Kings Article: LA Kings’ Gamble on Sheldon Rempal Could Pay Off Big

[King'sPawn]

... or it could blow up in our faces like almost every other recent acquisition...

How? Aside from money spent, the Kings have used no assets.

 

[bland]

I get the complaints about being sold a bill of goods on the limited prospects within the organization, and the appearance of a "puff piece" on one that frankly has looked the least engaging and ready of all the players who has received a look-see this year.

But this is the guys first professional season, and he has acquitted himself fairly well in the AHL. Most players in his position don't make the NHL. This is the hand Blake was dealt, and the need to take risks on unsigned kids is simply due to the lack of picks. Yeah, they are longer shot gambles than mid round draftees. This is our lot in life at the moment. I am certainly no fan of Blake's moves, but when you have limited options you take the chances you do have.

 

[Fishhead]

I don't know how much of a gamble signing these types are. It's not like the team is up against the limit, even after all the pickups they sit at 46. Gambling implies a downside, and I don't really see one.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I don't know how much of a gamble signing these types are. It's not like the team is up against the limit, even after all the pickups they sit at 46. Gambling implies a downside, and I don't really see one.

Exactly. There's no draft pick involved. It's a 'free' player. At worst, he's been very beneficial for the AHL team, and you have to fill out your organization with SOMETHING. At best, he could be an NHLer for absolutely free. And that's all that's being written here. No risk, high potential reward. You literally have to go out of your way to be mad at this.

 

[KINGS17]

Ask for a rebuild, then complain about the start of the rebuild.

Sorry buddy, that's all I'm getting from this, you're actively crapping on a guy trying to provide more background on a prospect for no real reason than faux outrage over an implicit theory that doesn't exist in the piece. No one remotely said he's a world beater or even on track to be one, literally only that he's a lottery ticket.

Jesus ****ing Christ why do I even bother sometimes, some people just love being miserable over the franchise no matter what, now even free assets are controversial

As bland stated it was a puff piece. I have no problem with Blake buying lottery tickets, but the fact that he is hardly signals the beginning of a proper rebuild. Not sure why you think the issue is controversial. I wrote in my post I wish the kid all the best. Now, you want to tell me how likely it is a 23-year old forward playing in the AHL is going to be even a serviceable player in the NHL.

I am not "miserable" over the franchise. I am getting closer to don't give a f*** every day.

 

[Fat Elvis]

I wish him luck, this team and organization need better players and he seems to be better than others in Ontario. So, keep working hard kid, keep it up.

 

[BallPointHammer]

As bland stated it was a puff piece. I have no problem with Blake buying lottery tickets, but the fact that he is hardly signals the beginning of a proper rebuild. Not sure why you think the issue is controversial. I wrote in my post I wish the kid all the best. Now, you want to tell me how likely it is a 23-year old forward playing in the AHL is going to be even a serviceable player in the NHL.

I am not "miserable" over the franchise. I am getting closer to don't give a f*** every day.

The Kings are't the only team in the league who takes chances on guys who don't 'fit the mold' of the ideal prospect. It's just part of the search.

 

[KINGS17]

The Kings are't the only team in the league who takes chances on guys who don't 'fit the mold' of the ideal prospect. It's just part of the search.

Again, I don't object to Blake taking a chance on undrafted UFAs. No problem with that at all. What I don't like is a writer with obvious ties to the organization writing a puff piece on how the kid might make it in the NHL some day, because he has had a hot start in his first season in the AHL.

I hope Rempal is a huge success. It would be very welcome. I just can see the type propaganda which was used in the past starting to rise up again with this organization again. Why, because it's what Luc knows how to do, and it's about all he knows.

Every new player that has any success at all, at any level, is lauded as someone who is going to come in and fill a hole on the Kings roster. It is just a further attempt to sell us on the idea that this core just needs a few little pieces that are missing and the Kings are contenders again.

Believe me soon we will be hearing the BS line about just need this kid or that kid to contribute in the top six, and the Kings might be within striking distance of the playoff berth, and once you're in the playoffs anything can happen. It's so much malarkey.

The core of this team is terminally flawed. Adding undrafted UFAs to the mix doesn't fix that problem.

 

[crassbonanza]

... or it could blow up in our faces like almost every other recent acquisition...

Totally agree, Nearly every acquisition by Blake has totally blown up in our faces. You know like Matt Luff, Cal Petersen, Alex Iafallo. Such let downs.

 

[crassbonanza]

Again, I don't object to Blake taking a chance on undrafted UFAs. No problem with that at all. What I don't like is a writer with obvious ties to the organization writing a puff piece on how the kid might make it in the NHL some day, because he has had a hot start in his first season in the AHL.

I hope Rempal is a huge success. It would be very welcome. I just can see the type propaganda which was used in the past starting to rise up again with this organization again. Why, because it's what Luc knows how to do, and it's about all he knows.

