Speculation: 2021-21 LA Kings News/Rumors/Roster discussion

[bland]

The only thing embarrassing is people actually thinking they're going to get anything more than "We need to get better" from a presser.

Just asking difficult questions to promote accountability would be a plus. The answers don't have to be revealing.

 

[Sol]

I don't have any confidence in Blake being able to orchestrate a blockbuster deal that is favorable to the Kings. He has absolutely no experience in that regard and Luc is dumber than dirt so he can't provide any sort of assistance. Both of these guys haven't had to really dig in and make a major/defining move that would shape this franchise for years yet. It's been mostly unloading guys in a contract year, picking up assets and drafting players where the heavy lifting has already been done for them by the scouting department.

I have no faith in either of them as well. Any guy who hires Willie D is a massive idiot. And Blake did just that.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

The mayor isn’t a professional journalist, so he’ll never be more than a media mouthpiece for the organization. I think DB is more credible because he has journalist credentials beyond the Mayor (IMO) and he tends to be more evenhanded in his opinions about the team.

I don’t think the Kings will ever have a true insider covering the team, but those guys are all in Canada anyway. NY has Larry Brooks, but he’s a slight improvement as far as having access to confidential info over Hellene Elliot, who hasn’t covered the Kings in like a decade.

Is DB still doing it?

 

[No Name The Nameless]

I think he works with DB on the interviews, so between them it’s fairly balanced. That way he keeps guys on side to appear on his podcast, to get info etc, whilst DB plays the bad cop role. Between them it seems fairly balanced but I’ve seen Hoven throw the odd tough one.

I think Hoven gets a bad rap from some on here, he never pretends to know more than he does. When he’s giving his opinion, it’s fairly clear and when he quotes sources he’s equally clear. The Iaffalo stick people use to beat him with is weak as something clearly changed in negotiations, otherwise it would have been done much sooner. He doesn’t always call trades but I wouldn’t expect him to when the circle on such things is very tight. If he got trades right constantly then something would be very wrong in the front office.

He’s a decent guy and helped me out when I had issues with ordering a product from one of his advertisers. He doesn’t know me, had zero reason to help me and got nothing out of it, but helped me anyway. Decent bloke end of story.

That's funny. The reason that I dislike him is because he comes off like he is in the King's org.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Can you guys name all the reporters who cover the Kings?

Who's left who is still considered a legit reporter? Lisa Dillman?

That is legitimately the only name that springs to mind. I don't even know if Helene Elliott still covers the team.

 

[tbrown33]

Can you guys name all the reporters who cover the Kings?

Who's left who is still considered a legit reporter? Lisa Dillman?

That is legitimately the only name that springs to mind. I don't even know if Helene Elliott still covers the team.

Jack Harris was covering the Kings for the Times but the switched him off to the Angels and I don't think they replaced the Kings beat.

Elliott is just a general sports columnist now.

The press corps for the team is basically a smattering of bloggers and team employees.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Jack Harris was covering the Kings for the Times but the switched him off to the Angels and I don't think they replaced the Kings beat.

Elliott is just a general sports columnist now.

The press corps for the team is basically a smattering of bloggers and team employees.

So if we remove the bloggers and team employees, we are left with only one person to cover the Kings.

The Kings are like our favorite cult film. Popular, this team is not.

 

[King'sPawn]

Just asking difficult questions to promote accountability would be a plus. The answers don't have to be revealing.

To be fair, you have to work with the people on a regular basis. If you're going to be more "in your face accountability" - you're going to get less content and accessibility.

With Carrlyn, I don't remember who she spoke to, but she said to the extent you have to frame your questions differently, depending on the person. Like, Quick won't throw his teammates under the bus, and he'll answer very shortly. If you prod him to try to get more content, you're less likely to get cooperation.

There's also a reason why I write in a particular tone with Mayor's Manor. I would never look at a player and write "I hope the Kings avoid this guy." Because if the Kings take him, we're already starting off on the wrong foot by having a piece ****ting on a kid, plus with me not being a scout, I'm coming across as adversarial with the scouting staff and they may want to be less communicative in helping Hoven provide content in the future.

