Jeff Solomon Leaving Kings

[LAKingSteve]

Big loss for the Kings. He'll be heading to the Ducks (F&%#) as Assistant GM and VP of Hockey operations.

https://twitter.com/frank_seravalli/status/1396877939870945281?s=20

To quote Hoven:

Jeff Solomon leaving the LA Kings is HUGE news. His loyalty and importance to the organization can't be understated. One of the most plugged in execs over the past 15 years. He was in every meeting and had a significant voice in all decisions, big and small.

 

[Dexter]

I'm sure we'll have a Blake bestie to replace him. No worries.

 

[MBX5]

I'm sure we'll have a Blake bestie to replace him. No worries.

That is precisely my worry. Am I the only one starting to think that there is a real issue with Robitaille and Blake running this team? There has been a lot of recent brain drain - Futa, Stothers and now Solomon (I?m leaving Hextall out as he was more transitory to begin with). Each departure can be explained individually, but when put together, it starts to make me wonder whether something more might be going on.

 

[jom]

That is precisely my worry. Am I the only one starting to think that there is a real issue with Robitaille and Blake running this team? There has been a lot of recent brain drain - Futa, Stothers and now Solomon (I’m leaving Hextall out as he was more transitory to begin with). Each departure can be explained individually, but when put together, it starts to make me wonder whether something more might be going on.

Hextal left when DL was still running the team so I wouldn't read anything into that.

Regardless, this is a worry to me also. However, I'd be more worried if someone like Bill Ranford left and other coaches who run the development side of the game.

We'll see what happens.....

jom

 

[John a90]

I think what is irritating about this move of his, is to where he's going.....Ducks? That's insulting

 

[MBX5]

Hextal left when DL was still running the team so I wouldn't read anything into that.

Regardless, this is a worry to me also. However, I'd be more worried if someone like Bill Ranford left and other coaches who run the development side of the game.

We'll see what happens.....

jom

Hextall came back as a consultant after he was fired in Philly, which is why I referred to him as transitory. You don’t think that Stothers was a blow to the development side? I’m not challenging, I’m honestly asking. I know the current coach in Ontario is well regarded in that area, but it seems to me that, based on all that I have read or heard, all of the players who played for Stothers thought he was a great coach and helped their development. I also wouldn’t underestimate Futa’s eye for talent. I think he was more involved than he is getting credit for at this juncture.

 

[HeadInjury]

That is precisely my worry. Am I the only one starting to think that there is a real issue with Robitaille and Blake running this team? There has been a lot of recent brain drain - Futa, Stothers and now Solomon (I’m leaving Hextall out as he was more transitory to begin with). Each departure can be explained individually, but when put together, it starts to make me wonder whether something more might be going on.

We really don't know the details why he left, but when management changes the tendency is for new management to bring in their own people. Then happened with DL as well after he was hired.

I wouldn't lump Stothers in the discussion here. Coaching changes happen and the new Reign coach is well respected in terms of developing players.

 

[salami]

I'd also add that despite the apparent nepotism, Blake seems to be doing a great job as GM.

 

[orpheus]

People are accusing Blake of bringing in people he knows. But it happens. When I get the GM job, I am giving you all positions.


But that's largely because I like to keep my friends close. And my enemies closer. mhihi: evil:

 

[Illegal_Stick]

I don't know, I mean everyone is saying it's a huge loss and I guess they know more than me about the operations of this team, BUT if he was involved in every major decision that was made since the cup era... some pretty bad decisions were made too, right? In fact, in the last 7 years, more bad than good. The good work has been in trading away good players for picks and in drafting. UNLESS you're saying, well no he didn't make decisions, he just helped with the cap side of things etc... in which case - who cares? Just me?

 

[LAKingSteve]

We really don't know the details why he left, but when management changes the tendency is for new management to bring in their own people. Then happened with DL as well after he was hired.

I wouldn't lump Stothers in the discussion here. Coaching changes happen and the new Reign coach is well respected in terms of developing players.

From what I could gather, this was really about him getting an opportunity he had earned but could never secure with the Kings...basically, he got a job he wanted at another employer, no different than some of us that leave one job for another.

 

[Rogie-Vachon]

From what I could gather, this was really about him getting an opportunity he had earned but could never secure with the Kings...basically, he got a job he wanted at another employer, no different than some of us that leave one job for another.

"BUT IT'S THE DUCKS"ssst:

 

[LAKingSteve]

"BUT IT'S THE DUCKS"ssst:

Well, that's not the best outcome but can't fault the guy for a) going to a team that will likely be on the upswing and b) staying in So Cal.

 

[jom]

From what I could gather, this was really about him getting an opportunity he had earned but could never secure with the Kings...basically, he got a job he wanted at another employer, no different than some of us that leave one job for another.

