Dean Lombardi's "Magic" Fading?

[NeedleInTheHay]

Yes Hextall is a super genius gm trading for the likes of Umberger and signing Macdonald to an absurd contract.

 

[Osprey]

I was OK with giving Richards another chance, so I can't hold that against Lombardi. I felt that Brown's contract was a big mistake at the time, though, and still feel that way.

There are also the Muzzin and Martinez extensions at $4M/year apiece. Both players aren't that hard to replace and shouldn't be getting $4M just because they contributed to a Cup team. That's where teams often falter following championships, by trying so hard to keep the team together that players are paid more than suitable replacements could make.

 

[EdmFlyersfan]

Holmgren signed Macdonald's extension...not too tough to Google it without making false statements.

Umberger trade was to get rid of Hartnell and his NMC which was longer than Umberger's remaining contract...Hextall can't do much with all the restrictions left behind by Holmgren...time will tell his capability, when the roster becomes more flexible.

Yes Hextall is a super genius gm trading for the likes of Umberger and signing Macdonald to an absurd contract.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

What was Lombardi thinking keeping his team that won two Cups in three years together? And how could he not predict this off ice incident with Voynov would take place? Such a horrendous GM.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I was OK with giving Richards another chance, so I can't hold that against Lombardi. I felt that Brown's contract was a big mistake at the time, though, and still feel that way.

There are also the Muzzin and Martinez extensions at $4M/year apiece. Both players aren't that hard to replace and shouldn't be getting $4M just because they contributed to a Cup team. That's where teams often falter following championships, by trying so hard to keep the team together that players are paid more than suitable replacements could make.

Who would they be easily replaced by? Martinez's contract comparable was MacDonald and he's paid appropriately considering we ate UFA years. Muzzin is comfortable with Doughty and you're going to have a hard time finding a #2 defenseman across the league that's not on an ELC making less. And why would you break the continuity of a cup winning team by doing so when you could theoretically make other moves?

I guess the point is if you're suggesting that DL's magic is 'fading' because the Kings are that's not a very bold claim. I doubt they're getting better than 2 cups in three years. but if that's your barometer for success, there are a lot of terrible GMs out there.

And again, hindsight is 20-20--DL looked Richards in the eyes and decided not to buy him out. He's privy to everything we're not. Hard to judge a GM who's had so much recent success for making that decision. The Brown contract we all knew he was overpaid by at least a million from day one, but when you're the 50-60 point per season, league leader in hits, captain of a Stanley Cup Team, that will happen.

Guys, vets get paid. Gimme a break.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Holmgren signed Macdonald's extension...not too tough to Google it without making false statements.

Umberger trade was to get rid of Hartnell and his NMC which was longer than Umberger's remaining contract...Hextall can't do much with all the restrictions left behind by Holmgren...time will tell his capability, when the roster becomes more flexible.

For sure, I think Hextall is going to be very successful. But part of the reason for that will be his connection with and mentorship from Lombardi in a championship environment, not in spite of him. And I'm sure as you say Lombardi gained from him as well, but I just think it's foolish to suggest Hextall moving on is leading to our downfall when 1. there are many other visible reasons for that and 2. we're not privy to the behind-the-scenes stuff anyway.

 

[EDDIE20*]

What was Lombardi thinking keeping his team that won two Cups in three years together? And how could he not predict this off ice incident with Voynov would take place? Such a horrendous GM.

Exactly. I'd take him over most any GM in the league right now. He got it done.

And get the Kings into the playoffs... let's see what happens.

 

[EdmFlyersfan]

What boggles the mind is that Richards and Brown are relatively the same category of player...at most only one should have been retained, it's not like they are Malkin and Crosby.

I was OK with giving Richards another chance, so I can't hold that against Lombardi. I felt that Brown's contract was a big mistake at the time, though, and still feel that way.

There are also the Muzzin and Martinez extensions at $4M/year apiece. Both players aren't that hard to replace and shouldn't be getting $4M just because they contributed to a Cup team. That's where teams often falter following championships, by trying so hard to keep the team together that players are paid more than suitable replacements could make.

 

[NeedleInTheHay]

Holmgren signed Macdonald's extension...not too tough to Google it without making false statements.

Umberger trade was to get rid of Hartnell and his NMC which was longer than Umberger's remaining contract...Hextall can't do much with all the restrictions left behind by Holmgren...time will tell his capability, when the roster becomes more flexible.

You do realize you are giving credit to Hextall for LA's success when he was assistant GM but that doesn't apply to him signing Macdonald even though he was assistant GM of the Flyers at the time.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

I was OK with giving Richards another chance, so I can't hold that against Lombardi. I felt that Brown's contract was a big mistake at the time, though, and still feel that way.

There are also the Muzzin and Martinez extensions at $4M/year apiece. Both players aren't that hard to replace and shouldn't be getting $4M just because they contributed to a Cup team. That's where teams often falter following championships, by trying so hard to keep the team together that players are paid more than suitable replacements could make.

And who would easily replace Muzzin and Martinez? Chris Snell? Rob Cowie? John Slaney?

We saw how easily the Kings replaced guys like Zhitnik and Sydor in the 90s when they dealt them for scraps. Let's not repeat the same idiotic decisions.

 

[kingsholygrail]

What boggles the mind is that Richards and Brown are relatively the same category of player...at most only one should have been retained, it's not like they are Malkin and Crosby.

Brown doesn't play center.

 

[EdmFlyersfan]

Agreed, I enjoy your responses on this topic. I have similar sentiments, but just wanted to discuss what Kings fans thoughts were. Hextall credits and respects Dean immensely.

For sure, I think Hextall is going to be very successful. But part of the reason for that will be his connection with and mentorship from Lombardi in a championship environment, not in spite of him. And I'm sure as you say Lombardi gained from him as well, but I just think it's foolish to suggest Hextall moving on is leading to our downfall when 1. there are many other visible reasons for that and 2. we're not privy to the behind-the-scenes stuff anyway.

 

[WingedWheel1987]

Kings will be fine. They will end up being a 6-8 seed. Feel bad for their opponent in the first round.

 

[EdmFlyersfan]

Re-read what I wrote...

Brown doesn't play center.

 

[EdmFlyersfan]

There is an interview available online where Hextall states the Macdonald signing was not his choice/in favor of.

You do realize you are giving credit to Hextall for LA's success when he was assistant GM but that doesn't apply to him signing Macdonald even though he was assistant GM of the Flyers at the time.

 

[NeedleInTheHay]

There is an interview available online where Hextall states the Macdonald signing was not his choice/in favor of.

Well that shows the disconnect in the Flyers organization then. The GM and assistant Gm didn't see eye to eye and now Holmgren got promoted, things could get ugly in that front office.

 

[Minor Boarding]

Dean Lombardi is regarded as one of the best GM's in the NHL currently, but the contracts handed out (and moves not made) since the summer of 2013 seem to have placed the club in a tough position moving forward.

Most notably these two by Dean:

Dustin Brown signed July 2013 @ $5.75/year for 8 years until 2022
Mike Richards (compliance buyout not used) @ $5.75/year until 2020


An interesting note is that Ron Hextall vacated the LA Kings Assistant GM position in summer of 2013; I wonder if this has had a bigger impact on Dean and the LA Kings than most people realise...right now it looks like things are going to get worse with these two albatross contracts; and may hamper the LA Kings chances at another Cup...as they are struggling for a playoff spot.

Thoughts?

Lombardi has assembled a team that just won two cups in the past three years and the roster players by in large are still young and developing.
I don't think Lombardi has crippled the team with still young players like Kopitar, Doughty, Quick, Muzzin, Martinez, Carter, Toffoli, Pearson, McNabb, Shore, Jones... going forward.
I don't have to really mention the Lombardi assembled scouting and development teams that produce NHL-ers yearly...

 

[Jumptheshark]

I rather have 2 cups and bad contracts than no cups and bad contracts..

...leafs

pretty much this--two cup rings--you need to reboot the system and their in a price to pay

 

[Stuzchuk]

Dean Lombardi is regarded as one of the best GM's in the NHL currently, but the contracts handed out (and moves not made) since the summer of 2013 seem to have placed the club in a tough position moving forward.

Most notably these two by Dean:

Dustin Brown signed July 2013 @ $5.75/year for 8 years until 2022
Mike Richards (compliance buyout not used) @ $5.75/year until 2020


An interesting note is that Ron Hextall vacated the LA Kings Assistant GM position in summer of 2013; I wonder if this has had a bigger impact on Dean and the LA Kings than most people realise...right now it looks like things are going to get worse with these two albatross contracts; and may hamper the LA Kings chances at another Cup...as they are struggling for a playoff spot.

Thoughts?

for even questioning this, and being an oilers fan you should give yourself a serious headshake... They have 2 cups and 0 NTC/NMC contract on their lineup. The only think he should regret is not applying a Comp. Buy Out on Richards 2years ago (But they were coming from a SC Championship run)

 

[BigBrown]

Any GM that's been around long enough and is willing to gamble has a laundry list of mistakes, Lombardi is no different, with our without Hextall. In the big picture his gambles have paid off greatly. To say that Hextall kept Lombardi in check seems quite far fetched to me. I mean it's just so speculative considering we know nothing of their dynamic together so any discussion of it is near pointless.

 

[EdmFlyersfan]

Review my post history, what post indicates I am an Oilers fan? Also compliance buyouts were permitted up until this past summer, not 2 years ago...

PS: my user name is short for "Edmontonian Flyers Fan"; that might give you a clue to who I cheer for, coupled with the fact I am talking about Hextall it's pretty simple...

for even questioning this, and being an oilers fan you should give yourself a serious headshake... They have 2 cups and 0 NTC/NMC contract on their lineup. The only think he should regret is not applying a Comp. Buy Out on Richards 2years ago (But they were coming from a SC Championship run)

 

[Rorschach]

1st world hockey problems.

 

[mangdas]

His loyalty to Richards will hurt the Kings, but its nice to see that other side of a GM who doesn't throw his players to the dirt after they were such an integral part of their success.

 

[30Yonge]

hindsight

If only Lombardi would have:
- realized how good his high school goalie would become and used his 2006 firsts to move up or select Giroux
- drafted Voracek, Couture, McDonagh etc instead of Hickey
- not swapped picks with Buffalo and ended up with Myers or Karlsson instead of Teubert

Those are 'mistakes' Lombardi made at the height of his evil rebuilding genius.
Using a CBO on Richards after winning two cups isn't even one of the fun counterfactuals.

 

[Trottier]

Dean Lombardi's "Magic" Fading?

Well, given that the Kings haven't won a Stanley Cup in seven months, I must admit, you have a great point. That magic sure is fading.

One never ceases to be amazed at the criteria some here have for evaluating player, coaches, GMs. Missing the forest for the trees regularly.