Every new player that has any success at all, at any level, is lauded as someone who is going to come in and fill a hole on the Kings roster. It is just a further attempt to sell us on the idea that this core just needs a few little pieces that are missing and the Kings are contenders again.

Believe me soon we will be hearing the BS line about just need this kid or that kid to contribute in the top six, and the Kings might be within striking distance of the playoff berth, and once you're in the playoffs anything can happen. It's so much malarkey.

The core of this team is terminally flawed. Adding undrafted UFAs to the mix doesn't fix that problem.

Did you even read the article? It said nothing of Rempal fixing the core problems of the team. In fact, the only thing it said is that he could potentially one day be a top 6 forward. It was a nice article discussing a recently signed college free agent that is doing well in his first professional season. Like shit, do you just want articles trashing the kid? Isn't there enough negativity around the team for you? I just see no reason why you feel the need to shit all over Rempal, on Gann, and on any fans who are interested in reading about the progression of some of the kids in the pipeline.

 

[Fat Elvis]

Again, I don't object to Blake taking a chance on undrafted UFAs. No problem with that at all. What I don't like is a writer with obvious ties to the organization writing a puff piece on how the kid might make it in the NHL some day, because he has had a hot start in his first season in the AHL.

I hope Rempal is a huge success. It would be very welcome. I just can see the type propaganda which was used in the past starting to rise up again with this organization again. Why, because it's what Luc knows how to do, and it's about all he knows.

Every new player that has any success at all, at any level, is lauded as someone who is going to come in and fill a hole on the Kings roster. It is just a further attempt to sell us on the idea that this core just needs a few little pieces that are missing and the Kings are contenders again.

Believe me soon we will be hearing the BS line about just need this kid or that kid to contribute in the top six, and the Kings might be within striking distance of the playoff berth, and once you're in the playoffs anything can happen. It's so much malarkey.

The core of this team is terminally flawed. Adding undrafted UFAs to the mix doesn't fix that problem.

I understand your point, but it's always been that way. I remember reading about Greg Hogeboom and Richard Petiot when I first got on this site. We've been talking about the next great prospect since the start of it. I don't think Gann is saying Rempal is the missing piece to get LA back to a contending team. But, maybe he is part of the puzzle. Maybe he's not.

I think most of us have been thru this before with this team and take it with a grain of salt. It's sport and poop happens. But it's nice to read up on an undrafted 1st year pro having a nice season. It's nice to read anything positive at this point. Maybe he can write about Kupari next???

 

[KINGS17]

Did you even read the article? It said nothing of Rempal fixing the core problems of the team. In fact, the only thing it said is that he could potentially one day be a top 6 forward. It was a nice article discussing a recently signed college free agent that is doing well in his first professional season. Like ****, do you just want articles trashing the kid? Isn't there enough negativity around the team for you? I just see no reason why you feel the need to **** all over Rempal, on Gann, and on any fans who are interested in reading about the progression of some of the kids in the pipeline.

Actually, I would prefer it if the Kings left these kids alone when it comes to publicity. Rempal is a long shot. Just let him do his thing and if he can do it consistently in the AHL, then in training camp next year, great.

If you are covering the Kings, the more pressing issues are obvious. Outside of NotHelen, who rarely writes on the Kings these days, there is nothing critical about the organization from local sports media.

 

[crassbonanza]

Actually, I would prefer it if the Kings left these kids alone when it comes to publicity. Rempal is a long shot. Just let him do his thing and if he can do it consistently in the AHL, then in training camp next year, great.

If you are covering the Kings, the more pressing issues are obvious. Outside of NotHelen, who rarely writes on the Kings these days, there is nothing critical about the organization from local sports media.

Well, if you feel that way, why are you participating in this thread? Some of us like to read about developing prospects and aren't able to devote enough time to keeping up with how they are progressing. It was a good article that painted no guarantees, just showed that he is progressing nicely and could potentially become an NHL player. To be honest, I don't know how you are honestly still trying to take issue with this article, you are blaming the Kings for Gann writing an article about a bright spot in the organization and no other LA media ripping the team. Am I reading that right? So, because of that you feel the need to be a dick to everyone else?

 

[KINGS17]

Well, if you feel that way, why are you participating in this thread? Some of us like to read about developing prospects and aren't able to devote enough time to keeping up with how they are progressing. It was a good article that painted no guarantees, just showed that he is progressing nicely and could potentially become an NHL player. To be honest, I don't know how you are honestly still trying to take issue with this article, you are blaming the Kings for Gann writing an article about a bright spot in the organization and no other LA media ripping the team. Am I reading that right? So, because of that you feel the need to be a dick to everyone else?

I participated because I have an opinion on how the "media" is covering the Kings. You have Hoven out there on radio shows and twitter saying any fan wanting a rebuild is crazy, and then this puff piece. Is the media ever going to write something even slightly critical of Kopitar, Carter, Doughty, Quick, etc.?

How about just one of them go up to Kopitar and ask him what's wrong with him this season. If you are so offended by my posts, use the ignore button.

 

[crassbonanza]

I participated because I have an opinion on how the "media" is covering the Kings. You have Hoven out there on radio shows and twitter saying any fan wanting a rebuild is crazy, and then this puff piece. Is the media ever going to write something even slightly critical of Kopitar, Carter, Doughty, Quick, etc.?

How about just one of them go up to Kopitar and ask him what's wrong with him this season. If you are so offended by my posts, use the ignore button.

Dude, it is a f***ing article about a prospect having a good start to his professional hockey career, your whole tangent has nothing to do with this article. I get that you are pissed about nobody writing the scathing reviews you want, but there are plenty other places to vent about that. When you come into a thread discussing a prospect having some success early in his professional career and shit all over him, it just comes across as pointlessly negative.

 

[Maynard]

When a pro sports team gives small, local bloggers and podcasters access to the team, you shouldn’t expect a whole lot of hard hitting questions. Their access won’t last very long if they start taking people to task. The only people doing that are H Elliot and to a lesser extent, Rosen.

To K17’s point, I wish these bloggers and podcasters WOULD start asking hard questions about leadership and effort. That way the team would get rid of them and we wouldn’t be hearing from them. The team would stop pretending they are ACTUAL broadcasters and/or journalists.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

The Kings signing Rempal is clearly the reason why they’re in last place.

If you want to read the hard hitting content, subscribe to The Athletic.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

When a pro sports team gives small, local bloggers and podcasters access to the team, you shouldn’t expect a whole lot of hard hitting questions. Their access won’t last very long if they start taking people to task. The only people doing that are H Elliot and to a lesser extent, Rosen.

To K17’s point, I wish these bloggers and podcasters WOULD start asking hard questions about leadership and effort. That way the team would get rid of them and we wouldn’t be hearing from them. The team would stop pretending they are ACTUAL broadcasters and/or journalists.

I agree with all of this. To add, the folks who can get away with writing more scathing material have tenure and embedded media passes. Helene has been absolutely scathing and I love it. Dillman has been very critical herself, which is the first I've really seen of it from her. Even Rosen has been breathing fire. Zupke and Cooper are more moderate, but they're not pushing over. But does anyone really want to see The Mayor and Bernstein editorializing any more than they have?

Gann has access and tenure and he's chosen to deeply investigate particular prospects. There's plenty of outrage to read about elsewhere; I appreciate a fresh, in depth look at our prospects, especially in a season that's gotten more negativity coverage than any I can remember. Not sure really what else is wanted other than asking specific, hard-hitting questions to Kopitar and the like, but this is a strange place to ask for it.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Local reporters can’t crap where they eat. I’m sure they pick up tidbits first and second hand by hanging around the practice rink and stadium. But they have to hold stuff back or pass it off to another reporter.

 

[KingPuckChoo]

If Rempal improves his play in the slot, he could be next years Luff, but shiftier

i read it as "...he could be next years Luff, but shittier"

which is also accurate

 

[FrozenRoyalty]

That's the thing, though. These stories are great because it's a lottery ticket. Cashing in is just a great reward.

Quick correction in the article:


Kempe in 2014

Strangely enough, I remembered Kempe and STILL wrote that. Thanks.

 

[KingPuckChoo]

Rempal aint good

7GP 0G 0A 0PT

at least not this year (but i doubt he'll be anything special next year too)

 

[YP44]

Can't steal second with your foot on first. Go sign all of these type of players.

 

[FrozenRoyalty]

I participated because I have an opinion on how the "media" is covering the Kings. You have Hoven out there on radio shows and twitter saying any fan wanting a rebuild is crazy, and then this puff piece. Is the media ever going to write something even slightly critical of Kopitar, Carter, Doughty, Quick, etc.?

How about just one of them go up to Kopitar and ask him what's wrong with him this season. If you are so offended by my posts, use the ignore button.

You'd last a few minutes in an NHL locker room before they threw you out on your ass for being unprofessional.

Fact is, everyone knows what the Kings problems are and they've been written about this season. There's not much reason to rehash things.

And if what I wrote is a "puff piece" (actually the term is, "fluff,") then you really have no idea what such a piece is. Just because a story isn't critical of a bad team doesn't make it a fluff piece.

I cover Kings prospects all the time, probably more than most of the local media. I've learned over the years that you have to look at potential, especially for players with skill who are in just their first or second year of professional hockey. What's the point of writing about a player and then stating in the story that he has little to no chance of making it to the NHL? A reporter stupid enough to do that would lose credibility and access to sources.

If you don't want to read about such players, that's certainly your choice. But if you're not going to read such stories, you really don't have any credibility when it comes to commenting on them.

 

[FrozenRoyalty]

Rempal aint good

7GP 0G 0A 0PT

at least not this year (but i doubt he'll be anything special next year too)

What do you expect from a first-year pro playing on the third or fourth line? Jeez.