Confusion reigning between Kings and ECHL affiliate?

Being an ECHL affiliate to an NHL team isn't quite as glamorous as it might seem on the surface.

The way hockey is structured, most top prospects are either playing major-junior in Canada - via the WHL, OHL and QMJHL - or are enrolled at an American University. Once the player is a little older, he's usually sent to the AHL before eventually joining his NHL team.

So, where does the ECHL fit it? Good question, actually. As far as prospects go, goaltenders seem to find the most success there - simply because there are only two goaltending slots on other teams, compared to at least seven defenseman and 12 forwards.  So, from a numbers standpoint, it's easy to see why a goalie ends up in the ECHL.  Hey, it worked out for Jonathan Quick - who spent most of his 2007-08 season with the ECHL's Reading Royals.

That said, several players on the Monarchs roster last season had at least spent some time in Ontario, the Kings' ECHL affiliate, over the few seasons prior - including their leading goal scorer, Bud Holloway, plus forward Jordan Nolan, defenseman Colten Teubert and goaltender Jeff Zatkoff.

However, last season the Kings weren't much help to Ontario. Goalie Martin Jones started the season there - only to be sent to Manchester after playing just one game (due to Erik Ersberg returning to Europe).

Prior to the start of last season, in an interview on MayorsManor, Reign President Justin Kemp said, "We're probably the biggest pains in the butt to (the Kings)...we try and try and try (to get players from them). The truth of the matter is, they're tyring to work on their own things...We have a lot more to gain from certain players coming here than they do. Sometimes we don't always see eye to eye. But, we continue to push."

Even so, Reign coach Karl Taylor noted on several occasions last season that he wished the Kings were able to supply him with more talent.

Mike Richards - 'Laperriere guided me in the right direction'

Just over a month has passed since an earthquake-like rumbling was felt around the National Hockey League, as the Philadelphia Flyers traded away two of their most important players.

From the moment he joined the Kings, Mike Richards has been asked a lot of questions about his now former teammate and best friend, Jeff Carter.

Yet, there's another person from that dressing room who helped play a small part in shaping him into the person he is today...

"Lappy was, I cant put into words, how loyal and honest and hardworking...there's a lot of words I could use to describe him," said Richards when reflecting on the impact Ian Laperriere has had on him.

"He was somebody who helped me out and guided me in the right direction sometimes when things were frustrating. When things aren't going very well he just seems to have that sense of calmness about him, where no matter what's going on he kinda puts things in perspective. He's a guy who keeps everybody loose around the dressing room. He and I had a unique relationship and it's something where I was pretty privileged to play with him for a year."

Laperriere was on MayorsManor soon after the Kings announced their acquisition of Richards back in June. He described the former Flyers captain as a 'leadership kind of guy' and somebody who 'the bigger the game is, the bigger his game is.'

To read the full interview with Laperriere - where he talks more about Richards, the feud with Chris Pronger, leadership of Dustin Brown and impression of Kyle Clifford - click here.

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When Kings GM Dean Lombardi speaks, he almost always makes sense.

People may not like what he has to say at times, but he pretty much tells it as it is.

Several years ago when some questioned his signing of Dan Cloutier to an extension before he was fully healthy, Lombardi explained that it was a calculated gamble. He looked ahead to the next summer's free agent goalie market and didn't like what he saw. So, he tried to lock up Cloutier at a discount. It backfired, sure. But, it's too easy to evaluate performance after the fact. Go back to the day he did the deal. His logic was correct.

When he once referred to some of his free agent signings as 'bridge' players, all but admitting they weren't that good - or were just good enough - and their primary purpose was to buy time for a few prospects to further develop, it might have sounded harsh. But, it was true.

So, you can imagine the raised eyebrows recently when he referred to the Kings failed attempt to sign unrestricted free agent Brad Richards as the organization's 'finest hour.'

Wait, what? Does the expression now have a new meaning? He clearly wasn't being sarcastic.

