What would you do?

11 Comments

  • anjae11eden - 16 years ago

    I answered to wait another year, but that was based on the way the question was worded. Is waiting another year REALLY a 90% guarantee that the player will succeed? Is it really only a 50/50 chance if they come up now to play? I honestly don't know the answer to those questions, but I'm hoping Dean does.

  • ericd - 16 years ago

    you have to take each player on his merits. Doughty may be able to step right in paired wih a vet. I cant see Hickey or Martinez being ready - but... if either have an eye-popping camp then you have to make that decision at the time... chances are though Martinez is at Manchester and Hickey back in Juniors

  • SuperSonic420 - 16 years ago

    I have to agree with everyone else here and say that patience is the key. There are so many positives to waiting a year or so while the kids get valuable playing time they would not see at the NHL level. They have to earn their right to play in LA. I know that doesnt sound right, but it has to be the attitude of every player that puts on a Kings's sweater. The reason good teams are contenders every years is because they have their core players, and they surround them with veterans and role players so they can bring in their younger players slowly and have them develop and earn their ice time. Then in a few years those younger players are now your vets and role players and possibly a core player or two, and you start bringing in the next wave of youngsters. It sounds really simple, but most teams and fans prefer the quick fix. Well after 40+ years, the one thing the Kings prove time and again is the quick fix doesnt work in LA. Im already in this for the long haul, so whats a few more years when there is so much promise for the future.

  • PuckHead27 - 16 years ago

    Great post Marc.

  • JIM FROM RIVERSIDE - 16 years ago

    I think he should give guys like Martinez and Drewski(sp) a shot since they are a little older and leave the junior players like Hickey and the #2 pick to get a little more time to work on their game.W e are all a little tired of paying to watch the Willsies/cloutier/nagy's collect big checks while doing little on the ice and I can't believe I'm saying this but another year won't kill us as long as there is improvement at least at the A level and a little preview now and then

  • Syvil227 - 16 years ago

    I'm OK with the kids spending another year in the minors. I'd like to see them called up for a stint or two, though. Maybe a stint early or mid-way through the season - and maybe one with a month or so left - with the opportunity to stick with the team for the last month or so if they're up to the job.

  • Marc Nathan - 16 years ago

    There was a time when young players paid their dues in the minor leagues. In fact, there was a time when there were just 6 teams in the NHL, and many GREAT players toiled in obscurity in the AHL waiting to get one of 120 jobs that were available. Now the talent pool is watered down, and the league has teams in markets that can barely support them. It's a different world out there, but one thing remains constant, teams that rush prospects do not flourish. Lombardi talks a good game, and seems intent on doing the right thing. We know this is not going to be a good year for the Kings, but we've said that for so long that our patience is wearing thin. However, let's hope both fans and management stay the course. Forty ... Forty One ... Forty Two ... what's a couple of extra years of futility among friends? Keep 'em on the farm and let them develop their skills in a league where they won't be overmatched on most nights.

  • Marc Nathan - 16 years ago

    There was a time when young players paid their dues in the minor leagues. In fact, there was a time when there were just 6 teams in the NHL, and many GREAT players toiled in obscurity in the AHL waiting to get one of 120 jobs that were available. Now the talent pool is watered down, and the league has teams in markets that can barely support them. It's a different world out there, but one thing remains constant, teams that rush prospects do not flourish. Lombardi talks a good game, and seems intent on doing the right thing. We know this is not going to be a good year for the Kings, but we've said that for so long that our patience is wearing thin. However, let's hope both fans and management stay the course. Forty ... Forty One ... Forty Two ... what's a couple of extra years of futility among friends? Keep 'em on the farm and let them develop their skills in a league where they won't be overmatched on most nights.

  • dave - 16 years ago

    all i no is i hope the team stays the corse with the young players and not traded them for a quick fix....look at all the past winners or teams that made it all the way..they won by building tough the draft...the ducks are the only team i can think of that has won the cup by signing UFA's and trading for players, but lets not for get they where able to do this by building up there system and there key players that help them win was player brought up through the system...i'll would rather see the team loose one or two more years to be a winning team for many years down the road then try to do a quick fix.

  • Jim - 16 years ago

    I'd like to see all of the young, AHL-eligible, defensemen play the upcoming season in Manchester... in front of Bernier.

    Then they can all fight for jobs with the Kings in 09-10.

    Continued patience is required!

  • Fernando - 16 years ago

    How bout this!
    Lets suck again, what is one more year. Next years draft will bring the next sid the KID ____________John Tavares____________
    Why have a mediocre team, that scrapes into the playoffs. Ovechkin, Semin, Green, Backstrong
    Crosby, Malkin, Fluery, Malone, { Armstrong and Esposito} got them Hossa.
    This Kings team does not compare with the penguins and the capitals.

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