Plus, I may not be high on some prospects for various reasons, but I'm 99% against ****ting on a prospect in general, unless it's someone like the Seattle Thunderbirds' players who called their own teammate a racial slur and waved a banana at him, or Mitchell Miller who bullied a disabled kid.

Long and short of it - I have a better understanding and appreciation for the effort done by the likes of Hoven, Carrlyn, DB, Jesse Cohen, Gann Matsuda, and anyone else I'm forgetting. I still vehemently disagree with them at times and get annoyed with stuff they've written/said (and I disagree at times with Hoven, despite enjoying writing for him). But there's a reason why these people continue to have (and build) connections - and yes, they have legit connections: they treat them like people instead of shooting for a sound byte.

 

[HookKing]

To be fair, you have to work with the people on a regular basis. If you're going to be more "in your face accountability" - you're going to get less content and accessibility.

With Carrlyn, I don't remember who she spoke to, but she said to the extent you have to frame your questions differently, depending on the person. Like, Quick won't throw his teammates under the bus, and he'll answer very shortly. If you prod him to try to get more content, you're less likely to get cooperation.

There's also a reason why I write in a particular tone with Mayor's Manor. I would never look at a player and write "I hope the Kings avoid this guy." Because if the Kings take him, we're already starting off on the wrong foot by having a piece ****ting on a kid, plus with me not being a scout, I'm coming across as adversarial with the scouting staff and they may want to be less communicative in helping Hoven provide content in the future.

Plus, I may not be high on some prospects for various reasons, but I'm 99% against ****ting on a prospect in general, unless it's someone like the Seattle Thunderbirds' players who called their own teammate a racial slur and waved a banana at him, or Mitchell Miller who bullied a disabled kid.

Long and short of it - I have a better understanding and appreciation for the effort done by the likes of Hoven, Carrlyn, DB, Jesse Cohen, Gann Matsuda, and anyone else I'm forgetting. I still vehemently disagree with them at times and get annoyed with stuff they've written/said (and I disagree at times with Hoven, despite enjoying writing for him). But there's a reason why these people continue to have (and build) connections - and yes, they have legit connections: they treat them like people instead of shooting for a sound byte.

Well, I for one won't be satisfied until I hear at least once: "Did you order the code red?"

 

[BigKing]

To be fair, you have to work with the people on a regular basis. If you're going to be more "in your face accountability" - you're going to get less content and accessibility.

With Carrlyn, I don't remember who she spoke to, but she said to the extent you have to frame your questions differently, depending on the person. Like, Quick won't throw his teammates under the bus, and he'll answer very shortly. If you prod him to try to get more content, you're less likely to get cooperation.

There's also a reason why I write in a particular tone with Mayor's Manor. I would never look at a player and write "I hope the Kings avoid this guy." Because if the Kings take him, we're already starting off on the wrong foot by having a piece ****ting on a kid, plus with me not being a scout, I'm coming across as adversarial with the scouting staff and they may want to be less communicative in helping Hoven provide content in the future.

Plus, I may not be high on some prospects for various reasons, but I'm 99% against ****ting on a prospect in general, unless it's someone like the Seattle Thunderbirds' players who called their own teammate a racial slur and waved a banana at him, or Mitchell Miller who bullied a disabled kid.

Long and short of it - I have a better understanding and appreciation for the effort done by the likes of Hoven, Carrlyn, DB, Jesse Cohen, Gann Matsuda, and anyone else I'm forgetting. I still vehemently disagree with them at times and get annoyed with stuff they've written/said (and I disagree at times with Hoven, despite enjoying writing for him). But there's a reason why these people continue to have (and build) connections - and yes, they have legit connections: they treat them like people instead of shooting for a sound byte.

I know I started this Hoven talk today and I stand by my original comment but, at the same time, I do follow him on Twitter and I'm in no way upset that there is someone that can offer insight to AHL moves and injuries before others. When it comes to him opining on what will/won't happen with a particular player--especially signings and trades--I take it with an entire salt mine. There's nothing wrong with that but, again, that's why I made the original statement today and why I will always call anyone out on this board whenever a sentence starts with "The Mayor said..."

