Kings News: Holland officially GM

[Kingkopitar]

They need to release a disco album, just like Guy Lafleur.

wow fricking terrible haha

 

[AbsentMojo]

Funny when he kept referring to Kopi as Ann-zee.. Ill be tracking this going fwd

 

[funky]

Here's my question (genuine question) to anybody... cus I've had this conversation with loads of people in the industry.

What would a hockey player have to do to cross over into main stream fame?

And I mean like legitimate mega fame where you wouldn't have to explain who they were... you show someone a photo of them and they go OH! I know who that is it's (whoever)

Gretzky did a really good job bringing hockey to LA in California. Of course there might be four players like him in 100 years.

Would a Connor McDavid coming over to LA once he is UFA be that star player that might make a difference? There would be many parallels to the Gretzky Trade. The stories would rape themselves unfortunately he has a personality of a potato.

I think he would bring extra fans to the arena and sell some extra jerseys, but would it do anything for the state of California as a whole?

Ella has so much different things to offer between sports stars, movie stars, tourist, locations, etc., that I’m not sure if McDavid will be recognized even as much as some B or C roll actor or actress.

The Toronto Blue Jays went through this earlier in the year when deciding if they should sign, Vladimir Guerrero to a long-term contract. Reading between the lines the owners were for it but the president and GM were saying that team wins sells tickets and not one star player. And that is talking about the Canadian born (rare) lone star already on the team.

No matter what, LA will have a difficult sell for hockey in the state of California. The Dodgers alone have four superstar players they can lineup in the first four battlers of the game. The Lakers have had magic, Kobe, LeBron and a cult following forever.

Would I let a star player on the team, of course I would. But I’m already a fan of the team. I watch every game on TV and fly down to LA when I can to watch games. At the same time, my wife could name you two players on the whole team but could also probably name off 200 actors and actresses without thinking. She would’ve had a better chance of naming Marty McSorley for his role in Con Air than with the Kings. I don’t see any hockey players popping up on any of my families, Insta or Facebook reels. Hockey is a sport with a dedicated fan base hockey fans are usually there to watch the sport and it is just a bonus if there is a superstore on a team, quit saying that at any game at any time anyone on the ice can make the lasting impression.

The only way the kings become relevant in Canada is if they maybe land Connor. Just not sure how landing a guy like that would effect non fans from California.

 

[Schrute farms]

and my point is the local news still uses the Sacramento Kings logo and called them Kopidor and Doty so what actual difference does it really make?

Sports teams are brands. Sell the brand.

Just my .02

Agree. But does Luc feel this way? He's running the show, so it doesn't matter what we think (whether we are right or not). I think Luc (& Blake) have held the belief that 8/11 are name brands in this market.

 

[FSL KINGS]

and my point is the local news still uses the Sacramento Kings logo and called them Kopidor and Doty so what actual difference does it really make?

Sports teams are brands. Sell the brand.

Just my .02

I don't care about King's advertising. Luc is facing 8 & 11 departing. The important part here is that Luc will be pressing to chase big names that help marketing & may or may not be a great fit for the team.

Think that's pretty logical & gives a glimpse at what they'll try to do.

 

[King'sPawn]

Kings Of The Podcast, Ep. 229 – New LA GM Ken Holland

mayorsmanor.com

Hoven had a short interview with Ken Holland. Some major points that caught my attention.

- Yannetti is staying in his position. Since his staff have worked all season and Holland was in Hockey Ops, he didn't do any amateur scouting. Yannetti will be running the draft
- He "spoke with" Kopitar for over an hour and "listened to" Doughty for over an hour
- Identity he wants the team to have in one word: determination
- Asked about the game 3 challenge, since he was in the situation room. He said he was on the periphery, but passively defended Hiller's challenge as far as not calling it bad, just that you never know. Pointed out the Kings were up 3-1 in game 4, and alluded to the challenge not being a backbreaking decision.
- Asked about Tyler Wright and Brad Holland. Hoven didn't ask him to commit to who he'd be bringing in, but based on how much he spoke about both, there's a decent sense at least one will be brought in.

Was working too so if I missed some details, I'm sorry. It was a much shorter interview out of respect for Holland's time.

 

[BaileyFan]

Didn’t you guys hear what Luc said? We already HAVE a superstar in his prime that rivals what the other Western contenders have. His name is Adrian “Kempee”.

 

[kingsfan28]

Hiller still thinking about that game 3 challenge

He's already planning on doing it again next year.

 

[AbsentMojo]

[..]
- He "spoke with" Kopitar for over an hour and "listened to" Doughty for over an hour
[..]

Thats pretty funny - scare quotes indicating Drew's self absorption I take it. My guess is Drew wanted to make sure his playing time stays the same or increases next season.

 

[kingsfan28]

LA just wants a winner. That’s the best thing to market.