Here's what he said, in full, when asked what he would change about how the Kings approached the Richards pursuit - "We're getting there. As much as we're respected now, until it gets done here, we're not going to create that destination site, like the Lakers are. It's really hard - for the American kid, the baseball player or the basketball kid, the whole LA thing, it's very much a part of our culture. For so much of the hockey on the east coast and up north though, (LA) still seems like it's out in nowhere land. But, it's been proven that once you get it going here, you will be attractive. When Gretzky was here, every player wanted to play here. So, we're close. We're respected, where people will seriously consider us. But, to beat out those guys in the east, who have the tradition and everything else, we're going to have to get it done and then we're going to go to the top.

Luc Robitaille on new jobs for Gretzky, Blake and Laperriere

If you were to make a list of the 10 most popular players in Los Angeles Kings history, the names Wayne Gretzky, Rob Blake and Ian Laperriere would definitely be in the mix.

So it's no surprise that as each of them have transitioned from on-ice roles into new off-ice jobs over the last few years, that their names have been mentioned as possible candidates for management roles within the Kings family.

Here's Luc Robitaille with some comments...

MM: Wayne Gretzky's name is being mentioned more and more related to the Kings - including GM Dean Lombardi speaking to him regularly, him being included in the pitch video to Brad Richards, etc. Is there finally some traction on the once talked about role for him in the Kings front office?

LR: One thing people don't know because we always keep it quiet, is Wayne's been coming to quite a few of our games. He comes with his family and he really enjoys it. He's still involved with the situation in Phoenix. So, he can't really get involved with other teams. We know the Kings are in his heart. He lives in LA. Whenever he wants to see a hockey game, he comes to the LA Kings games. I think there could be something in the future, if it was right for him. To have Wayne Gretzky part of your organization it's unbelievable. He's the greatest player to ever play the game. He's proven too that he can be a really good manager. What he was doing in Phoenix, they were really playing well at the time he finished. People forget that even though Phoenix has been good the last two years, the year before they were almost in the playoffs - all the way until February and then they had a bunch of injuries. He was the coach at the time. It was just a situation where the team went through all that stuff that happened and that's the reason he's not with the team anymore. So, he's certainly an asset that could be really good for us. But, I think, from what I know, he has to make sure everything is (wrapped-up) on his side.

Luc Robitaille on why the LA Kings are going to Europe

A few weeks ago I joked that it must be contract week, as several Kings prospects and players were busy getting deals inked.

Well, today is 'address the cynics' day here at MayorsManor.

This morning I posted comments from Luc Robitaille, Kings President of Business Operations, explaining the how and why behind the team's jersey changes for next season.

In a summer filled with more positive vibes than any other in recent memory - from the trade for Mike Richards on down - we'd be remiss to at least not address one of the few news item that's caused a little bit of confusion.

Why are the Kings opening the season in Europe? Some point to the fact AEG owns the arenas. OK, fine. Are there any other reasons and even so, how does management feel about it?

Here's one man's opinion...

"We were asked by the league. We talked with them and they're (only) picking so many teams," Robitaille started out with. "To me, it wasn't a big deal. I kind of like the experience for the players. Yeah, for sure, you think you want to play your games at home. But, 15 years from now those players can say, 'Wow, I got to play a game in Berlin.' I think that's very special. Those are great memories for the players that they'll cherish later - like, someday when they retire."

Fine, that's years down the road. However, at least one thing on his mind that tied back to the upcoming campaign - "There was certainly something inside of me that (kept coming back to) the last three Stanley Cup winners started in Europe. So, once I heard we had a chance to go to Europe, I said I want to go!"

The Kings will open the NHL regular season with a game vs. the New York Rangers in Stockholm, Sweden on Friday, October 7.  They'll also play the following night in Berlin, Germany - taking on the Buffalo Sabres.

Once they return to the US, the Kings will play at New Jersey and Philadelphia.  Then, St. Louis will visit Staples Center for the Kings home opener on Tuesday, October 18.

Back to Richards for a quick moment... to see what the Kings new center - and former Flyers captain - had to say about that first game vs. the Rangers, be sure to click the link below.

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...to sell more jerseys.

Of course, that's the obvious answer.

However, if you're reading this article, you probably want to understand some of the process and thoughts behind the change. So, here goes...

Last night, during a long one-on-one conversation with Luc Robitaille, Kings President of Business Operations, the team's new jersey was the first topic covered.

"When we came up with our third jersey a few years ago, we realized our fans seem to really take to it and they really enjoyed it," Luc began. "For me, as a player, I loved that era (late 80s, early '90s). We knew we couldn't quite come back to that. But, we tried to find something that would please everyone - which we could never do. We tried to do something as close as we could though."

He also recalled their 'unofficial' marketing survey - "Before we did the third jersey, once we thought we were close, we asked the players 'Do you like this?' They all said they loved it. I always feel that if the players love it, I know the fans are going to love it because we all want to be players."

So, how about moving from a black third jersey to a adding a white version and making them the primary set for the team...

Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Holloway, Moller's European Vacation

Oscar Moller at Rookie Camp 2010

At the end of the regular season Kings prospect Bud Holloway stopped by MayorsManor to help preview the Manchester Monarchs first round playoff series with Binghamton.

One of the questions we touched on was did he expect to be called-up this past season, given he was the leading scorer in Manchester and the Kings apparent lack of depth on the left side. His response was 'It's always in the back of your head and obviously that's what you're building towards.'

What's going on in his head more recently is something GM Dean Lombardi would like to know. The always animated leader of the Kings organization had plenty to say last week when I asked him for some thoughts on several Monarchs signing to play in Europe next season...

"That's, (heavy sigh)...that's really frustrating," Lombardi started with. "This is another one of those things in the CBA where it was kind of predictable. Whenever you have a cap in the minors, so to speak, and also, we have a problem in our system...not only are we losing these guys, but they're still building equity towards free agency. It used to be that you had to get service, like in baseball. Now you have this thing where these kids can go over there, earn double the money and still move along the path of free agency."

Corey Elkins, a 6-foot-2 center who the Kings originally signed as a free agent out of college in 2009, is one of the trio of players heading to Europe. However, Lombardi focused most of his comments on a different two.

Kings prospect Tyler Toffoli gets Hockey Canada do-over

Tyler Toffoli (Hockey Canada)

WHL scoring champion Linden Vey had 116 points for the Medicine Hat Tigers last season, more than any other player in major-junior hockey.

Tyler Toffoli netted 57 goals for the OHL's Ottawa 67's last season, more than any other player in major-junior hockey.

Both players participated in Team Canada's World Junior evaluation camp last summer. Yet, neither player made the final cut when rosters were released, just prior to the tournament getting underway in December.

Would Canada, a country who doesn't measure its success on the ice in silver or bronze, have won gold at the 2011 World Junior tournament with either player?

We'll never know.  Russia beat Canada in the finals and now Vey has aged-out, as the tournament is for the best under-20 players.

Toffoli is back though and when Team Canada opens its evaluation camp later this morning he'll be looking to right a wrong.

Given all that's happened in the last year, you'd have to think it would be an absolute shock if Toffoli didn't make the team. However, he says he's not thinking that far ahead. He just wants to come into camp and show off his skills, play his game.

The attendees will be split off into two groups, Canada's familiar team white and team red. Toffoli's team white squad will also include the first player selected at the 2011 NHL Draft, Edmonton's Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. They'll also have defenseman Dougie Hamilton (Boston Bruins) and Devante Smith-Pelly (Anaheim Ducks).

Stoll had questions from Richards, has answers for Murray

Stoll, Richards and Lombardi (LA Kings)

It's been a summer of goodbyes and new relationships for many on the Los Angeles Kings roster.

Earlier today I posted comments from Alec Martinez and Jarret Stoll regarding Wayne Simmonds being shipped off to Philadelphia (link).

