Jim Fox talks Dustin Brown rumors - is he being traded?

Thanks to everybody who listened in to MayorsManor LIVE tonight. Sorry we ran out of time before we could get to all of the live calls.

Here's Jim Fox, who we pre-taped a segment with just before going on the air. He answers questions about Jeff Carter, addresses the Dustin Brown trade rumors and more. Take a listen...



We'll have the full Sean O'Donnell quotes on Carter and Mike Richards posted shortly.

If you missed tonight's full episode, where we heard from Ray Kaunisto of the Manchester Monarchs, Ian Laperriere of the Philadelphia Flyers and others - click here to listen to the replay.  It's about as much NHL trade talk as you can handle.

Also, if you missed our exclusive one-on-one interview with Brown - where he opens up about the trade rumors - click here to read that piece now.

The Mayor
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MayorManor LIVE call-in show tonight - trade rumors and special guests

Just a quick reminder that we're looking to hear from you hockey fans! Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period will join me tonight to co-host 90-minutes of wall-to-wall NHL trade rumors. We'll be giving you everything you need to know about tomorrow's trade deadline - who's being shopped, who's not leaving, what teams want in return for certain players and more.

Expect a full look from around the NHL and we'll be taking LIVE calls from you, the listeners. Have a rumor that you want to talk about? Dial us up and we'll give you our take on it.

As if that's not enough though, we'll also be talking with Jim Fox on the rumors surrounding the Kings, as well as their recent acquisition of Jeff Carter.

Plus, two of Carter's former teammates - Ian Laperriere and Sean O'Donnell - also check in with their take on the Kings' new forward. What do they make of all the drama that went down in Philadelphia? And, Lappy will share his opinion of whether the Flyers will be dealing James van Riemsdyk.

You don't want to miss tonight's show!

UPDATE: If you missed it, check the show page here: Mayor's Manor radio - Hockey Chirps Live or listen to the full replay in the audio player below...

Listen to internet radio with MayorsManor X Hockey Chirps on Blog Talk Radio

NOTE: Because we ran long this week, the Jim Fox interview can be found here...and the full comments from Sean O'Donnell can be heard here.

The Mayor
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VIDEO: Guest spot on Inside Sports - talking LA Kings trades

After the Kings 4-0 win over the Blackhawks last night, I was a guest on Inside Sports. Live from the press box at Staples Center, we talked about Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter, Jack Johnson, will the Kings make another trade before the deadline, what's going on in Manchester and much more. I'm the guest for the first half of the show, followed by Brian Kennedy (author of My Country is Hockey).

I was even able to work in two Dodgers references...

The Mayor
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One-on-one with LA captain Dustin Brown, talking trade rumors

Dustin Brown has averaged 27 goals per season over the last four years, he's always near the top of the league in hits (currently second) and has a very favorable contract, including a cap hit of $3.175 million per season.

Who wouldn't want that guy on their team? So, of course, teams are interested in him.

But, when Bob McKenzie - the gold standard for NHL Insiders - mentions the Kings are looking to deal him, people stand up and take notice. That's the 'other' news in LA at the moment.

During last night's conference call with GM Dean Lombardi, he said "Right now, I have absolutely nothing," when asked about the possibility of additional trades following the acquisition of Jeff Carter.

Still, after practice today, I spoke with Brown about the latest hysteria. Yes, there was a throng of media on hand today to speak with the players, including Brown. However, I waited until the herd of cameras, microphones and others were gone. Alone in his stall, we had the following conversation...

MM: What do you make of all the rumors that are out there?

DB: I can't say I don't think about them. There's no sense in dwelling over it though. It's one of those things, it's part of the business. There are a lot rumors out there that are true, there's a lot of rumors out there that aren't true. There's a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes that a lot of people don't see. As a player, I just try to concern myself with being a better player, especially considering the huge game we have prior to the deadline. We need two points. As one of the leaders on this team, it's my responsibility to be ready to play.

MM: Guys react to being part of the rumor mill differently. Some guys get angry, some get hurt. What's your reaction to the things being said in the last twenty four hours about you possibly being on the move?

ANNOUNCEMENT: MayorsManor LIVE call-in show this Sunday

We're looking to hear from you hockey fans! MayorsManor is proud to announce that this Sunday night - on the eve of the NHL Trade Deadline - we're kicking off a new show, Hockey Chirps Live.

It will a be 90-minute call-in show, where we'll be taking your calls to review all possible trade scenarios from around the NHL. Who would you give up for Rick Nash? Jeff Carter? Zach Parise? Why your team should trade player A for player B. Who is the one untouchable on your team? What rumors have you heard - find out if they're fact or fiction.