Bingo. Even if McDavid played here, they'd still be overshadowed by 4 other teams and he'd get no more attention than say one of the mid level stars on the Dodgers. LA just isn't a hockey media mecca for superstar players other than Gretzky, but even that faded. Build a good team, have solid playoff results. and the rest will follow.

 

[funky]

Now that Holland is in LA King, I have to change my tune and give him benefit of the doubt. This whole process has confirmed in my mind that it is still Luc pulling all the strings and no matter what I thought about Blake because of the past, I honestly believe he was handcuffed.

If they think this team is right there, there’s not many pieces they can trade due to contract clause. Trevor Moore and Spence are two players mentioned which I would not shed a tear for, if they’re traded for the right people. I honestly think Moore should be traded to open up room for Laf on the third line with Danault and Foegele. Freeing up the money in Moore’s contract can be put towards extending Laf who is way younger, more physical, and on the upswing of his career.

Or one tough guy away from completing our bottom, six and spare skating forwards. I really hope that TJ is re-signed, but it would have to be under 2.5 mil per year.

Our big holes are a true number one defenseman, and two right shot top six wingers. If more trade and his money is given to Laf and a backup goalie is brought in for 2 million or less that leaves about $20 million to accomplish the rest.

So it’s either one big swing at the soft but skilled Marner and hope that Turcotte can be a left shot top six forward and hope to get Gav on a team friendly deal are they trying for a Boeser type, resign Kuzmenko and Gav.

Either way it doesn’t matter what we do if the coach is not willing to trust in this whole team during the playoffs

 

[King'sPawn]

Thats pretty funny - scare quotes indicating Drew's self absorption I take it. My guess is Drew wanted to make sure his playing time stays the same or increases next season.

Not necessarily self-absorption. Hoven joked that that's how Doughty always is.

I wanted to highlight it because a) it happened and b) my spidey sense is telling me that with Doughty doing the talking, that he's a bigger caller of shots than Kopitar, who gets maligned more for the team's direction.

But maybe that's me hearing what I want to hear.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Not necessarily self-absorption. Hoven joked that that's how Doughty always is.

I wanted to highlight it because a) it happened and b) my spidey sense is telling me that with Doughty doing the talking, that he's a bigger caller of shots than Kopitar, who gets maligned more for the team's direction.

But maybe that's me hearing what I want to hear.

Neither 8 or 11 are leaders.. cant wait for their retirement party. Iim bored with everything about them. Time for the next gen. Give Kempe the C, cut minutes for 8 and 11 for starters.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Neither 8 or 11 are leaders.. cant wait for their retirement party. Iim bored with everything about them. Time for the next gen. Give Kempe the C, cut minutes for 8 and 11 for starters.

Screw that, just bench them every game until they beg for a trade. That will really get the room going and establish a ‘winning culture’.

 

[Nasti]

Totally disagree

Winning, more than anything, sells tickets.
We have heard the argument for years that LA NeEdz StAr PlAyErz!! The team was never more successful than it was post the first cup.
We had Palffy from 99 on.
Attendance spiked after the Kings won the play off round in 01 and then went to 7 against Colorado because the fans thought there was a chance to finally win, you can see interest wane as they get further from the playoff win
We had Kopitat from 06 on and Douhgty from 08 and they had little effect on attendance , winning did


View attachment 1037201

View attachment 1037200


Winning is a leading indictor for ticket sales. The best team on the ice means the most money for the franchise.
The Vegas model for being ruthless as f*** has been far more productive than holding on to Doughty and Kopitar.
See for yourself

View attachment 1037204

View attachment 1037207


The Kings have won 0 rounds. Vegas has won 13

You’d have to go all the way back to 1993 to count the last 13 series wins by the Kings.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Screw that, just bench them every game until they beg for a trade. That will really get the room going and establish a ‘winning culture’.

Holland was hired because he wont make waves even told to keep the coach and regime intact... so nothing will change. Just wanted a moment of temporary mental relief from the reality of things.

 

[Nasti]

Now that Holland is in LA King, I have to change my tune and give him benefit of the doubt. This whole process has confirmed in my mind that it is still Luc pulling all the strings and no matter what I thought about Blake because of the past, I honestly believe he was handcuffed.

If they think this team is right there, there’s not many pieces they can trade due to contract clause. Trevor Moore and Spence are two players mentioned which I would not shed a tear for, if they’re traded for the right people. I honestly think Moore should be traded to open up room for Laf on the third line with Danault and Foegele. Freeing up the money in Moore’s contract can be put towards extending Laf who is way younger, more physical, and on the upswing of his career.

Or one tough guy away from completing our bottom, six and spare skating forwards. I really hope that TJ is re-signed, but it would have to be under 2.5 mil per year.

Our big holes are a true number one defenseman, and two right shot top six wingers. If more trade and his money is given to Laf and a backup goalie is brought in for 2 million or less that leaves about $20 million to accomplish the rest.

So it’s either one big swing at the soft but skilled Marner and hope that Turcotte can be a left shot top six forward and hope to get Gav on a team friendly deal are they trying for a Boeser type, resign Kuzmenko and Gav.

Either way it doesn’t matter what we do if the coach is not willing to trust in this whole team during the playoffs

I would consider trading Moore but Spence isn’t making much now. Makes more sense to actually let him play.

 

[King'sPawn]

Neither 8 or 11 are leaders.. cant wait for their retirement party. Iim bored with everything about them. Time for the next gen. Give Kempe the C, cut minutes for 8 and 11 for starters.

I disagree but have gone on a lot about this and seem overbearing in my opinion. I just think their leadership abilities need to be supplemented.

I do agree both need their minutes reduced. By now it should be 15-18 minutes for Kopitar and 16-20 minutes for Doughty. Preferably on the 2nd unit powerplay and penalty kill at most.

 

[Statto]

Neither 8 or 11 are leaders.. cant wait for their retirement party. Iim bored with everything about them. Time for the next gen. Give Kempe the C, cut minutes for 8 and 11 for starters.

Giving Kempe the C doesn’t solve the gap of gritty leadership in the room. If Kempe is captain material he will be providing leadership regardless. The room still lacks the Matt Green, Willie Mitchell and Robin Regehr types with Edmundson the closest but there need to be 2-3 at least.

 

[AbsentMojo]

I disagree but have gone on a lot about this and seem overbearing in my opinion. I just think their leadership abilities need to be supplemented.

I do agree both need their minutes reduced. By now it should be 15-18 minutes for Kopitar and 16-20 minutes for Doughty. Preferably on the 2nd unit powerplay and penalty kill at most.

I think what im saying is they are the guys Holland is talking to about the team.. and they are deficient in overall leadership to be representing the team... vs say 2012 team who had all those guys that couldve been the captain... so its not like they have no leadership qualities, just 8 and 11 as the tip of the spear on leadership is sorely lacking.. so I agree with your point re supplement is needed.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Giving Kempe the C doesn’t solve the gap of gritty leadership in the room. If Kempe is captain material he will be providing leadership regardless. The room still lacks the Matt Green, Willie Mitchell and Robin Regehr types with Edmundson the closest but there need to be 2-3 at least.

Agree. but its a step in the right direction - to have a different voice, and the status quo needs a change. I mean Brown gave up the C, so why not Kopi?

 

[Herby]

Bro...save your breath on explaining the 'this is still a business' concept to these guys, their franchise mode on Xbox doesn't include the need to sell jerseys.

It's more than a P&L sheet Axl.

Are you familiar with the concept of strategic loss or CLV?

The Kings surely lost money between 2005 and 2009, do you think those losses were more than made up for in revenue from 2012-2014?

And that is not even factoring in CLV. I know you hate long posts.

So in Axl terms.

Bob becomes a fan because of 2012.
Bob goes to about 6 weekend games a year
Bob spends 1k a year on tickets, merchandise, concessions, food, streaming channels
Bob's CLV to the Kings is $20k (and growing) in 2022

Now do the same thing for Steve, except Steve and his wife became 100-level season ticket holders because of 2012.

How many Bob's and Steve's were created in 2012-2014?
How many Bob's and Steve's were created between 2021-2025?

I'm sure people way smarter than me on this type of thing, like @Piston or @KINGS17 could expand further or correct any mistakes I made.

 

[Schrute farms]

Bingo. Even if McDavid played here, they'd still be overshadowed by 4 other teams and he'd get no more attention than say one of the mid level stars on the Dodgers. LA just isn't a hockey media mecca for superstar players other than Gretzky, but even that faded. Build a good team, have solid playoff results. and the rest will follow.

Honestly, I look at it as a positive and opportunity for the Kings to sell players. As opposed to a negative for players.
There are not many better places to live than SoCal. But if you are freaking rich, it's amazing. Now add into it that you are not in a fishbowl as a famous pro athlete and can live your life (as a relatively unknown among the true/big celebrities) and it's fantastic. Try doing that in Canada or some smaller market. Plus the media and post-retirement opportunities (if desired) here.

Even your kids, how many at the local rich grade school give a crap about the Kings and all. They can be kids for the most part.

 

[KINGS17]

LA just wants a winner. That’s the best thing to market.

I do remember though that having a star the caliber of Brad Doty did wonders for the Kings and the level of interest he generated in hockey in LA. So, definitely stars over winning! I still have my Brad Doty jersey. Paid top dollar for it too.

 

[AbsentMojo]

I do remember though that having a star the caliber of Brad Doty did wonders for the Kings and the level of interest he generated in hockey in LA. So, definitely stars over winning! I still have my Brad Doty jersey. Paid top dollar for it too.

Doty and Kopidor jerseys would sell im sure of it. Similar to how someone started making VGK jerseys with LTIR as the name on the back.