernier with the big club next season? Boyle? Purcell?

as usual, thanks Rich.

Doughty, Johnson, Quincey, O'Donnell, Greene, and... who? I'd assume Hickey, but Drewiske is seemingly playing his way into a spot on the big club. Any indications?

If you could choose, who is our first line next season (using players we already have)?

Comments on the NCAA Hockey Tournament? i haven't followed it in the past, but the number of dramatic finishes, shocking upsets, and last-second goals is unbelievable.

And finally... in the movie about a diligent reporter named Rich Hammond whose tireless work and selflessness inspire fans and support a hockey team on the rise... who plays you, who plays Dean Lombardi, and who (just for kicks) plays Anze Kopitar?

Is there any word about the condition of Kyle Quincey? I thought he was supposed to have surgery last week. I haven't seen anything. Was the surgery a success? Do you have any quotes from his doctor? Thanks.

Hi Rich,
I don't know if you're still taking anymore questions, but it seems like the ECHL is taking a more prominent role with developing our players now that Ontario Reign it's so geographically close. Do you feel like we'll be able to see more prospects now in Ontario? Will our younger prospects now be encouraged to go to ECHL as opposed to Juniors or the Q, etc?