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Los Angeles Kings Blogger •
T minus 2-days!
First, in regards to the Ohlund rumor posted over at LGK... Ohlund is looking for a 5 year deal, something the Kings will NOT be offering - If the years are closer to TWO, then the Kings would be interested.
I also asked about the Kings supposedly turning down Kaberle (whom was turned down by another west coast team as well), of course the Kings replied "we don't comment on rumors" - hrumph!
So based on what Lombardi has talked about, here are my personal speculations.
Defense:
Lombardi needs a “filler” to make up for the loss of Gauthier. Granted he’ll be giving Drewiskie a shot, but has mentioned previous his need to get “tougher”.
Jason Smith – Ottawa – could probably be had for a late draft pick - 2.6 cap hit but Lombardi has always liked him. If I remember correctly, he DID try and sign him several years ago, but had to settle for Preissing instead.
Francois Beauchemin – Lombardi has always liked him and tried to pry him away from Anaheim last season. With his young age (29) he’ll be seeking a multi-year deal, and will get it. Teams might shy away because of his major knee surgery last season, but as Kings fans well know, that’s never stopped Lombardi before. Signing Beauchemin solidifies the defense and allows Lombardi to dangle more of his "chips". But the latest is Beauchemin long term to Montreal.
Offense:
When Gabroik and Havlat, and Vinny, and Heatley are not signed or traded for and some of them will go to our division rivals, fans will be up in arms about the Kings “not doing anything”. But Lombardi and Hextall both have mentioned upgrading the front AND adding some grit.
I don’t think Chris Neil is a good “fit” for the Kings locker room,.
But Travis Moen is my best bet to join Simmonds and Handzus on the 3rd line, solidifying a pretty darned good “shut down” line who can score a bit.
If Lombardi is willing to sacrifice grit for grind, he may offer his one time draft pick Mikael Samuelsson – Lombardi loves “winners” and at 32, is still a valuable “piece”
In keeping with players brought over from San Jose, don’t be surprised if Boston tries to free up some cap space (Heatley to Boston gaining strength) by dealing the reasonably affordable Marco Sturm to the Kings. Frolov and Sturm would be 1a and 1b in terms of 1st line LWers, Sturm is still young, has 2 years left on his deal, which could be a perfect situation for Lombardi moving forward. It also gives Lombardi a bit more flexibility in terms of signing or dealing the UFA to be Alex Frolov. This one just makes too much sense.
Another player Lombardi absolutely loves is Scott Hartnell. He fits in with the “warrior” mold, could push the younger players, and is an absolute improvement. The problem is, Scott loves playing in Philadelphia and has a NM clause. But my source tells me he just might waive it to come West. I think he’s a perfect fit. Philadelphia is desperate to clear cap space (Lupul could be traded to Florida as early as today according to reports)
Alex Tanguay could be the surprise. He’s not flashy and to be honest, not quite worth the contract he was making in Montreal. But he’s still young and if he’s willing to take a 2-year deal, just may wind up back in the West.
Derek Roy. There was talk at the deadline that the Kings had a deal with Buffalo that fell though. Maybe now, they heat up again. Derek is a shooter, and although he doesn’t fit the Lombardi mold of “toughness” and is Cammalleri sized, and is a center, something tells me he could be part of a 2-for-2 swap.
On the other hand, how good would Vanek look in a Kings uni? Not that Buffalo would be willing to deal their superstar, but superstars HAVE been traded before and if the deal is right, why not? His cap hit it 7.7, however most of that has been front loaded. His actual SALARY for the next 5 years is 6.4, which ends when he’s 30. This is matthew barry wishfully thinking :)
Lombardi mentioned in my interview and at the SOTF meeting that the Kings needed to get better 5 on 5 – the two players that stuck out to me like sore thumbs were Calgary’s Rene Bourque whose goals were ALL scored 5 on 5 and Boston’s Phil Kessel, whom over the past 2 seasons has scored more 5 on 5 goals than any player except the Sedin’s and Rick Nash. Kessel doesn't seem to get along with his coaches so he may not be the "character" acquisition Lombardi is seeking.
If Florida is trimming back, I wouldn’t be surprised to find Cory Stillman in a Kings uni as one of Lombardi’s “filler” type players. He’s a “warrior” and has won 2 Cups and has a reasonable cap hit for the next two seasons.
Also, it wouldn't surprise me to see Lombardi bring in Brad May for a season. He still maintains a residence here, his kids are still in school here and he'll play for minimum.
Question for you: If Toronto is looking to move up two spots, might they deal Niklas Hagman? Just hitting his prime, another good fit at an affordable price. He shoots the puck often and when he does, he connects (13.1% of the time)
Last but not least, it was an absolute pleasure spending the evening with Eklund and Mrs Eklund tonight - They were my guests tonight at the world premiere of "My Sisters Keeper" in NY - The only problem with being anonymous is that he can't show you the great picture he took with Cameron Diaz :)
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hockeybuzzbarry
First, in regards to the Ohlund rumor posted over at LGK... Ohlund is looking for a 5 year deal, something the Kings will NOT be offering - If the years are closer to TWO, then the Kings would be interested.