As for the cast of bloggers etc...that you named, I don't have an issue with their style. If you want access to the GM, players and/or want to be employed by the organization, you can't shit on them all of the time. You are on the PR team at that point so you are going to toe the company line. Frankly, I don't watch the pre/post game stuff or the intermission. I don't listen to Kings podcasts. I watch the games and then I talk about them on here with a bunch of other lunatics that have been watching this franchise for too long. That is more than enough...probably too much, actually.

 

[bland]

To be fair, you have to work with the people on a regular basis. If you're going to be more "in your face accountability" - you're going to get less content and accessibility.

With Carrlyn, I don't remember who she spoke to, but she said to the extent you have to frame your questions differently, depending on the person. Like, Quick won't throw his teammates under the bus, and he'll answer very shortly. If you prod him to try to get more content, you're less likely to get cooperation.

There's also a reason why I write in a particular tone with Mayor's Manor. I would never look at a player and write "I hope the Kings avoid this guy." Because if the Kings take him, we're already starting off on the wrong foot by having a piece ****ting on a kid, plus with me not being a scout, I'm coming across as adversarial with the scouting staff and they may want to be less communicative in helping Hoven provide content in the future.

Plus, I may not be high on some prospects for various reasons, but I'm 99% against ****ting on a prospect in general, unless it's someone like the Seattle Thunderbirds' players who called their own teammate a racial slur and waved a banana at him, or Mitchell Miller who bullied a disabled kid.

Long and short of it - I have a better understanding and appreciation for the effort done by the likes of Hoven, Carrlyn, DB, Jesse Cohen, Gann Matsuda, and anyone else I'm forgetting. I still vehemently disagree with them at times and get annoyed with stuff they've written/said (and I disagree at times with Hoven, despite enjoying writing for him). But there's a reason why these people continue to have (and build) connections - and yes, they have legit connections: they treat them like people instead of shooting for a sound byte.

I am not expecting anyone to be given a grilling or the third degree, but there is a difference between asking a question for an answer versus framing a question so the response is a given - and that response when asked by Carrlyn is strictly about making the fans feel better, not learning anything.

Reporting should be about informing the reader/viewer/listener, not coddling them by reinforcing what they already want to think or feel (ahem, Fox News, etc).

I desperately want to hear MacLellan's opinion about things like their difficulties along the wall and how that impacts their ability to sustain forechecks and create offense off the cycle.

Fans get impatient with talk about firings, extreme things like that, but maybe I am not in the majority here, but I can't remember a time where Kings management and coaching have had less communication with the fans. Lombardi spoiled us, but gee whiz, how do we hold them accountable if we don't ever really get a good grasp on what they are thinking about the things that matter? Even the tv broadcasts are increasingly aimed at people who know next to nothing about the game and don't want their "heroes" even mildly criticized?

We get to say whatever the hell we want here, not expecting or even wanting that kind of discourse, just something more objective.

 

[RossLonsberryFan]

Tarasenko is on the block and has 2 years left at $7.5 million. I think you might be able to get him as a stop gap. 29 years old (a little on the old side) but salary is right and if he is healthy (which he looked against Colorado 1st round), he could be helpful. May be able to mentor Kaliyev.

Acquiring Tarasenko seems way too risky to me. Shoulders don’t usually heal well and it’s usually only a matter of time before they become unstable again.

 

[Stimpythecat]

Tarasenko is a "no" for me. The Kings would need a fully healthy Tarasenko to sniff the playoffs. He just can't stay healthy. Tarasenko would end up being played too much.

If the Kings were already a solid playoff team then his minutes and games could be monitored in order to keep him available for the playoffs. But the kings aren't so tarasenko would be at serious risk of getting hurt just trying to get in.

 

[RossLonsberryFan]

Can you guys name all the reporters who cover the Kings?

Who's left who is still considered a legit reporter? Lisa Dillman?

That is legitimately the only name that springs to mind. I don't even know if Helene Elliott still covers the team.

Los Angeles PHWA Chapter – Professional Hockey Writers Association

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Los Angeles PHWA Chapter – Professional Hockey Writers Association

Most of those names fall under the blogger category, and looking at Andrew Knoll's tweets, he hasn't posted anything about the Kings since last year, and Beacham mostly covers every other LA-based team.

It's like the Kings don't get major sports coverage in Los Angeles.

 

[Lt Dan]

Andrew Knoll is a great reporter. That blows that he isn't covering the Kings anymore

 

[tomd]

I know I started this Hoven talk today and I stand by my original comment but, at the same time, I do follow him on Twitter and I'm in no way upset that there is someone that can offer insight to AHL moves and injuries before others. When it comes to him opining on what will/won't happen with a particular player--especially signings and trades--I take it with an entire salt mine. There's nothing wrong with that but, again, that's why I made the original statement today and why I will always call anyone out on this board whenever a sentence starts with "The Mayor said..."

As for the cast of bloggers etc...that you named, I don't have an issue with their style. If you want access to the GM, players and/or want to be employed by the organization, you can't shit on them all of the time. You are on the PR team at that point so you are going to toe the company line. Frankly, I don't watch the pre/post game stuff or the intermission. I don't listen to Kings podcasts. I watch the games and then I talk about them on here with a bunch of other lunatics that have been watching this franchise for too long. That is more than enough...probably too much, actually.

The problem with Hoven the Hack in his latest article is that he said he had been talking to people within the LA Kings organization. This gave it a patina of credibility which it probably doesn't deserve. Who are the people he's been talking to? Do they represent the inside thinking of Blake and Luc? Why would they confide in him?

Hoven the Hack writes with an agenda. He is a fan who has a platform but he isn't a journalist and he isn't objective. He doesn't want Eichel (or any other big acquisition) here and his writing is clearly slanted in that direction. Caveat emptor for anyone relying on what he says.

 

[Cook24]

Tarasenko had 0 injury problems until the 2020 season…

 

[BigKing]

The problem with Hoven the Hack in his latest article is that he said he had been talking to people within the LA Kings organization. This gave it a patina of credibility which it probably doesn't deserve. Who are the people he's been talking to? Do they represent the inside thinking of Blake and Luc? Why would they confide in him?

Hoven the Hack writes with an agenda. He is a fan who has a platform but he isn't a journalist and he isn't objective. He doesn't want Eichel (or any other big acquisition) here and his writing is clearly slanted in that direction. Caveat emptor for anyone relying on what he says.

I don't doubt that he knows people within the organization. It's not a question of if he does but rather which people.

I will say this: it is a lot easier to be correct to predict a blockbuster trade doesn't happen v. an unexpected UFA signing of Joe Thornton.

I will say this Part II: the Kings might want Eichel and use media mouthpieces to spread rumors to help the negotiation.

It's a great gig: you say something will happen and then, when it doesn't, you just get to say that something happened at the last moment. No responsibility to be right in the end, much like a fantasy football "expert".

 

[bland]

Tarasenko had 0 injury problems until the 2020 season…

Vladimir Tarasenko sheds light on shoulder, captaincy, and more in Russian interview


Three surgeries on the same joint. This is a fairly positive article, but there are more apocalyptic ones available.

 

[KingsHockey24]

The most excited I've ever been acquiring a player was Mike Richards.

If we landed Tarasenko it'd probably be #2; I think he could still hit 40 goals given the right circumstances.

 

[Steve Zissou]

I think Tarasenko could still hit 40 goals given the right circumstances.

With a new shoulder, perhaps....?

 

[Docgonzo]

Most of those names fall under the blogger category, and looking at Andrew Knoll's tweets, he hasn't posted anything about the Kings since last year, and Beacham mostly covers every other LA-based team.

It's like the Kings don't get major sports coverage in Los Angeles.

If you look at the rest of the teams on there lots of teams barely have any coverage. Kings have more or same as Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, St Louis, Dallas, Nashville, Islanders, Washington, San Jose, Tampa Bay.

 

[KINGS17]

Just asking difficult questions to promote accountability would be a plus. The answers don't have to be revealing.

Actually, the answers not being revealing, would be revealing.

I miss Lombardi's 3-minute answers to a 10-second question.

 

[KINGS17]

The most excited I've ever been acquiring a player was Mike Richards.

If we landed Tarasenko it'd probably be #2; I think he could still hit 40 goals given the right circumstances.

Such as having a way-back time machine, for example.