Rumor: Los Angeles is interested in Prohorkin

[Captain Ron]

The weird part about this is why would he play in Manchester during his short stint if he was just looking for a pay day. I'm almost fully convinced that he was in it for the money after hearing about this potential 3 year deal with Moscow, but it seemed like he was willing to come over if he was playing in Manchester not that long ago.

Leverage

 

[Herby]

Let him have his money. We will enjoy the players who want to win.

See I think this is a really unfair comment, it's easy for us to sit here and criticize a guy for passing up guaranteed millions to ride buses from Manchester to Utica for the chance to play for the Stanley Cup.

Again if he is playing both sides screw him, but if he chose the guaranteed financial freedom that his home country offered then I feel it's really unfair to say he doesn't want to win or isn't up for the challenge or whatever other cliches people will throw out.

 

[Captain Ron]

See I think this is a really unfair comment, it's easy for us to sit here and criticize a guy for passing up guaranteed millions to ride buses from Manchester to Utica for the chance to play for the Stanley Cup.

Again if he is playing both sides screw him, but if he chose the guaranteed financial freedom that his home country offered then I feel it's really unfair to say he doesn't want to win or isn't up for the challenge or whatever other cliches people will throw out.

Most players who play hockey say their dream is to play in the NHL and win the Cup. Not to make a bunch of money playing for an inferior league. In my opinion it says a lot about why he plays the game.

 

[Herby]

Most players who play hockey say their dream is to play in the NHL and win the Cup. Not to make a bunch of money playing for an inferior league. In my opinion it says a lot about why he plays the game.

So you think he should pass up the guaranteed 7 figures to likely play in the AHL for less money than many of us on this board make to chase a dream? Sure he could, but that is a lot to ask of anyone.

The Kings are the best team in the NHL, it's not like he is trying to crack the Panthers.

Again it's not really anyones fault, like I said he was just to good to fast and has earned a big deal in the KHL and the CBA just doesn't allow the Kings to compete financially.

 

[Herby]

The weird part about this is why would he play in Manchester during his short stint if he was just looking for a pay day. I'm almost fully convinced that he was in it for the money after hearing about this potential 3 year deal with Moscow, but it seemed like he was willing to come over if he was playing in Manchester not that long ago.

That was before he established himself as a star in the KHL this season. I am a big fan but I was getting a bit worried when he played so well this season because I knew it was more than likely he would get a contract offer he couldn't refuse.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

To me, it's not a big deal if he comes over at 23. By that time he may have already accomplished whatever it is he desires in the KHL and he may be even more interested in pursuing a career in the NHL like other Russian players have done.

I just don't see where he fits in on this roster within the next two years so I'm not going to get bent out of shape if he doesn't come over to North America. And like I mentioned earlier, if he continues to improve, who knows how many teams may look at him as a valuable prospect that they'd want to acquire from the Kings.

 

[Thrice]

To me, it's not a big deal if he comes over at 23. By that time he may have already accomplished whatever it is he desires in the KHL and he may be even more interested in pursuing a career in the NHL like other Russian players have done.

I just don't see where he fits in on this roster within the next two years so I'm not going to get bent out of shape if he doesn't come over to North America. And like I mentioned earlier, if he continues to improve, who knows how many teams may look at him as a valuable prospect that they'd want to acquire from the Kings.

Agreed. St. Louis was willing to wait for Jori Lehtera. Drafted him in 2008, gave him a taste of the North American game in the AHL in 2008/9 season then they let him go back overseas to develop.

 

[CTKingsFan]

Not ideal situation. But, nothing to get too upset over. IF he even signs another 3 extension it's not like we lose out on him, we still own his draft rights for awhile. The contract would likely also included an out clause as well. Again, that's if he even signs it.

A lot of that could depended on what the Kings needs are for the 2015-16 season. Just how much the Kings development staff feels he needs to be developed in our system. And who knows what else.

 

[King'sPawn]

The KHL has been this relentless at every corner to keep Prokhorkin. He needs to get out sooner rather than later if he wants to play in the NHL.

If he doesn't, good for him and best wishes, but there is very little good from the Kings standpoint to have him stay for another three years.

 

[Captain Mittens*]

Not ideal situation. But, nothing to get too upset over. IF he even signs another 3 extension it's not like we lose out on him, we still own his draft rights for awhile. The contract would likely also included an out clause as well. Again, that's if he even signs it.

A lot of that could depended on what the Kings needs are for the 2015-16 season. Just how much the Kings development staff feels he needs to be developed in our system. And who knows what else.

Voynov should go have a chat with him

 

[Captain Ron]

So you think he should pass up the guaranteed 7 figures to likely play in the AHL for less money than many of us on this board make to chase a dream? Sure he could, but that is a lot to ask of anyone.

The Kings are the best team in the NHL, it's not like he is trying to crack the Panthers.