I also asked about the Kings supposedly turning down Kaberle (whom was turned down by another west coast team as well), of course the Kings replied "we don't comment on rumors" - hrumph!
So based on what Lombardi has talked about, here are my personal speculations.
Defense:
Lombardi needs a “filler” to make up for the loss of Gauthier. Granted he’ll be giving Drewiskie a shot, but has mentioned previous his need to get “tougher”.
Jason Smith – Ottawa – could probably be had for a late draft pick - 2.6 cap hit but Lombardi has always liked him. If I remember correctly, he DID try and sign him several years ago, but had to settle for Preissing instead.
Francois Beauchemin – Lombardi has always liked him and tried to pry him away from Anaheim last season. With his young age (29) he’ll be seeking a multi-year deal, and will get it. Teams might shy away because of his major knee surgery last season, but as Kings fans well know, that’s never stopped Lombardi before. Signing Beauchemin solidifies the defense and allows Lombardi to dangle more of his "chips". But the latest is Beauchemin long term to Montreal.
Offense:
When Gabroik and Havlat, and Vinny, and Heatley are not signed or traded for and some of them will go to our division rivals, fans will be up in arms about the Kings “not doing anything”. But Lombardi and Hextall both have mentioned upgrading the front AND adding some grit.
I don’t think Chris Neil is a good “fit” for the Kings locker room,.
But Travis Moen is my best bet to join Simmonds and Handzus on the 3rd line, solidifying a pretty darned good “shut down” line who can score a bit.
If Lombardi is willing to sacrifice grit for grind, he may offer his one time draft pick Mikael Samuelsson – Lombardi loves “winners” and at 32, is still a valuable “piece”
In keeping with players brought over from San Jose, don’t be surprised if Boston tries to free up some cap space (Heatley to Boston gaining strength) by dealing the reasonably affordable Marco Sturm to the Kings. Frolov and Sturm would be 1a and 1b in terms of 1st line LWers, Sturm is still young, has 2 years left on his deal, which could be a perfect situation for Lombardi moving forward. It also gives Lombardi a bit more flexibility in terms of signing or dealing the UFA to be Alex Frolov. This one just makes too much sense.
Another player Lombardi absolutely loves is Scott Hartnell. He fits in with the “warrior” mold, could push the younger players, and is an absolute improvement. The problem is, Scott loves playing in Philadelphia and has a NM clause. But my source tells me he just might waive it to come West. I think he’s a perfect fit. Philadelphia is desperate to clear cap space (Lupul could be traded to Florida as early as today according to reports)
Alex Tanguay could be the surprise. He’s not flashy and to be honest, not quite worth the contract he was making in Montreal. But he’s still young and if he’s willing to take a 2-year deal, just may wind up back in the West.
Derek Roy. There was talk at the deadline that the Kings had a deal with Buffalo that fell though. Maybe now, they heat up again. Derek is a shooter, and although he doesn’t fit the Lombardi mold of “toughness” and is Cammalleri sized, and is a center, something tells me he could be part of a 2-for-2 swap.
On the other hand, how good would Vanek look in a Kings uni? Not that Buffalo would be willing to deal their superstar, but superstars HAVE been traded before and if the deal is right, why not? His cap hit it 7.7, however most of that has been front loaded. His actual SALARY for the next 5 years is 6.4, which ends when he’s 30. This is matthew barry wishfully thinking :)
Lombardi mentioned in my interview and at the SOTF meeting that the Kings needed to get better 5 on 5 – the two players that stuck out to me like sore thumbs were Calgary’s Rene Bourque whose goals were ALL scored 5 on 5 and Boston’s Phil Kessel, whom over the past 2 seasons has scored more 5 on 5 goals than any player except the Sedin’s and Rick Nash. Kessel doesn't seem to get along with his coaches so he may not be the "character" acquisition Lombardi is seeking.
If Florida is trimming back, I wouldn’t be surprised to find Cory Stillman in a Kings uni as one of Lombardi’s “filler” type players. He’s a “warrior” and has won 2 Cups and has a reasonable cap hit for the next two seasons.
Also, it wouldn't surprise me to see Lombardi bring in Brad May for a season. He still maintains a residence here, his kids are still in school here and he'll play for minimum.
Question for you: If Toronto is looking to move up two spots, might they deal Niklas Hagman? Just hitting his prime, another good fit at an affordable price. He shoots the puck often and when he does, he connects (13.1% of the time)
Last but not least, it was an absolute pleasure spending the evening with Eklund and Mrs Eklund tonight - They were my guests tonight at the world premiere of "My Sisters Keeper" in NY - The only problem with being anonymous is that he can't show you the great picture he took with Cameron Diaz :)
hockeybuzzbarry
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