I'm more surprised about Meckler. Surprised they kept them all, I thought they could have used the contract space.
There aren't any prospects that need to be signed immediately, plus the Kings currently have 42 players on the reserve list (including the RFAs), so they have plenty of space on the reserve to retain those players in Manchester and add to it without any restrictions. This also does not include 5 junior players, Toffoli, Berube, Vey, Weal and Deslauriers, as they are not considered pro players yet. Once they move up to the AHL, their contracts will count towards the reserve list.
Also, keep in mind that because they are qualified does not necessarily mean they will be under contract. Example being Johan Fransson who I don't anticipate being signed, but the Kings will retain his rights as a RFA playing in Europe. The same applies for Moller who won't be contracted by the Kings, is signed to play in Sweden and his rights will be retained by the organization. So you can knock off those two from the reserve list and the Kings now have 40 players on their reserve.
Richardson, Clifford, Parse could all move between the 3rd or 4th lines as well. I don't see the Kings putting Holloway, Loki or any other skilled kid on the 4th line AT ALL. The only potentials are grinders like Clune, Nolan, King, etc, who could provide something on the
4th line.
Interesting to hear that Terry Murray still thinks highly of Parse considering Parse's performance in the playoffs. Once Lombardi acquires a LW, Parse will slide to a 3rd-4th line role where he'll have less pressure to perform and could provide some offense from the bottom six. The Kings always lacked balanced scoring, so having Parse slide down the depth chart may help with scoring depth.
[QUOTE=Knight of the Realm;34174553
I would like a guy like Shawn Thornton. I don't agree with Murray and his neccessity for a strickly goon in today's NHL. Westgarth is a waste of space imho just like Ivanans was.
Nolan would be interesting.[/QUOTE]
I concur on Shawn Thornton. One tough cookie and can skate and fight....
1.a/b
Penner - Kopitar - Brown
Parse - Richards - Williams
*I'd say this is far more balanced and gives the team two #1 lines. Brown alongside Kopitar isn't popular but I would contend it's still the best we've seen of Brownie. Penner replaces Smyth's production. Scott Parse has an opportunity to display his mythical talent and succeed by riding the Richards-Williams wave.
Danny Carcillo is now a UFA. Dean, PLEASE! I've wanted Danny on the Kings for years. Perfect pest for the 4th line.
That guy is a liability. Doesn't even listen to his coach and loses himself. Lavi couldn't control that, you think Murray will be able to? Also...
LMFAO at him running into Carter and Clifford destroying him in a fight, and then Clifford smiling at him the rest of the game every time Carcillo started chirping.
What about Anthony Stewart as a replacement for Simmonds? No not because of the whole race card. Stewart is a decent player coming off his best year. I don't know TOO much about his game but he seems to be a pretty decent player.
What about Anthony Stewart as a replacement for Simmonds? No not because of the whole race card. Stewart is a decent player coming off his best year. I don't know TOO much about his game but he seems to be a pretty decent player.
Just checked out Stewart's stats...little lite on the pims but a good size at 6'2 230lbs.
He'd be a decent pickup, although, I would still like to see Holloway get a shot on the 3rd line.
Exactly. He has size, can pot a few goals, and will fight. Really what more do you want from a 3rd liner? Its essentially the exact same thing Simmonds brought us.
Stewart only put up some points last year because he was playing 15+ minutes a night down the stretch on a poor Thrashers' squad. Even then he was insanely streaky. He's not a good enough player to land a spot on most NHL rosters.
