Penner weighs in on the one-year anniversary of the trade

Pennermania, circa 2011

Happy Anniversary.

Those just might be the least honest words to ever appear on MayorsManor.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of what's turned out to be one of the most disappointing trades in LA Kings history.

After struggling for long stretches in the first half of last season the team went on a hot streak in the month of February and GM Dean Lombardi swung big at the trade deadline, picking up the most coveted name on the market - Dustin Penner.

While Lombardi paid a steep price - prospect Colten Teubert, a first round draft pick last year and a third rounder this year - conventional wisdom, at the time, was it was a good trade. The Kings added a proven goal scorer (he had averaged 25+ goals the prior four seasons) and they didn't have to move anybody off of their current roster.

The fan sentiment around Penner today is far different than it was a year ago though.

With a goal vs. Vancouver, in just his second contest wearing a Kings uniform, he began a career-best six-game point streak. Pennermania was truly running wild in Los Angeles.

Since then, he has five goals and thirteen points, and most of the cheers have turned to boos.

LA Kings' Willie Mitchell on his past, present and future

Willie Mitchell will be staring at part of his past when he steps onto the ice tonight in New Jersey.

"Where it all started. That's the first thing I think about when it comes to playing the Devils," the 10-year NHL veteran said. "It doesn't matter how many teams you've played for, and I've played for a couple, you always have fond memories of where it all started."

He debuted for New Jersey on March 25, 2000, nearly four years after they selected him in the eighth round of the 1996 draft.

Nowadays, as he hands out advice to young players, they probably hear stories of the experiences he went though as a prospect coming up through the New Jersey organization.

"I think in life in general, you try and learn your whole way. That's the journey of life, learning. If you ever think you can stop learning, you're in trouble," Mitchell said, as we reflected back on pieces of his career that have molded him into the player he's become.

"As a pro, I try to learn every day. I tried to learn from guys before me, guys who spent a lot of time in the league. I was fortunate enough to start in one of the best environments ever with the Devils - Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, Larry Robinson, Jacques Lemaire, I could go on and on. There's a lot of Stanley Cups there. And you don't win those without having a good model for success. I tried to learn from those guys."

Some of those lessons have steered him towards being a certain type of player, just don't necessarily call him a leader.

LA Kings trade for a kid with more questions than answers

So, Kings GM Dean Lombardi made another trade with the Philadelphia Flyers today. At least that's how it's going to read in some places. Yet, there is so much more to this deal. Or is there?

Jammed by the salary cap and total number of player contracts under contract, the Flyers needed a little breathing room. No problem. They called up their old buddy for some help. And in exchange for the always popular 'future considerations' the Kings picked up a sixth round draft pick and Stefan Legein.

Which is where things get really interesting.

Normally, people wouldn't be talking much about this deal. It would be more like a shuffling of paperwork than a real hockey trade.

However, upon further investigation you'll see that Legein is one of the most interesting stories to come out of the NHL Draft in years.

He was an assistant captain on the gold medal winning Team Canada squad at the 2008 World Junior Championships - a team that also featured Drew Doughty, Thomas Hickey, Jonathan Bernier and Wayne Simmonds.

Legein hurt his shoulder during the tournament and some have claimed he's never been the same since. He came back months later to finish out the OHL season and made his AHL debut, playing two playoff games for the Syracuse Crunch, once his junior club had been eliminated from the playoffs.

That summer, he announced his retirement from hockey - yes, at the age of 19 - essentially, walking out on the Columbus Blue Jackets, who had drafted him 37th overall in 2007.

What went wrong?

At first, some speculated it was just a prank. After all, this was the kid known for terrorizing his teammates with practical jokes.

That wasn't it. He was serious.

LA Kings go eight for eight - Drewmageddon is over

If the summer long drama between the Los Angeles Kings and defenseman Drew Doughty has been resolved with an 'all's well that ends well' solution, we'll know soon enough.

The primary fact at the moment though is that a contract has been agreed upon and he'll be rejoining his teammates soon, as they prepare for what many expect to be a big year for the Kings.

Doughty is set to receive $7 million per season for the eight next years. That's slightly more than the $6.8 million Anze Kopitar is under contract for and pushes Doughty's potential free agent years out a bit. Thus, it appears to be a win-win for both sides.