Again it's not really anyones fault, like I said he was just to good to fast and has earned a big deal in the KHL and the CBA just doesn't allow the Kings to compete financially.

Like I stated before, some people pursue a career in athletics because they want to be the best they can at a sport they love. Others see it as a way to make a lot of money. He can make his money and watch the Kings play for the Cup every year on his nice big television.

 

[Zine]

Like I stated before, some people pursue a career in athletics because they want to be the best they can at a sport they love. Others see it as a way to make a lot of money. He can make his money and watch the Kings play for the Cup every year on his nice big television.

It's rarely that black and white. In fact, most athletes balance the two when the option to make big $$$ presents itself.


Notice that most Russians who 'pay their dues in NA' do so at a very young age - an age when they are unproven and would make only a modest amount in the KHL too. However as a person gets older, real life issues (aka financial security) enters one's worldview.

 

[Ollie Weeks]

To me, it's not a big deal if he comes over at 23. By that time he may have already accomplished whatever it is he desires in the KHL and he may be even more interested in pursuing a career in the NHL like other Russian players have done.

I just don't see where he fits in on this roster within the next two years so I'm not going to get bent out of shape if he doesn't come over to North America. And like I mentioned earlier, if he continues to improve, who knows how many teams may look at him as a valuable prospect that they'd want to acquire from the Kings.

Yeah I'm not overly miffed either. Lots of time between when now and when we could actually slot him in somewhere meaningful.

 

[kingsfan]

Not liking the situation. Maybe it is better to just cut ties and move on.

What ties are we cutting? We have his rights, and we've obviously exchanged some ideas on a contract, that's about it. Hold his rights until he's ready/able to come to LA.

That's the thing with some Russians, yes I said some because not all are the same, they play the game for the big payday, and they can now get that with the KHL. But there are some that will come over and take the time to develop in the ECHL or AHL to get to the NHL because the Stanley Cup is what they are after. That's the ultimate goal for them. Voynov, Loktionov, and Kitsyn are players that want the latter. Right now, it's looking like Prohorkin has been playing the game looking for the big payday.

That could be said about Americans or Canadians if the best league in the world were in Russia. That's not the thing with some Russians, that's the thing with people, period. Every profession, almost all of the best go where they can get maximum value or very close to it.

As for a few other comments, I don't see why Porkins is greedy or money driven simply because he might be resigning in the KHL versus coming to the NHL. This is his career. Sure he may want to play in the NHL, but his career is one where he could blow out his knee tomorrow and never play again. He could go into the boards awkwardly and end up a parapelegic. Its real easy to sit behind a keyboard and condemn a 20-year-old for "chasing the money" but he is being offered (likely) money far greater than he'd get in the AHL and is playing in his home country. Would you really turn down an offer to be well paid and live in your home country to fly half way around the world, get paid 1/4 the salary and ride buses for hours to work at age 20?

I suspect the majority of you who think he should take it on the chin and just come to Manchester wouldn't do it if you were in his shoes.

 

[Primakov!]

Voynov should go have a chat with him

CSKA announces agreement of three-year contract with defender Vyacheslav Vonyov of "Los Angeles" of the NHL.

"I am happy I talk to attacker, Nikolai Prokhorkin, who convince me to leave for home to such a concrete proposal," player Voynov said.

I kid, I kid.

 

[Statto]

What ties are we cutting? We have his rights, and we've obviously exchanged some ideas on a contract, that's about it. Hold his rights until he's ready/able to come to LA.

That could be said about Americans or Canadians if the best league in the world were in Russia. That's not the thing with some Russians, that's the thing with people, period. Every profession, almost all of the best go where they can get maximum value or very close to it.

As for a few other comments, I don't see why Porkins is greedy or money driven simply because he might be resigning in the KHL versus coming to the NHL. This is his career. Sure he may want to play in the NHL, but his career is one where he could blow out his knee tomorrow and never play again. He could go into the boards awkwardly and end up a parapelegic. Its real easy to sit behind a keyboard and condemn a 20-year-old for "chasing the money" but he is being offered (likely) money far greater than he'd get in the AHL and is playing in his home country. Would you really turn down an offer to be well paid and live in your home country to fly half way around the world, get paid 1/4 the salary and ride buses for hours to work at age 20?

I suspect the majority of you who think he should take it on the chin and just come to Manchester wouldn't do it if you were in his shoes.

Agree completely. For those that say he does not fit; if he continues to develop like he did last year and if we get him signed a trade would open up space for him. We won't, nor should we, keep a stagnant roster for the next few years. It needs to evolve and integrate youth for both hockey and salary cap reasons.

 

[Brodie562]

As for a few other comments, I don't see why Porkins is greedy or money driven simply because he might be resigning in the KHL versus coming to the NHL. This is his career. Sure he may want to play in the NHL, but his career is one where he could blow out his knee tomorrow and never play again. He could go into the boards awkwardly and end up a parapelegic. Its real easy to sit behind a keyboard and condemn a 20-year-old for "chasing the money" but he is being offered (likely) money far greater than he'd get in the AHL and is playing in his home country. Would you really turn down an offer to be well paid and live in your home country to fly half way around the world, get paid 1/4 the salary and ride buses for hours to work at age 20?

