Nolan, King up and Voynov, Stoll out for LA Kings

Slava Voynov is on his way back to Manchester. It's an easy move to understand, as the team was carrying an extra defenseman and it seems that coach Darryl Sutter has settled on Alec Martinez. Thus, it was time for Voynov to head back to the AHL, where he can play large minutes every night and continue his development.

Jarret Stoll was also placed on injured reserve with the ever-popular 'lower body injury.' No timetable has been set for his return.

And then there's this - forwards Jordan Nolan and Dwight King were called up from Manchester. In a nutshell, they're two of the Monarchs leading point producers and the two biggest forwards not named Ray Kaunisto. At 6-foot-3, both are just an inch shy of twitter phenom-to-be RayK71.

Speaking of 71, that's the number Nolan will wear when he makes his NHL debut tomorrow vs. the Islanders. King will wear #74, the same jersey he sported during his six-game NHL stint last season.

King, originally selected in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Draft, had posted 11 goals, 18 assists 20 penalty minutes and a plus-6 rating over 50 games with Manchester this season.

Nolan, a seventh round selection at the 2009 NHL Draft, has probably been the Monarchs most improved player this season - with nine goals, 13 assists and 119 PIM. Both players also spent a little bit of time with the Ontario Reign (ECHL) after first turning pro.

LA Kings officially place Ethan Moreau on waivers

So much for waiting one more day to make a decision on which player had to leave in order to clear room on the Kings roster for Willie Mitchell's return - which is expected for tomorrow's game vs. Dallas.

Ethan Moreau has officially been placed on waivers. All other NHL teams will now have 24 hours to claim him. If he's not picked up by another team, his future is unclear at the moment.  He was a first round draft pick by the Chicago Blackhawks at the 1994 NHL Draft and he's played in 928 NHL games.

This season, Moreau had played in all 28 games for the Kings, bouncing between the third and fourth lines - and from the left to right side. He had one goal and three assists, to go along with a plus-minus rating of minus-3 and 20 penalty minutes.  His 50 hits were fourth on the team behind Dustin Brown (84), Matt Greene (79) and Kyle Clifford (60).

You have to wonder if Trent Hunter scoring that goal last night helped save his job or if Moreau was going either way.

Back when Moreau was still captain of the Oilers, he sat down for an in-depth interview with MayorsManor.  Click here to give it a read if you've never seen it before.  We cover some interesting stories together.

The timing of him going on waivers is at least a little ironic with the Stars coming in town tomorrow night.  You may recall, some of the sharpest criticism coach Terry Murray has had this season, directed at a specific player, came after Moreau's penalty during the Kings last game in Dallas two weeks ago.  The two events aren't connected, just ironic.

More info to come, as it becomes available.

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

What I've learned so far this season...by Ethan Moreau

Kyle Clifford cements his spot on the fourth line, others are on the clock

What I've learned so far this season...by Kevin Westgarth

POLL:  What's the right roster move for the LA Kings?

Trent Hunter on his first goal and the postgame team meeting

Wild at Kings roster notes, including a first NHL start

Some quick notes on tonight's game, featuring the Minnesota Wild's second (and final) trip to Staples Center this season:

- Coach Terry Murray was right yesterday, both Alec Martinez and Willie Mitchell won't be in the line-up tonight. However, in a reversal from the way things looked 24 hours ago, it's Martinez who will play. To create the roster spot for #27's removal from IR, Mitchell was added to IR - retroactive to December 1st, as his groin hasn't fully recovered.

- The status of Justin Williams is still TBD. He skated this morning, but his availability for tonight will be a game-time decision. Brad Richardson will skate in warm-ups tonight and will get the call if #14 isn't ready to go.

- Trevor Lewis will go back in the line-up tonight, playing right wing on the fourth line. Apparently, he's shown the necessary grit in practice the last few days.