Exactly. Then again, I can't imagine that Mike Futa left the Kings to work for Sportnet. Why hasn't that guy got a real job yet?

jom

 

[LAKingSteve]

Exactly. Then again, I can't imagine that Mike Futa left the Kings to work for Sportnet. Why hasn't that guy got a real job yet?

jom

Yeah, Futa is a bit puzzling. I wonder if he just isn't as highly regarded outside of the Kings. Lots of openings have come up, have only heard his name a couple times.

 

[VCRW]

I think the Kings should be applauded for allowing their executives the opportunity to advance their careers with other teams. Lombardi set the precedent with Hextall and that policy has been maintained. I don't understand the vitriol this move seems to have inspired. The Solomon situation seems to be an excuse to heap more irrational hate on Blake.

 

[Greg33]

That is precisely my worry. Am I the only one starting to think that there is a real issue with Robitaille and Blake running this team? There has been a lot of recent brain drain - Futa, Stothers and now Solomon (I’m leaving Hextall out as he was more transitory to begin with). Each departure can be explained individually, but when put together, it starts to make me wonder whether something more might be going on.

Starting???? I only kid, we're on the same page.


Yeah, sure if I was in charge I'd bring in people I know and trust too.


But here's the difference: Anyone else notice that the people Luc and Rob bring in are while not new to hockey, but always new to the positions they are being put in?


Other than Hextall, there hasn't been anyone smarter or more experienced than them.


And THAT is a low bar, when you look at THEIR experience, or lack-there-of.

I don't know, I mean everyone is saying it's a huge loss and I guess they know more than me about the operations of this team, BUT if he was involved in every major decision that was made since the cup era... some pretty bad decisions were made too, right? In fact, in the last 7 years, more bad than good. The good work has been in trading away good players for picks and in drafting. UNLESS you're saying, well no he didn't make decisions, he just helped with the cap side of things etc... in which case - who cares? Just me?

He would have also been the guy that says "show us the medical records" before we sign off on this trade

I don't like where this is going, I think it's very obvious he and Luc were not on the same page, for him to immediately take the same job with another team.

The fact the other team is in the same market tells you he doesn't like the direction of the organization we helped to build 2 Stanley Cups with. It's the cherry on top.

Or, the canary in the coal mine.

 

[LAKingSteve]

I think the Kings should be applauded for allowing their executives the opportunity to advance their careers with other teams. Lombardi set the precedent with Hextall and that policy has been maintained. I don't understand the vitriol this move seems to have inspired. The Solomon situation seems to be an excuse to heap more irrational hate on Blake.

You've been around here long enough to know that is what this fanbase does. Someone has to get the blame, even if in this case, he was going to leave anyways.

 

[jom]

I think the Kings should be applauded for allowing their executives the opportunity to advance their careers with other teams. Lombardi set the precedent with Hextall and that policy has been maintained. I don't understand the vitriol this move seems to have inspired. The Solomon situation seems to be an excuse to heap more irrational hate on Blake.

There is no irrational hatred of Blake around here....none at all.

That being said: Buck Flake!

Actually, I just think that time goes by fast and people move on. Sam Pollock didn't stay with Montreal forever nor did Bill Torrey with NYI. Age and/or wanting to do other things take over. Soloman probably got a good raise and he stayed in the same geo area. Can't fault that.

jom

PS: Buck Flake!

 

[MBX5]

I think the Kings should be applauded for allowing their executives the opportunity to advance their careers with other teams. Lombardi set the precedent with Hextall and that policy has been maintained. I don't understand the vitriol this move seems to have inspired. The Solomon situation seems to be an excuse to heap more irrational hate on Blake.

No hate from me, personally. I understand the whole San Jose/Colorado departure and think he?s probably a pretty good guy if you were to meet him in person. My issue, however, is that I think some of his decisions have been questionable at best, in particular with respect to the coaches, and I think it is much too early to conclude that he has done a good job. Making players available for trade, and then essentially taking the highest draft pick(s) that are offered is not all that difficult. I know I am oversimplifying it and that other assets also came over, but, when you really get down to it, that is essentially what he was doing.

To draw an analogy, pretty much anyone can do the demo on a house renovation, but when it comes to the electrical, putting up drywall and laying the hardwood, etc,, that is when you need to know what you?re doing. He is past the demo stage and into the drywall stage now. I think this summer and the upcoming season will give us a better view of whether or not he really is doing a good job. My point is that the changes, in totality, have to at least give one pause. I also acknowledge that it may not be him and it could be Robitaille who is the impetus for these departures - or it may not be either of them as others have stated. We?ll never know.