Anything trade related you want to talk about, we'll answer your questions.

Joining me to co-host this all-new adventure is Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period. We'll update you on all the rumors and fill you in on who's likely to be traded...and for what.

Join us this Sunday, starting at 7pm PST.

You can access the show page here.

Hope you'll join us.

[UPDATE: An updated show page, with links to the Jim Fox and Sean O'Donnell interviews can be found here.]

The Mayor
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Jack Johnson on his preferences, rumors and what's next

Jack Johnson (photo: M. Zampelli)

Rumors are just that...rumors. Although many hockey fans cling to much of what they read at this time of year as gospel truth - or at the very least, as scenarios having a high probability of happening - the fact remains more often than not, the talked about deals never see the light of day.

"Most of the time, rumors aren't worth the paper they're written on," Kings defenseman Jack Johnson shared during a recent conversation.

"If something's going to happen, it's going to happen. It's kind of out of your control. So, you try not to worry about it," he said, in response to the rumors that always pop up at this time of year regarding him being dealt.

While he's approaching things with his typical laid back attitude (something more akin to a life long California beach bum than a kid raised in Michigan), others in the locker room have admitted to the mood around the Kings becoming more tense of late.

Drew Doughty was one of those people in an article here on MayorsManor a few days ago (link).

Yet, true to form, Johnson downplayed the idea when asked for a reaction to Doughty's assessment - "I haven't noticed anything like that."

Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash

To properly understand the argument that the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter over Rick Nash, first requires an open mind. Second, fans of any of the players mentioned below are encouraged to follow along using more of their minds and less of their hearts. This isn't about who is a nicer guy, which player is a fan favorite or anything else. This is about cold, hard distribution of company assets.

Conventional wisdom is that the Kings' two best trade chips from their current NHL roster would be Jack Johnson and Jonathan Bernier (trading either comes with its own risk, as reviewed previously in an article here). That's not saying either guy needs to be traded.  It simply means to get something of value, they need to give up something of value.  Both players are hot commodities around the league - so, it's a compliment to who and what they are.

To get Nash out of Columbus, it's believed the Kings would have to give up both players, plus possibly Dustin Brown and another draft pick or prospect. That's a huge gamble on one player and would the Kings really be better off for it? They will have lost one of their best defensemen - arguably, their best defenseman this season - plus a top-six forward and added only one player in return.

Nash supporters will argue he isn't 'only' a player, he's a superstar (or at the very least a superstar in waiting). Yes, he's averaged 35 goals per year over the last seven seasons. And, yes, he's been able to do much of that without having linemates nearly as talented as somebody like Anze Kopitar.

However, nabbing the best guy from the worst team has long been one of the riskiest trades in sports. Stats are inflated in those environments. Guys are rarely, if ever, able to duplicate those numbers after moving to higher echelon teams.

Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors

Richards and Beriner (photo: D. Sheehan)

The rumors are out there. It's inevitable at this time of year. And, given the Kings' lack of offense this season, what else do you expect?

Every few days a new rumor pops up, with this player or that player on their way to LA. So far, GM Dean Lombardi hasn't consummated a trade. However, it's not for lack of trying. His cell phone bill has probably never been higher. Around the NHL, it's a sellers market and therein lies the problem. Too many teams needing players, not enough willing to sell. Prices are high.

Besides Rick Nash, the other name most often linked to the Kings of late has been Jeff Carter - who just happens to be Mike Richards' best friend.

"I talk to him probably three or four times a week," said Richards, commenting on the close relationship they've maintained after both were traded out of Philadelphia over the summer.

Now, Carter may be on the move again. Columbus thought they had finally hit the jackpot last June, dealing for a grade-A center to play with Nash. To say it's been a nightmare would probably be an understatement and the Blue Jackets are currently looking for somebody to jump in and take over his long-term, big money contract.

"There's no secret to the possibility of him being traded," Richards said. "Obviously, if he came here, that would be a benefit to our team. But, we don't want to give a lot of things up because I think we have a good group here too."

He nailed it, that's the problem. Columbus is believed to be asking for a package that includes Jack Johnson and/or Jonathan Bernier in return. In an article here last week, we discussed the challenges such a move brings for the Kings - namely, Jonathan Quick is a walk away free agent in less than 18 months.

Even so, as Drew Doughty admitted the other day, things are becoming pretty tense around the Kings locker room.

Kings locker room tense due to trade rumors, per Doughty

Drew Doughty (photo by: D. Sheehan)

The final story on the LA Kings' season has yet to be written. Several chapters are already completed though, including the season opening trip to Europe, Mike Richards hot streak in November and the firing of Terry Murray in December.

