Thread: Kovalchuk Part VI-The Return of Lombardi?-UPDATE IK A Devil again thread in NHL TALK

Marc Staal hasn't been signed yet either.

Originally Posted by twistedwrister

JMFJ

IF there is any viability here at all. Remember the cbgb comment about DL in a Rubiks cube situation and a reason JJ had not been offered an extension yet?

I'm very skeptical still (notice: hopefully), but if any truth comes of this, if such discussions are going, it comes about and JJ is involved, it obviously opens a hole that would not merely be filled by signing Mitchell alone. Lombardi would have to have something else going on as well, given his concern about creating new holes when making moves.

I have nothing to substantiate this, but my personal belief is that ultimately JJ will not be a long term Los Angeles King.

If however, the Kings add a healthy Mitchell, Gaborik and the Poni, without creating holes, this will be a nice offseason accomplishment and better than former Plan A.

You would make a very good GM

I'm not hearing anything on the Lucic front - 2 sources said they hadn't heard anything - waiting for another source to confirm or deny. He makes more than Brown and Stoll so that probably isn't gonna go over too well in the locker room, but he is a bull AND his playoff worth is huge. But ANOTHER 3rd liner?

On Gaborik, one source says "he's not moving" the other says "If Kovalchuk signs with Rags, Gaborik is a King".

Bettman wants IK in NY or LA (tv ties, madison avenue, etc), so it could get interesting. It's like betting on the 0 or 00 in roulette. The odds are huge, but when it does come in, you're very happy.

Now can I go enjoy this beautiful day please? LOL

Originally Posted by Birdman

Marc Staal hasn't been signed yet either.

Totally out of left field but try this on for size. Kings send Johnson, Moller and a high pick to the Rags for Gaborik and Marc Staal. They then sign UFA Mitchell.

Rags sign Kovalchuk. Devils' fans cry.

Kings look like this:

Smyth - Kopitar - Gaborik
Brown - Stoll - Williams
Parse - Handzus - Simmonds
Westgarth/??? - Richardson - Clune/???

Brown has to move back to LW. Maybe Schenn sticks and Richie moves to his LW? A lot of potential down time due to injuries with Smyth, Gaborik, and Willaims in the lineup though. However, we know that Richardson and Simmonds can move up in a pinch and there are kids in Manchester that can handle 4th line duty.

Doughty - Scuderi
Staal - Mitchell
Greene - Hickey/Voynov/Martinez/????

Mitchell is your injury wildcard on defense.

Quick/Bernier

Too many teams in the East are better than the Rags.

1.Pittsburgh
2.Washington
3.Boston
4.Philadelphia
5.New Jersey
6.Buffalo
7.Ottawa
8.Atlanta/Tampa/Montreal/Carolina/NYR/NYI

Too many teams fighting for that #8. For those of you who think Frolov is the difference maker are sorely mistaken. The Rags have a CRAPPY defense. They don't even have a #1 center.

Oh and to Kings17...I love that lineup...doubt it would happen obviously, but I think we'd be well over the cap...left Poni out too.

Originally Posted by CBGB

Now can I go enjoy this beautiful day please? LOL

Is this one of those "I wouldn't want to belong to any club that would have someone like me as a member" situations?

Originally Posted by symbology

Burke said nothing that should surprise anyone. That is my point. Kovy is a UFA and there are 30 teams that could sign him. Just like on 7/1.........

That being said, I would be surprised if the Kings lost ALL interest in Kovy, but would be more surprised if he signed here.

I hear what you're saying. I don't want his ass here at this point. This whole circus has left a bad taste in my mouth.
Posted via Mobile Device

Originally Posted by KINGS17

Totally out of left field but try this on for size. Kings send Johnson, Moller and a high pick to the Rags for Gaborik and Marc Staal. They then sign UFA Mitchell.

Rags sign Kovalchuk. Devils' fans cry.

Kings look like this:

Smyth - Kopitar - Gaborik
Brown - Stoll - Williams
Parse - Handzus - Simmonds
Westgarth/??? - Richardson - Clune/???

Brown has to move back to LW. Maybe Schenn sticks and Richie moves to his LW? A lot of potential down time due to injuries with Smyth, Gaborik, and Willaims in the lineup though. However, we know that Richardson and Simmonds can move up in a pinch and there are kids in Manchester that can handle 4th line duty.

Doughty - Scuderi
Staal - Mitchell
Greene - Hickey/Voynov/Martinez/????

Mitchell is your injury wildcard on defense.

Quick/Bernier

What happened to Poni?

Originally Posted by CBGB

Now can I go enjoy this beautiful day please? LOL

Absolutely, please get outta here...(but I know you'll peek in...thanks for more grist in the mill, Matt!)

Enjoy the day, Matt! Nothing better than a sunshine-filled day in Southern California! (Wish I was there....)

Thanks for all of the updates. We appreciate it!