I suspect the majority of you who think he should take it on the chin and just come to Manchester wouldn't do it if you were in his shoes.

but but the cup!! its the only thing a hockey player should ever play for!

good for him and like herby said, "he got good too quickly" hard to pass up what possibly is being offered to him.

hopefully its a situation like the poster (Thrice) that mentioned Jori Lehtera. plays a couple of seasons has success then looks to the NHL for a new challenge. if not there will be other prospect a couple of years from now that will get hyped up. but hopefully its not a damn russian, greedy pigs (sarcasm)

 

[Albi]

What ties are we cutting? We have his rights, and we've obviously exchanged some ideas on a contract, that's about it. Hold his rights until he's ready/able to come to LA.



That could be said about Americans or Canadians if the best league in the world were in Russia. That's not the thing with some Russians, that's the thing with people, period. Every profession, almost all of the best go where they can get maximum value or very close to it.

As for a few other comments, I don't see why Porkins is greedy or money driven simply because he might be resigning in the KHL versus coming to the NHL. This is his career. Sure he may want to play in the NHL, but his career is one where he could blow out his knee tomorrow and never play again. He could go into the boards awkwardly and end up a parapelegic. Its real easy to sit behind a keyboard and condemn a 20-year-old for "chasing the money" but he is being offered (likely) money far greater than he'd get in the AHL and is playing in his home country. Would you really turn down an offer to be well paid and live in your home country to fly half way around the world, get paid 1/4 the salary and ride buses for hours to work at age 20?

I suspect the majority of you who think he should take it on the chin and just come to Manchester wouldn't do it if you were in his shoes.

great post, I agree 100%

 

[damacles1156]

Porky is so skilled that it's really not going to hurt his development to stay in the KHL.

He is not some raw kid that needs ton's of work like Kitsyn needed.

Three more years is not a big deal, Porky receives tons of playing time on his KHL team.

Also he wants to play Center, the Kings don't have any of those spots ready for him in the next two years, or maybe even three.

Nick Shore is going to take someone's spot in the next year or so.

 

[BigBrown]

I don't think his development is the big issue, it is whether or not he will be interested in coming over to play for scraps once the contract is up. He'll be 24 and in his prime, likely due for a big KHL raise and might have a family and be looking to settle down. I doubt the AHL is even an option for him at that point and even if he makes the big team right away he's gonna have to accept a huge pay-cut.

But he might be completely fine with it, no one knows right now, probably not even him. We're just gonna have to see in three years.

 

[King'sPawn]

I don't think his development is the big issue, it is whether or not he will be interested in coming over to play for scraps once the contract is up. He'll be 24 and in his prime, likely due for a big KHL raise and might have a family and be looking to settle down. I doubt the AHL is even an option for him at that point and even if he makes the big team right away he's gonna have to accept a huge pay-cut.

But he might be completely fine with it, no one knows right now, probably not even him. We're just gonna have to see in three years.

Pretty much my concern. And there is an adjustment from European ice to NA ice.

If playing in the NHL is his goal, then coming over sooner rather than later is best.

Now if playing in the NHL isn't a goal anymore, then I won't hold it against him. He's just not doing his NHL career any favors by staying out there. And as I said, the KHL has been ruthless with keeping him over. Why will they suddenly not pull all the stops three years from now as he enters/nears his prime?

 

[damacles1156]

Pretty much my concern. And there is an adjustment from European ice to NA ice.

If playing in the NHL is his goal, then coming over sooner rather than later is best.

Now if playing in the NHL isn't a goal anymore, then I won't hold it against him. He's just not doing his NHL career any favors by staying out there. And as I said, the KHL has been ruthless with keeping him over. Why will they suddenly not pull all the stops three years from now as he enters/nears his prime?

Well the KHL factor is a reason why Porky was a Fourth round pick. So it's not like the Kings spent a first rounder or second round pick on him.

It was a calculated gamble by Futa/Lombardi that they might lose. But again, it's just a fourth round pick.

 

[King'sPawn]

Well the KHL factor is a reason why Porky was a Fourth round pick. So it's not like the Kings spent a first rounder or second round pick on him.

It was a calculated gamble by Futa/Lombardi that they might lose. But again, it's just a fourth round pick.

I understand that, and like I said, I wouldn't hold it against Prokhorkin for staying out there, just like I don't really hold it against Holloway or Moller, or anyone else who decides to play in Europe.

I just think it's naive for people to say, "Oh, well in three years he WILL come over and we'll have a spot for him."

 

[Basilisk]

Guys, he's 20........ RELAX!!!

 

[Captain Mittens*]

Guys, he's 20........ RELAX!!!

.