Player evaluation: Armstrong

As much as I have been frustrated with this team's overuse of Army in past years, I see no problem in bringing him back next year for spot duty. I'd rather have him in the press box, than Moller or any other young player.

I've liked what Armstrong has represented for the Kings, but he has to at some point, right?

Army has accepted the role as a part time player and mentor. No one is better for helping the kids learn what it's like to play in the league. Sign him for 1 more year so that he has the chance to experience the playoffs. As the player in the league with the most games played without ever appearing in the playoffs, he deserves that much. Trevor Lewis can play the majority of the games, provided he is ready and not a liability.

I think its time for him to move on. I'm a huge Army fan, but its the reality of pro sports that his expiration date has come. Moller deserves full time duty and its Army's roster spot thats holding him back.

I wouldn't hesitate however to keep him with the organization and offer him a job close to the players. I think his presence in the locker room can be kept in some capacity. And its those small relationships that over time develop a long term culture and identity within the organization.

If there's one player I'd rather keep of the 3 that are expected to move on (Army, Calder, Gauthier), I say hang on to Armstrong. He has never complained of any role that Andy Murray or Terry Murray asked of him. He did what was asked and understood it was for the benefit of the team...even if it meant being asked this year to be a healthy scratch or if it meant playing 4th line minutes or even having to drop the gloves.

I think he should be signed as a reserve forward. He would still have to earn a spot in camp, but would be expected to be the 13th forward. He could also add extra leadership and/or help out Manchester in the same way.

We wouldn't be signing him to take a roster spot from a young King. The Kings would be signing him to bring his work ethic and his mentoring. In my opinion, his attitude provides the best example for these kids to take: "Take nothing for granted. Appreciate every chance you get and work hard to play another day in the NHL."

I hope army gets another 1 year contract not because I love army but for what he brings to the game, the team( we now what we gets from him and he is not afraid to stand up for his teammates), the fans. I know we have a lot of young players coming up but we cant just put 18-20 years old into the lineup. We cant expect everyone be like drew or wayne and in most parts oscar to step in and perform. Even that they perform in manchester it does not mean they are ready for nhl. And Im sure army is not giving up his spot without a fight if he gets a new contracts.

Cant wait for next season to start but in the meantime I am cheering for the blues and andy murray:-)

I'm 100% in favor of bringing him back next year.
I wouldn't do it at the expense of holding back a young player who's ready, but you won't have to because he'll play when someone gets injured or tired or when the team needs a energy boost. Besides where else can you find a veteran presence that's a great clubhouse guy, who's willing to sit out 1/2 the games and always be ready when his number gets called...never complaining?
His cap # is small...no issue there...I think it's a no-brainer.
His play over the last month was exactly what this team needs...a guy who when he gets the call, gives everything he hasfor however many shifts he gets.

really mixed emotions about this one. He can play in roster position, has a ton of heart and does whatever is asked of him. He is good in the locker room but we have Williams ready to pick up the mantle (or ping pong paddle) of veteran leadership next season.

I'd rather let Boyle, Lewis and Moller duke it out for the spot next year, assuming one of our other centers isn't dealt over the summer. It would be great if they could find a place in the organization for Army next year, be it in Manchester or with the big club in some non-playing capacity.

I want army back...he's better than having harrold thats for sure...

Assistant Coach... the players would love that, and how could he be any worse than Jamie Kompon? (I mean, seriously, if you give Terry Murray credit for the defensive culture of the team, you have to lay the blame on the offense on SOMEONE... right?)

Here's another point:

If Army gets signed a year (or gets a training camp invite), if Lewis or Moller or Boyle can't take a starting spot away from him, then they don't deserve to be on the team.

Army is a known commodity. These other guys aren't yet. Moller could relapse, could maybe need some Manchester time. Boyle, who knows? Lewis could show up as "ready" as Boyle and Purcell did in the last training camp.

I don't see it as Army taking a spot. I see it as he's a threat to any young players that do want to make the team. How's that for motivation?

Sayanara

If he takes a two way deal that lets him go down to the minors to mentor there then I see why you'd keep him.

I just think his spot is better taken by a younger guy that's working his way into the system than by keeping Armstrong on that line.

I was furious when he was the #1 or #2 center. It wasn't his fault but what a joke if that's the best the team can put up the middle.

m -

in other words, he's dan bylsma. in a good way. I'm okay with that.

i think we are all on the same page on this one...

everybody loves army's "team first" attitude and how he's the kings' great communicator...he unites veterans, rookies and everyone in between on and off the ice...