So far, 2012 has seen a reoccurring problem from the past two years somehow become even worse - they just can't seem to generate goals.

"We feel bad because we know we have the talent in here to score," explained Drew Doughty. "We have the team that should put way more pucks in the net. We're not doing the job."

For as frustrating as that's been for the organization and fans alike, to show just how close they are to being one of the top teams in the league, think about this - 18 of Jonathan Quick’s 26 losses have been by one goal, including 10 of his last 12.

Averaging just a half-a-goal more per game would make a HUGE difference. Winning just a third of those games (eight of the 26 to be more specific) would give them 81 points and have LA sitting second in the Western Conference.

Like several players on the team, Doughty acknowledged there was pressure in the air in the weeks leading to the coaching change. Then, it left like a breeze through an open window in the early part of the Sutter Era. Yet, things have become tense once again according to the 22-year old defenseman.

The Wizard plays the ultimate game of 'Where's Whitney?'

Where's Whitney...going? (photo: D. Sheehan)

This season, #WheresWhitney has become a popular hashtag on twitter among Coyotes fans, as they keep an eye on popular winger Ray Whitney. With the trade deadline approaching though, it's getting harder and harder to figure out where he just might be next.

"I haven't been rumored to go to some of the teams at the bottom of the league yet, like Edmonton." he said, when asked if there was a team out there he hasn't seen his name attached to. "It's been like that the last couple of years now - including my last season in Carolina and then with the rumors again this year."

Talks have cooled of late though, as the Coyotes have gone 5-0-1 in their last six games and enter tonight in the eighth playoff spot.

"Certainly if we would have kept going the way we were going, spiraling, it probably would have happened by now or the talks would have been even more. But, us being in a playoff spot changes that. As long as we're in it by the deadline, it will make things a little more interesting. in terms of what they're going to do. If somebody gives (Coyotes management) a good deal, you still have to think about life beyond this year. If there's a right deal, I'm sure they would do it."

Uprooting and moving his family was a major concern the last time he entered the trade deadline as a pending free agent (2010). And while his wife and three children are still a high priority, if he changes teams again, he has a plan this time around - at least for the short term.

"They'll stay in Phoenix, regardless of what happens, and that would be the tough part. If I do get traded, right to the end would be the best time to do it, on the last day. That would minimize the amount of time I have to be away. It would be hard on my wife and kids, but they also realize there's a looming lockout next year. If there is one, that would probably be the end of my career. So, I realize this could be the last chance for me to go get one."

Nicknamed the Wizard, for the amazing things he can do on the ice, Whitney says he'll eventually end up living back in Carolina once his playing days are over. But, he's far from being ready to become a homebody just yet.

In fact, Whitney would be so perfect for LA, it's probably too good to be true. He plays left wing - the position they need the most help with. His 16 goals so far this season would place him second on the Kings, one behind Anze Kopitar. And his 51 points would have him leading the team.

Oh, and how's this - what was he doing last night?

"I (met) my good friend Justin Williams and his beautiful wife for dinner in Manhattan Beach to shoot the bull a little bit and reminisce about the old days."

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves with a Whitney and Williams reunion though, there's still a game to be played tonight.

"It's a 'muck fest' when the two teams get together," he joked. "We're both defensive oriented teams. However, we realize they have the potential to be a big offensive team. For some reason, it just hasn't clicked this year."

No, it hasn't. But, a scoring left wing sure would go a long way towards solving some of the Kings' problems.

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Coyotes coach Dave Tippett on memories in LA, Doan vs. Brown, etc.

Ryan Smyth on the 'almost King' Ray Whitney

Kings players talk Doan, Whitney and Yandle

Talking LA Kings trade rumors with goalie Jonathan Bernier

Bernier at practice today (photo: D. Sheehan)

As we wrote about earlier today, trading goalie Jonathan Bernier is a risky proposition for the LA Kings when you consider that starter Jonathan Quick can be a walk-away free agent in less than 18 months.

However, he remains one of the key assets likely to move in any big deal that GM Dean Lombardi may swing for a top line sniper. So, after practice today, we spoke about what it's like to continually hear your name in trade speculation at this time of year...

"I just can't control anything," Bernier began. "So, I've been going day by day and that's what I've been doing all year. It's in management's control and if Dean finds that he wants to trade me, then he'll trade me."

When Bernier checked in with MayorsManor over the summer he talked about wanting to play in LA, but realizing that he might have to leave to reach his ultimate goal of being a starter in the NHL. And that's the same dilemma he's facing at the moment.

