Their GM is silly. Laich is over-payed, as well as Ward & Hamrlik. Of course, giving Ovie 9.5 million until forever doesn't help things. Why is Backstrom getting Kopitar money???
Because he's had 2 seasons with more points than Kopi's career high (88 and 101).
I brought it up before, but Knuble has played with Gagne and Richards. That would be a solid 2nd line. That would make the Kings 3rd line one of the best in the league.
I don't know if the Kings would keep Richardson for depth and split time with Westgarth. They may walk away from his arbitration award if it is too high.
Jeff schultz or Mike Knuble will be gone because of Hamrlik and Ward. and i think Schultz has a better chance of getting traded.
Who's gonna want him though? From what I've heard he's a pylon and he's making 2.75Mil a year...
And even if they did get rid of Schultz, they're only about 800-900k under the cap, and this isnt counting a resigned Alzner, who will probably get somewhere around 2Mil. They have enough offensive depth to move one of Knuble/Fehr, but I do think its more likely Fehr is moved than Knuble(I think he wore the A for them last year?)
Some options for a utility forward/grinder who can fill the 3rd line RW position:
Mike Grier - has always been a reliable checker who gives his all and often plays hurt.
Jarkko Ruutu - one of the biggest pests in the NHL, but he doesn't seem to be as physically active as he once was.
Antti Miettinen - had he not signed with the KHL, he'd be a useful two-way forward on any team.
Kyle Wellwood - pleasant surprise for the Sharks as a mid-season addition, can play C as well and has adapted himself to be a two-way forward, similar to Brad Richardson.
Ryan Shannon - another pleasant surprise, this time for the Senators. Shifted to wing and contributed offensively with limited ice time.
There aren't many free agent options for the Kings to pursue. Their best option is to just go with what they have and perhaps develop a player into that role.
Some options for a utility forward/grinder who can fill the 3rd line RW position:
Mike Grier - has always been a reliable checker who gives his all and often plays hurt.
Jarkko Ruutu - one of the biggest pests in the NHL, but he doesn't seem to be as physically active as he once was.
Antti Miettinen - had he not signed with the KHL, he'd be a useful two-way forward on any team.
Kyle Wellwood - pleasant surprise for the Sharks as a mid-season addition, can play C as well and has adapted himself to be a two-way forward, similar to Brad Richardson.
Ryan Shannon - another pleasant surprise, this time for the Senators. Shifted to wing and contributed offensively with limited ice time.
There aren't many free agent options for the Kings to pursue. Their best option is to just go with what they have and perhaps develop a player into that role.
I like the idea of Dury on the Kings for cheap with the risk of injury to Williams or Gagne high He could move up and take over a top 6 postion if hes healthy at the same time they go down. I also like the experience he brings. Go get him Dean
Seriously? Every friggin' year someone has to bring up his name. Look at how many teams have already given up on him. He has no place in the NHL.
If it comes down to Parse vs. O'Sullivan, I'll take the latter every time. O'Sullivan has a lot more skill and, at this point in his career, is actually CHEAPER than Parse! ($900k vs. league minimum).
If it comes down to Parse vs. O'Sullivan, I'll take the latter every time. O'Sullivan has a lot more skill and, at this point in his career, is actually CHEAPER than Parse! ($900k vs. league minimum).
I dont think O'Sullivan was let go because of his skill. He played in the AHL all last season for a reason. Sometimes we just gotta let go of the binky.
I would sign O'Sullivan to a 2 way contract and keep him in Mancheaster to start the season. With the real possiblity of injury to Gagne and Williams it maybe a good idea to have some experince waiting in the wings so to speak. This way he would earn his call up by playing well in manchester or his outright release if he plays bad.
Drury better be thoroughly tested and pass a physical exam before the Kings entertain the thought of offering him a contract. Drury has regressed dramatically since he signed with the Rangers, and one goal in 24 games last season tells me that he doesn't have much left to offer.