MARC NATHAN....

love yr suggestion about him joining the coaching staff in some way...but not at he expense of anyone current...all the coaches deserve another year...we improved in all special teams categories and are goaltending was better, too..

would love to somehow keep army around...the two-way contract would be a nice way to do so, but i hardly think army would go for that...

he will either stay as the last roster reserve, retire or retire and become a assistant coach...

but if this is the last of army as a king...thank you, sir for everything you have done over the years...

I won't go as far as Marc Nathan...

...but I would say give him a role Like Nelson Emerson got when he hung them up. Yes, I'm saying that Army should consider hanging them up. Not that he doesn't have more hockey in him, It's just that where would he end up if he doesn't re-sign? Does he want to end up in the AHL? I don't see any other teams other than maybe St. Louis picking him up. I'm thinking about his long-term future and Nellie did a great job thinking about that when he made his decision. I think it parallels Army's current position.

I would like to see Army stay with the organ-eye-zation for a LONG time. His work ethic, dedication, and ability to be a role-model while keeping things loose and bring guys together is a HUGE asset. By hanging 'em up, Trevor Lewis would be getting that chance he deserves and Army could stay and mentor him in a Nellie type role.

That seems like a logical 'Win-Win' to me, but I'm not Army and he's worked hard for his career as well. Far be it from me to plan his future. He deserves everything he's worked for.

Resign him!

A true King through and through

Will take minimum, therefore your investment will have medium to high returns.

Skills are limited, but leadership and the ability to help glue all the personalities and age groups together is priceless.

Play 100% at all times and stands up for his teammates.

Can anyone question his character? What does DL always look for?

Like M said, If they can't beat Army out of a spot in training camp, they don't deserve to play.

I won't cry or complain if they don't resign him, but will feel sad and disappointed that he didn't benefit from all his efforts here in L.A. I also hope he's around for a few playoff runs, he deserves at least that

Duckhunter, I agree with your reasons for keeping Armstrong. Who replaces his leadership if he goes? And to the person who was complaining about his overuse in previous years, they Kings had no choice because of their devastating injuries to not just their forwards, but the entire club. Ideally, Derek is a number 3 or 4 center, and the fact that he had to play as a top-six in previous years spoke volumes about the Kings' woeful lack of depth. Hope you see you in a Kings jersey again next year, Derek!

Variable, agree with you...

THANK YOU, Mr. Armstrong, for the effort, the class, the true example of hockey warrior spirit! Somehow, players like Army always seem overlooked unless they become a coach or are lucky enough to win a Cup in their later years. Too bad, the Kings aren't going to win one next year.

I like the idea of him becoming a coach. I don't think he's ready to retire, yet. Perhaps next year, he'll get lucky.

As far as I'm concerned, Derek Armstrong is a signature player, a true marker of Kings' progress. He's the kind of guy who would skate through a wall of ice for his team, takes instructions well, and prepares properly to play. If only he had the talent...

Coaches love him, but can't play him, consistently. Players respect him. If only he had the talent...

The truth is, if the Kings are truly close to being competitive, there is no room for him on the team. If not, you can only hope his grit rubs off on the others.

There is little if any room for sentiment in professional sports. But, he does have leadership qualities and versatility. He has knowledge of the system and the willingness to share that knowledge. I would at least keep him through camp, but I would not want to be TM next fall.

Armstrong has been my Kings "Litmus Test" over the past several years: if he is getting regular shifts, the team has no chance to compete for a playoff spot.....nice guy, hard worker, AHL star, NHL fringe player.....time to move on. Zeiler can be the new litmus test.....

I agree with most of the posts. Keep him around for at least another year. The Kings benefit from his presence and like a few people posted, if the young kids can't earn a spot over him than they don't deserve it.

Also as a fan, I absolutely love dealing with him; such a personality.

about what I expected at this point. neither good nor bad. I like how he stood up for his teammates and went to the net a lot, as well as had responsibility defensively.

overall I'd say B-, or 81/100 but really what more is he supposed to be bringing? he's a 4th liner and 10 goals is even a bit unrealistic for that role at this point.

does what's asked of him... I really dislike "mr 0" Zeiler and Armstrong looks like Rocket Richard in comparison, so I'd probably be irked if they did that particular swap next season.