"I'm a competitive guy and I want to play as much as possible. Right now, I don't have the playing time that I'd wish (for)," Bernier said. "But, Quickie's been outstanding this year and that's the way it goes, I guess. But, I would like to play more. If it's here, then it's here. If it's somewhere else, it's somewhere else."

Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings

In less than two weeks, most fans will turn their attention back to the action on the ice. For now, it seems all everybody wants to talk about are trade rumors. Who's leaving, who's staying, what would it cost to get this guy or that guy?

Here's a quick recap of the five things in play for the Kings at the moment:

- One of the most valuable assets the Kings have to bargain with is Jonathan Bernier. He's a young goalie, former first round pick and (in limited action) appears to be everything you can build a franchise around. However, trading him away is also one of the riskiest moves GM Dean Lombardi can make. Jonathan Quick is an unrestricted free agent next summer (July 2013) and he's an east coast guy. Would he rather play for a team closer to home? Also, his career numbers are almost identical to Nashville's Pekka Rinne - who recently signed a seven year deal for $7-million per. Can the Kings afford to pay him that much? Trading Bernier now increases Quick's leverage in negotiations down the road and exposes the Kings if he was to walk away in a year.  Even so, as risky as it is, he's likely moving if Lombardi can land a sniper in a return. Any deal like that though would need to include other players because, with as talented as Bernier may be, he's still only played 43 games in the NHL. And you're not getting a top line forward straight up for a guy with 'potential.'

- If Bernier was to leave in a trade, expect the Kings to get a veteran back-up in return (either via that same deal or a separate one). It's highly unlikely you'll see either Manchester goalie as Quick's understudy come playoff time.

LA Kings at Colorado Avalanche - what to watch for

Today's will be just the second back-to-back series of the season for LA...and, unfortunately, they'll be doing it at high altitude.

On the plus side, the Kings have dominated the Avs of late - winning eight of the last nine games, including five straight and the last three in Denver.

Colorado's home record is also one of the key story lines, as their 6-4 record this season features six wins on the road (tops in the NHL) and not a single win at home in four tries.

Here are some other things to watch for...

- Left Wing Stats: Who would have ever thought that after 10 games, Scott Parse would have more goals than Dustin Penner?

- Richie, not Ricky: Brad Richardson, a former Avs draft pick (2003, fifth round), loves to play against his old team.  Last season, he had a hat trick in Denver and has seven points in nine games lifetime vs. Colorado. Don't be surprised to see him spend a little time on the top line with Anze Kopitar.

LA Kings Summer Vacation - a chat w/ Jonathan Bernier

Jonathan Bernier (photo: D. Sheehan)

The long-rumored and highly speculated goaltending controversy in Los Angeles never really developed last season.

For anybody willing to listening, Kings coach Terry Murray proclaimed Jonathan Quick his starter prior to camp, during camp and numerous times throughout the season.

Then, Jonathan Bernier started off slowly when given a few chances in the early part of the schedule. Once the second half rolled around though, he posted very strong numbers, including a 4-0-1 stretch in March.

So, Murray surprised some people in the days before the playoffs when he proclaimed that Bernier would not even be considered for post-season play. Quick was going to play every minute of every game. Period. Although it was probably more like 'exclamation point!'

After splitting the first two games with the Sharks in their opening round series, the Kings were up 4-0 in game three and then collapsed on home ice - eventually losing 6-5 in overtime. Many saw it as an opportunity for Bernier to sneak into a game, either that night or in game four. It never happened.

Six nights later the Sharks won the series and summer was officially underway for the Kings players.

A few days ago, Bernier left for France. His brother plays hockey over there and the two will be training and spending time together for the next week. Before he headed overseas though, I spoke with him about the whole situation described above and a few more things, including trade rumors...

Full details on new Kings jerseys - 3rd, retro, home, road

As I posted earlier on twitter and facebook, that's a picture of the new Los Angeles Kings road jersey that will be featured when the team takes the stage at the draft this weekend - most likely tomorrow (as GM Dean Lombardi doesn't have a first round pick tonight).

Well, here are some more of the plans...

After much discussion on which jersey should be used as the third version, it's been settled - the current home jersey, black base with the crown and purple trim, will become the new third jersey.

For fans loving all things retro, the team will also wear vintage jerseys during three 'Legends' games - dates still to be determined.  Those will (probably) be the same '67-era purple and gold jerseys worn a few times this past season.  However, it could be a different purple/gold version, depending on the players/era they honor.

During home games at Staples Center the Kings will wear the black version of the jersey pictured above.