On the flip side, the team has been welcoming Mike Richards into the fold. Some, like Drew Doughty, have spent time in a locker room with him already (for Team Canada at the 2010 Olympics). For others, it's been a whole new experience.

One thing is clear though, every player I've spoken with has been just short of giddy at the sheer thought of adding a talent like Richards to the team here in LA.

While some guys have been off on summer vacations or back home in various parts of North America, Stoll is living in the South Bay and had no problems playing the role of host and unofficial tour guide last week for Richards.

He even was at Richards' press conference - where the highlight may have been something that went largely unnoticed by the overflowing crowd of media at the Kings training facility. While everybody was snapping photos of GM Dean Lombardi officially presenting Richards his jersey, somewhat under his breath, Richards asked Stoll "Was it like this when they got you too?' - to which Stoll replied, "I didn't get any of this!"

Stoll, Martinez talk LA Kings trading Wayne Simmonds

Martinez and Simmonds (photo: K. Spatz)

During a conversation with coach Terry Murray just a few days after the Kings were eliminated from the playoffs, he acknowledged that Wayne Simmonds "hit a bit of a wall" last season.

It wasn't that surprising of a statement from the coach though. After all, Simmonds saw his goals, assists and penalty minutes decline from the year prior.

Murray went on to say this would be a crucial summer in Simmonds' development - one in which he would need to analyze his self and his game.

Even so, those weren't cryptic statements about a winger needing to be traded. He was simply describing part of the natural evolution some players need to go though.

Coupled with the fact that Simmonds seemed to find his game in the playoffs, some people were slightly caught off guard when he was included in the trade for Mike Richards. Others saw it as simply moving value to get value.

By all accounts, Simmonds was well liked by his teammates - especially those that sat around him in the locker room - i.e. Brad Richardson, Kyle Clifford, etc.

Recently, I spoke with Jarret Stoll and Alec Martinez about the loss of Simmonds...

Don Mattingly says 2012 will be 'Year of LA Kings, Dodgers'

Dodgers' Don Mattingly at LA Kings game

Forget the fact that the Dodgers are about a dozen back with 50-something games remaining. Matt Kemp insisted to me on Friday night his club was still in the race.

They've gone 2-2 since then and to borrow a phrase Vin Scully has probably used, the season is slipping away like sand through an hour glass.

While Kemp's optimism may be a breath of fresh air in what's starting to look more and more like an otherwise forgettable baseball season in Los Angeles, manager Don Mattingly still has big plans...just not for this year.

Unlike Kemp, Mattingly claims he's a bit of a hockey fan. "I've kind of slowly paid attention to things," reflected Mattingly. He spends his winters back home in Indiana, where he claims "there's not a whole lot of hockey going on." So, you'll have to excuse him when he says, "I still have trouble with all the names and everything. But, I love watching it."

Pro athletes are always impressed with what hockey players do on a nightly basis.  Competing in a team sport is one thing, but doing it on skates adds a whole new level of complexity. "It's pretty amazing what they do on the ice," Mattingly expressed. "The toughness, I love. Those guys are so tough. Some of them never come out of a game."

It's not entirely surprising that Mattingly appreciates that aspect of hockey.  Nicknamed 'Donnie Baseball,' he probably would have made a great hockey player too, had he chose that route.  Simply put, he was a gamer and one of those 'character' guys Kings GM Dean Lombardi constantly seeks.

Who's that goalie? - new favorite game of Kings' Rich Clune

Jones and Zatkoff (photo: S. Slingsby)

Some guys like to kick the soccer ball around before a game. Others like to rock out to their ipod. Some like it loud, some like it quiet. Hockey players have are all sorts of pre-game rituals.

For Kings prospect Rich Clune, apparently checking the line-up isn't one of them.

Maybe it's not a big deal though. Like the Kings one-two punch in goal last season, with Jonathan's Quick and Bernier, Clune's Manchester Monarchs featured their own dynamic duo in Jeff Zatkoff and rookie Martin Jones.

Despite their stellar numbers between the pipes, it's not a position Clune has much interest in learning more about.

"Goalie is the toughest position in hockey to play," said Clune. "I can't even begin to walk a day in their shoes because I've never done it. It's a lot of pressure."

As for the play of one over the other, Clune started out with - "Jonesy could potentially be a starting goaltender in the NHL." He then quickly retorted with, "Zats is a little bit older and it might take him a little bit more time to develop and it's also about finding the right place and the right fit. He could also play in the NHL someday."

And then back the other way, "Jonesy is going to be a starter in the NHL one day, for sure. With goaltenders you can't really put a year on it though. Look how long it took Jon Bernier to get to where he is. And everyone knows how good he is."

Rich Clune - prospect Brandon Kozun has 'fire inside him'

Kozun at Kings Dev Camp (photo: K. Spatz)

While the hype meter on Kings prospect Brandon Kozun hasn't reached anywhere near the level of Brayden Schenn circa summer 2010, anticipation for the speedy winger's NHL debut continues to rise.

His expected battle with Tyler Toffoli looks to be one of the key stories to watch this September.

Prior to the Kings recent Development Camp in Los Angeles, Kozun proclaimed himself 'ready for the NHL' in an interview here on MayorsManor.

He also spoke about the challenges of physical play in the AHL in a follow-up piece here.

Over the weekend, Kozun's Manchester teammate, Rich Clune, had this to say about him when I asked 'How good is Brandon Kozun?'...

Clune - "He's got skills. Time will tell with him, right? I'm not as small as him. He's a small guy. So, it will be a tough battle for him to prove that he can play everyday against big guys. But, that kid has a lot of game and he's got some fire inside him. So, he's got a shot."

To see what Kings coach Terry Murray had to say about Kozun and Toffoli following Development Camp, click here.

For more with Clune, including his thoughts on Bud Holloway, Oscar Moller and Corey Elkins leaving the Monarchs to play in Europe next season, click here.

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10 Key Dates for LA Kings, including 2011 training camp

Soon after the Stanley Cup parade takes place in some North American city, it happens.

Millions of fans everywhere began to experience hockey withdrawals, or 'summer' as it's more commonly referred to.

Fortunately, the early part of the off-season has a hat-trick of activities that can partially keep the fire stoked via the NHL Awards, NHL Draft and start of free agency.

Then, today comes. People flip the calender to August - well, those that still literally do things like that - and realize there's not one thing scheduled even partially resembling the sport they love.

Bare with us though. You can do it. Make it another 30 days and look what's on the other side...

10 KEY DATES for the LOS ANGELES KINGS

9/10 Rookie Camp opens at TSC in El Segundo, CA (runs through 9/13)

9/11 HockeyFest 2011 at Staples Center

9/13 Kings Charity Golf Tournament - Industry Hills, CA

* 9/14 Rookie game vs. Phoenix Coyotes 6pm - at TSC in El Segundo, CA

* 9/15 Rookie game vs. Phoenix Coyotes 2pm - at TSC in El Segundo, CA

9/16 Main Training Camp opens at TSC in El Segundo, CA (off-ice)

* 9/17 On-ice workouts begin for main camp roster

9/21 Pre-season game: Phoenix Coyotes at LA Kings (Staples Center)

9/25 Pre-season game: Anaheim Ducks at LA Kings (Staples Center)

9/30 Pre-season game: LA Kings at Anaheim Ducks (Honda Center)

10/1 Frozen Fury XIV: Colorado Avalanche vs LA Kings (Las Vegas, NV)

10/7 Opening Night: NY Rangers vs LA Kings (Stockholm, Sweden)

10/8 NHL Premiere, Game Two: Buffalo Sabres vs LA Kings (Berlin, Germany)

* denotes update, as of 8/18/2011

Hockey season is almost here.

Hang in there. You can do it.

In the meantime, be sure to keep up to date this summer with all the news and inside information right here on MayorsManor. Just this weekend, we had an exclusive interview with Colin Fraser about his injuries, the Dodgers James Loney talked about his desire to play hockey at Staples Center and Rich Clune shared his thoughts on Bud Holloway leaving the Monarchs for Europe.

And there's lots more to come...

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Rich Clune on Bud Holloway leaving Monarchs for Eurupe

Rich Clune in camp (photo: Cikiri)

During the Kings training camp last September, high-energy forward Rich Clune was starting to turn some heads.

Many thought he might even have a chance to crack the line-up in Los Angeles rather than spend a third season in Manchester (AHL).

Originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2005, Clune has since spent time in the ECHL, AHL and NHL. All the while, patiently waiting for his opportunity to remain in the big show.

Clune stayed with the Kings through Frozen Fury weekend in Las Vegas. However, ultimately, he lost out on an NHL roster spot - in part, due to the emergence of Kyle Clifford.

No problem, said Clune, when we spoke Friday night on the steps of the Dodger Dugout (several players were at the stadium to throw out the first pitch).

"It was a good year for me because I was able to get a lot more ice than I probably would have in LA," was Clune's view on his 66 games in Manchester last season. "It's a long road. There's a lot of young guys and we had a really talented team. It sucks we didn't go further (in the playoffs). I think we could have easily (won) that first series with Binghamton. What - five games in overtime? But, I had a lot of fun. Wherever I am, I like to have a good time."

Things haven't been quite as fun since arriving back in Los Angeles. He's been working out with Kings strength and conditioning coach Tim Adams, left wing Dustin Penner, etc. (more info on those grueling workouts can be found here)

"I came in for some training with the guys and just did a week with (that crew). My calves are sore," he complained - before joking "that's why I'm leaning up against this railing."

POLL: How should NHL resolve Kings-Oliers grievance?

Poor Gary Bettman. The guy gets booed everywhere he goes.

He rarely gets complimented for anything he does, at least not by fans.

And he finds himself in another lose-lose situation after the Los Angeles Kings officially filed a grievance against the Edmonton Oilers.

Regardless of how he resolves the mess, some percentage of people on the opposite side will complain he treated their team unfairly.

I'm sure that annual salary that's north of $7 million will help him sleep at night though. Being the most hated man in hockey does have its price.

So, what's at stake here? Essentially, the Kings feel the Oilers were deceitful, not once - but twice! In re-acquiring Ryan Smyth, they first tried to give the Kings Gilbert Brule - who was injured. The deal was finally consummated when they replaced him with Colin Fraser in the deal. Soon thereafter, it was discovered Fraser had a fairly significant ankle injury.  Thus began the war of words...err, difference of opinion...between Kings GM Dean Lombardi and his Oilers counterpart, Steve Tambellini.

That's the gist of things. Helene Elliott of the LA Times had more details on the story here.

And Colin Fraser had an exclusive interview with MayorsManor here.

Now, for the tough question. If you were Commissioner Bettman, how would you resolve the case?



Poll closes Tuesday at noon.

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After grievance filed, exclusive interview with Colin Fraser

Rich Clune, Colin Fraser at Dodger game

It's been a busy week in the land of Mulletgate.

After the Mike Richards press conference on Wednesday, Kings GM Dean Lombardi let it be known he was still keeping his options open when it came to dealing with the aftermath of the Ryan Smyth trade - although indicating things would become more clear in the next 48 hours.

True to his word, two dominoes fell. Center Colin Fraser did in fact have surgery in Los Angeles - ending speculation that he might miraculously heal without it - and on Friday the Kings formally filed their complaint with the league office.

Where things go from here is anybody's guess. The most likely scenarios mentioned - Fraser remaining on the Oilers roster until he's cleared to play (that's a cap savings) and/or additional compensation being given to Los Angeles in the form of a draft pick.

One thing is clear though, Fraser can't wait to put it all behind him and is hoping he's a fast healer.

As we stood on the grass at Dodger Stadium Friday night, with Jarret Stoll rigorously playing catch in front of us, Fraser opened up about the drama surrounding the Kings-Oilers trade this summer.