There are still many questions to be answered - like when will he practice, when will he play his first game, etc.? Most importantly though, he'll be in the line-up next Friday when the Kings open the season against the New York Rangers in Stockholm.

Doughty was originally selected by the Kings with the number two overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft. At the time, he was coming off of being named the Ontario Hockey League’s Defenseman of the Year for the Guelph Storm - coincidentally, the same team Kings' captain Dustin Brown had played for a few years prior.

The 21-year old native of London, Ontario has also received several accolades and awards since then - including being named the Kings Outstanding Defenseman for three straight seasons (2011, 2010, and 2009), being voted as the Kings Best Newcomer (Mark Bavis Memorial Award) in 2009, selected to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team for the 2008-09 season, winning a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics and he was nominated for the Norris Trophy (best defeseman) the same year.

Last season he led the team in minutes played (25:38) and was tops among all Kings defensemen with 11 goals.

In 239 regular season games in his young NHL career, Doughty has recorded 126 points (33 goals, 93 assists). He's also picked up five goals and six assists in 12 post-season games with the Kings.

Regarding his immediate future, Doughty has been confirmed by the team as traveling with the club to Frozen Fury this weekend. But, will he play in Las Vegas?

According to Helene Elliott of the LA Times, Doughty says he thinks he can play as soon as the team asks him to - including this weekend. "I think I'm in great shape," said Doughty. From various reports, it appears he'll be leaving for LA soon to complete a physical and officially sign the deal.

Goalie Jonathan Quick wasted no time thumbing out the following tweet upon the news being released tonight - 'Congrats to drew doughty on his new deal, who's pickin the restaurant? #thanksdewey #surfnturf'

Kevin Westgarth tweeted - 'I missed our little guy! #noonewasworried #8isgreat'

For the first time in months, Kings GM Dean Lombardi is probably going to sleep like a baby. Mission accomplished - he now starts the year with the best Kings roster in team history.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

...oh, and yes - those Drewmageddon shirts are now available for sale in the MayorsManor store ...see below for more info...pick one up!

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Alec Martinez hopes to have money left over for new sticks

Martinez and Dean Lombardi (photo: C. Ikiri)

Earlier in the week, we had Kyle Clifford on to talk about his new equipment endorsement with Bauer - 'head to toe Bauer' as The Colonel said.

Meanwhile, although defenseman Alec Martinez may have signed a contract extension with the Kings this summer, he hasn't landed a stick deal yet. Nor does he even know which one prefers at this point...

"I'm still in the process of trying out a few different sticks," the 24-year old explained. "I have a couple Bauer sticks coming in the mail. I tried a couple before, but the curve was a little too big. Right now I like the Easton's, but I'm willing to give Bauer a shot. I used them in college and liked them a lot. I haven't used them in a couple of years, but I'll try 'em out."

Speaking of his college days - last month, he went back to his old stomping grounds in Miami, Ohio to help out for a few days.

"I was there skating for a week in August - they had a little pro camp for all the alum that are playing pro now. We were there working hard, but it's also nice because you get to see guys you don't get to see too regularly during the season. It's a good time, getting to (hang out) with some of your buddies and getting to know some of the newcomers in the program. Overall, it looks like their program is going in the right direction and hopefully they can have a great year."

Johnson not worried about much, including his plus-minus

Jack Johnson of LA Kings (photo: K. Spatz)

Kings defenseman Jack Johnson has few worries away from the rink, especially after signing a seven-year, $30.5-million contract extension back in January.

So, he was free to spend his summer on things other than stressing about a the trials and tribulations that can come with negotiating a new deal with his employer.

Instead, one of the many areas he found himself involved in was investing in a gym business back home in Michigan.

"I did it just because I get a key to the gym," joked Johnson. "I like to spend my time there. I have fun hanging out there and have a great relationship with all the trainers. They're almost like family like now. Plus, my little brother gets to train there for free."

The former first round draft pick says that as camp continues the focus is on cleaning up his game before the season begins in a few weeks.

"I'm making sure my puck handling gets back up to speed, keeping my head up, getting out of summer hockey mode," explained Johnson.

And then there's that little thing called plus-minus that pops up from time to time. His minus-19 posted during his rookie season has pretty much held steady over the last four years - including a team worst minus-21 last year. Perhaps, more concerning, on a team known for it's strong defensive play, Johnson was the only member of LA's starting defensemen to post a minus as the season total.

Like most things, it seems to just roll off Johnson's back.

"Plus-minus? I don't lose any sleep over that. As long as the coaches keep saying that I’m playing well and they keep playing me good minutes, that’s all the reassurance I need from them. If they see anything wrong, they let me know."

Kopitar, Penner and Hunter on the LA Kings new top-line

Somebody should send Justin Williams a thank you card.

His 'flu-like symptoms' have been a blessing in disguise today.

During the Kings first on-ice sessions today, the focus instantly changed from 'Where's Drew Doughty?' to 'Hey, who is that #47 playing on the top line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Penner?'

It was right wing Trent Hunter, a camp invitee - meaning he's here on a tryout basis.

Following the two-plus hour workout, coach Terry Murray said part of the reason for putting Hunter in Williams spot today was a reward for yesterday. It also had to do with the fact that Murray plans on 'giving Hunter every opportunity to make the team this year.' Although, Murray also acknowledged it will be tough for that to happen - given the roster depth already.

That decision is more than a week away though. For now, the three linemates had some thoughts about their temporary union...

Kopitar on playing with Hunter for the first time - "It was good. Obviously, he's been int he league for a long time and he knows what he's doing. It's too bad that Willy is a little sick right now, but hopefully we'll get him back soon as we can."

Hunter on playing on the top line - "It's fun playing with players of that calibre...If I had any questions, I'd ask them. They were both good about talking to me. Regardless of who you're playing with, you have to communicate with them on the ice."

Hunter on conversations with the Kings about his chances of making the team this season - "They were upfront and honest, right from the start. Nothing changed from one conversation to the next. It was always the same thing. So, I knew what I was coming to. They were very honest me. I realize I have to come in and play hard to win a spot here."

LA Kings Training Camp 2011: the 'all Drew Doughty' article

Drew Doughty is one of the best defensemen in the National Hockey League - even though, technically, he may not be part of the Los Angeles Kings at the moment.

So, it wasn't totally surprising that Doughty not being signed (officially, he's not a hold out, he's an unsigned RFA), was one of the primary topics at training camp yesterday.

That said, several of the players have already tired of the questions surrounding the talented blue-liner.

"To be honest, there really wasn't another topic yesterday besides Drew Doughty and my ankle," said Anze Kopitar after this morning's session.

It did feel that way at times.

For those who just can't get enough Doughty news though, here are some selected - and believe me, it's only a sliver - of the non-stop Double-D talk from day one of training camp...

Thomas Hickey on the hole that currently exists in the line-up - "You can't kid yourself. The first thing you look at are the one-way contracts because those are the guys who have earned the right to play here over guys who are coming up. Without him, there's only six. I think all the defensemen understand that and understand the style that he plays. That's a big void that's left open. I think some of my skills could be useful moving forward if he's not going to be here."

Simon Gagne likes what he sees so far, even the travel

Which one is Gagne?

Simon Gagne was one of several big-time additions to the Los Angeles Kings roster this summer, even if his arrival has been somewhat lost in the shuffle. Signing on July 2nd, he fell between the blockbuster trade for Mike Richards, the heavy pursuit of Brad Richards and last month's arrival of Ethan Moreau.

Bringing him in at left wing could be seen as a solution to a collection of ongoing issues, including - one, replacing Alexander Frolov's points (51) from 2009-10 with Alexi Ponikarovsy's output this past season (15 points - yes, you read that right) didn't work out...two, there isn't a lot of depth in the Kings' pipeline over on the left side...three, with left wing Ryan Smyth requesting a trade back to Edmonton this summer, the apparent hole became even worse.

Enter Gagne, who says the Kings tried to get him once before - right before he went to Tampa Bay. No worries though, perhaps his time there was just a training period to get him ready for the travel schedule he'll now endure in the Western Conference.

"I'll get used to it as the season goes on. Plus, if you look at the travel we had last year in Tampa Bay, there was a lot of it. I was talking with some people who work here with the Kings and it looks like the travel we did in Tampa was similar to what the Kings did last year," said Gagne.

"So, it's tough. It will take time, I know that - with the time change being the hardest thing to adjust to, I'm sure. But, at the same time, I'm here for two years. So, I have no choice. It's about finding a way to take care of yourself - like, having good sleep, making sure you're eating well and stuff like that."

One place he's never traveled to for a hockey game is Las Vegas - a place he says he didn't even know the Kings were scheduled to play a pre-season game when he first agreed to terms with the club.

VIDEO: LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Doughty, rookies

Daryl Evans spoke with Los Angeles Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi earlier today - among the topics: holdout defenseman Drew Doughty and the just completed Rookie Camp. Take a look...

If you'd like to win a pair of lower bowl seats for this coming Wednesday's pre-season game at Staples Center, featuring the Kings vs. the Coyotes, visit www.facebook.com/MayorsManor for all the details.

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Gagne - 'Mike Richards is the type of guy I want on my team'

Most old sayings are still around because they're often true.

In the case of 'familiarity breeds contempt' - it may make sense when applied to many other things, yet Simon Gagne sees his relationship with Mike Richards an entirely different way.

"He's a really quiet guy and he's really shy. But, on the ice, he's definitely the type of guy you want to have on your team. He's going to take a check for you. If somebody gives you a cheap shot, he's going to be the first one to go and respond on that. I had a chance to play with him for five years in Philadelphia. Even we he got to the league, he was 20 years old, I think - you could tell though that he was going to be that type of player. That's the perfect model for the type of hockey I think we're going to play here in the West. He's a guy that I want to have on my team when the playoffs come. I'm glad that I'll be able to play with him again."

I'll have more with Gagne up soon, including a TV show that he's been using to get tips on the LA lifestyle, some notes on a few of the 'firsts' he's already experienced as a member of the Kings and he he evaluates the team's training facility compared to those in Philadelphia and Tampa Bay.

For more on Richards though, check out the links below to read what others have had to say about him recently.

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Drew Doughty contract - poll results and NEW contest

Los Angeles Kings fans have spoken!

The results of our 'When will Drew Doughty re-sign with the Kings?' poll are now complete and only 3% of you think a deal will be reached by this weekend.

At the other end of the spectrum (read: extreme cynics), 7% say it won't happen until after the team returns from their season opening trip to Europe. Ouch.

Training camp is set to open on September 16 and about 10% predict it will happen some time during the following week.

Then, there's the majority - 68% of the voters have narrowed it down to a two week window - the larger portion of that group (40% of total voters) have the new contract being signed between September 12-16 and the other 28% think a deal gets done between September 4-11.

So, let's have some fun with this...

If you'd like to pick the EXACT day and win a free MayorsManor t-shirt, enter our all new contest by following these simple instructions:

POLL: When will Drew Doughty re-sign with the LA Kings?

Last week, when I was interviewed on FAN 960 in Calgary, the topic they wanted to discuss most was the Drew Doughty contract situation (listen here).

With news of other Kings moves starting to die down a bit - i.e. trade for Mike Richards, signing of Simon Gagne, summer Development Camp, etc. - Doughty's contract negotiations have been moved to the front burner and will likely be discussed quite a bit until both parties reach an agreement.

In the interview last week, I gave my opinion on when I think a deal will be reached.

What do you think? Select from one of the options below...



Poll closes tomorrow night at 8pm PST.

UPDATE:  MayorsManor has a new contest posted - guess the correct date he signs and win a free t-shirt - details here

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The Mayor on FAN 960 - talking Doughty, Quick, Bernier, Penner and more

LA Kings Summer Vacation - checking in w/ Alec Martinez

LA Kings Alec Martinez (photo: D. Sheehan)

A few weeks back we published an article highlighting some of the various activities some of the Los Angeles Kings players have been involved in this summer.

Additionally, a few of them - Dustin Penner, Jarret Stoll, Trevor Lewis, etc. - have stopped by MayorsManor for more detailed interviews.

Here's the latest in our summer vacation series - highlights from a conversation with defenseman Alec Martinez...

- On what he's been up to this summer: "I've been doing a lot of working out - trying to stay in shape, get better. Things like that. Taking some time off to relax as well, being able to go on vacation once the season was over. It's been a good summer, relaxing. But at the same time, I've been getting after it - just getting ready for this upcoming season."

- On the two-year contract extension he signed last month: "It was really exciting. Obviously, I love playing here in LA. I love the city, the fans and everything about it. To be locked in here for two more years is good. I'm excited about it. I think the team has a lot of potential and hopefully we'll follow through with it."

- His involvement in contract negotiations with the team: "You kind of let your agent do the work. That's what you pay them for. I didn't really deal with it too much. I (received) an update every once and a while. The communication process is an ongoing thing. Management does a good job of communicating with the players too - keeping us posted on what they expect from us and also, us letting them know what we expect from ourselves."

Another former Kings, Monarchs player signs in Europe

Several weeks back, Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi was visibly irritated when talking about a few of the team's prospects signing in Europe this summer.

Gone from the pipeline are center Corey Elkins, left wing Bud Holloway and forward Oscar Moller.

Today brings news that John Zeiler has joined the 'other side of the Atlantic' crew, having signed with the Augsburger Panther in Germany.

All four played in Manchester last season, the Kings top farm team.

While each situation is somewhat unique, it was eating at Lombardi that young players were willing to leave the development process and chase the money being offered in Europe.

An exception he seemed to sympathize with though was when older players, whom he described as "26-27 (years old) and they've kind of already been labeled as 'minor league players' and maybe a 'call-up' player" chose that route.

Zeiler, originally selected by the Phoenix Coyotes in the fifth round of the 2002 NHL Draft, would seem to fit that mold. He's 28 and has only played 90 games in the NHL - picking up one goal and adding four assists.

He was called up for four games last season and then actually was recalled again during the playoffs (because of Jarret Stoll's suspension). However, due to the timing of paperwork, flights, etc., he never actually saw any game action the second time around.

Zeiler was not offered a contract by the Kings this summer.

He'll be joining Gabe Gauthier, another one-time Kings prospect and member of the Monarchs (2006-10), who signed with Augsburger last month.

To read Lombardi's full comments on the European situation click here.

Rich Clune, another Monarch last season, weighed in with his thoughts on the overseas defections here.

Finally, in loosely connected news - over the weekend, former Monarchs and Kings forward Noah Clarke left Augsburger to join EHC München.

Clarke, the first California-born player to score a goal for the Kings, stopped by MayorsManor last summer to give a detailed account of his time in Manchester, Los Angeles and now over in Europe.  If nothing else, check it out for the prank he says George Parros played on him when they were teammates with the Monarchs. (link here)

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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."

LA Kings sign Trevor Lewis, six others - leaving only one

This must be contract week for the Los Angeles Kings.

Fresh on the heals of Brad Richardson signing a two-year contract with the team a few days ago, today it was announced they had reached a two-year agreement with Trevor Lewis and single year agreements with six prospects.

Of course, this also comes after defenseman Alec Martinez signed his own two-year deal last week, avoiding arbitration.

Martinez was leading Manchester (AHL) in points and assists when he was recalled to the Kings in late November. He went on to play 60 regular season games with the Kings (recording 16 points - 5g, 11a) and appeared in all six postseason games.

Richardson, a versatile forward who saw a little bit of time on each line last season, played 68 regular season games (recording 19 points - 7g, 12a). He also appeared in all six postseason games with the Kings, tying a club high with five points (2g, 3a) and leading the team with 17 shots.

Lewis, played in 72 regular season games for the Kings, registering 13 points (3g, 10a). During the playoffs his role with the team increased due to the injury of Anze Kopitar and one-game suspension of Jarret Stoll. He's expected to center the team's fourth line during the 2011-12 season.

Lombardi has a plan for free agents, not just wingn' it

For those not following along on twitter and/or facebook today, here is where things stand with free agency...

Back when Kings GM Dean Lombardi arrived in Los Angeles in the spring of 2006 he immediately began talking about building the team from the net out.

More recently, he's acknowledged that the team needs to be stronger at center if they want to compete with the upper echelon of the Western Conference - teams like Vancouver, San Jose and Detroit.

So, while a bunch of free agent forwards signed elsewhere today - Andrew Brunette (Chicago), Eric Cole (Montreal), Tomas Fleischmann (Florida), Jeff Halpern (Washington), Jaromir Jagr (Philadelphia), Ville Lenio (Buffalo), Alexei Ponikarovsky (Carolina), Michael Ryder (Dallas), Steve Sullivan (Pittsburgh), Marco Sturm (Vancouver), Scottie Upshall (Florida), Kris Versteeg (Florida via trade) and Joel Ward (Washington) - Lombardi headed to Toronto in pusuit of another center.

There are unconfirmed reports he's asked coach Terry Murray how feasible it is to start 12 centers on offense. Which is great news to prospects like Andrei Loktionov and Jordan Weal, who would be needed for those 11th and 12 spots.

So, for now we wait.

Three teams have yet to make a big splash today - the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers.

Thus, we're actually right back where we started. The same three teams that have been rumored for over a month to be the front runners for uber UFA Brad Richards are still in the hunt.

Oh yeah, one more thing... there's also a very good, often injured, former Flyer winger who hasn't signed with anybody yet. Perhaps he's plan B.

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LA Kings Roundtable on player contracts, roster changes

Just in time for the weekend - part five of the recent roundtable discussion on the Los Angeles Kings is now available!

Joining me on the panel were Dennis Bernstein of The 4th Period, Jon Moncrief of the Examiner, Dave Joseph of ESPN and several others.

The group was pulled together by the guys over at KingsCast and in this segment we talk in-depth about which players will be back next year, a certain player that has privately said he's willing to come back at a discounted rate and roster changes that need to take place for the team to become Stanley Cup contenders. Plus, some lively debate on Jarret Stoll, Ryan Smyth, Michal Handzus, Willie Mitchell, Brad Richardson, Trevor Lewis and more!



If you haven't been keeping up with the whole series, here's a recap:

Part one of the roundtable featured discussion on Drew Doughty - click here to watch now.

Part two featured discussion on the power play and prospects - click here to watch now.

Part three had lots of talk on free agent signings, trade rumors, Anze Kopitar, Jonathan Bernier, Dustin Penner and much more - click here to watch now.

Part four went up earlier this week and was mainly about coaching and Johnson vs. Doughty - click here to watch now.

More videos will be released by KingsCast in the weeks to come.

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Kings coach Murray on why he wants Handzus back

Remember high school math? You learned a bunch of stuff you thought you'd never use.

Well, here's your chance.

Michal Handzus' four-year career as an LA King could best be described as a bell curve (go look it up if you forgot).

The signing itself was panned and the first year didn't do much to squash the chatter. After all, four-million is a lot of coin for a guy that scored - gulp - seven goals.

He followed that up with 18 and 20-goal seasons, more typical of what GM Dean Lombardi was expecting. Additionally, he was the Kings best defensive player during that stretch.

This season, he looked to be on the downside of that bell curve - at least offensively speaking - posting just 12 goals. Some critics will argue he was playing with Alexander Frolov the two seasons prior, compared to 'carrying' Alexei Ponikarovsky this season. Perhaps.

Putting it all together, coach Terry Murray said he'd like to have him back...

"He's a real linchpin kind of a guy. He's a leader. He’s a great example. He's a professional in all senses of the word - getting ready, doing the work that needs to be done to be a player. The tough part for him (was that) I had to elevate him to a situation in the playoffs, because of circumstances. Somebody might look at it and say, 'Jeez, I don’t know,' but we know. He's an important guy.'

Oh, and here's one for you - how many games do you think Handzus has missed since signing with LA?  Remember, he was coming off of major knee surgery when he joined the Kings.

Answer - one. ONE GAME in four years.

Yes, Drew Doughty's contract will take top priority in the months to come. However, Lombardi said it looks like the salary cap will be going up, to "around 63 million."

Which is good news if the team wants to try and fit Handzus back into the fold.

Odds are, he'll be back. Expect a one-year deal for about two-million.



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