Kings4OT
Suck my Member
I still think he isn't 100%, but if he would retire...wow that would be the best we could really hope for
old and slow is the new NHL
If Gaborik retires before the end of his contract, while the Kings are still stuck with Phaneuf's contract, then I'll be sour. Otherwise, at least they get a player who they consider an NHL regular for about the same $.
Just read a Mayors Manor point regarding Phaneuf: if there is another expansion draft with similar rules in the next couple years for Seattle, the Kings would be forced to use a protection spot for Phaneuf as he has a NMC. He refused to waive it for the Vegas expansion (but I bet he wish he did considering Vegas is in 1st!)
https://rogers.janrainsso.com/static/server.html?origin=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/will-dion-phaneuf-bring-los-angeles-kings/
Ok second try
Explains issues with Dion
While I agree I have heard nothing but good things about Phanuef as a person...with a huge ego. I really think he started his decline around the "sloppy seconds" remark....maybe I am remembering wrong but he was a top D until about that time. I dunno if the mojo wore off because of it or what.
I do think the Kings need a hard hitting D that can clear the net. I loved Green for that reason and thought Shenn was ok in that role. I just think it could be found for less then 5.2m. If Gabby retires I will be even more disappointed in this deal. I am still unconvinced Carter will fix the scoring woes and I hope there is a plan to help with that in some way
Question: Weren't Mitchell and Scuderi getting paid somewhere in the $4M range during their first contracts with the Kings? If Phaneuf can play a similar role as one of those guys, than $5.2M cap hit doesn't look so bad comparably
All in all, I am definitely Glass is Half Full on the trade.
Once Carter and Lewis are back, then one d-man has to go to Ontario (Folin or Gravel?) unless another trade is made. but I am even more interested to see what they do with the Defense core in June, especially if the Voynov situation starts gaining legitimate momentum for reinstatement.