Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

[kingalexander]

2009 NHL Entry Draft

Los Angeles Kings






(Montreal) --The Los Angeles Kings had one objective in mind going into the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and that was to acquire and make any possible changes to the squad so they can finally have a taste of post-season action after six long years without a playoff appearance.

General Manager Dean Lombardi once again had the opportunity to select a high ranking player, with the Kings holding the fifth overall choice in the draft tonight in Montreal.

With that pick, Lombardi and the Kings went with forward Trevor Pollock as the fifth overall choice in the draft. “Trevor’s playing style is pretty close to Anze Kopitar’s way” said Lombardi. “He’s a big center but still has agility and scoring ability, so I think Trevor will work out pretty well with the team and the playing style we try to produce out of the team.”

The 17 year old from Thunder Bay, Ontario will more than likely spend his first professional season with the Manchester Monarchs, unless he can break into the Kings 20 man roster during training camp.

Both Lombardi and head coach Terry Murray have stated that no player has been guaranteed a position with the Kings, everyone having an equal chance to make the team this summer.

With the Kings holding another high draft choice, the second round decision came down to defenseman Bryan Byrne, another Canadian born player from Ottawa.

Los Angeles drafted goaltender Wes Grabovski in the third round from the London Knights of the OHL. The six-foot goaltender will have some tough competition between the pipes, with Jonathan Quick, Jonathan Bernier, Erik Ersberg, and Jeff Zatkoff going after the two open spots with the Kings.


The fourth round choice for Los Angeles came from the United States, with Nebraska native Shannon Slater was selected by the Kings after spending some time with the Saginaw Spirits of the OHL.

The final pick of the day was Russian defenseman Maxim Bure, a 19 year old player from the DEL of Germany.

The Los Angeles Kings will hope to take the choices made today and produce superstars out of them for the upcoming seasons.

[kingalexander]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Breaking News:

Blockbuster Trade Confirmed


Martin Biron will play his hockey for the Los Angeles Kings this season.

6/29/09

(Los Angeles, CA) - The draft day trade between the New York Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings has been confirmed and cleared by the NHL early Monday morning.

The trade shipped defensemen Matt Greene and prospect Joe Piskula from the Kings over to the Islanders in return for winger Jeff Tambellini and goaltender Martin Biron.

This trade shocked many around the league after it was announced on the floor prior to the fourth round selection by the Kings on Friday night.

"This was a very tough decision to make for the team" said General Manager Dean Lombardi during a press conference announcing the green light from the league. "We were put in a position to make a choice and my choice was, I feel the correct one in making this team a contender for not only a playoff spot this season but the Stanley Cup(...) I hate to see Matt go, he was a leader on this team and a very good player for us, and we wish him nothing but the best with New York, and we are very happy and excited to see Martin hopefully wearing a Kings uniform this year."

Greene was acquired by the Kings in 2008 after the Edmonton Oilers traded him along with center Jarret Stoll to the Kings in return for defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky.

Since then, Greene has been a vocal leader on the team, which earned him an alternate captain position during the 08-09 season.

Martin Biron, 31, will have some tough competition to make the Kings roster, with Jonathan Quick having the advantage as the Los Angeles' number one goaltender.

It seems there will be a battle between Jonathan Bernier, Erik Ersberg, and now Biron for the backup spot to Quick this year.


But this wasn't the only surprising trade of the draft. Below is a full list of trades occurring during the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Montreal acquired 1st round pick(2009), 2nd round pick(2009), from Chicago for (D) Ryan O'Byrne

Dallas acquired (LW) Steve Kelly from Columbus for (D) Trevor Ludwig

Boston acquired (C) Ryan Johnson and (D) Nathan McIver from Vancouver for (RW) Mark Recchi and (C) Trent Whitfield

Tampa Bay acquired (RW) Mikael Samuelsson from Vancouver for (LW) Alex Tanguay

Chicago acquired (D) Shawn Belle from Montreal for (LW) Bryan Bickell

Montreal acquired (LW) Andrew Ladd, (D) J. Sawyer and 3rd round(2009) from Chicago for (RW) Mike Glumac, (D) Hal Gill, and (D) A. Henry

Florida acquired (D) Doug Murray from San Jose for (RW) Radek Dvorak

Colorado acquired (C) Rod Brind'Amour from Carolina for (D) Ruslan Salei

Columbus acquired (C) Corey Locke from NYR for (D) David Liffiton and 4th pick(2009)

Montreal acquired (D) Mike Commodore from Columbus for (RW) Brian Gionta

Nashville acquired (D) Barret Jackman and (D) Tyson Strachan from St. Louis for (RW) J.P. Dumont, (D) A. Sulzer and 5th round pick(2009)

[bthomp05]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Some great chising there, great pick with Pollock. He developes very well in the future. So interesting movement in the draft.

Don't think Quick can do it or was it more of an insurance piece with Biron?

[kingalexander]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Some great chising there, great pick with Pollock. He developes very well in the future. So interesting movement in the draft.

Don't think Quick can do it or was it more of an insurance piece with Biron?

more of an insurance than anything. I've adjusted the sliders to make the game a little more difficult for me so just as a back up, i couldn't pass up the trade

[Moses Doughty]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Good luck from a fellow Kings fan. But trading Greene. BOOO! Lol.

Nice picks, but i advise dumping the goalie for Ric Sumal

[onlybygrace]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Here is some advice about Pollock if you'd haven't played with him before.

He had 13 goals for me in 50 games, but none in his first 17 games. So you can see how he really picked it up with 13 in his last 33 games. Thats like 32 or so goals over a full season. Excited to see what he does next year with a full season.

Anyways...he has a real strong move cutting across the next and his pretty agile. Good at scoring dirty goals. Good in the corners. Decent Hockey Sense.

Just saying. I like him...

Funny story about him, actually. Like I said in his first 17 games he had not scored a goal and maybe only a few assists. Horrible. I said to myself that if he did not score in the next game, he was going back to San Antonio.

So in the next game he scores 2 beautiful goals with just 10 or so minutes of ice time on the 4th line.

I decide to surprise the kid with a promotion to the Malkin line...

and he's been there ever since.

[kingalexander]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Free Agent Period

7/3/09

Los Angeles Makes Splash Early On


Rob Scuderi won a Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2008/09

(Los Angeles, CA) The Los Angeles Kings have already made a dent in the free agent market as they signed defenseman Rob Scuderi to a four year contract, giving the Kings blue line a much needed boost after parting ways with Matt Greene.

Los Angeles also announced a trade that sent defensemen Kyle Quincey and Tom Preissing to the Colorado Avalanche for left winger Ryan Smyth.

Acquiring Smyth will give the Kings a veteran presence in the top six forward group and dangerous scoring ability, if Smyth lines up with Anze Kopitar and possibly Alexander Frolov this season.

But Los Angeles wasn't done yet, as they once again made an announcement as they agreed to a four year contract with forward Pavel Brendl, who returns to the NHL after a stint in the top European leagues for the past three seasons.

The last time Brendl made an NHL appearance was with the Phoenix Coyotes during the 06-06 season, only playing two games before being dropped to the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL.

With Smyth and Brendl on the lineup for the Kings, they will hope the veteran leadership will rub off on the younger players on the squad and also help with some goal scoring as the Kings are focused to make a playoff appearance this year and a successful 09/10 campaign.

[kingalexander]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Free Agent Period

Kings Sign D-Man Babchuk

7/10/09



(Los Angeles, CA)The Los Angeles Kings have signed defenseman Anton Babchuk to a three year contract.

As per club policy, financial details were not addressed.

Babchuk comes to the Kings during an overhaul of their squad, which includes the addition of Rob Scuderi, Ryan Smyth, Martin Biron, Pavel Brendl, and Jeff Tambellini.

Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2002, Babchuk made his debut that same year only playing five games towards the end of the season before spending the next few years with the Norfolk Admirals.

Babchuk was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes during the 05-06 season and once again split his time the next few years between the NHL and AHL.

"We are very excited to have Anton sign with the Kings, we've seen his playing ability and his defensive skills and we feel right now this is a perfect match for what we need to do and what we want to accomplish and what he brings to the table"

said Kings GM Dean Lombardi.

Babchuk hopes to break the top 6 defensemen this year for Los Angeles and become a positive addition to the club.

[kingalexander]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Breaking News:

Kings Land Phaneuf



(Los Angeles, CA) - The Los Angeles Kings made a shocking deal earlier today as they acquired defnseman Dion Phaneuf from the Calgary Flames.

The Kings shipped Wayne Simmonds, Martin Biron and Jeff Tambellini to the Flames in return for Phaneuf, Brian MacGrattan and goaltender Curtis McElhinney.

"This is definitely a very good trade for us, we're looking to add firepower to the team and have players that can play in tough games and be able to get dirty, and we are very excited and happy to have Dion, Brian, and Curtis part of the Kings organization this year"

said GM Dean Lombardi.

The trade sees Biron and Tambellini once again make a move, after being acquired a few days ago during the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from the New York Islanders.

Simmonds played all 82 games last season in his rookie year with the Kings and tallied nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points.

The Kings look to be the winners in this trade with the addition of Phaneuf with a bolstered blue line attack with notable players like Rob Scuderi, Anton Babchuk, Jack Johnson, and Drew Doughty.

Phaneuf was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2003 but didn't make his debut for another two years and since has become a devastating offensive known around the league for his impressive skating skills and scoring ability.

"We initially approached the Flames with a deal to acquire Phaneuf a few days ago and we've been talking back and forth and it did involve other players but with the guys that were on the table we both thought it was a suitable arrangement that we could agree on and the deal went through."

- Dean Lombardi.

Curtis McElhinney will look to fight for a spot on the Kings roster, and has the talent to do so but possibly may not make it with experience being a key factor. Drafted in 2007 by the Flames, McElhinney has spent most of his time in the minors until appearing 14 games last year for the Flames and earning a record of one win and seven losses.

Reports are already surfacing that McElhinney will spend the season with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL, but nothing has been confirmed.

Tough guy Brian MacGrattan will look to make a dangerous duo with enforcer Raitis Ivanans on the fourth line for the Kings, given they make the squad.

"This is a step forward for the club and I'm very happy where it is headed."

[Equinox831]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

This looks pretty good so far, you've made some pretty solid deals. I'm following.

[kingalexander]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Free Agent Period


List of 2009 Free Agent Signings


7/3/09
San Jose sign D Christian Backman - 2 year contract

7/4/09
Carolina sign D Sean Brown - 3 year contract
Dallas sign D Karel Rachunek - 2 year contract

7/5/09
Minnesota sign G Jean-Sebastien Aubin - 2 year contract
Pittsburgh sign D Lee Sweatt - 4 year contract
Toronto sign D Bryan Berard - 3 year contract

7/6/09
Tampa Bay sign G Fredrik Norrena - 2 year contract
Nashville sign G Nolan Schaefer - 2 year contract
Columbus sign D Erik Reitz - 2 year contract

7/7/09
Carolina sign G David Shantz - 1 year contract
New Jersey sign D Alexei Semenov - 2 year contract
Dallas sign D Ossi Vaananen - 2 year contract
Toronto sign D Niclas Havelid - 2 year contract
Colorado sign D Chris Armstrong - 3 year contract
Nashville sign D Lasse Kukkonen - 2 year contract

7/8/09
New Jersey sign D Joe DiPenta - 2 year contract

7/9/09
Tampa Bay sign G Marc Denis - 2 year contract
Montreal sign D Mattias Karlosson - 2 year contract
Washington sign D Andrei Zyuzin - 2 year contract
Nashville sign D Logan Stephenson - 2 year contract

7/10/09
Colorado sign G Jordan Parise - 1 year contract
Carolina sign G Stephan Liv to 2 year contract
Toronto sign D Josh Godfrey - 2 year contract
San Jose sign D Josef Melichar - 2 year contract

7/11/09
Edmonton sign D Joel Kwiatkowski - 2 year contract
Dallas sign D Daniel Tjarnqvist - 2 year contract

7/13/09
Boston sign G Manny Fernandez - 3 year contract

7/15/09
Colorado sign G Adam Munro - 2 year contract

7/16/09
Dallas sign D Dominik Granak - 2 year contract
Columbus sign D Jonathan Berkhoel - 3 year contract

7/17/09
Washington G Manny Legace - 3 year contract
Colorado sign G Jordan Sigalet - 1 year contract
St. Louis sign D Carl Gunnarsson - 1 year contract


Free Agency Period Trades

7/3/09
Boston acquire D Arturs Kulda and D Scott Lehman from Atlanta for LW Matt Marquardt and LW Steve Begin

7/10/09
Vancouver acquire D Cory Sarich and C Garth Murray from Calgary for D Kevin Bieksa and D Nolan Baumgartner

Ottawa acquire LW Ethan Moreau from Edmonton for RW Ryan Shannon

7/11/09
Minnesota acquire C Matt Cullen from Carolina for D Marek Zidlicky

7/13/09
Atlanta acquire D Brian Salcido and D James Wisniewski from Anaheim for LW Brett MacLean and C Marty Reasoner

7/17/09
Detroit acquire C Olli Jokinen from Calgary for D Brian Rafalski

8/4/09
Anaheim acquire LW Alexander Semin and D Brian Pothier from Washington for RW Corey Perry and RW Evgeny Artyukhin

8/22/09
Anaheim acquire RW Jere Lehtinen from Dallas for RW Teemu Selanne

8/25/09
Carolina acquire RW Ales Hemsky from Edmonton for D Ruslan Salei and 2nd round pick(2010)

8/31/09
Dallas acquire D Francis Bouillon from Nashville for D Karlis Skrastins

[kingalexander]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

[kingalexander]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Kings lose season opener to Coyotes

10/3/09



(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Los Angeles Kings opened the 2009/10 season in front of a sold out home crowd at the Staples Center, as they welcomed both old and new players to the teams.

Newcomers like Ryan Smyth, Rob Scuderi, and Dion Phaneuf were introduced to a raucous crowd that didn't stop cheering well into the first period, and greeted the new Kings with a warm welcome and a loud cheer.

Jonathan Quick started in goal for the Kings, who has impressed during the preseason and training camp for Los Angeles, earning him the starting spot over Erik Ersberg.

The Kings hosted their divison rivals, the Phoenix Coyotes in a game many saw Los Angeles winning by a landslide.

Unfortunately, the Kings weren't the best team on the ice as the Coyotes walked away with a 1-0 victory on opening night.

Keith Yandle scored the lone goal late during the second period for the 1-0 win, as he scored off a pass from Martin Hanzal on the powerplay at 19:23.

Ilja Bryzgalov led the way for the Phoenix victory as he made 22 saves during the game, which also earned him the first star of the game.

Kings head coach Terry Murray wasn't happy with the win, but did note some factors he was satisfied with. "I think we played well in the neutral zone, we managed to take alot of their scoring chances away in that area, which led to chances for us, but we couldn't finish and I have to give credit to Phoenix who held us and took the win."

Despite the loss, Jonathan Quick made 10 saves and earned the third star of the game, and has been confirmed as the starting goaltender against the San Jose Sharks.

[kingalexander]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

Quick wins game for Kings

10/6/09



(Los Angeles, CA) -- It only took two games for Jonathan Quick to earn his first shutout of the season as he made 19 saves to lead the Los Angeles Kings to a 1-0 win over the San Jose Sharks.

Coming off a disappointing opening night loss to the Phoenix Coyotes, the Kings were hoping to take their previous performance and make the necessary changes to earn the win tonight.

Quick's 19 saves were enough to earn him player of the game honors and his first win of the season.

Jarret Stoll scored the only goal of the game with .8 seconds left on the clock in the second period with Dustin Brown and Pavel Brendl earning the assists, the latter his first point in a Kings uniform.

"It was a pretty big change from our last game and I'm proud of what they did tonight" said head coach Terry Murray, "They managed to shut down a very good goal scorer in Dany Heatley and came out with the win. Jonathan's performance in goal was excellent as well, something to be proud of."

Another sold out crowd at the Staples Center witnessed the 1-0 win and will look forward to another win as the Kings will play one more game, this time against the Minnesota Wild before heading on a road trip that starts in St. Louis.

[Red71Star]

Re: Los Angeles Kings (NHL10 BAGM)

OMG you traded Simmonds! Sigh.. lol. Some good deals though. I'll follow.