The Mayor
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Dean Lombardi 'troubled' by Ryan Smyth trade request

When the NHL schedule came out yesterday it revealed the Kings will host both the Washington Captials and Pittsburgh Penguins.  Sid and Ovi coming to town? Usually that's enough to talk about on a boring Thursday in June.

Yet, leave it to Dean Lombardi to throw that one out the window.

First, he made a huge trade with the Flyers, acquiring their captain Mike Richards in exchange for a package that included hockey's number one prospect, Brayden Schenn.

Then, hours later, he dropped another bomb on the conference call - yes, Ryan Smyth DID ask for a trade.

As discussed here on MayorsManor earlier in the week, Smyth's team of preference was the Oilers. And our poll showed fans were split on what the Kings should expect in return (results here).

Lombardi, known for his honesty when answering these type of questions, was his usual blunt self...

"This has kind of evolved over the last two months, actually. When Ryan asked to be moved, at first I was really troubled. Ryan, in our first 40 games last year I thought he was one of our better players. He kind of tailed off a little and then, in the playoffs, was one of our best players. And certainly, left wing, it’s not one of our strongest positions. So first off, my reaction was, `No way,’ and I couldn’t figure out why, because I think Ryan had adapted well."

POLL: Ryan Smyth - what's he worth to the LA Kings?

You always have to preface these type of things, so here goes - Ryan Smyth is a class act and was the perfect player at the perfect time when the Kings acquired him a few summers ago.

That said, according to a TSN report earlier today, Smyth has notified the Kings he would like to play for the Edmonton Oilers next season if possible.

It appears to be more than just a rumor.  So, let's look at things...

He's 35 years old and has played in 1,069 NHL regular season games - including 82 this past season (the first time he's played a full season since 2003-04).

His 47 points were fourth best on the Kings, while his 23 goals were third most on the team.

Perhaps most important, he plays left wing - a position the Kings are extremely thin at throughout the entire organization.

Even so, a trade to Edmonton is always possible.  Anything's possible in the NHL!

If you were GM Dean Lombardi, what would you be looking for in return?


Poll closes Thursday night.

Smyth started his career in Edmonton, playing over 750 games there before being traded to the Islanders in a deadline deal in 2007.  His first career game with the Oilers was actually vs. the Kings at the old Forum - something he spoke about in a MayorsManor interview here.

I'm off to Las Vegas in the morning for NHL Awards week. Be sure to follow all the action via twitter and facebook updates at the links below.

The Mayor
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LA Kings Roundtable on Trades, Kopitar and Penner

Part three of the recent roundtable discussion on the Los Angeles Kings is now available.

The conversation continues with 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 what the Kings should do in the off-season - including deals involving Brad Richards, Rick Nash, Jonathan Bernier, Philadelphia Flyers, etc. - possible future line combinations, Anze Kopitar, Dustin Penner and much more.



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

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

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



The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Kings players on Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash

Interview with Brayden Schenn

Kings 'Most Likely' Opening Next Season in Europe

There is still plenty of hockey left to be played this season. However, for those looking ahead to the fall, here are two quick scheduling notes:

* As first reported by RinkRat on LetsGoKings.com, the Kings annual pre-season game in Las Vegas vs. the Colorado Avalanche has been set. Frozen Fury XIV will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on October 1st.

[note: for some fun, take the Frozen Fury Trivia challenge]

* On a separate note, as reported a few weeks ago, stories in Europe have been circulating claiming the Kings will open the 2011-12 season in Germany - playing a two-game series with the Buffalo Sabres. A source confirmed to me this morning that the Europe opener is 'most likely' happening. Expect an announcement in the next week or so.

Some will like this, some won't.  If nothing else though, playing two games in Germany (expected to be in Berlin and Hamburg) will offset part of the recently announced ticket price increases for next season.

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Interview with former King Noah Clarke - talking playing in Europe

Welcome to LA - 10 Tidbits on Marco Sturm

Interview with Marcel Goc of the Nashville Predators

Is Buffalo's Lindy Ruff the Original Rob Blake?

10 Tidbits on Frozen Fury XIII

LA Kings: The Kids Are All Right - Or Are They?

The big question in Los Angeles on Trade Deadline Day 2011 is do the Kings have the right mix of players to make a legitimate run at the Stanley Cup this season?

In net, they're set. Jonathan Quick is proving to be an elite goalie. So, check that off your list.

On defense, their top-four defensemen are near the top, if not the top unit, in the Western Conference. Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson, Rob Scuderi and Willie Mitchell. That's a formidable group. However, two questions come to mind. One, for as good as Willie Mitchell has been this year, can he stay healthy? If not, do the Kings have enough depth on defense?

Offensively speaking, much has been made about the lack of goal production this season. Yet, understand three key issues: