News Article: Kings prospect Kevin Gravel talks potential contract, pro debut

[Herby]

Gravel holds all the cards here, and this is why the Kings wanted to sign him so badly after last season and why very few elite college players stay four years. GM's know once they play that fourth season all the leverage is with the player.

Gravel will probably get the 925k max that Schultz and DeKeyser got last year, now it comes down to bonus money, location, playing time etc.

DeKeyser and Schultz (I think) each turned down bigger bonus money deals to sign with Detroit and Edmonton. DeKeyser because it was his hometown team and Schultz because he was guaranteed top 4 icetime on the lousy Oilers defense.

The fact that Gravel is atleast in Manchester tells me that he is serious about signing with the Kings, now it's just time to make the financial commitment.

 

[Docgonzo]

The fact that Gravel is atleast in Manchester tells me that he is serious about signing with the Kings, now it's just time to make the financial commitment.

I also think signing Dowd, his roommate for 4 years, plus also having fellow SCS teammate Brodzinski drafted by us helps as well.

 

[kingsfan]

regardless of the debate and "what ifs" Gravel has the right attitude currently imo. based on what TG is saying and also some quotes in Andy T's article:

On coming to Manchester on an amateur tryout and not having an NHL contract:

“Pretty much, coming here, they wanted one last look at me. I took the ATO. They said [to] come in here and show that you can make the transition to being a pro, and we’ll go from there. I don’t really know. [I'm] just coming here to work hard, and keep my mouth shut, and try to play well on the ice. Hopefully things work out well for me.â€

Reading that makes it sound like the Kings aren't as high on Gravel as we thought.

 

[CNS]

Deleted.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Reading that makes it sound like the Kings aren't as high on Gravel as we thought.

They might be. But it's best if they let him work for it.

It's probably really easy for a guy so dominant at one level to come in shell shocked at the next if he just cruises into a spot without seeing what it takes to succeed.

 

[apadilla]

A few thoughts:

Have the Kings hit the limit on the number of players they can sign. Can't remember if the limit is 40 or 50 contracts.

Gravel sure is taking a chance (injury) with the Manchester contract. He must want to play for the Kings.

And someone earlier mentioned Forbort, McNabb, and Gravel would be soon playing with DD, VV, and ? The answer here has to be AMart. But if Muzzen has really been improving as some say, then maybe, just maybe, VV could be the one dealt. Or maybe not =) Either way, it is a good situation for the Kings.

Finally, outside the Kings, I wonder if the Ducks are going to consider playing Gibson in the playoffs. That would be a big big change.

 

[Scottkmlps]

Reading that makes it sound like the Kings aren't as high on Gravel as we thought.

I don't believe that when Jack Ferreira compared Gravel to Rob Scuderi.

 

[kingsfan]

They might be. But it's best if they let him work for it.

It's probably really easy for a guy so dominant at one level to come in shell shocked at the next if he just cruises into a spot without seeing what it takes to succeed.

true, though you wonder why the same doesn't apply to Dowd and Mersch, especially since we seem to be deeper in terms of forwards (at least in my opinion we are, I could be wrong).

I don't believe that when Jack Ferreira compared Gravel to Rob Scuderi.

How old is that comparision? Didn't he make that comparision in like 2011 or 2012? Maybe things have changed?

 

[CNS]

Deleted.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

2 for 2.

In that case, let's hope being in the pro environment instead of a big fish in a small pond will be good for him and his development especially for the Kings.

Like I said earlier, he needs to get some work at this level.

 

[Scottkmlps]

How old is that comparision? Didn't he make that comparision in like 2011 or 2012? Maybe things have changed?

I thought it was 2013, during this season.

 

[palffytofrovlov]

Sorry to bring this topic up again, since Manchesters season is over... is it certain the Kings will not sign Gravel? I am still scratching my head over this...

 

[sweatypickle]

seems cns's info was correct...

 

[Asheru]

Losing a d prospect like Gravel would be so disappointing for the Kings. Especially when they need players of his type.

It could explain why they are suddenly "down" on him with no explanation. Details are needed if that's supposed to be inside information.

 

[kingsfan28]

Rumors are Gravel want's to test the UFA market. O well , don't get married to prospects I always say.

Sucks, but them the breaks with NCAA prospects.

I thought the Kings owned his right for a few more years?

 

[Primakov!]

I thought the Kings owned his right for a few more years?

Nope. He was drafted in 2010 and concluded his Senior year of college.

With no contract he'll be a UFA come August 15th if the date is still the same as the previous CBA.

 

[etherialone]

Rumors are Gravel want's to test the UFA market. O well , don't get married to prospects I always say.

Sucks, but them the breaks with NCAA prospects.

You too are 2 for 2.

 

[Reaper45]

You too are 2 for 2.

Trade him for something while we still can. Was never as high on him as others, but what can you do?

 

[etherialone]

Trade him for something while we still can. Was never as high on him as others, but what can you do?

I love the guys game and still see him (as does Futa) as a legitimate top 4 smart Dman but what can we do? I would call him significantly better than Hickey and he is having a very nice start to his career (TH) for the Isles.

KG may not end up being a fit for us but he will be for someone. His agent can be a true jackass but what can you do?

 

[Reclamation Project]

Wants to test the market? **** my life.

 

[Tadite]

Wants to test the market? **** my life.

It's not that big a deal.

 

[Reclamation Project]

It's not that big a deal.

I was going overboard on purpose. It is frustrating though.

 

[kingsfan28]

I love the guys game and still see him (as does Futa) as a legitimate top 4 smart Dman but what can we do? I would call him significantly better than Hickey and he is having a very nice start to his career (TH) for the Isles.

KG may not end up being a fit for us but he will be for someone. His agent can be a true jackass but what can you do?

Is his agent the same as Hollaways? Let me guess, a one way contract, his own parking spot and a lifetime subscription to Netflixs or he'll go the FA route, right?

 

[Whiskeypete]

Kings prospects and their agents need to seriously take a second before they decide to go this route with Lombardi. Dean has a history of quickly moving on and essentially burying a guy in the roster. His biggest fault is his allegiance to his players and likely keeps guys longer than other GMs would. For a prospect and his agent to pull this type of manuever goes against how dean operates. In this case he will be FA due to completing his 4-years, so there isn't anything LA can do. If not Dean could have easily said no way and Gravel end up in Europe like Holloway for years.

this is a BS move by Gravel if this is indeed true and he should seriously consider his next move (not to mention his agent). the kid has a tremendous opportunity in front of him in LA, all he has to do his pay his dues like others have before him. if not he can be the next J Schultz and get his roster spot, his contract and end up playing for a crap team like EDM for 3-5 years.

 

[HookKing]

Looks like a classic game of chicken to me. Gravel wants top dollar (because he has all the leverage) -- DL said show me first (the ATO). Gravel clearly knows the Kings are the best development program for him or he wouldn't even have bothered to show up. Could go either way from here...