- As of now, the lines appear to be:

Dustin Penner - Anze Koptiar - Dustin Brown
Simon Gagne - Jarret Stoll - Williams/Richardson
Ethan Moreau - Andrei Loktionov - Trent Hunter
Kyle Clifford - Colin Fraser - Trevor Lewis

Of course, that's all subject to change on a shift by shift basis.

UPDATE: The plan now is to flip-flop Stoll and Loktionov. So, Stoll returns to the third line.

- For the Wild, they've announced Matt Hackett will make his first NHL start in net. He came on in relief the other night vs. San Jose and earned his first victory. Hackett was selected by Minnesota in the third round of the 2009 NHL Draft and played junior hockey in the OHL. Last season he was the starting goalie for the Wild's AHL farm team, the Houston Aeros - who lost the championship in a six-game series with Binghamton. Former Kings defenseman Darryl Sydor was the assistant coach on that team (he's now an assistant with the Wild) and former Kings draft pick Patrick O'Sullivan played forward for them. In his junior days, Hackett was teammates with future Kings draft picks Jordan Nolan and Robbie Czarnik.

- Devin Setoguchi was placed on IR earlier today by the Wild. He'll miss the action tonight at Staples Center.

Game time is 7:30pm PST.

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Patrick O'Sullivan reflects on his days with the Kings

Interview with Robbie Czarnik - the forgotten Kings prospect

Dr. Terry Murray with the latest updates from the infirmary - notes on Richards, Mitchell, etc.

Trevor Lewis responds to benching, coach Terry Murray's comments

Dustin Penner says Corey Perry was 'mlking it' after he hit him

Four LA Kings prospects make preliminary WJC rosters

Later this week we'll have a full prospect report posted, including a look at what's going on out east with the Manchester Monarchs.

For now, here's the big news of the day...

Team Finland and the USA have submitted their preliminary rosters for the upcoming World Junior Championships (Canada's was released last week).

This is the top tournament in the world for the 'under-20' aged hockey players and many of the games will be televised in the U.S. on the NHL Network.

Four LA Kings prospects have made the lists...

USA - Derek Forbort, defenseman, University of North Dakota, first round selection 2010 NHL Draft

USA - Kevin Gravel, defenseman, St. Cloud St. University, fifth round selection 2010 NHL Draft

Finland - Christopher Gibson, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL), second round selection 2011 NHL Draft

Canada - Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa 67's (OHL), second round selection 2010 NHL Draft

For Team USA, a total roster of 30 players was announced. They will hold a pre-tourney camp from December 17-23 and their final 22-player roster will be known December 22.

Meanwhile, Canada put out a roster of 41 players, who will start their camp this Saturday in Calgary. Toffoli, who was the leading goal scorer in all of junior hockey last year, was a surprise omission from last year's team and he'll be looking to make sure the same thing doesn't happen again.

Trevor Lewis responds to benching, Murray's comments

Lewis - LA vs Anaheim (photo: M. Zampelli)

Things can change fairly quickly in the NHL, just ask Kings forward Trevor Lewis.

He came into camp riding the high of a strong second half and playoff performance - where he was one of the team's top penalty killers and was starting to find his offensive touch. Lewis went on to play in 19 of the Kings' first 20 games this season.

Then, after zero goals and just one assist, coach Terry Murray sat him out of the line-up nearly two weeks ago and he hasn't been back since - with tonight being the fifth straight game he's a healthy scratch.

After practice yesterday, I asked both men about the situation.

Murray on what it will take for Lewis to get back into the lineup - "Play a little more grittier. That’s the meeting that we had. I’m not talking out of school here. We've had that meeting and that’s the kind of game that I want to see him start to add to his game - his dot-to-boards (play). He needs to be bigger, he needs to be stronger, he needs to come up with more pucks and just dig in on that checking part of the game. He’s very good when it comes to penalty killing. He was (in) our first pair out there last year - in the second half of the year (he) did a great job. He’s a player who can grab the puck when it gets a little hot in your own end and he can settle things just by moving his feet and getting it out of danger, carrying the puck himself because of his quickness and speed. So, there’s nothing that I don’t like about his game. I just want him to add to his game."

Was that a new message delivered to Lewis in the meeting or was it something they've talked with him about before?

Xbox is hurting Dustin Penner, Richards might be helping

Penner remains out for Kings (photo: D. Sheehan)

On second thought... Dustin Penner will not be in the Kings line-up tomorrow night versus Florida. After indicating as such earlier in the week, coach Terry Murray said he's 'not quite' ready yet. He also assured the small group gathered to speak with him after practice today that Penner didn't have any sort of a setback, describing him as 'getting closer.'

About an hour later, Penner was the last player off the ice at practice and we had a chance to catch up on a few things...

MM: So, (Trevor) Lewis tells me that (Mike) Richards likes to eat candy. I remember last year you saying you were trying to get off the Sour Patch Kids. Has that been a problem this year, with him sitting next to you?

DP: No, he shares and we have an understanding - 'What's yours is mine.' So, we've strengthened our friendship through Sour Patch Kids.

MM: You might be able to bully him into sharing, given the size difference. But, what about the guy to your right [Kevin Westgarth]?

DP: Westy usually just mostly grunts. We don't talk unless I'm grunting with him.

MM: Is it intimidating at all, having to sit next to a Princeton grad?

DP: No, I went to Maine.

MM: Oh, that's the same level now?

POLL: What's the right roster move for the LA Kings?

As reported yesterday, Dustin Penner is set to return to the Kings line-up this Thursday. In order for that to happen though, the team needs to make a roster move to create a slot for him.

If you were the Kings GM, which of the following moves would you make?

To answer the question properly, first assume a few things... Penner isn't getting traded and/or waived, Bobby Ryan isn't moving across town to Staples Center and all other trades are temporarily off the table. Thus, one of the options below is what 'you' and your Kings management team are trying to reach consensus on.

For those unfamiliar with the finer points of the decision, some players can be sent to Manchester without a problem (i.e. usually younger players, with fewer games played in the NHL - like Andrei Loktionov). Others, usually more experienced players, would first have to be placed on 'waivers,' allowing another NHL team to claim them - which would also free up cap space for the Kings. If the waived player isn't taken by any other team, he can then be assigned to Manchester.

Weighing all options, which one is the right move?




Poll closes at noon on Tuesday or when the final decision is announced by the team.

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Trevor Lewis talks about being on the outside looking in - ans shares a tidbit on Mike Richards

Coach Murray and Ethan Moreau on his recent penalties

And Now You're Caught Up - the quick roundup of all the Kings news over Thanksgiving weekend

Clifford getting help from Stoll, now he's ready to roll

Evaluating coach Murray's new line combinations - includes quotes from Loktionov

Westgarth goes from 'stewing in his juices' into the line-up

Westgarth remains positive (photo: M. Zampelli)

By all accounts, Kevin Westgarth had a great summer. He married his longtime girlfriend and signed a two-year contract extension with the Kings.

Things haven't been so good since though.

Coming off a season where he played 56 games, roughly two-thirds of the regular season games, he's only seen action in six of the team's first 20 games.

"It's frustrating," said Westgarth, when asked about his role basically being cut in half so far. "It just gives me opportunity to work hard and just try to improve in practice and just be ready to roll when I get the call and to take advantage of opportunities that are given."

The time is now, as coach Terry Murray will insert him into the line-up as the fourth line right wing tonight in St. Louis. He's faced the Blues four times previously and has been credited with a total of eight hits in those games, second only to his stats against the Dallas Stars.

Westgarth has only one scrap in those four games, it came last March vs. the much smaller Cam Janssen - who had previously come on MayorsManor and talked about using videos on HockeyFights.com to scout Westgarth and Kyle Clifford. It didn't help much that night and Janssen has since moved on to New Jersey.

Last week, Westgarth would have normally been an automatic start in the Kings back-to-back games with the Anaheim Ducks - however, they're resident tough guy, George Parros, is out of the line-up recovering from eye surgery.

Still, Westgarth says he didn't like being on the sidelines for those games.

Mike Richards on the return of Sidney Crosby to the NHL

While a member of the Philadelphia Flyers, Mike Richards played the New Jersey Devils a total of 41 times, which was more than any other team in the league.

Just one game behind were the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Somebody else can look up how many of those 40 games featured Sidney Crosby - although it's safe to assume a lot of them, as they both came into the NHL the same year (2005-06).

Richards missed Crosby when the Penguins were in LA a few weeks ago, as the 24-year old captain was still on the shelf with concussion like symptoms.

As you've probably heard by now, Crosby returns tonight after a ten month layoff.

After practice today, Richards talked about what #87's return means...

"It's great for the league," said Richards. "It's like Kobe or LeBron being out for the NBA or kind of like Peyton Manning being out for the NFL. You want your best players on the ice, to not only build the game but to put on a showcase. He's obviously the best in the game, so it will be nice to have him back on the ice."

Several of the Penguins players appeared on MayorsManor earlier this month and shared some humorous thoughts on several of their teammates. For your convenience, those articles are linked below.

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

What I've learned so far this season...by Kris Letang

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/What I've learned so far... by Mike Richards - includes a warning for Dustin Penner

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The Russians are invading LA - are you prepared?

The Kings will have have a new injection of Eastern European blood when they take the ice on Wednesday night against the visiting Anaheim Ducks.

Two of LA's top prospects were recalled today - forward Andrei Loktionov and defenseman Slava Voynov. Both were born in Russia and drafted by the Kings in the 2008 NHL Draft.

Although they've played the last few seasons together in Manchester, New Hampshire for the Kings' top minor league affiliate, they were born about 1,000 miles apart in their native land. Loktionov hails from Voskresensk, a city not far from Moscow, while Voynov is originally from Chelyabinsk - which is further east on a map.

Voynov held down the fort while Drew Doughty was negotiating a new contract with the Kings during training camp and was the last player cut before opening night rosters were submitted to the NHL.

Then, after Doughty was injured in the fourth game of the season, Voynov was recalled and played the next five games with the team - picking up two goals and an assist. He also scored a goal in his last game with the Monarchs this past Saturday. It was his third goal and fourth point in the AHL this year.

LA Kings forward Scott Parse on when he might play again

Scott Parse continues to be an interesting case study for the Los Angeles Kings. GM Dean Lombardi and coach Terry Murray have certainly given him plenty of praise over the last few years. However, his offensive numbers just haven't been there.

He's also found himslef under a constant microscope since returning from major hip surgery last November. First, Murray was less than pleased with his efforts in the playoffs (as discussed here).

More recently, after the coach first said he would play Parse in all of the pre-season games, the 27-year old forward was scratched a few games in. At the time, Parse thought his problems were all between his ears. Yet, Murray wasn't so sure.

Then, the twists and turns continued when, just as Parse seemed moments from being placed on waivers, Dustin Penner was injured, pushing him into the opening night line-up vs. the New York Rangers.

Parse played a total of 23 minutes, had two shots on goal and zero points in the first two games.

Yesterday, he offered a little perspective on where things stand...

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Scott Parse thinks the problems are all between his ears, Murray not so sure

Exclusive:  Dustin Penner provides full details of his injuries - exactly what's been going on

Coach Murray is NOT happy with Scott Parse

GM Dean Lombardi - 'Anze Kopitar may be the new Blake Griffin'

Lombardi on prospects Holloway and Moller bolting for Europe

Doughty, Voynov, Murray on the puzzling Kings blue line

Although the Kings have one of the strongest defensive units in the Western Conference - if not the top group overall - there are certainly a few questions going on at the moment.

Drew Doughty is out with an injury. Rookie Slava Voynov is playing well so far. Alec Martinez looks to be starting slow. And Davis Drewiske is still a healthy scratch most nights.

Following the team's morning skate, Doughty, Voynov and coach Terry Murray weighed in with comments...

Doughty on his health - "Everything has gotten a lot better (in the last few days). I haven't been able to shoot yet - which is obviously a key part to the game. So, I need to get that back. I've made really fast progress though and I'm happy with how much better it's gotten. I really want to play because it's almost harder being hurt than playing. You work a lot harder in the gym than on the ice. So, it's pretty frustrating at the same time."

As for his replacement, Doughty said that Voynov "has been great" for the Kings.

Murray agreed, adding - "(Voynov's) play with the puck, his composure and his attitude about going after it and being aggressive on the offensive part of the game, is something that I’ve always liked in players, and he's bringing that."

Which, naturally, leads to the obvious question - is there a chance Voynov will stay up with the Kings when Doughty is ready to return?

NHL Premiere: LA Kings vs NY Rangers pre-game notes, first goal contest

Hang on, relax. You only have less than an hour to go and you'll be just fine...hockey will be back!

To get you primed and ready to go, here are some quick tidbits on the Los Angeles Kings vs New York Rangers match-up. Also, be sure to take note of the details for today's 'first goal contest' listed at the end of this article.

- Kings all-time Record against the Rangers: 43-62-19. This is the only meeting between the two teams this season, as it was last year. When they squared off on February 17, 2011, the Rangers won in a shootout 4-3. Dustin Brown picked up two points that night and the Kings collected another point on their nearly-month-long road trip (post-game notes and highlights from that game can be accessed here).

- Rangers defeneman Marc Staal, one of their top defensemen, didn't make the trip to Europe due to lingering symptoms from the concussion he sustained in a game last year.

- Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist is from Sweden and earlier in his career played in the Frolunda HC system - the same organization that Kings' 2011 draft pick Michael Schumacher was part of last year (article).

- At least four former NHL players to suit up for both the Kings and Rangers will be in attendance - Luc Robitaille, Mattis Norstrom, Tomas Sandstrom and Bernie Nicholls.

- Richards vs. Richards: In 23 career games vs. the LA Kings, Brad Richards has 26 goals (seven goals, 19 assists). On the other side, Mike Richards has played 37 games against the New York Rangers, picking up 12 goals and 11 assists.

Murray says Voynov will play Tuesday - did he tip his hand?

Slava Voynov of LA Kings (photo: M. Zampelli)

Given the words and actions of LA Kings coach Terry Murray over the last few weeks, it at least appears like forward Scott Parse may be hanging on by a thread.

The team needs to get the roster down to 21 skaters by Friday, meaning one more cut is required.

Thus, either Parse, Davis Drewiske or rookie Slava Voynov won't be around for the season opener.

During a press conference earlier today in Germany, Murray may have tipped his hand when he shared the following:

"Voynov will play in the (final pre-season) game tomorrow...he's had a great training camp for us. He's coming off an All-Star year in the American Hockey League. His game has grown tremendously over the three years that I've been watching him in the training camps. Right now, he's on the threshold - he's knocking right on the door, can he make the National Hockey League and the LA Kings? He's been a fun player to watch. He's similar in his game to Drew Doughty - he's a 'puck skill' guy, he's got great vision on the ice, he's a second/third option player, he can find those guys and make really good plays. So, it's going to be another good look at him tomorrow night."

Previously in camp, Murray had said he'd be open to starting the season with eight defensemen. Thus, the option is there for Drewiske and Voynov to occupy those final two roster spots.

Voynov is also expected to debut his new #26 jersey in the game, after wearing #76 so far this preseason. Originally selected by the Kings in the second round of the 2008 NHL Draft, he entered training camp ranked by MayorsManor as the second best defensive prospect in the Kings organization and sixth overall (see the full list here).

Early tomorrow morning we'll have a special preview of the Kings pre-season game against the Hamburg Freezers.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

RELATED ARTICLES:

Coach Murray looks at Slava Voynov vs Thomas Hickey on defense

Parse thinks the problems are between his ears, coach Murray unsure

Drewiske and Doughty - forever linked to Kansas City

Drew Doughty on his most annoying LA Kings teammate - and on taking Voynov's locker from him

LA Kings players take a humorous look at their trip to Europe - jock straps, clothes, teeth, etc.

Saturday cuts - LA Kings send three more to Manchester

The pruning of the Los Angeles Kings 2011 training cam roster continues.

Three players are on their way back to Manchester (AHL) - defensemen Andrew Campbell and Thomas Hickey, along with left wing Dwight King.

This has to be good news for Russian defeseman Slava Voynov, who is hoping to join the team on their season opening trip to Europe.

At the same time, it's another disappointment for Hickey, the Kings first round pick at the 2007 NHL Draft.

Just a few weeks ago, Hickey spoke with MayorsManor about the pressure he was feeling camp this year - that article, along with coach Terry Murray's reaction to his comments can be found here.  The former Team Canada captain and WHL standout also did a more in-depth interview (linked here) right before last season's AHL playoffs got underway.

Hickey was ranked ninth among the Kings top 10 prospects in the MayorsManor list that came out just as camp was opening last month.  Voynov was ranked sixth.  To see the full rankings, click here.

More notes from Vegas later this afternoon.

The Mayor
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LA Kings at Ducks: pre-game notes, line-up, Doughty, more

The game in Anaheim is starting in less than hour.

Last Sunday at Staples Center, the Kings lost to the Ducks 3-1. LA's lone goal came from Andrei Loktionov, who was sent to Manchester (AHL) earlier this afternoon. You can read the post-game notes and quotes from that contest here.  Coach Terry Murray wasn't happy with the performance of Scott Parse that night - pause the thought for a moment though.

Here are a few other Kings-Ducks articles that have appeared on MayorsManor previously. These should get you warmed up and ready to go:

Mike Richards on Corey Perry and not doing stupid things

LA Kings players on favorite moments in Anaheim

Kings prospect Ray Kaunisto calls Ducks fan 'a lost cause'

In the plans:  LA Kings vs Anaheim Ducks outdoor game

Kings-Ducks:  The first time it mattered this much

Tonight's projected line-up for the Kings is as follows:

Simon Gagne - Anze Kopitar - Scott Parse
Dustin Penner - Mike Richards - Dustin Brown
Kyle Clifford - Jarret Stoll - Ethan Moreau
Brad Richardson - Trevor Lewis - Trent Hunter
[update: Dustin Penner was a late scratch, replaced by Dwight King]

Willie Mitchell - Slava Voynov
Rob Scuderi - Thomas Hickey
Davis Drewiske - Matt Greene

Jonathan Bernier - Jeff Zatkoff

This may very well be the final shot for Parse, especially considering the Kings just signed Trent Hunter to a one-year deal earlier today.

Parse was on MayorsManor recently, claiming the ineffectiveness he's displayed in camp is a 'problem between his ears' - read that article here.

Hunter was also on MayorsManor recently, talking about his knee and playing with skilled guys like Kopitar and Penner (linked here).

The game starts at 6pm PST, you can listen live via the KTLK website.

As for Drew Doughty, he's been signed to a new eight-year contract (detailed here) and is not expected to play his first game until the Kings get over to Europe - more on that later this weekend.

The Mayor
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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!

The Mayor
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Cruising the mall with Doughty and Simmonds

10 Tidbits on Drew Doughty

Drew Doughty vs. The Mayor

Doughty and Drewiske - forever linked to Kansas City

Kings players sing an American classic

Drew Doughty vs. Dustin Brown? - say it ain't so

Doughty's interview tonight with Rich Hammond - talking contract signing, Slava Voynov, Europe, etc.

order here --> MayorsManor Store

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POLL: What should the LA Kings do with Scott Parse?

Last night in Colorado, Kings forward Scott Parse recorded his first point of the pre-season.

However, just a few days ago, coach Terry Murray said he wasn't necessarily looking for goals or assists out of the 27-year old winger right now. Instead, he wanted to see his feet moving - something Murray claimed has been lacking.

While a dozen or so players have been fighting for one of the few roster spots available on the Kings team this season, Murray practically gave Parse a job heading into camp - even saying he planned for him to be part of the line-up during every pre-season game, in an effort to let him get back into game shape after missing most of last season.

As of Monday, Parse had yet to 'grab the opporuntiy' according to Murray, which led to a subsequent sit down meeting and him being scratched from Tuesday's game in Kansas City.

With guys like Ethan Moreau, Brad Richarson, Trevor Lewis, Andrei Loktionov and others all pushing for a spot on the Kings third and fourth lines, time may be running out for Parse.

Or is it?

If you were in charge of the Kings, what would you do...



Poll closes Friday at 3pm PST.

The Mayor
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www.facebook.com/MayorsManor 

RELATED ARTICLES:

Scott Parse thinks it's all between his ears, coach Murray isn't sure

10 Tidbits on Scott Parse

Training Camp 2011: updates on injured players - including Parse

LA Kings trim two more from training camp roster

The Kings have announced two more players being cut from training camp in LA and reassigned back to Manchester (AHL).

Forward Justin Azevedo, who played in his third pre-season game last night in Colorado, is headed back to the Monarchs - where he played 79 games last season. The 5-foot-7 forward was originally selected by the Kings in the sixth round of the 2008 NHL Draft - following a breakout year with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL), where scored 43 goals. Last season was his third year in Manchester and his 53 points (18g, 35a) were second best on the team - trailing only Bud Holloway's 61 points.

Joining him on the flight back will be tough guy Jordan Nolan. The 6-foot-3 center was a rookie with the Monarchs last season, posting 17 points (5g, 12a) in 75 games. He played for three different teams during his junior hockey career, including the last two with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - where he was teammates with fellow Kings prospect Jake Muzzin. Nolan was a seventh round draft pick in 2009.

During the Kings' rookie camp that preceded main camp, Nolan was one of the stars in the second game of the Rookie Tournament. He scored two goals against the Phoenix Coyotes that day, including the game winner with less than two minutes to go.

He also played two games for the Kings during the NHL preseason this year.

The Kings are now left with 28 skaters (including the injured Colin Fraser) and three goalies in camp. They'll need to be down to 21 skaters before opening night next Friday. As reported previously, they'll be taking all three goalies - Jonathan Quick, Jonathan Bernier and Jeff Zatkoff - with them to Europe.

For notes on the previous roster cuts this year, see below.

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Kings at Avalanche: pre-game links, rosters and listen live

A few quick links to get you ready for tonight's game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Colorado Avalanche:

* Over the summer, the Avs signed free agent defenseman Shane O'Brien - that's a name Kings fans may remember from the 2010 NHL playoffs, when he was with the Vancouver Canucks. Kevin Westgarth and former King Wayne Simmonds spoke about his antics on MayorsManor last season (article).

* Brad Richardson - a one man wrecking crew against his former Avalanche teammates - was featured in a MayorsManor article earlier today. He's fighting to land one of the the final roster spots on the Kings third or fourth lines.

* The guy who seems to be on the hot seat right now, Scott Parse, is back in the line-up tonight. Earlier this week he thought his problems were between his ears. Coach Terry Murray was going to meet with him late Monday to see what was going on. Full story here.

Projected Kings line-up: